Why emptying Astros farm system isn’t only way to inject much-needed roster help
HELP WANTED
12 July 2023
Houston Astros GM Dana Brown has been on the lookout for some pitching depth and a left-handed bat to add to the roster as the trade deadline approaches.
While Cody Bellinger might not be the first choice of Astros fans, his defense and bat would provide a boost to the team's chances of making another deep playoff run.
But he won't come cheap, and Houston will have a tough time matching what other ball clubs can offer from their farm systems.
With that in mind, should the Astros consider adding some options to the mix that are already in the Astros system?
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss some trade options the Astros should be looking at, and examine some Space Cowboy players like Jon Singleton and Justin Dirden. Could one of these players give the Astros a lift without having to make a trade?
Or, could the Astros have it both ways by trading for an arm and adding a bat from the minors? Or vice versa?
Click the video above to find out.
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Critical elements that could decide Game 2 of Astros-Tigers Wild Card Series
Oct 2, 2024, 11:20 am
Detroit Tigers (86-76) at Houston Astros (88-73)
- Location: Houston, Minute Maid Park
- Date: Wednesday, 2:32 p.m. EDT
Pitching Matchup:
- Tigers: Tyler Holton (7-2, 2.19 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 77 strikeouts)
- Astros: Hunter Brown (11-9, 3.49 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 179 strikeouts)
The Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros face off in Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series, with Detroit leading 1-0 in the best-of-three set. The Tigers can advance to the ALDS with another win, while the Astros will be fighting to extend their postseason run.
Astros Outlook:
Houston, the reigning AL West champions, look to bounce back after dropping the series opener. The Astros have been strong at Minute Maid Park this season, posting a 46-35 home record. They’ve also excelled at keeping opponents in check, with a 38-16 record in games where they haven’t allowed a home run. Yordan Alvarez remains a key figure in the Astros’ lineup, leading the team with 35 homers, while Kyle Tucker has been hot, hitting .400 with three homers over the last 10 games.
You can see the Astros lineup for Game 2 below.
The Astros against pitching chaos: Altuve 4, Tucker 9, Alvarez DH, Bregman 5, Diaz 2, Caratini 3, Peña 6, Heyward 7, McCormick 8
Brown RHP
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 2, 2024
Tigers Outlook:
Detroit has been road warriors, going 43-38 away from home, and their pitching staff has been stellar, ranking third in the AL with a 3.62 ERA. Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter have powered the Tigers’ offense, combining for 51 home runs on the season. If the Tigers’ bullpen holds strong again, they could advance to the next round.
Recent Form:
- Astros: 6-4 over their last 10 games, hitting .278 as a team, but they have struggled with a 4.10 ERA.
- Tigers: 7-3 in their last 10, backed by excellent pitching (3.30 ERA), though their offense has only managed a .229 average.
The Astros lead the season series 4-3, but the Tigers carry the momentum as they look to close out the series and move forward in the playoffs.
If you would like to see some reactions to Game 1, check out the videos below.
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*ChatGPT helped create this content.
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