Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Tuesday Morning Hot Links

The Astros hit four home runs and beat the Tigers 8-1. Houston is 27-15 and brings their Road record back to .500 at 11-11. Houston has a 6-game winning streak in which they've outscored their opponents 50-12. It's not bad. Remember that watching this team is a blessing, though this blessing has been earned by the blood and hand-wringing of 2010-2014. The win gives the Astros the best record in baseball, edging out the 27-16 Dodgers by a half-game.

*Since going 2-5 to open the season against Tampa and Arlington, Houston is 25-10.

*They have hit four home runs for the second straight game and have 31 home runs in their last 11 games. The Marlins have hit 24 home runs all season. Springer, who went 2x5:
I think that the team mentality - don't quit and pass the baton onto the next guy - is absolutely huge. It's a testament to the guys on this team. Just go out and try to win every single day no matter what happens.

*Houston struck out three times on the night, their lowest total in a game since the 7-1 win over Minnesota on April 24. They've now gone 15 straight games without striking out 10+ times. The 2018 Astros went 25 games without double-digit Ks, from June 3-June 30.

*Brad Peacock threw 5IP, 3H/1ER, 3K:4BB, with only 49 of his 88 pitches going over for strikes. It's the fourth time in his career that he has walked 4+ batters and won the game, the last coming on July 9, 2017. The Astros would go on to win the World Series. Peacock:
I didn't have my best stuff, but I grinded through it, had some great plays by the guys and they swung it today. That's all you can ask for. I was happy to get through five today. I know it could have been a lot worse.

 *Hector Rondon's last ten appearances: 8.1IP, 7H/2ER, 5K:3BB. Last night was the first hit he had allowed since April 26.

*For the 9th time in 42 games this season, Astros pitchers did not allow a home run.

*Aledmys Diaz had two hits, including a home run. In the last three games, since Altuve has been out for a full game, Diaz is 5x13 with 2HR and 7RBI.

*Jake Marisnick was 2x3 with a homer, stolen base, and 2RBI. He also got flat-out drilled on the elbow in the 9th inning. We'll see how much time that costs him.

*Robinson Chirinos hit a home run and drew two walks in a game for the first time since August 3, 2011.

*George Springer earned a share of the AL Player of the Week honors. Sarah Langs writes that Springer has taken the next step towards super-stardom.

*Casey Harrison writes about Verlander's trip down memory lane in Detroit. Verlander:
There's some anxiousness and just a little bit of excitement. I don't think that will ever go away. It's just something that I was here for so long, just a lot of memories.

 Within the link we also find that Altuve may not start rehabbing his hamstring until the middle to the end of the week. Hinch:
We don't have a target date. We're going to let his treatment plan play out and then we'll work towards getting him back up and running.

 *Richard Justice notes that since Hinch moved Springer to the leadoff spot on May 24, 2016, the Astros have the best record in baseball (298-185).

 *Chandler Rome: 1B Coach Don Kelly returned to Detroit, where his legend began. Kelly:
I think being a hard-nosed, blue-collar type guy resonated with the city. They appreciated it even though you don't go up and get a hit every time, but you go out there and give it everything you've got. They appreciate that. 

*Max Stassi, on Corbin Martin's debut:
I thought he did amazing. He's wise beyond his years. He's very level-headed. No highs, no lows. Obviously, he has the stuff to pitch here for a long time. It was very, very impressive.

*If Power Rankings are your thing, the Astros took #1 in USA Today's Power Ranking, as well as The Score, and The Athletic. They're 2nd in ESPN's.

*Justin Verlander and Papa John's are teaming up to save future service dogs for returning veterans. Meanwhile, Verlander sits atop the first Cy Poll of 2019 (I do not know who gets to vote on this).

*Kyle Tucker hit a triple and then stole home...

*Seth Beer leads the Carolina League with nine home runs.

*SI's Matt Martell lists the Astros as the 3rd-best fit for Madison Bumgarner.

*Seattle beat Oakland on a walkoff last night. They're 21-23. The Mariners are 5-19 against teams currently over .500.

*NY Mag: Los Angeles Fire Season is beginning again. And it will never end.

*Tracy Morgan turned the drama of his life into comedy.

*A Musical Selection:


Posted by
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,