Every-Thing Sports
With their first-round pick in the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select...
Sep 25, 2018, 7:17 am
So the Texans are 0-3 on the season and things don’t look too promising. Deshaun Watson looks out of sorts. Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, D.J. Reader, and several other defenders have only been seen on milk cartons as they’ve all been reported missing. The offensive line is simply offensive. To top it all off, head coach Bill O’Brien went Gary Kubiak in his post game presser with the “that’s on me” crap. This team is a dumpster fire with gas constantly being poured on it every week. The only good thing is the fact that owner Bob McNair hasn’t said anything inflammatory in months, although he did re-sign O’Brien to an unnecessary extension.
So what now? 0-3 teams have about a three percent chance at making the playoffs and about a one percent shot at winning their division. This isn’t going to be a tombstone moment like the 2005 Astros. The new reality facing Texans fans is now setting your eyes upon the upcoming draft. I know there are 13 more games left this season, but do any of you really think this team has a shot? Let’s take a look at positions of need for the upcoming draft:
Same position was a need a year ago. Ever since Duane Brown left, it’s been terrible. Jonah Williams of Alabama, Greg Little of Ole Miss, and Dalton Risner of Kansas State are three of the names in this group I’ve seen consistently listed as first round picks. Do you think Martinas Rankin and Julien Davenport are the answer? Do you want to see Watson in a wheelchair?
Jonathon Joseph is old enough to live in assisted living facilities. Kareem Jackson can’t run with the people Joseph would be living with. Aaron Colvin is like a 40 degree day. Kevin Johnson should get an injury settlement and be sent along his merry way. LSU’s Greedy Williams, Penn State’s Amani Oruwariye, and Georgia’s Deandre Baker are amongst the top corners out there.
“Why do we need and edge rusher? We have Watt, Clowney, and Mercilus!” That is exactly why you need an edge rusher. Watt will be 30 next year even though he’s slowly rounding back into form. Clowney is looking more and more like trade bait or a compensatory pick if they don’t resign him. Mercilus will be 29 next season and isn’t looking anything like his former self. Ohio State’s Nick Bosa, Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell and Miami’s Joe Johnson all have the body-type to play outside linebacker in this system. How well they adjust to a two-point stance could determine a lot.
I could also list inside linebacker (Benardrick Mc Kinney and Zach Cunningham have been exposed), wide receiver (Will Fuller is coming along, but can’t be counted on just yet), running back (Lamar Miller doesn’t strike fear in anyone), and quarterback (Watson needs a capable backup). O’Brien isn’t going anywhere any time soon. The roster needs an overhaul. Good thing they have their first and second round picks in the upcoming draft (two second rounders if you count Seahawk’s pick from Brown trade). GM Brian Gaine and O’Brien will have a ton of work to do this offseason. I truly hope they right the ship this season and keep it going for years to come. There’s only so many times I can write about this moribund franchise wallowing in mediocrity.
As we begin another week of MLB free agency, we still haven't seen any movement when it comes to Alex Bregman. Several reports are indicating that the market for Bregman is being impacted by Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander.
The thought being, Santander is expected to command less than Bregman, and teams are waiting to see how his market shakes out before making an offer to Breggy.
Which is interesting, because we're seeing reports about Santander softening his stance on demanding a four or five year deal. It appears he's willing to consider a shorter contract with a high yearly salary.
If that is indeed the case, should the Astros consider moving some salary if they can come to an agreement on a short-term deal with Santander?
In theory, trading Pressly's $14 million contract along with Victor Caratini's $6 million dollar deal could allow them to pay Santander $20 million. Of course finding a club to take on all of Pressly's money may not be realistic, but if they could pull it off, should they do it?
This move would weaken the bullpen and the depth at catcher, but the team still has Caesar Salazar to back up Yainer Diaz. And both Pressly and Caratini aren't likely to be back with the Astros anyway after their contracts expire after the 2025 season.
Should we be worried about the Rangers?
MLB Network's Robert Flores (huge Astros fan) joined the Locked on Astros YouTube channel last week and said he likes the Rangers chances to win the AL West this year, despite Vegas giving Houston better odds to win the World Series. Does he have a point?
Farewell to Justin Verlander
Verlander signed a one-year deal with the Giants last week, so it appears he's played his last game in an Astros uniform. But should we close the door on him being traded to Houston again if the 'Stros need another starter and the Giants are looking to move him at the deadline?
Plus, we share some of our favorite Verlander moments from the team's dynastic run!
Be sure to watch the video above as the guys from Stone Cold 'Stros break it all down! And be sure to share your favorite Verlander memories in the comment section on YouTube.