Astros Crawfish Boil: September 11, 2015

Houston Astros News:

The Houston Astros celebrate home runs with gummy bears | FOX Sports
When an Astros player goes deep, they get rewarded with a sweet treat

Astros don't plan on ending Cinderella run anytime soon | Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: With September baseball upon us, the young and surprising first-place Astros are ready for the challenge of a pennant race.

It's do-or-die time for Astros as playoffs near - Houston Chronicle
LOS ANGELES - Most fans snickered earlier this year when Astros owner Jim Crane declared that he expected a playoff run this season. The Astros have played so surprisingly well this season, anything short of the playoffs now will be considered a disappointment by the players and fans.

Astros-Angels Preview - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: Although Albert Pujols' sore right foot has reduced him to a designated hitter down the stretch for the Los Angeles Angels, the veteran first baseman hasn't missed a game in three weeks. "It's bothering me," said Pujols, who has 12 RBIs in his last 15 games. With 12 losses in their last 19 games and a 16-29 skid since they led the AL West in late July, the Angels (70-69) begin the weekend in third place in their division.

It’s official: Rangers move Hamels to Monday vs. Astros | The Star-Telegram
As expected, Chi Chi Gonzalez will start Sunday in a move that will impact both remaining series vs. Houston.

MLB: King Felix stymies Mariners - Houston Chronicle
SEATTLE - Nelson Cruz reached 40 home runs for the second straight season, Felix Hernandez pitched three-hit ball for eight innings, and the Seattle Mariners downed the Texas Rangers 5-0 Thursday.

News from Around The League:

Rumor: Tigers to fire Brad Ausmus at end of 2015 season - Bless You Boys
Given the team's recent performance, this isn't much of a surprise.

Let's yell at each other about the MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year debates - SBNation.com
On the Trout-Cabrera Scale of Internet Arguments, how much are we going to yell at each other over the major awards in the American League and National League?

Ruben Amaro, Jr. will not return to Phillies in 2016 - The Good Phight
Team president Andy MacPhail announced the news Thursday afternoon.

Pirates welcome A.J. Burnett back to mound with giant glowing bat signal - SBNation.com
Who knew that A.J. Burnett was really Batman? The Pirates pitcher got a special welcome upon his return to Pittsburgh on Thursday night.

Time for Mets fans to settle in and enjoy the ride - Amazin' Avenue
The stress of a pennant race has weighed heavily on Mets fans but now it's time to enjoy the ride, wherever it goes.

The worst of Ruben Amaro Jr. - The Good Phight
Amaro is mostly remembered for bad things, even though his tenure was a mixture of both.