NERDS AROUND TOWN
Nerds Around Town: Aquaman, Superman and the X-Men
Oct 21, 2019, 6:14 am
ART BY JESUS RODRIGUEZ
Born with a comic book in one hand and a remote control in the other, Cory DLG is the talent of Conroe's very own Nerd Thug Radio and Sports. Check out the podcast replay of the FM radio show at www.nerdthugradio.com!
GOOD DEED OF THE DAY
Nov. 2 is fast approaching and that means Extra Life is almost upon us. It's a great charity drive that benefits the Children's Miracle Network and Nerd Thug Radio has been a happy member of the process since we started our little show three years ago. Join in, donate, help kids, have fun... It's pretty simple.
KING OF THE SEA
Jason Mamoa continues to impress in how he handles his career. I've mentioned several times how he's incredibly famous for basically only being in about 4 or 5 roles his whole career, but he continues to impress apparently bringing in a whole pitch to his initial meetings with Warner Bros for an Aquaman 2. They currently say he is co-writing the sequel, which is an awesome credit to his resume, I'm not sure if he's got other writing credits, I know none of the DC stuff before this or the Game of Thrones he wrote for so this would be a heck of a debut movie to co-write. Anyway his passion for the characters and roles he takes on are I think what people cling to and he continues to impress with that passion.
CLARK WHO?
Rumors have been swirling for awhile about Brian Michael Bendis' big plans for Superman and it looks like one of those is him getting rid of the Clark Kent identity. They've been slowly rolling this story out overtime with Lois Lane and Superman kissing publicly recently resulting conversation about their relationship and how Clark Kent factors into it. From there the story is going to continue and eventually Superman will choose or be forced to reveal that he is Clark Kent and at that point, there will be all kinds of issues coming from this. Heroes will feel betrayed and allegedly it will inspire a villain of some merit to "repent" so to speak, it's interesting to see where this goes.
THE WOES OF THE X MEN
Cullen Bunn gives an awesome and honest interview on AIPT, which is a great comic book website to check out. He talks about how he had big ideas for lots of characters and stories but Hickman's coming House of X basically prevented him from being able to make too many major changes to the overall arc and characters of the X Universe. Although honestly, I think considering how Hickman's story would rewrite the very reality of the X-Men universe they could have done whatever they wanted. I personally would like to see a story where basically they say, go crazy, do whatever you want. This is ultimately the problem with working in someone else's sandbox though, they limit how you tell your stories but it is the X-Men.
NOT THAT YOU ASKED
Casting has been coming out about Matrix 4 and honestly I'm excited about the casting, Jessica Henwick was awesome in Iron Fist and fantastic in her limited role of Game of Thrones. Capable of great action and good acting, I think she's a great choice for any action movie, but the real question I have is, do we need a Matrix 4? What's it supposed to be about? I hear most of the cast is back but for real, what are we doing here? Another Matrix movie? Weren't 2 and 3 bad?
Feel free to check out my brand new comic book Another Day at the Office or buy a shirt from Side Hustle Ts where some proceeds help people struggling with cancer or listen to Nerd Thug Radio. Thoughts, complaints, events and comments can be sent to corydlg@gmail.com.
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How Hunter Brown's impact on the Astros sparks a fresh perspective
Jul 26, 2024, 2:42 pm
With Tuesday’s trade deadline fast approaching, the Astros will look to add the necessary pieces to sustain their recent winning ways and make another playoff run this season.
It's no secret Houston is in need of rotation help with players such as J.P. France, Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy all needing season-ending surgeries. Even considering the presumptive returns of Justin Verlander and Luis Garcia in some capacity, it would behoove the Astros to acquire more pitching options to help solidify their rotation.
General manager Dana Brown has made it clear he will be looking to add both starting pitchers and players who can play first base.
Astros fans should expect their team to make a move or two by Tuesday’s deadline, just as they have done in years past.
