One of the hottest topics involving the Astros has been the discussion over Justin Verlander's role in the playoff rotation should they hold on and win the division.

Verlander has struggled since returning from the injured list, and has an ERA over 5 for the entire 2024 season. JV should still have around three more starts to shake off the rust before the postseason, but it's hard to argue he's any better than the club's sixth starter currently.

But based on GM Dana Brown's latest comments, it sounds like the team is going to give Verlander every opportunity to land one of the starting spots in the playoff rotation.

When asked about Verlander on the flagship station on Wednesday, Brown went back to one of the most hated phrases according to Astros fans. That's right, the old “back of the baseball card” was dusted off and used when discussing JV.

“Look, pay attention to the back of the baseball card. These guys will show up. They will get it done,” said Brown.

As someone that likes Dana Brown, this just felt gross to hear. How did the “back of the baseball card” statement work out with Jose Abreu? Why would you possibly remind your fanbase of the team's complete failure to accept the reality Abreu's decline?

Here were some reactions on X to Brown's comments:

Here's another reply.

It's good to know us Astros fans are all thinking the same thing. JV might get his act together and pitch well moving forward, but when you lump him in with a highly scrutinized Jeff Bagwell phrase used to defend the failed signing of Abreu, you lose all credibility.

Brown went on to say he would be more concerned if Verlander wasn't hitting 97 MPH. He believes command is the main issue, and that's something he can work through in what the team is considering a second “Spring training” for Verlander.

The one thing they don't bring up when they use this ridiculous phrase is how they ignore portions of the back of the baseball card when it suits them. Abreu was awful in 2023, but they didn't talk about that.

Verlander hasn't just been under performing since returning from his second injury. His ERA for the season is over 5 like I mentioned above.

At some point, you have to trust the results you're seeing from players. Especially those well past their prime when you have better options to turn to.

To be clear, I'm one of the few that does give JV a chance to regain his form and be a serviceable option in the rotation. I discuss it in the video below. But he has to show us something over his next three starts.

That's what I want to hear from Dana. Just tell us you have confidence in him. There's still time left in the regular season, and we'll see where he's at in a few weeks.

It's not that hard. Not to mention, if I'm Verlander, that last thing I want to hear associated with my name is the lame line Bagwell used about Abreu up until his release.

Want to hear more thoughts on this topic?

We discussed the Verlander situation in the latest edition of our Stone Cold 'Stros podcast. If you missed it, you can check it out below.

Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.