BEST OF THE BEST
NY author causes stir with Houston Astros book, but it's not about “that”
Feb 28, 2024, 11:42 am
NY author causes stir with Houston Astros book, but its not about “that” | Stone Cold Stros
While the Astros are in Florida preparing for another deep playoff run in 2024, a new book about the club is set to drop on March 5. The book is written by New York author Robert W. Cohen and is titled, The 50 Greatest Players in Houston Astros History.
With a title like that, we know not everyone is going to be pleased with the list. And the book hasn't even been officially released yet.
However, the list has been leaked and Astros fans have thoughts, as one would expect. So let's start with Jose Altuve's placement on the list. Many believe Altuve is already the best Astro ever, based on all the incredible playoff moments he's provided during the greatest stretch of baseball in franchise history. That, along with two championships, has many believing he's a no-brainer to come in at No.1.
To the dismay of many Houston fans, Altuve is ranked 3rd behind Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio respectively. The rest of the top five includes No.4 Lance Berkman, and No.5 Roy Oswalt.
Some other points of contention on the list include Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan at No.16 and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander at No.17.
Upon further review of these rankings, the picture is becoming very clear. This list was put together with a focus on total resumes with the Astros.
With that being the measuring stick, Altuve coming in behind Bagwell and Biggio makes sense. They're already in the Hall of Fame and have had more regular-season success than Altuve.
We expect Altuve to finish his career as the best Astro ever, but according to the criteria, he still has work to do. Altuve is 1,013 hits behind Biggio, and his career OPS (.834) is much lower than Bagwell's (.948).
The argument for Altuve has always been about being clutch in the postseason. Altuve already has the second-most postseason home runs (27) in MLB history, behind only Manny Ramirez (29).
Be sure to watch the video above as we address the debate over Altuve's ranking and many other surprising placements on the list.
Teaser: Does Yordan Alvarez crack the Top 20? Mash the video above to find out!
Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) with Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan every Monday on SportsMapHouston's YouTube channel.
We'll continue to drop videos throughout the week!
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.