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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Rockets advance to NBA Cup semifinals after thrilling win over Warriors
Dec 11, 2024, 11:50 pm
Jalen Green made two free throws with 3.5 seconds left and the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 91-90 on Wednesday night to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas.
Houston snapped a 15-game skid against the Warriors, winning for the first time in the series since Feb. 20, 2020. The Rockets will face Oklahoma City, which beat Dallas in the other West quarterfinal game on Tuesday night, in the semifinals on Saturday.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 26 points and 11 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points.
Houston led by 14 before falling behind late to set up the thrilling finish.
Houston trailed by six with about 1 1/2 minutes left before Fred VanVleet made a 3-pointer and Sengun added a layup with 27 seconds to go to cut the lead to one.
Stephen Curry missed a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left and Gary Payton II grabbed the rebound, but Green intercepted his pass and was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga to set up the winning free throws.
The Warriors had a chance to win it at the buzzer but Smith blocked Brandin Podziemski’s 3-point attempt.
Takeaways
Warriors: Golden State beat the Rockets twice this season without Curry before losing Wednesday in a game where he had 19 points.
Rockets: This young team showed poise in finishing this one after squandering a double-digit lead.
Key moment
Green’s hustle on getting the ball late to draw the foul to set up the winning free throws.
Key stat
Houston won despite making just 6 of 27 3-pointers.
Up next
While Houston heads to Las Vegas this weekend, the Warriors will return to regular-season play Sunday at Dallas.
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