MLB/NBA/NFL/NHL/UH, Astros, former NCAA SP/BskB, movies/TV, dad, Fit, Fmr BB/BB/FB/SB/coach; Educator, Supt., no MAGA and no radical libs politics, widower
No showboating. No slow walking. No attention to himself.
He politely runs the bases & greets his teammates.
The smallest guy in baseball picks up his team like a champion.
Meanwhile, in the dugout Altuve is hurling more F-Bombs than George Carlin.
This is hilarious. Mark DeRosa, who I like, left Astros off his top 5 list yesterday. So, he got “yelled at” on Twitter.
Here’s his apology…this is freaking priceless & beautiful.
#Ready2Reign
Morning humor-
Martin Short’s popularity continues to rise in recent years.
However, for me, his Jiminy Click character is hilarious and unmatched. You can find dozens on You Tube.
I’ll say this…
-LMJ goes down, enter Hunter Brown
-Luis Garcia down, hello JP France
-Down goes Altuve, in comes Dubón
-Chas down, come on Rake Meyers
-Urquidy down, enter Bielak
There is no quit on the Astros. They may not win WS , but I’m still damn proud.
#Ready2Reign
Tough news for the Houston
#Astros
, who were without Jose Altuve for 2 months, still don’t have Michael Brantley, and now are without MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez for 4-6 weeks, targeting late July.
Here’s the thing about Julia-
1. This type of recognition is long overdue.
2. She’s EXTREMELY well spoken…and most of all…genuine.
3. No daily glamour shots on X.
4. She’s prepared, sharp, with an exceptional amount of class, timing & sense of humor. 👏
Remembering when Astros Kyle Tucker deliberately got picked off so Yuli’s run would count after leaving early on a caught fly ball.
DBacks could then no longer challenge the play.
Chess and checkers-
This is the very reason the Astros wanted Abreu. That’s 4 HR and 11 RBI in 8 post season games with the Astros. With Tucker struggling badly, this has been essential.
#Ready2Reign
As big of a fan as I am of the Astros, I try and remain objective on observations, assessments, causality…all that.
But Jose Altuve is one of the classiest athletes in the world. The hate he receives is so ridiculously misguided.
I’m proud of him.
Seeing a couple of mlb writers with reports that Yuli may be heading to the Marlins. If so, many fans will miss his sense of humor, play on the field and iconic hair.
Yuli wasn’t THE piece…but a big piece of the most successful period in Astros history.
First thoughts this morning are of Jose Altuve; subjected to the most ridiculous conspiracy theories, hate, and vitriol from knucklehead fans who refuse to hear facts. He’s handled himself w/ grace and class beyond what anyone would expect.
#levelup
Remembering Martin Maldonado’s buzzer checking response to Arson Judge’s childish gesture the game before.
A classic response to a NYY team that spends more time hating and judging….than winning playoff games.
#Ready2Reign
#Astros
-In an “are you f**ing kidding me” game, Astros win in extras 4-3.
-I don’t think I’ve seen a more horrifically umpired game in my life.
-Altuve ejected for showing off his Sargent Hulka’s big toe. Espada ejected.
-Definitely a playoff vibe.
#Relentless
Alex Bregman was huge in the 2022 playoffs. While Yordan’s epic walk-off in game 1 vs Seattle rightfully gets the pub, without Bregman’s 2-run shot in the 8th, the Astros don’t win.
#LevelUp
Astros Jose Altuve getting some well deserved praise by mlb network. Altuve still playing elite baseball…despite the vitriol he receives every road game.
#Ready2Reign
Something impressive about CJ Stroud is he deflects praise on himself and instead directs it towards his teammates (and the Almighty).
This is very similar to one of the great Astros of all time…yes, Jose Altuve.
#Texans
#Astros
Don’t know what will happen w/ Michael Brantley. There’s some uncertainty given he’s recovering from surgery.
I do know this-he’s been an all time favorite of mine because he doesn’t make it about himself, plays hard & is one consistent SOG.
#levelup
One thought from yesterday re "the letter" was the utter hypocrisy by Judge. His pompous, holier than thou statements ('17) are foolish. The difference between he and Altuve?
Altuve admitted to cheating and he didn't even participate. Judge knew the NYY cheated and said nothing.
In the midst of a near catastrophic season for the Astros (compared to what we are used to) this is such a terrific story.
