How early Astros evaluations placing some major wildcards under spotlight
ON THE CLOCK
05 January
With 2023 officially in the books, it's time to turn our attention to a new year, filled with exciting opportunities for the Houston Astros.
This week, MLB released their new power rankings for the 2024 season. They have the Astros ranked 6th, behind the Phillies, Orioles, Rangers, Dodgers, and Braves.
Our New Year's Resolution: Perfect power rankings throughout 2024.
1-for-1. 😉 pic.twitter.com/3T8msi1VCL
— MLB (@MLB) January 2, 2024
Does that sound right? We have to keep in mind this list is media driven, so it's no surprise that the Dodgers are ranked so high considering their busy offseason.
To be fair, the Astros' starting rotation regressed in 2023. And the bullpen has been one of the strengths of this team, which looks weaker this year with three pitchers walking in free agency (Phil Maton, Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek). They also haven't added anyone of note to replace them.
And while the Astros were one of the final four teams remaining last season, it's understandable that the Braves, Dodgers, and Orioles are ranked so high considering they all won at least 100 games last year.
Looking ahead
While debating these power rankings for 2024, it made us wonder if the Astros will crack the Top 10 on this list in 2025. There's been a lot of talk about the Astros title window closing, and Alex Bregman likely won't be back with the team. Not to mention, if Justin Verlander doesn't reach 140 innings in 2024, his option doesn't vest for 2025.
One thing we can assume, is if they're in the Top 10 power rankings for 2025, it probably means they made the playoffs in 2024.
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the upcoming season, and what the future could hold for the Astros moving forward.
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Green and VanVleet score 21 each as Houston Rockets rout San Antonio Spurs
Nov 7, 2024, 11:40 am
Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet had 21 points each and the Houston Rockets built a huge lead early and coasted to a 127-100 win over the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night.
Houston never trailed and had built a 25-point lead by halftime. The Rockets were up by 27 points when coach Ime Udoka cleared the bench with about 6½ minutes remaining.
Alperen Sengun added 16 points for the Rockets, who won for the fourth time in five games. VanVleet had 10 assists and seven rebounds — both season-highs — to go with his top scoring effort of the season.
Victor Wembanyama had 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks for the Spurs, who lost a second straight game. They were playing a third consecutive game without coach Gregg Popovich, who is out indefinitely while recovering from an illness. Mitch Johnson is filling in as interim coach while the 75-year-old Popovich, who did not travel with the team on this road trip, is out.
Takeaways
Spurs: San Antonio’s defense suffered Wednesday in its first game without top on-ball defender Jeremy Sochan, who suffered a fractured left thumb that will require surgery in Monday’s game. Rookie Stephon Castle, who started in his place, will need to step up with Sochan likely out for an extended period.
Rockets: After failing to play consistently for four quarters in the last two games, Houston finally put together a complete game against the Spurs.
Key moment
The Rockets were up by 7 with about five minutes left in the first quarter before using a 7-0 run, with the first five points by VanVleet, to make it 22-8. The Spurs didn’t get closer than 10 points after that.
Key stat
The Rockets dominated inside, outscoring the Spurs 66-46 in the paint.
Up next
San Antonio hosts Portland on Thursday night and the Rockets visit Oklahoma City on Friday night.
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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. Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code SPORTSMAP at checkout. Get your tickets now!
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