HOT STOVE
Astros reportedly "ultra aggressive" in pursuit of free agent
Nov 18, 2021, 5:32 pm
James Click is doing some wheeling and dealing. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.
The Astros shocked us yesterday when they were able to re-sign Justin Verlander and fortify their starting rotation after JV declined the qualifying offer. Many fans are wondering if the Verlander signing will be the only "big name" free agent bullet James Click fires this offseason.
Now that the Houston #Astros have Justin Verlander back, they are being ultra aggressive in their pursuit of free-agent center fielder Starling Marte.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 18, 2021
According to Bob Nightengale, don't be surprised if the Astros land another significant free agent. We heard rumors of the Astros' interest in outfielder Starling Marte over the weekend, but multiple teams have been hot and heavy over the idea of signing Marte.
Apparently the Astros are still interested in signing the speedy outfielder with Nightengale reporting that the Astros are being "ultra aggressive" in their pursuit of Marte, even after the Verlander signing.
It's hard not to like what Astros GM James Click and owner Jim Crane are doing this offseason. Losing Carlos Correa seems to be a forgone conclusion, but the Astros appear willing to take some big swings in free agency and find a way to replace some of his production.
The sticking point with Marte might come down to how many years he wants on his deal. It's hard to imagine the Astros will want to sign him for more than 3 years, considering Marte is 33 years old. Either way, the Astros are just getting started in free agency, and that's all Astros fans can ask for. Also, don't be surprised if the Astros add some relief pitching in the coming days. Click mentioned the bullpen as an area he would like to improve this offseason. Which makes sense considering Yimi Garcia and Kendall Graveman are free agents.
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4 important elements that could tip the scales in Texans-Colts matchup
Oct 25, 2024, 2:30 pm
This week, the Houston Texans take on the Colts in a matchup with division supremacy on the line. If the Texans are able to come away with a victory, they will own the tiebreaker over Indy and enjoy a comfortable lead in the division.
However, a loss to the Colts means the Texans will be in a virtual tie with Indy in the AFC South. So what do the Texans need to do to secure a win?
On offense, they'll have to do a much better job of protecting CJ Stroud. In their last game against the Packers, Stroud faced immense pressure on third downs, with 12 of his 14 dropbacks resulting in pressure.
During one series, Stroud was flushed from the pocket and forced to scramble on three straight plays. They have to clean up the protection, or it will be another long day for the offense.
Fortunately for the Texans, this game is at home. So hopefully the communication issues the Texans o-line dealt with on the road last week won't be an issue at NRG.
Rushing attack
Houston can't afford to rely solely on Joe Mixon and the run game to carry the offense. While Mixon has been terrific, contributing significantly in recent weeks, the Texans will need a balanced attack. Which means Stroud must have time to operate in the pocket.
Bulls on parade
The defense last week was another story for the Texans. They played well against Green Bay, limiting them to 24 points. This week, they face a very different type of quarterback. Anthony Richardson is dead last in passer rating and completion percentage, so that's definitely working in their favor.
We know what Richardson can do with his legs, and Indy is expecting running back Jonathan Taylor to return from an ankle injury, so the rushing defense will be tested.
Richardson's accuracy is certainly a weakness, but he does throw a good deep ball that gave the defense problems in Week 1 this season.
What does Vegas think?
The Texans are favored by 5 points and the total is set at 45.5 points.
This is one video you don't want to miss as we share our in-depth breakdown of the game, as well as our predictions for Sunday's contest.
For Texans’ conversation, catch Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo on our Texans On Tap podcasts. Thursdays feature a preview of the upcoming game, and then we go live (then available on demand) after the final gun of the game: Texans on Tap - YouTube
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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.