Giving Thanks To Some Of The Astros Plays That Made 2012 Bearable

I like to learn new things and one of the coolest things I learned to do this year was make GIFs and I don't think that was a coincidence. Recently, the Oxford University Press named 2012 word of the year the 'GIF,' which unfortunately for the Astros meant some of their blunders made the internet rounds. Me being a proponent of the Astros didn't just stick to highlighting blunders and also highlighted some of the good things they did.

In this post we'll take a look at some of the GIFs we're thankful for as Astros fans. Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's the first GIF I ever made

Remember when fans were excited at Jordan Schafer's hot start to the season? This was one of his four homeruns on the year, more specifically this was grand slam that just eluded the glove of Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Either.

April in Milwaukee

I've never been a fan of collisions at home plate and this one involving Mat Gamels running over Jason Castro made me further dislike the play. Castro was blocking the plate, but it was pretty clear to Gamel halfway down the line that the ball was going to beat him to the plate so he made the decision to lower the boom. I think there's blame on both parties here, catchers shouldn't be blocking the plate and runners shouldn't be looking to decapitate the catcher.

Castro did hold onto the ball to complete the double play, but I'd rather give up an out and let the runner score than watch his head bounce off the ground again and again.

This could only happen to Schafer

Quiet possible the best out I've ever seen.

Chris Snyder brings sexy back

This was one of seven homeruns by Snyder.

Schafer with some nice defense in center

The advanced defensive numbers have never really liked Schafer's defense but that doesn't mean he didn't make a nice play or two.

Marwin Gonzalez goes deep

Gonzalez takes Joe Blanton deep.

Run Carlos! Run!

<-insert fat jokes here->

Chris Johnson homers against Cubs

Watch Matt Garza's reaction

Jed Lowrie takes a Cubs player deep

Another awesome reaction from a Cubs pitcher

The Scorpion Strikes

This was to left centerfield.

CJ is not pleased

This was my go to GIF for when things weren't going the Astros way (I used it a lot). There's so much going on in this GIF from Johnson's hope that he's called safe, to his reaction, to the umpire ejecting him by taking a Saturday Night Fever pose.

Wilton Lopez is pumped

One of the bright spots for the Astros this year.

Lucas Harrell tries to get his team fired up

This was my celebration GIF (I didn't get to use it nearly as much as I would have liked). Love the unfazed look of Dave Clark with someone screaming in his ear.

Justin Maxwell shows us why the defensive metrics like him

Now if only he could stay healthy.

Speaking of Maxwell, he also hits buh-buh-bombs

I showed two GIFs of Maxwell hitting bombs because I think he has one of the best bat flips in the major leagues. You know, the one that we enjoy but opposing fans hate.

CJ with some wow inducing defense

Johnson is one of the worst defenders at third base according to defensive metrics, but he always seemed good at charging balls.

Maxwell scores on a pickoff attempt

For fun compare this GIF to the Carlos Lee scoring from first GIF.

Jose Altuve with a fine defensive play

Finally, I'll leave you with a very nice defensive play courtesy of everyone's favorite little engine that could.

This post is sponsored by Jack in the Box.