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This week, the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series heads for the high banks of Michigan International Raceway for the Consumer Energy's 400. This is the second race of the season here and while it is still the same high banked two mile oval, there will be many different characteristics then there were here in June. Over the course of the past few weeks, NASCAR has been using a traction compound called PJ1 to help give the tracks more grip and so far it has worked to perfection as there have been some incredible finishes. Coming to a track as large as Michigan with extra grip should really provide for some high stakes racing come Sunday and with the new aero package. Now obviously this race won't be like what we see at Daytona or Talladega but I think there is a real possibility that it could be very similar. This should be a good race if it keeps up with the trends of the last few weeks.
Last week, Chase Elliott went on to claim his second win of the season and his second consecutive victory at Watkins Glen. Both of his victories were almost identical as he was able to once again outrun Martin Truex Jr in the closing stages of the race. Although Truex gave him quite a run, this was still easily the most dominating performance in Elliott's career. Of the 90 laps ran, Elliott led all but ten and went on to not only win the race but sweep both stages as well. This was very different from what we are accustomed to seeing with a Chase Elliott victory. When he won races, it was usually because the other contenders either had mechanical issues or a pit-road speeding penalty that eliminated them from winning. It was definitely a welcoming sight for fans everywhere to see Elliott put a whole race together and further establish himself as a championship contender.
While Elliott and his crew were celebrating their win, other drivers weren't as happy when the race was finished. This race was filled with short fenders and even shorter tempers as there were multiple retaliations all throughout the race involving some of the sports biggest names including Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson. The first incident came after Kyle Busch and Willam Byron tangled in the first corner. In response, Busch punted Byron through the grass entering the Innerloop nearly sending him into a spin. During a yellow, Byron was urged by legendary crew-chief Chad Kanaus to "Knock the [Expletive] out of him or there was going to be a problem" and that's exactly what he did. Byron smashed into Kyle's back bumper after Busch stood on the breaks. This nearly destroyed the front end of his #24 car and ultimately eliminated Byron from contention for the victory. This wasn't the only incident Kyle was involved in. He was also involved in an altercation with Darrell Wallace Jr as well. In nearly the same place he hit Byron, he decided to drive through Wallace as well. After the wreck, tracked him down under caution and hit him in the right rear quarter panel spinning him head first towards the wall. Fortunately for him, Kyle was able to save it and somehow rebound for an eleventh place finish. Overall, while it is clear he is easily the most talented driver on the track, Kyle Busch has not done himself any favors going towards the playoffs considering all of the drivers he has made mad. While I highly doubt this will carry over, these drivers simply don't forget about instances like these. This should be an interesting storyline to follow throughout the season.
Kyle Busch comes into Michigan as the odds on favorite to win this week as he has the highest average finish of all active drivers here in the past five races. While his results here have been great, Busch has only won at this track once back in 2011. If there aren't any issues with some of the drivers he upset last week, he is a lock to run around the top five. Look for Rowdy to be the car to beat come sunday.
My pick to win this week is the elder Busch brother Kurt. Overall, this season has been a revitalization for the veteran driver as he has singlehandedly carried his team to success and while some drivers sort of fade off into the sunset at this stage of their career, Kurt is having one of his best seasons. Behind his brother, Kurt has the second highest average finish here in the past five races including a runner up finish here back in June. Even though there have been struggles in the last few races for him, I look for Kurt to continue his stellar season and claim his second win of 2019. He should be fun to watch come Sunday as he looks to bank more bonus points going into the playoffs.
(All stats and information used in this article is brought to you by the good folks at driveraverages.com and Racing-Reference.com the best website for all NASCAR stats).
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With the Astros now officially ten games under .500 for the season, manager Joe Espada is taking a lot of heat from the fanbase for the team's struggles.
While we don't agree with the sentiment, we even hear fans clamoring for the return of Dusty Baker and Martin Maldonado, thinking the Astros wouldn't be in this mess if they were still here.
Which is ridiculous. First of all, Maldonado has been awful for the White Sox, hitting .048 (even worse than Jose Abreu's .065). And for those of you that think his work with the pitching staff justifies his pathetic offense. Let me say this: Where was Maldy's game calling genius for Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, and Framber Valdez last year? All of them regressed significantly.
And as far as Baker is concerned, we have no idea how much a difference he would make, we can only speculate. Baker would also be dealing with a pitching staff ravaged with injuries. And let's not forget, Baker was the guy that refused to move Jose Abreu down in the batting order, even though he would finish the regular season with the ninth-worst OPS in baseball.
The reality of the situation is managers can only do so much in baseball. Which leads us to something else that needs to be considered. Is Espada being handcuffed by the front office? Espada and GM Dana Brown both said recently that Jon Singleton was going to get more at-bats while they give Abreu time off to try to figure things out. Yet, there Abreu was in the lineup again in the opening game of the Cubs series.
It makes us wonder how much power does Espada truly have? The Astros have some other options at first base. Yainer Diaz may only have eight games played at the position, but how much worse could he be than Abreu defensively? Abreu already has four errors, and Diaz is obviously a way better hitter. Victor Caratini isn't considered a plus offensive player, but his .276 batting average makes him look like Babe Ruth compared to Abreu. Let him catch more often and play Diaz at first. Starting Diaz at first more often could also lengthen his career long-term.
Maybe that's too wild of a move. Okay, fine. How about playing Mauricio Dubon at first base? I understand he doesn't have much experience at that position, but what's the downside of trying him there? If he can play shortstop, he can play first base. He's driving in runs at a higher rate (11 RBIs) than everyone on the team outside of Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. And he's producing like that as part-time player right now.
The other criticism we see of Espada is his use of Jon Singleton to pinch hit late in games. Let's be real, though, who else does Espada have on the roster to go to? Batting Abreu late in games in which you're trailing should be considered malpractice. Espada can only use who he has to work with. This all really stems from the Astros poor farm system.
They don't have anyone else to turn to. The draft picks the club lost from the sign-stealing scandal are really hurting them right now. First and second rounders from 2020 and 2021 should be helping you in 2024 at the big league level.
Maybe they go to Astros prospect Joey Loperfido soon, but after a hot start he has only two hits in his last six games.
Finally, we have to talk about what seems like a committee making baseball decisions. Lost in a committee is accountability. Who gets the blame for making poor decisions?
As time continues to pass it looks like moving on from former GM James Click was a massive mistake. He's the guy that didn't sign Abreu, but did trade Myles Straw (recently DFA'd) for Yainer Diaz and Phil Maton. He also built an elite bullpen without breaking the bank, and helped the club win a World Series in 2022.
The reality of the situation is Dusty Baker and James Click are not walking back through that door. And all good runs come to an end at some point. Is this what we're witnessing?
Don't miss the video above as we hit on all the points discussed and much more!
Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) with Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan. We drop two episodes every week on SportsMapHouston's YouTube channel. You can also listen on Apple Podcast, Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts.