SportsNation Blog Archives
Houston Astros
Opening Day -- well, Opening Night, really, and we technically already had one of those in Japan, but who's counting? -- is finally here, as the Cardinals will take on the Marlins tonight in the first stateside regular-season MLB game. It's bound to be an exciting season with so many players having changed teams, but has the power structure been altered significantly?
Vote: Pick each division and pennant, and the winner of the World Series
Rank: Baseball's best teams? | Top players in the game?
World Series repeat?
The Cardinals prevailed over the Rangers in the 2011 World Series, but St. Louis lost its biggest gun this past offseason ...
Best player?
... which is a pretty big loss, considering he might be one of the best players of all time.
Odd one out?
The Red Sox missed the playoffs last season after an epic September collapse. Will they be on the outside looking in once again?
AL's best?
Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols were probably the two biggest additions to teams in the American League, meaning the balance of power could shift.
NL's best?
Likewise, the addition of Jose Reyes to the Marlins could give the team a huge upgrade -- offensively with new third baseman Hanley Ramirez, and defensively at shortstop.
The sale of just about any franchise is usually a hugely impactful event, but in the case of the Astros, it might have an effect far beyond Houston. MLB has reportedly required prospective owner Jim Crane to move the team to the AL West as part of his purchase deal. The move would even the number of teams in each league at 15 apiece, which would necessitate daily interleague play. Fans have generally reacted positively to occasional interleague matchups, but would the concept work as the rule rather than the exception?
- "As a Cub fan it will be nice to have an even division, however it will be sad to see Houston go instead of Milwaukee who should have never been there anyway." -- SN commenter brad0392
- "I really hate this. The Astros have been a NL team for 50 years!! I don't care about them being in the western division so long as it's in the NATIONAL LEAGUE. That's where they started." -- SN commenter Jonesy713
Change of scenery?
The Astros haven't been able to make much of a dent in the NL Central over the past few years. Might a change of scenery do them good?
Best fit?
The Cardinals and Brewers obviously are staying put, as they made the playoffs last season, but would the AL West benefit more from the Cubs or Pirates rather than the Astros?
With the trade deadline come and gone, the Houston Astros aren't likely to pop up in the news again until Jeff Bagwell's Hall of Fame fate is decided this winter. But is Bagwell evidence of why fans of a team that is 35-73 should be optimistic? Bagwell, of course, arrived in Houston as a prospect in a deadline deal, like those the Astros acquired for Michael Bourn, Jeff Keppinger and Hunter Pence. Rank 'Em: Deadline winners and losers?
- "So the Astros are losers because they traded away two mediocre players, who, although nice, you can't build a competitive team around? Especially not with a farm system like theirs. They went from the worst team in baseball AND the second worst system to the worst team in baseball and a very respectable system that might still lack absolute star power but at least shows some depth." -- SN commenter so ebbes
Good day to be an Astros fan?
There may be more excitement in Oklahoma City and Corpus Christi, where two of the Astros' affiliates play, but should fans of the worst team in baseball be encouraged by trading the likes of Hunter Pence for prospects?
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
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2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
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2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
It's official: Roy Oswalt will no longer have to try to win games with a team that's putting up a .299 OBP. Oswalt waived his no-trade clause, clearing the way for him to join the Philadelphia Phillies (currently in a knockdown, drag-out pennant race).
Oswalt's been one of the finest pitchers in the majors for much of his career, although he's rarely gotten the attention he deserves. Recent years have dragged on Oswalt's winning percentage -- his 12 losses this season actually lead the league -- but he still gives up few hits and keeps the ball in the park. He's joining Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels in the rotation, giving the Phillies an intimidating trio of aces (especially in a short playoff series). Could he be the missing piece Philadelphia needs to make the playoffs?
“He signed his deal when things were good and as soon as things start going bad he wants out. Typical athlete. I don't blame the Astros for trading him, rebuilding has been a long time coming for that team, but I love when guys sign a deal and when things start to go bad they want out.
