Houston Astros - Topic

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Sep 29 2013 07:56pm

It's only fitting that the Astros lost the final game against the Yankees 5-1 in 14 innings. I'm just glad the 2013 season is over. The Astros ended the season with a franchise worst 15 losses in a row and a 51-111 record. They also broke the MLB record for most strikeouts in a season with 1,535 - striking out 19 times total in the final game.

The Arizona Diamondbacks held the previous record of 1,529 strikeouts as a team in 2010.

Chris Carter struck out three times today, raising his 2013 season total to 212 strikeouts.
Only Mark Reynolds (223 in 2009) and Adam Dunn (222 last year) have struck out more.

It was just an awful season all around but the future is bright. The Astros start the 2014 season at home against the Yankees on Tuesday, April the 1st. So they start the new season the same way they ended it today. Our 15-game losing streak will carry over into Opening Day 2014.

We'll see what happens in free agency this winter. I expect the Astros to make a couple of decent signings.

MADmartigan

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#1172

Sep 29 2013 11:30pm

One of my favorite moments during the 2013 Astros season. When Matt Dominguez smashed a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to break Grant Balfour's 44-game save streak. The Athletics had our number all season long (4-15 record against them) but one of those few bright spots.

24-year-old Matt Dominguez finished the season hitting .241 with 21 home runs and 77 runs batted in. He plays a steady glove at third base also. If he can just improve his batting average in the future he'll become a complete player. He strikes out a little too much but so does everybody on our team. We need more walks, more on-base percentage. More moneyball strategy on our roster.

MADmartigan

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#1173

Sep 29 2013 11:41pm

This was my favorite moment during the 2013 Astros season. Chris Young was born and raised in Houston. The Astros were his favorite team growing up. It was hilarious when that happened in two straight games. He missed winning both games with a walk-off homer. It couldn't have happened to a better and more unlucky guy. LOL

MADmartigan

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#1174

Oct 1 2013 12:39am

Matt Dominguez has a chance to become a solid player. Just needs to hit for a much higher batting average like I mentioned already.

MADmartigan

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#1175

Oct 1 2013 12:42am

Pretty epic seeing one of the best lefties in MLB history end his career. That game on Saturday Night game was amazing to watch.

Even the Houston fans were cheering for Andy Pettitte to win that game.

ext@cy

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#1176

Oct 1 2013 01:35am

Quote (Madmartigan @ Oct 1 2013 12:42am)

Pretty epic seeing one of the best lefties in MLB history end his career. That game on Saturday Night game was amazing to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5FoR3kbHtw

Even the Houston fans were cheering for Andy Pettitte to win that game.

whats going to be even more epic is the astros starting pitching in the next 2-3 years rofl

MADmartigan

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#1177

Oct 1 2013 01:53am

Quote (ext@cy @ Oct 1 2013 02:35am)

whats going to be even more epic is the astros starting pitching in the next 2-3 years rofl

Yep. We're going to have one of the best young starting rotations in all of baseball. We will likely draft Carlos Rodon number one overall in June (2014 draft). Mark Appel, this year's first overall pick, is going to be ready for the show some time in 2014.

We had two shining rookie starting pitchers in 2013: Jarred Cosart had a 1.95 ERA in 10 starts before the Astros shut him down, and Brett Olberholtzer had a 2.76 ERA in 10 starts as well. We have the makings of four young guns who can all produce a stellar ERA. That will definitely help us compete for many years to come.

You build the foundation of your team around good pitching and lively arms.

MADmartigan

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#1178

Oct 1 2013 09:52am

Jim Crane says he will spend on players in 2014

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2013/09/30/jim-crane-says-he-will-spend-on-players-in-2014/

Quote

“Don’t lose the faith,” Crane said before the Astros Foundation’s Golf Tournament at Shadow Hawk Country Club on Monday. “We hit the bottom yesterday.”

“We will spend some money, not only here (at the fundraiser) but on the team next year,” he said. “And you will see us on TV.”

Crane echoes the frustration of his team’s fans, acknowledging he was not pleased with his 51-111 record.

Moreover, it’s clear he realizes the bullpen must be upgraded next season.

“I think nobody’s happy with the way we ended up,” Crane said. “We lost a lot of close games with the back end of the bullpen not being able to shut anybody down.” For the first time since he bought the club from Drayton McLane in 2011, Crane admits that the Astros must spend money to upgrade the club this winter.

“I think from rebuilding our organization, I think not from this team’s record this year, but I think the farm system is ahead of schedule,” he said. “I think when the rankings come out and you saw the performances of the (farm teams) this year, all six of them made the playoffs."

“Now we have a nucleus to draw from. And so we got that established. I think in the off-season you’ll see Jeff (Luhnow), and he’s already said it, we’re going to fill some of those holes. As the kids come up through the system we can get competitive very quick. We lost a lot of one-run games. It’s pretty obvious where our needs are, and we’ll work on those in the offseason and start loosening the purse book.”

The Astros had the lowest payroll in the majors last season, starting with about $21 million for the 25-man roster on Opening Day and dipping to around $14 million after the trade deadline.

Sounds like the Astros are going to do some serious work in free agency this winter. We need to sign at least two or three good relievers which will include a reliable closer and set-up man. Our bullpen is a mess. We blew the most save chances in baseball this season and we lost the most one run games. Just by improving the bullpen that will improve our record drastically. A legitimate power hitter who can DH wouldn't hurt our lineup. We are going to have a young and talented outfield next year with rookie George Springer roaming center field. The Astros may be fun to watch in 2014 and 2015, but I don't expect to compete for the playoffs until 2016 or 2017.

ext@cy

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#1179

Oct 1 2013 09:11pm

lol... the fact that he even has to come out and say that is pathetic. as if he isn't OBLIGATED to do it.

MADmartigan

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#1180

Oct 17 2013 05:34pm

Jose Abreu is believed to be seeking a four-year deal worth $60 million.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2013/10/17/astros-confirm-they-are-going-after-cuban-first-baseman/

Astros confirm they are going after Cuban first baseman

Astros owner Jim Crane, who has vowed to open up the purse strings this winter, acknowledged that his club has made inquiries about Cuban slugging first baseman Jose Abreu.

Abreu, who was one of Cuba’s most potent bats at the 2012 World Baseball Classic, defected in August and established residency in Haiti. The asking price is believed to be at least $60 million for four years.

“We’ve been in the middle of that,” Crane said when asked about Abreu. “We’re waiting to hear. We’re going to move this year. You watch. We’re going to plug some holes. We got a good nucleus, and we’ll add to it.”

The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder Abreu would fit perfectly with the Astros’ desire to add a run producer this winter. According to ESPN.com and MLB.com, the Astros, Red Sox and White Sox are considered the frontrunners for Abreu, 26.

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