The Astros additionally requires A greater sense of urgency should naturally arise in February, but few people in Houston’s clubhouse have ever needed it. Having decided on division titles, the Astros have recently finished seeding and set priorities for their postseason pitching plans. A week ago, the second half of this january seemed destined to fall in line.
It was imperative to take advantage of such a luxury. The Astros made the decision not to. After two confusing weeks with far-reaching consequences, their chance to take charge of their own fate is vanishing.
We are aware that this division will come down to the final game of the regular season.Speaking with a few of the players is necessary to turn on playoff mode.
This previous season, the Astros participated in the ALCS once more. Given that they’ve participated in the previous seven, we might as well call it “The Astros Invitational.” The discussion about the dynasty has persisted for a few years, but so has the discussion of its end. Is the window still open, many wonder. It leaves fans wondering what steps the team will take to maintain the window open.
Last Monday, the team signed reliever Josh Hader to a record-breaking five-year, $95 million contract, taking care of one of their major needs. What was a question mark in the past is now a plus. The frown was, as it were, upside down. Having Hader in the mix with Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, Ryan Pressly, and others provides them weapons and alternatives. They still start with an embarrassing amount of wealth. To such an extent that I believe they can (and ought to) use them in deals to obtain other requirements. Later, more on that. What comes next after fortifying the bullpen?
One of the first things some will say is extending some of their own guys. Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve are the names brought up most, followed by Kyle Tucker. Bregman and Altuve are set to hit free agency since their contracts are both expiring after this season. I’m just about willing to bet my house that Altuve will be re-signed. He’s the face of the franchise and on the Houston Sports Mount Rushmore. Bregman is a fan favorite, but let’s be honest, he hasn’t lived up to his own lofty expectations from past seasons. If I could single any one thing out, it’s been his batting average. If he can get it back up to around .280 or above, I’d feel much better about bringing him back on the type of deal he may command.
Tucker’s extension takes two forms. In the outfield, they already require another bat. It would be even more difficult to move on after losing Tucker. They should use Yordan Alvarez as their designated hitter and outfielder on occasion. In a perfect world, Jose Abreu could learn how to play first base, but he’s committed for the upcoming season. If it came down to Bregman and Tucker, I’m willing to stand by my decision to extend Tucker’s contract. I would also be cool with it if they think one of the guys who are already in the lower leagues or on the roster can step up and take that other position.
Some may look at the starting rotation and think they need to add a guy there. I’m of the opposite opinion. Not only am I fine with the starters, I’d be okay if they used some of them as trade bait to improve the lineup. Too many times this team couldn’t score enough runs and come up with key hits last season. The starters were snake bitten by injuries over the last couple of seasons. Banking on guys returning healthy is a crapshoot, but that’s a gamble I’m willing to take. This isn’t MLB The Show where you can just make a starter a bullpen guy and he transitions easily. Dangling one of the starters, or more, out there for another bat would be ideal. You turn an abundance/strength in one area into the same thing in another area of need. It makes too much sense.
The signing of Hader caught me off guard. Dana Brown has a reputation for being a prudent spender among general managers. Jim Crane has reportedly expressed a desire to remain below the luxury tax threshold. It kind of broke the norm for both of those stories to sign Hader to that kind of agreement. Is this the last of the major expenditures? Hopefully not. If it was, would I be alright? I would be, indeed. Why? as last season’s lineup was already strong enough for this squad to qualify for the ALCS again. With the decisions they’ve made thus far this season, they could remain put and win another game. However, I’m craving more! “Hatred is beneficial!”
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