Zach Eflin
Recent reports suggest the Astros are one of several teams interested in Rays’ pitcher Zach Eflin who has a 5-7 record and 4.09 ERA this season.
The 30-year-old signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Rays prior to the 2023 season and would be an affordable option for the Astros if they were to acquire him.
Although the Rays have a 52-51 record, it doesn't seem like they will become buyers at the trade deadline and could sell off some of their pieces while staying competitive.
Historically speaking, Tampa Bay has never been afraid to let their higher level pitchers go as they did with Blake Snell prior to the 2021 season and Tyler Glasnow during this past offseason
The Rays have multiple pitchers returning from injuries and can afford to let someone like Eflin go.
The only pause the Astros might have is the asking price in return from the Rays. If this is the case, there are other short-term pitching options the Astros could look to instead.
Jack Flaherty
The Tigers are stuck in the middle between good and bad and don’t seem to be playoff contenders this season, making them an ideal candidate to become sellers at the trade deadline.
One of the biggest names on the trading block recently has been Jack Flaherty who has a 7-5 record with a 2.92 ERA and 133 strikeouts this season.
Considering he's a free agent at the end of the year, it shouldn’t cost the Astros much in return to acquire the Tigers' pitcher.
Houston has not been directly linked to the 28-year-old, but he could be a low-risk, high-reward rotation piece.
Flaherty could be a perfect number 3 or 4 option in the rotation behind Framber Valdez, Ronel Blanco and Hunter Brown.
Yusei Kikuchi
Similarly to Flaherty, Yusei Kikuchi is on a Blue Jays team with little to no playoff hopes this year and is set to become a free agent at the end of this season.
Toronto has already hinted at becoming sellers at the trade deadline and could look to offset many of their impending free agents.
Kikuchi’s record at 4-9 and 4.54 ERA might not be impressive, but he does have 133 strikeouts this season and can be a reliable back end of the rotation piece for the Astros if acquired.
Adding a starting pitcher is certainly a priority, but Houston will also scour the market for first base options as well.
Isaac Paredes
The Astros have been connected to Rays’ infielder Isaac Parades in the last few days and it seems to make sense for both sides.
As mentioned earlier, Tampa Bay is in an interesting situation this season and could become pseudo sellers by the deadline.
The Rays have a plethora of infielders in their origination and can afford to trade someone like Parades and still remain competitive.
The 25-year-old can play first or third base, and has been used as a designated hitter this season as well. Parades has a slash line of .250/.353 /.797 and could be an improvement at first base over Jon Singleton.
Acquiring him could be affordable as his salary is only $3.4MM this year. Parades has three additional years of club control, and his defensive versatility could make him a perfect long-term addition to this Astros’ roster.
Brent Rooker
This one might be a stretch, but would it be shocking to see the A’s let go of one of their best players? The answer is no. Brent Rooker has had a remarkable season, hitting near .300 and becoming one of Oakland’s most consistent bats in their lineup.
The 29-year-old has been the A’s primary designated hitter this season, but has the ability to play both corner outfield positions as well.
Even though Houston doesn't need another DH/outfielder, Rooker's bat would be an upgrade in the lineup and could give the Astros another weapon to add to their offensive arsenal.
Although not as likely as the other candidates mentioned, Rooker would be a more realistic and cheaper option to acquire than someone like Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Honorable Mentions
Starting pitchers Jameson Taillon (Cubs) and Erick Fedde (White Sox) have been linked to the Astros recently, and either would be an ideal fit.
Both players would add necessary pitching depth, and either could fit in seamlessly as a 4th or 5th starter in the rotation.
Needless to say, Houston seems to be casting a wide net to increase their odds of landing someone who can help the team immediately.
An ideal scenario would be for the Astros to acquire at least one pitcher and use a six-man rotation once Verlanader and Garcia come back at some point this year.
It would be beneficial for the Astros to acquire an extra starting pitcher or two to add to their rotation and maybe another option who can play first base as well to ensure this team continues to improve and make another run at the postseason this year.