You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)
It only felt right that the title of the hit 80s song by pop group, Dead or Alive would be one that I use for today's post. It's one of my favorite songs of all time, and I see nothing else that can more clearly describe what it has been like for us fans of the Houston Astros lately. Unfortunately, it has not been very positive. The dog days of summer are biting our spacemen pretty hard, and there doesn't seem to be any ointment in sight to treat the pain. Literally, because too much of the team is on the DL, and the ones left standing are starting to run out of gas.
As much as it pains me to say, that includes your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis. He has gone 0 for his last 5, with a strikeout and a ground into a double play. Without a doubt, he will turn it around soon. The only question that would remain in that regard is how long it takes to do so. However, a big scare happened last night when he took a back swing to the face from Corey Dickerson last night while playing at catcher. You can see for yourself in the video clip and tweet below. Fair warning: The footage just might make you gasp:
What remains awkward, however, is this current run for the Astros. They have been getting bit quite a lot lately, between the dog days of summer, injury bugs, and the sting of the front office not making the big moves they were hoping for. In spite of it all, I still very much believe in this team, even if I often question how things are being ran. I mean, they're still 30 games above .500, but that lead will shrink fast if the front office does nothing. The towels don't need to be thrown in yet, but there may be some critical mass that the spacemen need to take care of in order to right the proverbial star ship.
The waiver wire could be a good place to start. Justin Verlander just cleared waivers from the Detroit Tigers, and there is still a chance that Jeff Luhnow and Jim Crane could, and should, go after him. It would take a good bit to get a deal finalized to bring the veteran right handed starter to H-Town. But it is not completely out of the realm of what is possible. Whether they get him, or another pitcher somewhere off of waivers, this team is in need of some help to get them back to their winning ways. The playoffs may be a near lock, but this city deserves a world title after all it has been through with sports teams. Anything less at this point would be a tremendous bust for the 2017 season.
The chess board is set in place. For now, it is best just for us fans to play the waiting game. After all, we really don't have any control over what happens with the team. Only the team and organization themselves do. We just have to collectively keep hoping that something good will come out of all these recent dark clouds. The silver linings have to be out there somewhere, and this team needs to have it's metaphorical tires inflated back into the win column!
As much as it pains me to say, that includes your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis. He has gone 0 for his last 5, with a strikeout and a ground into a double play. Without a doubt, he will turn it around soon. The only question that would remain in that regard is how long it takes to do so. However, a big scare happened last night when he took a back swing to the face from Corey Dickerson last night while playing at catcher. You can see for yourself in the video clip and tweet below. Fair warning: The footage just might make you gasp:
While I was on pins in needles hoping and praying that he was alright, some of the more braver and calmer fans decided to have a little fun with it. Like this edited tweet, courtesy of Link Calhoun:
Miraculously, El Oso Blanco stayed in the game to finish it out, as everything appeared to be in working order after a concussion protocol from the medical examiners. Say what you will about the Big White Bear, but he is one tough warrior! It goes without saying, however, that he's out of tonight's home series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. Funnily enough, it will be the first time we see Nori Aoki since he was traded to them to get Francisco Lindor at the deadline on Monday. Here's hoping it isn't too awkward.bat goes on 10 day DL pic.twitter.com/LAKioMgqTP— Calhoun (@linkcalhoun) August 4, 2017
What remains awkward, however, is this current run for the Astros. They have been getting bit quite a lot lately, between the dog days of summer, injury bugs, and the sting of the front office not making the big moves they were hoping for. In spite of it all, I still very much believe in this team, even if I often question how things are being ran. I mean, they're still 30 games above .500, but that lead will shrink fast if the front office does nothing. The towels don't need to be thrown in yet, but there may be some critical mass that the spacemen need to take care of in order to right the proverbial star ship.
The waiver wire could be a good place to start. Justin Verlander just cleared waivers from the Detroit Tigers, and there is still a chance that Jeff Luhnow and Jim Crane could, and should, go after him. It would take a good bit to get a deal finalized to bring the veteran right handed starter to H-Town. But it is not completely out of the realm of what is possible. Whether they get him, or another pitcher somewhere off of waivers, this team is in need of some help to get them back to their winning ways. The playoffs may be a near lock, but this city deserves a world title after all it has been through with sports teams. Anything less at this point would be a tremendous bust for the 2017 season.
The chess board is set in place. For now, it is best just for us fans to play the waiting game. After all, we really don't have any control over what happens with the team. Only the team and organization themselves do. We just have to collectively keep hoping that something good will come out of all these recent dark clouds. The silver linings have to be out there somewhere, and this team needs to have it's metaphorical tires inflated back into the win column!
Original Photo Credit: Karen Warren of the Houston Chronicle
These two are vital to the success of the Houston Astros, and now is the time to get them some help. Work some magic, Jeff Luhnow!
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