FALCON POINT
Fred Faour: Draft week lacks intrigue for Texans, but there is still much to be accomplished
Apr 23, 2018, 6:00 am
Deshaun Watson essentially is this year's No. 1 pick. Jim Rogash/Getty Images
With the fourth pick in the 2018 draft, the Houston Texans select…
Deshaun Watson.
Draft week is upon us, and it understandably lacks the usual anticipation in Houston, as the Texans -- barring a deal -- will not pick until the third round. They traded what became the fourth overall pick this year in order to move up and select Watson last year.
Lance Zierlein wrote last week about what the Texans would do if they still had their 2018 pick. The reality is the Texans would have likely been picking second had they not made the trade for Watson. Tom Savage won all of one game as a starter.
Meanwhile, assuming he stays healthy, the Texans have a franchise quarterback for years to come, one that looks better than anything they could have drafted this year. The negative? The interest in the draft is way down.
Ordinarily, fans would be excited, hoping for an impact player who could step right in. While that conceivably could happen, it’s more likely they will add some depth players who might eventually become productive.
The obvious need is for offensive line help, but whoever they draft is unlikely to be a contributor right away. The most likely position where the Texans could get someone who could make an impact on the field next season is running back. D’Onta Foreman showed promise last year before his injury, and the Texans could easily find a player who will have similar production.
The secondary will also need to be addressed, and whatever player they get could see significant time before season’s end.
It will GM Brian Gaine’s first draft as the main man in Houston, and one can presume there will be a heavy Bill O’Brien influence as well. If Gaine and the Texans have a good draft, it will build on last year’s, which is looking very solid.
Besides offensive line, secondary and perhaps running back, the Texans could also look to tight end as well as interior defensive linemen. A project backup quarterback would not be a bad idea, either. Also, keep an eye on undrafted free agents; the Texans have historically found players there.
So while the draft itself might lack the drama of past versions, the biggest impact has already happened: Deshaun Watson. Later this week, the Texans just hope to add a few more pieces.
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Justin Verlander gave up three runs in six innings for his 262nd victory and the AL West champion Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday night.
Verlander (5-6), who gave up seven hits and struck out five without a walk, won for the second time in three starts and lowered his ERA to 5.48. It was the longest outing since May 29 for the right-hander, who missed two months with neck discomfort.
“I worked hard for this and it was probably the best I’ve felt since coming back,” the likely Hall of Famer said. “I’m realistic. I know I haven’t been as sharp as I need to be, but I feel like I’m inching in the right direction.”
José Ramírez hit his 39th homer and drove in three runs for the AL Central champion Guardians, moving within one home run of becoming the seventh player in major league history with 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season. He already has 41 steals this season.
“Ramírez is such an incredible hitter, you’ve got to tip your hat to him,” said Verlander, who is 24-24 with a 4.42 ERA in 57 career starts against Cleveland. “It wasn’t a bad pitch and he hit it out. It’s impressive.”
The Guardians’ defeat clinched home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs for the New York Yankees, who lost to the Pirates 9-4. Both teams have first-round byes.
Shawn Dubin worked a scoreless ninth for his second save. Houston will host either Detroit or Kansas City in the best-of-three AL Wild Card Series beginning Tuesday.
The 41-year-old Verlander ranks 40th in career victories and would be part of the rotation if he is chosen for Houston’s postseason roster, manager Joe Espada said.
“There was a real intention there tonight to show he can really deliver — and he did,” Espada said. “He threw the ball really, really well and even got to 97 (mph) to Ramírez.”
Verlander said he has not been told if he will be in uniform for the start of the playoffs.
“I don’t know, that’s a conversation with Joe that I’m sure we’ll have,” he said.
Zach Dezenzo had an RBI single in the first and Jon Singleton walked with the bases loaded during Houston’s three-run second inning. A throwing error by Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio plated the final two runs.
Ramírez hit a two-run homer in the first and had a sacrifice fly in the third. The six-time All-Star third baseman doubled in the eighth for his 1,500th career hit.
“It’s been an unbelievable year to watch Josey, so much fun,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “It will be fun to see what happens tomorrow.”
Guardians starter Ben Lively (13-10) pitched four innings, giving up two earned and two unearned runs.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Astros: OF Yordan Alvarez (right knee sprain) has been fitted with a brace and could resume baseball activities Sunday. Alvarez last appeared in a game on Sept. 22.
Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (right third finger blister) reported no issues after a bullpen session at Progressive Field. He is scheduled to throw a simulated game Sunday.
UP NEXT
Astros RHP Ryan Gusto is likely to be promoted from the taxi squad and make his major league debut in the regular-season finale. Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86 ERA) will work as the bulk reliever behind RHP Nick Sandlin.