Post by joshsbix on Sept 27, 2023 18:08:09 GMT -5
The Astros wake up on May 10th still 1 game back of the Cubs and now the Cardinals. The pitching continues to hold down the fort, but the hitting has started to raise concerns among some of the fan base.
Dontrelle Willis made his first ML start to wrap up the series sweep in San Diego. Jason Frasor has taken the ML saves lead and Mantei and Moylan keep eating up innings in relief, both contributing multi inning relief appearances during this sim. Cliff Lee returned from missing his first start to turn in 8.2 innings, allowing 2 runs and getting the POG against the Dodgers on May 7th. Arroyo continues to turn in quality starts but has received 2 runs or less in 2 of his last 3 starts, while giving up 3 runs in both of those starts. If Arroyo is going to blossom into an ace, he needs to turn in quality starts, however the bats need to pick up their share too.
Billy Butler has started to hit over last 5 games, hitting .400. Hopefully, the young outfield can use the leadership that he has demonstrated at every level to help wake up the rest of the bats. There has been some talk that maybe the moves made to get more power in the offseason, were the wrong moves to make. Manager Joe Prices was asked about the hitting after the 6-2 loss to Arizona on Monday night. "I am not concerned. It is early. These are veterans, they will settle into the new surroundings and when we get to the dog days of summer this talk will be long behind us. No, I don't think it is an issue."
The days are starting to get longer and it looks like the NL Central race is going to be manic. The Cardinals and the Astros face off for a crucial 3 game weekend series during the next series, in Houston where the Astros have struggled at times this year going 9-8 at home while playing one game better on the road at 10-7. The Astros have a travel day to head to the Steel City, the plan is to arrive early and hit Primanti Bros. If the pitching can remain consistant and the bats can wake up, the Astros look to prove to the league that they are indeed contenders, and not pretenders like Cloe alludes to.
Dontrelle Willis made his first ML start to wrap up the series sweep in San Diego. Jason Frasor has taken the ML saves lead and Mantei and Moylan keep eating up innings in relief, both contributing multi inning relief appearances during this sim. Cliff Lee returned from missing his first start to turn in 8.2 innings, allowing 2 runs and getting the POG against the Dodgers on May 7th. Arroyo continues to turn in quality starts but has received 2 runs or less in 2 of his last 3 starts, while giving up 3 runs in both of those starts. If Arroyo is going to blossom into an ace, he needs to turn in quality starts, however the bats need to pick up their share too.
Billy Butler has started to hit over last 5 games, hitting .400. Hopefully, the young outfield can use the leadership that he has demonstrated at every level to help wake up the rest of the bats. There has been some talk that maybe the moves made to get more power in the offseason, were the wrong moves to make. Manager Joe Prices was asked about the hitting after the 6-2 loss to Arizona on Monday night. "I am not concerned. It is early. These are veterans, they will settle into the new surroundings and when we get to the dog days of summer this talk will be long behind us. No, I don't think it is an issue."
The days are starting to get longer and it looks like the NL Central race is going to be manic. The Cardinals and the Astros face off for a crucial 3 game weekend series during the next series, in Houston where the Astros have struggled at times this year going 9-8 at home while playing one game better on the road at 10-7. The Astros have a travel day to head to the Steel City, the plan is to arrive early and hit Primanti Bros. If the pitching can remain consistant and the bats can wake up, the Astros look to prove to the league that they are indeed contenders, and not pretenders like Cloe alludes to.