” -- brewerfan54
“We are only 3.5 out with Utley, Rollins, Victorino, Happ and Polanco all out for parts of this year. That's 4 starters, all of whom are former all-stars, and the rookie-of-the-year runner up and our No. 3 starter. So yeah the Phillies of the first half are not the team that went to back to back WS. But by the end of August, everyone will be healthy and now we have the best front three in baseball. Phils-Yanks again in the series, sorry but there is no debate that the Phils are tops in the NL talentwise and with Oswalt and health, goodnight and thanks for trying Atlanta. I will miss Happ, but you can't pass on one of the best pitchers in the game.
” -- cjmfour
The reason why Roy Oswalt is seeking to leave the Astros, the only team he's ever known? Fortunately, we have developed a complex mathematical equation that answers the question quite succinctly:
3.12 ERA plus 117 strikeouts minus 33 walks divided by a 1.07 WHIP should not equal a 6-11 record.
Now you see what Keith Law is talking about when he harps on win-loss records being next-to-useless. Oswalt is one of the best pitchers in the league right now (and has been for a long time), but he's just not getting the run support he needs in Houston. Therefore, he's seeking to be traded to a contender, such as the Phillies. Oswalt's salary demands may kill a deal, but he could be just the extra piece that a good team needs to become great.
“Oswalt would be a great fit in any rotation. I hate to see him go, but HOU needs to start from scratch (build around Pence, Bourn, Castro). Berkman, Oswalt and even Myers or anyone with value. One thing that HOU hasn't done, is build a solid minor league foundation. That has to be a priority.
” -- irishpat183
“As healthy as Oswalt has been, doesn't seem like a stretch to guarantee next year at $16 million.
” -- jdoublej77
- Rank 'Em: Who are the biggest prizes rumored to be on the market?
- Vote: How will the playoff race unfold in each league?
- Chat: MLB Insider Keith Law sets you straight in chat, 1 p.m. ET.
There may be plenty of shopping days left until Christmas (163 if you're counting), but time is running out for baseball teams hoping to find that special something for the pennant race. The end of the month brings the non-waiver trade deadline and the opportunity for general managers to make the kind of mark Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. did last summer in trading for Cliff Lee -- or, you know, the kind of impression the Cubs made in trading Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio in 1964.
Perhaps hoping lightning strikes twice, the Rangers made a big splash by landing Lee before the All-Star break, while the Braves used the pause to trade for slugging shortstop Alex Gonzalez. But could a player like Prince Fielder or Roy Oswalt tilt the scales enough in favor of another team willing to make a move?
Kevin Larson (Oak Lawn)
What kind of players are available for Kenny Williams to grab before the trade deadline? What about Adam Dunn coming to Chicago?
ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine
I have talked about Dunn for a month. the problem is his defense is poor and his baserunning is plodding. That's not exaclty Ozzie Ball type material. The part that Kenny Williams likes is the home run power from the left side. The Sox have lacked offensive balance all season long. When Quentin hits the team seems to score. Full transcript
Brandon (Springfield)
Should the Braves make a move for Corey Hart? Do you believe he is having a fluke season so far?
Rob Neyer
A little bit, maybe. But I think last season was the bigger fluke. Hart's a legitimate power hitter and could help a lot of clubs. Full transcript
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Can you see either Matt Kemp or Josh Willingham going to the Braves for the stretch run?
Jayson Stark
I don't. I keep hearing that the Nationals are telling teams interested in Willingham that they prefer to move Adam Dunn if they move either of them. And it's very unlikely Matt Kemp gets traded. If he does, he'll be very expensive. Also, the Braves can't add much payroll. Full transcript
So the baseball classifieds suggest there is a future Hall of Famer looking for an exit from the team whose cap would adorn his plaque in Cooperstown? And it's not Ken Griffey Jr.? Where do we sign up?
Well, maybe more like a possible future Hall of Famer. A fixer-upper Hall of Famer, if you will.
Roy Oswalt would like out of Houston, as Rob Neyer discussed on ESPN Radio's "All Night" via the link to the left. And unlike the rest of his teammates who probably feel much the same way about a team buried in the NL Central cellar -- no easy task with the Pirates around, Oswalt has the stature and contract that might lead to his wish being granted. But would teams be trading for a guy with Cooperstown potential?Still just 32, Oswalt is No. 11 in wins among active pitchers. Baseball-Reference.com's list of the 10 most similar pitchers through age 31 includes just one Hall of Famer in Dizzy Dean, but Mike Mussina, Don Newcombe and Andy Pettittee isn't bad company to keep. So with a 139-76 record and 3.21 ERA in 10 seasons, is he on pace for the Hall of Fame?