Great example of perseverance.
Since Abreu reassignment, Singleton has 4 HR. Astros have won 3 of those games.
#Relentless
Where would Astros be w/out recent Jose Abreu?
9/29 vs ARI-Drove in both runs in win 2-1
9/30 vs ARI-Drove in ONLY run in win 1-0
10/1 vs ARI- HR in win
10/10 vs MIN-Two HR, 5 RBI in win
10/11 vs MIN 2 R HR in 4th in win 3-2
& Stellar D
#Ready2Reign
Astros walk off Red Sox 5-4
-Those who endured this game know the Astros had no business winning with sloppy play on defense.
-But they refused to surrender.
-Thanks to Yordan for the scouting report to Yainer before his walk-off.
-Laaaawd!
#Relentless
Framber Valdez is no longer a secret. He was money during the post season run allowing a paltry 4 ER in 25 IP, striking out 33.
Framber inherits the “ace” moniker for the Astros entering 2023.
Josh Reddick retired this past Sunday. He was signed as a FA after the 2016 season and a big part of the Astros 2017 success (130 OPS+). Reddick was known for his “wooo”, rocket arm, passion & cool undergarments.
Good luck Josh!
@RealJoshReddick
#Astros
Tim Lincecum is one of two MLB pitchers to win multiple World Series championships, two Cy Young Awards, throw multiple no-hitters, and be elected to multiple All-Star Games. The other pitcher being Sandy Koufax.
Good morning to Jose Altuve interviewed by JP Morosi yesterday. There’s not a nicer, more humble or classier dude in baseball. Those outsiders who continue mistakenly berate him…fight me.
#Ready2Reign
GREAT interview. Just listen to the gracious nature of Jose Altuve.
-Then he gives compliments to the Rangers and Corey Seager.
It’s an f’ing shame this man has to endure such an unwarranted level of hate by misinformed knucklehead fans.
#Relentless
When it counts:
Jose Altuve PO stats-
.271/.344/.500/.844
23 HR 49 RBI
PO series won-14
WS won-2
Aaron Judge PO stats-
.211/.310/.462/.772
13 HR 25 RBI
PO series won-6
WS wins-0
“Don’t ever underestimate the ♥️ of a champion”
-Rudy T
#Astros
#Ready2Reign
In his 3 years with the Astros, Maton went from “OMG no, not him” to “he’s pretty good” to “why tf didn’t he use Maton”.
I’ll say this…in 18.1 playoff IP for the Astros, this f’r gave up 1 ER.
Good luck to the hyperactive & excitable Phillip Louis Maton.
Good morning-
-Marwin ties it in 9th ‘17
-Burke ‘04 NLDS W off
-Altuve ‘19 series W off vs NYY
-Correa throw home off Altuve bobble G2, ‘19
-Yordan W off G1 vs Mariners ‘22
-Bregman W off 1B G5
Who’s it going to be this year?
#Ready2Reign
#Astros
Kyle Tucker should have been a hero in Game 1 of the World Series slamming 2 HR w/ 4 RBI (not to be).
The sky’s the limit for Tucker. Larger bases and no shift should allow him to have a terrific year in ‘23. He is 4th in bWAR among all OF since 2020.
Astros come from behind win 7-6
-Unbelievable!!!!
-Framber struggled (7IP/6R)
-Astros’ hitters struggled until 9th with 4 run barrage via KTuck slam. (Note: Singleton started w/BB)
-One of the top comebacks in ‘23
-Tucker 5 RBI; Peña 3 hits.
#Ready2Reign
2022 was the breakout season for Bryan Abreu, something that had been predicted for quite some time.
Abreu was throwing 97-100 with an unhittable slider in the post season racking up 19 K’s in 11.1 IP.
Morning Astros reminder-
Phil Maton and Luis Garcia pitched an immaculate inning vs Texas Rangers…twice in the same game….while striking out the same 3 hitters (Lowe, Duran, Miller)!
#Ready2Reign
Astros players going in opposite directions:
Meyers
May .242/.329/.449/.778
June .183/.296/.300/.596
July .167/.167/.333/.500
Julks
May .234/.269/.329/.597
June .260/.341/.425/.766
July .361/.449/.444/.889
#Ready2Reign
A terrific tribute to Dusty Baker with some poignant thoughts; one being “ the Astros needed him and he needed them”.
