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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NFL insiders hint at eye-opening future for Houston Texans offense
Dec 7, 2024, 2:38 pm
One of the nuggets that came out of Nick Caserio's press conference this week, was his thoughts on the job Bobby Slowik has done as an offensive coordinator. When asked if the team has considered sharing the offensive play calling, Caseiro responded with an emphatic, “absolutely not.”
Caserio went on to praise the job Slowik has done this year, and to say the team's struggles in the second half this season is due to execution.
This stance is consistent with what we've heard from Texans insiders that believe Slowik will be back next season. As much as many Texans fans believe a change at OC could help CJ Stroud, who's shown regression this year, it doesn't appear Slowik is going anywhere.
To be fair, most teams aren't looking to replace their coordinators when they're leading their division and marching toward the postseason for the second straight year.
Number crunching
When comparing Stroud's stats to last season, there is a clear dropoff in 2024. But a lot of that has to do with the addition of Joe Mixon, especially when it comes to touchdowns.
Mixon is third in the NFL with 11 rushing TDs, while Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary only combined for 6 over the entire 2023 season. One could argue the passing offense has regressed, but one could also argue the offense overall is more balanced.
Stroud is still Top 5 in passing yards, heading into this week's games. And even if we account for the bye week, Stroud will still be Top 10 after this week's slate of games.
The most concerning number to keep an eye on is sacks. Only one QB has been sacked more than Stroud, who's been sacked 41 times. CJ's protection has gotten better since Juice Scruggs was moved to guard, and Jarrett Patterson was inserted at center.
If Stroud starts getting hit again at a high level, that may be the one factor that could make the front office rethink their plans at coordinator. However, if the Texans do make a change, we expect them to address their o-line coach before any changes at OC.
Be sure to watch the video above for our full breakdown of the Texans offense, the coaching staff, and our thoughts on how the Azeez Al-Shaair suspension will impact the team.
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