Nick (LA)
Do the dodgers make a deal for Roy Oswalt or any other "ace" at the deadline? Something will need to be done to have any chance in the playoffs!
Jayson Stark
I'm not sure if you've heard this, but Divorce Court is in session out there. And it's still unclear whether the Dodgers are going to be able to add anybody, especially a guy making serious change like Oswalt. They're a top-of-the-rotation starter away from being a team that could do some serious damage in October. But it's tough to bet on them being able to get that kind of pitcher. Full transcript
“Send him to ATL for Kawakami and Escobar. Heck, we might even throw in a couple of minor leaguers too. Think of the rotation he'd be entering---Huddy, Lowe, Hanson, Medlen/Jurjjens(when he heals). That rotation would be nearly untouchable as long as the bats stay hot like they are. The Frolicking Fillies wouldn't have the east locked up after all.
” -- jeff-burgess
“Ed Wade LOVES to deal with his old team... the Phillies....I wouldnt be surprised if thats where he ends up. I am pretty sure they would have to include Hamels and/or top prospect Dominick Brown.... but I would LOVE to have Roy and Roy in Philly for 2 years!
” -- JORtenzi
It's just like the census, only this one is fun and doesn't come in the mail. And nobody from FOX News or MSNBC will yell at you about it. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2010 MLB survey
2009 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 1)
2. Milwaukee Brewers (Overall: No. 7)
3. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 16)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 23)
5. Philadelphia Phillies (Overall: No. 24)
Take part in the 2010 NFL survey
2009 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Overall: No. 3)
2. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 13)
3. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 14)
4. Tennessee Titans (Overall: No. 15)
5. New England Patriots (Overall: No. 19)
Take part in the 2010 NBA survey
2009 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 5)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 9)
3. New Orleans Hornets (Overall: No. 12)
4. Houston Rockets (Overall: No. 17)
5. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 18)
Take part in the 2010 NHL survey
2009 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Carolina Hurricanes (Overall: No. 2)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 4)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 6)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 8)
5. St. Louis Blues (Overall: No. 10)
There is, of course, baseball being played outside the Bronx this weekend. For instance, the Pawtucket Red Sox square off against the Norfolk Tides, and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees -- fresh off taking three of four from Pawtucket -- face the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. And people say there are no good nicknames anymore.
Sorry, we got a little caught up in the Sox-Yankees quagmire for a second. What we meant is that there are plenty of perfectly compelling MLB series taking place this weekend without the participation of either Terry Francona or Joe Girardi. Not surprisingly, exactly which of those series matters most depends on where you live, but the Rangers and Angels hold a slight edge on the rest of the field nationwide.
Almost a month ago, SportsNation tabbed the Rangers as the second-best bet to overtake a division leader, behind only those inescapable Yankees. And just this week, the team from Texas ranked No. 7 overall in SportsNation's MLB Power Rankings. But at 4.5 games behind the Angels in the AL West, a bad weekend in Anaheim would be costly.
- Tigers still lead Central but SportsNation picking White Sox to win in the end.
- 67 percent say a healthy Jake Peavy would give White Sox pitching edge on Tigers.
- Another shoe to drop? Half of SportsNation expects a major August waiver deal.
- Beyond the Nation: Detroit Free Press' Michael Rosenberg on the AL Central race.
- Groups: Texas Rangers | Tiger Den | THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS GROUP
“No one else I'd rather have start off the series than old Feldy. Going to be a lot of frustration coming from the Angels' bats tonight as about half of them will end up in two pieces on the field.
” -- ohcomeon21
“I'm not one to predict wins and such, but I have an eerily good feeling about this series for the Angels. Though it could just be my homer-ness talking.
” -- slyintine
“The Twins and White Sox didn't help their cause yesterday, while we ripped off a win. Hopefully we can keep this roll going against Minny this weekend, the top of the pitching order rolls over again tomorrow too. Nice!
” -- KaneBowman
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