A storied career from one of the more interesting figures in baseball over the last half century+.
#levelup
Congrats on the career of Michael Brantley who has decided to hang them up.
Brantley’s line with the Astros was an impressive .305/.365/.463/.828. He was one cool customer and tire changer and beloved by Astros fans.
All the best Uncle Mike!
#Astros
Mancini is one of the good humans out there. Instead of excuses, the guy apologizes for not hitting & was glad to make a play.
Much better than egomaniacs who respond with things like “I don’t give a sh*t” or some idiot lifting his jersey.
#levelup
Good morning to those Astros fans who wanted to trade Tucker for Realmuto in '18/'19:
'20 & '21 Stats:
Name BA HR RBI wRC+ fWAR Salary
Tucker .287 39 116 140 6.3 $1.19M
Realmuto .263 28 105 112 6.1 $30.0M
When interviewed all season, Jeremy Peña maintains his composure, is respectful of the game and the other team, congratulatory of his teammates and manager and when showing emotion doesn’t gloat-a great example for kids.
Remembering Astros with batting titles:
Altuve (2014, 2016, 2017)
Gurriel (2021)
Gurriel (at 37) was the 2nd oldest player to win it (Bonds, 38/‘02) and only the 2nd Cuban born player (Tony Olivia, ‘64/‘65/‘71) to do so.
#Ready2Reign
Fans/media are waking up to Astros resurgence.
-Lots of great taking points.
-Some added stats/context: Since Tucker went down-
Yainer .350
Altuve .344
Yordan .316
Bregman .304
-Brown’s last 8 starts-1.29 ERA(5-1)
#Relentless
Good morning to Jake Meyers.
-No, doesn’t hit much.
-But the dude chases down balls and many times sacrifices his body in the process.
-Elite defender in CF and by all accounts; a great teammate.
#Relentless
#Rangers
GM Chris Young:
"I'm very disappointed in the lack of professionalism of the Houston journalists for putting that out there. It's classless and it's not appropriate and it's completely fabricated. It's wrong."
Cristian Javier in 2022:
1. First pitcher to start 2 combined no-hitters in a season.
2. Ranked 1st in mlb in BAA (.169) for SP.
3. 2.20 career playoff ERA (14 games)
4. Boasts one of the great nicknames-(El Reptil)
A terrific discussion on the Astros relief pitchers and Dusty Baker; certainly well deserved as one of the greatest post season pitching performances of all time.
#levelup
Random Astros HR’s
#1
Who can forget “Gurriel has tied it”!
One of the craziest games in history.
LAD up 3-0
Then 4-0
HOU ties it
LAD up 7-4
HOU ties it
LAD up 8-7
Astros up 11-8
11-9
12-9
LAD ties it at 12
HOU wins 13-12
#Ready2Reign
Yainer has already passed his RBI total from last year (60), currently with 66.
James Click committed highway robbery bringing Yainer here.
#Relentless
Texans win in dramatic fashion!
-Texan QB skill differential painfully obvious
-Having said that, kicker differential happily obvious
-Keenum made some plays and was at times awful
-Defense really shut things down
-Singletary critical today game MVP
Astros win 2-1
-Both SP rocked it.
-Seems the Rays always prepare well for the Astros.
-Big Dubón go ahead (winning) single in 10th.
-Hader comes up huuuuuge with 2 innings and the W (5).
-Astros actually win in extras…not a freaking typo.
#Relentless
Astros win 6-3
-Yordan/Tucker driving in multiple runs
-Tough one for Javier
-Bregman & Tucker great def. plays
-Abreu’s slider was sick
-How about Hensley with an insurance RBI
-Corey Julks hit
#1
-Montero closes it out
-Mr.Magoo Ump
#Ready2Reign
Astros blank the Dodgers 5-0
-Framber just too good (6.1 IP/0 ER/10 K)
-HR Singleton (8) and Bregman (13)
-Meyers 3 hits
-BP 3 scoreless
-Dodgers sloppy on the base paths
-Big opening series win
#Relentless
Running it back
#5
Game 3 vs Mariners 10/15/22
Luis Garcia pitches 5 scoreless innings of 2 hit ball cementing a game 3 ALDS Astros win.
Probably not discussed enough as it’s one of best relief appearances in PO history.
#levelup