What does it all mean?
John Granato: Thoughts and prayers for those of you who don't share your thoughts and prayers
Mar 29, 2018, 6:07 am
If Sister Jean says thoughts and prayers, she means it. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
(Warning: This may not be appropriate for a sports website because it has nothing to do with sports but oh well.)
I don’t want to seem ungrateful but I’m getting the feeling that "Thoughts and Prayers" is just a tad bit insincere or at the very least it’s losing some of its luster.
You see it everywhere now. Every tragic event or even mundane setback on Twitter or Facebook has a string of Thoughts and Prayers after it. No matter how big or small the incident, from a terrorist attack to a head cold we get T’s and P’s attached to everything.
Maybe you’ve never seen my shortened version T’s and P’s before. Not maybe. You haven’t seen it because I just made it up and I’m pretty sure it’ll take off because we as a society are so lazy that we’ll have to shorten even something as important as a condolence to someone who’s suffering because it’s what we do.
Once -- just once -- I’d like to see someone get called out for their Thoughts and Prayers.
“Heading to Chicago. Mom’s not doing well.”
“Thoughts and Prayers”
“Wow, that was quick. Which ones did you say?”
“Which ones what?”
“Which prayers? Hail Mary? Our Father? A rosary? Did you say a rosary? Thank you so much.”
“I, uh, didn’t say a rosary. I asked God to watch over her.”
“Soooo, you didn’t really say a prayer. You more or less just made a request. Kinda chintzy wasn’t it? If you’re going to give thoughts and prayers it ought to be at least a Hail Mary. And by the way what thoughts did you attach to your request?
“Ummm.”
“Yeah. Thought so.”
You may be thinking that I’m being a bit of a jerk here. Someone who took the time to respond with a Thoughts and Prayers is at the very least sharing a kindness. I guess, but how many of those T’s and P’s are really sincere?
Raheel started a trend on our show. If you meet anyone in the military you have to say “Thanks for your service.” If you don’t, you don’t appreciate them or love your country.
Same goes for a tragic event. If everyone is responding on Twitter or Facebook with Thoughts and Prayers and you don’t, then you don’t care about that person or their suffering. You’re a bad person.
Honestly, how many people actually say a prayer and give more than a passing thought to that person who’s suffering, especially if it’s someone they’ve never met? Five percent? Ten percent? I’d have to say that’s the high end.
If Sister Jean gives me a Thoughts and Prayers I know she said a prayer. I just know it and I know it’s a good one, not just a fly-by. It had wings. God heard it and is giving it some thought himself.
If Raheel or Del give me a Thoughts and Prayers I’m not so sure. Matter of fact, I’m pretty sure it was the last thought they gave it and they immediately moved on to a shoe or college football website.
I’m not saying they’re bad people. They are, but not because of their insincere Thoughts and Prayers. They’re just following the crowd. If you don’t you’ll get roasted by Twitter and no one wants that heat.
I don’t want to be the Thoughts and Prayers police. I just want you to give it some thought yourself. The next time you throw a T’s and P’s at someone mean it. Give it your best shot or at the very least a Hail Mary. I’m just sayin’.
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The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.
After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.
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Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.
Last night, Christian Walker, batting 4th, went 0-4, 2 K
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- Both are MLB worst (min. 75 AB batting 4th, 51st of 51)
- His 210 AB batting 4th are 6th most in MLB
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— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 19, 2025
Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.
Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.
On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.
There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.
Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.
With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.
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