A MODERN DYNASTY?
Critical questions the Astros must answer in the short & long-term
Oct 21, 2021, 4:25 pm
A MODERN DYNASTY?
Perhaps it's too early to anoint the Houston Astros a certifiable dynasty. Let's reserve that for:
New York Yankees (1936-43) – seven American League pennants and six World Series titles.
Boston Celtics (1959-66) - eight consecutive NBA championships.
UCLA Bruins (1967-73) – seven NCAA titles, including four undefeated seasons.
Ming (1368-1644) – trade expansion, drama and literature in China.
But with five consecutive American League Championship appearances and sitting one home win from their third World Series visit in five years – and counting - the Astros certainly qualify as a modern baseball dynasty. At the very least, the current Astros are the most successful pro sports team ever in Houston.
Still, as the Astros steam toward the 2021 World Series appearance, there are questions that must be answered, two for the future, one immediately. Let's start with the here and now.
What to do with catcher Martin Maldonado? Sure he's a fine defensive catcher with a Howitzer throwing arm. He guns down potential base stealers like the shooting gallery at Carter Country. But MLB teams don't steal – or even try – like they used to, so Maldonado's best talent is reduced to merely a reputation.
That leaves us with Maldonado's offense. He is, quite simply, one of the worst hitters in the Major Leagues. He batted a puny .172 this season. Below the Mendoza Line? He can't see the Mendoza Line. So far in the ALCS, he is 0-11, with key rally-killing outs. Maldonado is a throwback to Little League baseball, where teams have "automatic outs" at the bottom of the batting order. The only difference between Maldonado and the No. 9 hitter on Tadpole teams in Little League – Maldonado can't return his bats for a refund at Academy at the end of the season.
Meanwhile Jason Castro is 2-3 in a pinch-hitting role and delivered a monumental hit for the Astros in their critical Game 4 victory. Yes, he's not as skilled behind the plate as Machete, but as the World Series approaches, you play the hot hand. Castro's hitting is more valuable than Maldy's defense.
What to do with Carlos Correa? This one is easy. Sign him. The end. The fans love him. The players respect him. He is a team leader. He's a clutch hitter and an amazing shortstop. What's not to like about Correa as a pivotal Astro moving forward? Do not screw this up, owner Jim Crane and general manager James Click.
What to do with Dusty Baker? With two ALCS appearances in the bag and a World Series appearance looming, Baker is the most successful manager in the American League the past two seasons. The players respond to his leadership. He restored calm after the Astros cheating scandal was revealed. He's a future Hall of Famer. If the Astros do not sign Baker to an extension, there would be one reason and one reason only – he's 72 years old. That is the very illustration of age discrimination.
Can Baker still do the job? Obviously. Does he still want to manage the Astros? Absolutely. Does he look like a weirdo wearing batting gloves and wristbands with a toothpick in his mouth during games? He's quirky. Do his post-game press conferences sound like transmissions from the Bizarro World? That's what happens when AT&T SportsNet buys audio equipment from Mattel. But bottom line, Baker is the manager to lead the Astros in the future, if only the near future. Good luck defending a decision to let him go, Astros.
The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills both enter Week 5 with identical records, looking to continue their strong early-season performances. The Texans, led by breakout quarterback C.J. Stroud, come off a thrilling 24-20 win over Jacksonville, while the Bills are seeking to bounce back after a disappointing 35-10 loss to Baltimore.
Bet MGM NFL Odds: Bills favored by 1
Against the Spread: Buffalo 2-2, Houston 0-3-1
Series Record: Texans lead 6-5
Last Meeting: Bills defeated Texans 40-0 (Oct. 3, 2021)
Texans WR Nico Collins:
Collins has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL this season, leading the league with 489 receiving yards. Coming off a career-best performance with 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville, Collins will be a key target for Stroud against Buffalo’s strong secondary.
Bills DE A.J. Epenesa:
With Von Miller suspended, Epenesa will be expected to step up as Buffalo’s primary pass rusher. Epenesa has one sack through four starts and needs to take on a larger role with the absence of Miller, who leads the NFL's active players in sacks.
Texans WR Stefon Diggs vs. Former Team:
Diggs, who was traded to the Texans in the offseason, will face his former team for the first time. He has been productive for Houston, logging 233 yards and two receiving touchdowns this season, as well as his first career rushing touchdown last week.
The Bills face multiple injury concerns, including linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Taron Johnson, and safety Taylor Rapp, all of whom are questionable. Buffalo's leading receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) has been ruled out. The Texans could see the return of WR Tank Dell after he missed last week, though RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play. LT Laremy Tunsil is questionable, which could impact their offensive game plan.
Update: Aaron Wilson has the latest on which Texans players are practicing on Friday.
#Texans Joe Mixon remains out of practice and not expected to play Sunday against #Bills Dameon Pierce returns, Tytus Howard sidelined @KPRC2 https://t.co/DR0IKzAC7C
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 4, 2024
Bills Offense:
Buffalo’s offense ranks second in scoring but has been inconsistent, as seen in their 10-point showing against the Ravens last week. Josh Allen, while turnover-prone in the past, is on a four-game streak without throwing an interception.
Texans Defense:
Houston’s defense has been a standout, ranking fifth overall and excelling against the pass, which could be key against the Bills' passing attack. However, their 40 penalties this season have been a major issue, and they'll need more discipline to keep pace with Buffalo.
Texans Offense:
Houston's passing game has been stellar, with Stroud leading the Texans to the 8th-best offense overall and the 3rd-ranked passing attack. This will be a critical factor against Buffalo’s defense, which ranks 6th against the pass.
Look for Nico Collins to continue his dominant streak as Stroud’s top target. Collins has over 80 receiving yards in six straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
This matchup pits a strong Texans passing game against a resilient Bills defense. Buffalo holds the slight edge in the spread, and with both teams vying for a crucial win, this should be a hard-fought contest.
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