Houston Sports: Three New Year’s wishes for Houston teams
Houston Astros
The Astros have had a slow offseason up to this point with the exception of signing Michael Brantley. This is a move that should help the Astros lineup to a bit. But it’s not enough for a team in contention for the World Series.
With Nelson Cruz, Paul Goldschmidt, and James Paxton going to other teams from the free agent market, as well as rumors of Houston getting Bryce Harper, Edwin Encarnacion and J.T Realmuto, the frustrations of waiting for something to help bolster the club is showing on the fans.
But even if the Astros don’t make another move, they’re still a team that no one should overlook. Chances are, the Astros winning 100-games again might not happen. But the only real threat to the Astros in the AL-West are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Not overlooking all the other teams in the division, but Seattle has blown up their club and is starting over. Oakland is a dark horse team in spite of their successful season last year. And Texas? Well, let’s just say they are still in a rebuilding mode.
Still, if there’s one thing the Astros would like, it’s to redeem themselves from 2018.
Hot. Why Encarnacion would be a solid addition. light
Wish #2 – Acquire another big name free agent, beat the Boston Red Sox, then win another World Series
The city would certainly like to add another championship banner on the light towers. But it would certainly feel sweeter if the Houston Astros can get by the Boston Red Sox in the playoffs.
The 2018 ALCS was disappointing. A tough seven-game series was expected. Instead, the series only lasted five games, including three losses at home. One could argue about the blown call on the Jose Altuve homer in Game 4 or the injuries are guys were dealing with. Regardless, at the end of the day, the Red Sox were the better team and that just needs to be accepted.
What I hope would happen for 2019 is for Houston to meet Boston in the playoffs and beat them. Of course, the player I would hope to deliver after hitting .133 in the ALCS is Bregman. I wish he would redeem himself with a walk-off homer off of Craig Kimbrel (if he returns) and make an incredible catch off Benintendi after Game 4. That way, Bregman wouldn’t have to hear about the missed chances to deliver in the clutch like in 2017. Bregman will bounce back and everyone, including Red Sox fans, should know it.
Should the Astros get by the Red Sox, then we have a chance to win another title. As much as the Astros know they’re a part of baseball history, winning a second title would really be the start of an incredible run of consistency. I also hope they continue to contend for titles for as long as possible. I’m not saying win 14 straight division titles. But perhaps make the playoffs seven times and possibly win two or three titles would be great.