It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday

I'm sure you readers noticed my using a Boyz II Men song as my post title today. Once again, I use my pop culture knowledge to describe exactly what a lot of us are feeling right now. None of us really wanted it to happen so soon. But the sad truth is, it has.

For those not already aware of what I'm referring to, yesterday was the official end to the regular season for Major League Baseball. And with the Houston Astros eliminated from post season contention, there is no more games to be played in 2016. To add salt to the wound, the Astros lost 8-1 yesterday, and 2 out of 3 overall this weekend, to the Los Angeles Angels to end a roller coaster season of highs and lows.

Though it would have been ideal to close things out on a high note, it just didn't seem like it was in the cards. Especially since the rookies and minor league call ups dominated yesterday's lineup. The game turned out to be more of a 2017 tryout for these young players. Unfortunately, if that game gave any merit or cause to next year's World Series campaign, with the exception of a sacrifice fly from rookie outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, they all would have essentially failed the tryout.

Now, this isn't to discredit those young guys. Far from it. It actually is a clear showing of the kind of depth the Houston Astros farm system actually has, with players ready to jump in at a moment's notice to fill in for starters that might be injured or otherwise sidelined for personal reasons. It also shows that there may be some of those players used in off season moves to trade and upgrade certain parts of the roster. Most notably, pitching is going to be, without a doubt, the most needed target in winter meeting talks.

But there will be time for all of that speculation later. And in future posts, I'll be sure to make cases for what should happen for the good of this team and certain players, following the off season very closely. Right now, some serious recognition needs to be given to this ball club for continuing the fight until the very end.



Pitchers

#Name



50Kevin Chapman



47Chris Devenski



45Michael Feliz



54Mike Fiers



58Doug Fister



53Ken Giles



44Luke Gregerson



61Jandel Gustave



36Will Harris



51James Hoyt



60Dallas Keuchel



43Lance McCullers



31Collin McHugh



59Joe Musgrove



37Pat Neshek



63David Paulino



41Brad Peacock



62Brady Rodgers



29Tony Sipp



Catchers

#Name



15Jason Castro



11Evan Gattis



12Max Stassi



Infield

#Name



27Jose Altuve



2Alex Bregman



1Carlos Correa










9Marwin Gonzalez



10Yulieski Gurriel



19Colin Moran



23A.J. Reed









18Luis Valbuena



13Tyler White



Outfield

#Name









35Teoscar Hernandez



16Tony Kemp



6Jake Marisnick



28Colby Rasmus



4George Springer



20Preston Tucker



These are the players that had some impact in the majors in 2016, even if just a small one. Not all of them had perfect stats, but they were all soldiers of heart that kept on fighting through 162 games, and roughly 8 months together. Even when they were counted out in the midst of a bad April, these fellas kept pressing on. In the end, the club posted another winning season record of 84-78, six games above the .500 mark. Ideally, every team wants to make the playoffs and get that coveted World Series title. But whenever you can have a winning record for a team that keeps the fight going strong, it is enough of a moral victory.
So thank you, Houston Astros, for making 2016 so memorable. From my first Fan Fest experience, to my very first game at Minute Maid Park, you gentlemen made this year one that I will not soon forget. I only regret that not all of you will be here in 2017, depending on what happens in the off season with trades, non-tenders, free agency and acquisitions. But no matter where your career takes all of you, you're all champions to me, and I want each one of you to know that! Enjoy your down times this winter, gentlemen, as we all eagerly await Fan Fest and Spring Training 2017!

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