FALCON POINTS
Let's discuss a controversial move the Texans must consider
Dec 9, 2020, 8:00 am
You never know what could happen. Composite image by Jack Brame.
Let's discuss 4 outside the box trade scenarios for the Texans
It sounded crazy at the time, but there might be something to a theory A.J. Hoffman threw out on The Blitz on Monday.
Should the Texans sit Deshaun Watson for the rest of the season?
The reasons do make sense. Next year, the team should be better with a new coaching staff and some key acquisitions. Do you really want to risk injury in games that mean nothing? It's not like he will be developing chemistry with next year's receivers. It's not like he needs to learn more of an offense he won't be running. A major knee injury at this time of year could put the start of 2021 in jeopardy.
Would fans revolt? Probably. But would it have any impact on partially full stadiums? Absolutely not. Of course, the NFL would balk because of "integrity" issues, but they lost all right to that argument when they let the Broncos play with a practice squad receiver at quarterback. Worst case, you fake a hamstring injury and sit him. And let's take it a step beyond: While you are at it, give Laremy Tunsil a groin injury. Why take a chance on your two key players in a lost season?
The benefits are obvious, but Romeo Crennel would not make that call. It would have to come from higher up, specifically Cal McNair. Watson and Tunsil would probably balk, but even they have to see the big picture.
The negatives? These meaningless games become even more meaningless. Watson is one of the few players worth watching on the team. It's also something that just isn't done, although players skipping bowl games in college is a bit of a precedent, as is teams sitting stars when playoff berths are settled. Some of the other players might not approve, but it would make sense for the team to get some younger players some playing time and treat it like preseason games.
Of course it sounds silly on the surface. But diving in, would it really be that odd of a decision? And would it be the right one?
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Thoughts on Rockies-Astros series
After a rough opening loss to the Rockies, where Hunter Brown got knocked around early, the Astros regrouped and took the final two games to secure the series win. Framber Valdez delivered a much-needed dominant outing, a welcome sight after several shaky starts in August. Jason Alexander did his job as well, pounding the zone and keeping Houston within striking distance until the bats broke through.
Christian Walker provided the big swing in the finale with a go-ahead home run late, continuing his red-hot stretch — five homers in his last seven games. On the pitching side, Brian King and Bryan Abreu both turned in strong work to help close the door for Houston.
Yordan’s impact on the lineup
If Walker keeps producing near his career norms and Yordan Alvarez stays healthy, the Astros’ offense has the potential to overwhelm. Yordan’s return was immediately felt against the Rockies, giving the lineup a depth and presence that manager Joe Espada can slot anywhere.
With Jeremy Peña, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Yordan, Walker, Jesus Sánchez, and eventually Yainer Díaz forming the top seven, Houston suddenly looks as deep as any contender. Add Jake Meyers once he’s back, and the order stretches even further.
Sánchez, who snapped out of a brutal 0-for-27 slump, has quietly rebounded. Over his last 11 games, he’s batting .294 with a .529 slugging percentage and two home runs, giving Houston a second left-handed bat to pair with Yordan. Combine that with Correa — who leads the team in batting average since rejoining at the trade deadline — and it’s an offense poised for a major finishing kick.
Lance McCullers moves to the bullpen
McCullers has walked as many or more hitters than innings pitched in four of his last five outings, and command remains his biggest issue. A move to the bullpen doesn’t necessarily solve that problem — in fact, it could make it worse. Walks in relief situations are costly, and McCullers hasn’t shown the consistency to trust in high-leverage spots. A piggyback role, where he follows another starter, feels like a more realistic path for him at this point.
Rotation outlook with Luis Garcia
Luis Garcia could return as soon as Monday if elevated from Sugar Land, but Houston may not need to force a sixth starter into the mix.
Luis Garcia is certainly an obvious candidate to start on Monday, which is also the first day rosters expand from 26 to 28 - https://t.co/xBPB4xaog9 https://t.co/k2oSymidc0
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 28, 2025
If Spencer Arrighetti can build on his last outing and Cristian Javier starts trending upward, the rotation has enough stability to carry Houston through September. Garcia’s return would be a bonus — not a necessity — for a staff that looks like it may finally be rounding into form.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode on Thursday!
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