STONE COLD 'STROS

Here are the massive implications of Justin Verlander returning to Houston Astros

Joshua Jordan
Aug 1, 2023, 5:25 pm
Here are the massive implications of Justin Verlander returning to Houston Astros
astros #stonecoldstros #sportsmaphou For the full audio podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Google: ...

Well, the deal is official, and Justin Verlander is a Houston Astro once again. What a day for Houston sports fans!

On the day of the trade deadline, GM Dana Brown pulled the trigger, sending prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford to the New York Mets for Justin Verlander.

The Mets are also picking up a significant amount of his salary.

And with Verlander under contract through 2024, and with a vesting option for 2025, the Astros have him under team control for the next several years. This is huge for the Astros because Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are not expected to be available at the start of next season.

Here's another perk for the Astros with JV returning. The 'Stros have seen their current rotation wear down over the season, with Cristian Javier, Framber Valdez, and Hunter Brown experiencing some fatigue. Houston could implement a six-man rotation from time to time to keep these guys fresh for the playoff push.

One other thing to consider is what hat JV will wear when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame? With him rejoining the team, will that impact his decision?

Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss all the implications of Verlander returning and what the departures of Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford could mean for Kyle Tucker and Chas McCormick.

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How the Deshaun Watson trade is still paying dividends for Houston Texans

After another poor performance from former Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' season is starting to look like an uphill climb. Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is out for the year, and Cleveland fans aren't too pleased with the way Watson is playing, especially considering the massive contract extension he signed with the team. And we didn't even get to the off the field drama that comes with Watson.

However, Houston fans are invested in the Browns' season outcome as well, with the Texans holding the Browns' first round pick in 2024, and having sent their own first rounder to the Cardinals in the Will Anderson trade.

So each loss for the Browns, means a better draft pick for the Texans!

For Houston, it looks like they have their QB of the future in CJ Stroud. And he'll be on a less expensive rookie contract for the next several years, giving the Texans more cap space to upgrade the roster.

With all of this in mind, is it fair to question if the Texans dodged a bullet when Watson demanded a trade?

DeMeco Ryans vs. Lovie Smith

Plus, we're only two games into the season, but Lovie Smith's defense was much better (with a similar roster) than what DeMeco Ryans' defense has shown thus far, and DeMeco has the benefit of Will Anderson rushing the QB.

Are the struggles on defense more about the roster GM Nick Caserio has put together, or does this slow start fall on DeMeco?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!

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