Intriguing ripple effect of Astros rival going full-hypocrite
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20 July 2023
The Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed former Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick, and much has been made about welcoming a player that was on the 2017 Astros team that was punished for sign-stealing. The fact that the Astros beat LA in the World Series that year has certainly produced a lot of fans and players that still dislike the team.
However, many Dodgers players and their manager have come to Marisnick's defense. The LA Times reported on him joining the club.
“I do like Jake,” said Kershaw. “I think he’s had to deal with it for a long time. I think he has some remorse for it as well, which is probably all you can ask for at this point…”
Some other quotes were pretty condemning too.
“I don’t get as mad at him because he wasn’t in the lineup,” Kershaw said.
I guess he gets a pass because he wasn't a starter?
Funny, none of the Dodgers mentioned that Marisnick benefitted from the sign-stealing scandal probably more than anyone. He recorded a career-high in OPS and home runs that year.
And let's not forget Mookie Betts is on the Dodgers, and he was part of the Red Sox team punished for sign-stealing. And if memory serves, they won the World Series the same year they were busted for cheating. But nobody in LA brings that up.
Looking ahead
Enough with ancient history, the Dodgers players seem ready to put the past behind them.
So let's turn our attention to the home team. Astros supporters have been quick to tell angry MLB fans to get over it, 2017 was a long time ago. But the thought of Astros hater Cody Bellinger joining the team has most Houstonians upset. Personally, I can't blame them. I don't want him here, either.
But if we want everybody to move on and get over it, shouldn't that apply to Bellinger's past comments?
Be sure you watch the video above as we break it all down.
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How short-handed Texans can keep vibes high against struggling Patriots
Oct 10, 2024, 6:44 pm
The Houston Texans head to Foxborough this weekend to take on the 1-4 New England Patriots. The Pats will have a different look this week, with rookie QB Drake Maye making his first NFL regular season start.
The Texans also come into this matchup with some changes in place, as superstar receiver Nico Collins is on the injured list with a hamstring injury.
Receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell will need to pick up the slack with Collins sidelined. Diggs will have his work cut out for him though against New England's standout corner Christian Gonzalez.
Diggs may be able to escape Gonzalez when moved into the slot, but it's hard to know how both teams will choose to match up this week. Will Diggs play more on the outside with Collins out of the equation? Will Gonzalez shadow Diggs all over the field? Gonzalez had success pressing Dolphins all-world receiver Tyreek Hill last week, and recorded 1 interception and 2 forced incompletions.
Per PFF, Pats corner Marcus Jones was actually the highest-graded Patriots player last week against Miami, so this team has some talent in the secondary.
The big question for the Texans passing game comes down to Dell's usage. Even with Collins out for most of last week's game, Dell only received four targets and played on 68% of the snaps.
Houston receiver Xavier Hutchinson actually out-snapped Dell, playing on 71% of the snaps, but with one less target.
Texans OC Bobby Slowik likes having bigger receivers on the field to help block in the running game. So we should learn a lot this week about how Slowik will deploy his weapons with Collins injured.
Speaking of the running game, both Dameon Pierce (full) and Joe Mixon (limited) returned to practice this week. It would be huge for the offense to get those guys back, to say the least.
Slowik should also be prepared to get the tight ends more involved, to take advantages of mismatches. The Texans brought back tight end Teagan Quitoriano this week. If he's active, perhaps we see him used for pass and run blocking, with Dalton Schultz lining up in the slot from time to time.
Bulls on Parade!
On defense, the Texans should have success against a rookie quarterback in his first start, especially after seeing what they did to Josh Allen last week.
Both Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter played well against the Bills receivers. But Lassiter is dealing with a shoulder injury that may prevent him from getting on the field. He didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
Houston #Texans Thursday Injury Report for Week 6 at the New England Patriots: pic.twitter.com/pv9F3yZXnO
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) October 10, 2024
Fortunately for Houston, the Patriots don't have a ton of talent at receiver. But with a new quarterback in the fold, anything can happen.
The Texans' ability to pressure Maye with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter should give the team a big advantage. Houston leads the league with a 42% pressure rate.
The Patriots' biggest weapons this season have been running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Stevenson is dealing with a foot injury and didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday. If he's at all limited or doesn't play, that will work in Houston's favor.
What does Vegas think?
The Texans are favored by 7 points, and the total is set at 38. So don't expect too many points in this contest!
There are so many angles to cover in this matchup. Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap gets you ready for the big game!
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