Falcon Points
Ranking the 5 biggest moves in a busy summer for Houston sports
Sep 4, 2019, 6:55 am
Falcon Points
Someone asked me on Twitter if there has ever been a more active summer in terms of Houston sports teams both on and off the field. You would be hard-pressed to find one. Let's look at the five biggest moves this summer and grade them:
The Texans botched their draft, then fired their GM search and botched that, leaving them with a "flatter" organization. It's also a dumber one. Mainly because of the "deal" they made to trade Jadeveon Clowney.
This is a move the Texans did not need to make, especially if they were going to go all-in on the other move on this list. Trading one of your best five players when you did not need to is frankly just dumb. Seattle might only get a year out of him, but then they would get a third round pick if he signs elsewhere, which is basically what they give up. Huge win for Seattle.
Grade: F.
Justin Verlander cemented his Cy Young case with a no-hitter on Sunday in Toronto, striking out 14. Verlander is 17-5 with 2.56 ERA and 257 strikeouts. We are seeing a future Hall of Famer at his very best.
Grade: A+.
The Astros made a big splash at the deadline, acquiring Zack Greinke. While he has not been dominant yet as an Astro, he is one of the best in the business and the move bolstered the Astros World Series chance. In addition, the exciting young Jordan Alvarez was called up and all he has done is make a run at the Rookie of the Year award by hitting well over .300 with 22 HRs and 63 RBI in just 66 games. Throw in Aaron Sanchez's debut with a combined no-hitter and the Stros continue to be the best run organization in the city.
Grade: A+
After the disastrous Clowney trade, the Texans shipped two No. 1s and a 2 to Miami for Laremy Tunsil and WR Kenny Stills. Tunsil is something the Texans have been desperate for ever since they shipped off Duane Brown for nothing - a legitimate, No. 1 left tackle with upside. The price was steep, but players like Tunsil are rarely available. He should make a huge difference. It also makes the Clowney trade worse, because if you are going all-in on the season, why don't you keep him?
Grade: B
The Rockets made a huge splash, acquiring former MVP Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul and a package of picks. While it may or not be a fit, putting Westbrook with Harden gives the Rockets an intriguing duo in the Western Conference. For sheer entertainment value, the Rockets get a good grade.
Grade: A-
The Texans and Rockets may never have another first-round pick, but if either team is successful, that will be forgotten. The Astros continue to be the gold standard by which all others are measured. Regardless, it has been one hell of an active summer. Now we will see how it all plays out when it counts.
San Francisco Giants (3-1) vs. Houston Astros (2-2)
Tuesday, 8:10 p.m. EDT, Houston
Probable Pitchers:
BetMGM Sportsbook Line:
Here's a look at tonight's lineup with Hayden Wesneski on the hill.
Let's do it.
⚾️: 7:10 PM
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM #BuiltForThis x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/DSuRmxUNZN
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 1, 2025
Bottom Line:
The San Francisco Giants aim to secure a series win against the Houston Astros after taking the opener. San Francisco is off to a strong start at 3-1, while Houston looks to even its record after a 2-2 start to the season.
The Astros, who finished 88-73 last season with a solid 46-35 home record, will rely on their lineup to generate runs against Logan Webb. Houston averaged 4.6 runs per game in 2024 while holding opponents to four runs per contest. Wesneski, making his Astros debut, will look to contain a Giants offense that averaged eight hits per game last season and launched 177 home runs.
Injuries:
Both teams will look to set the tone early as they continue this early-season interleague matchup.
*ChatGPT assisted.