Why We Love the Crawfish Boxes

“Don’t you people have homes?!” - Judge Schmelz

This place is great because there’s always haranguing, internal conversations bordering on schizophrenia, hysterical Astroholic hyperbole, homerisms flying around, met with sober cold, calculating long knives to shiv off any nonsensical comments. We’ll counter with sarcasm, red herrings, ad hominem and hardy laughter. We’ll call it a day and come back like Coyote and sheep dog the next, “Mornin’, Ralph. Mornin’, Sam.”

Posted by GoStros1 on Sep 21, 2018 | 8:32 AM reply rec (1) flag

there’s always haranguing, internal conversations bordering on schizophrenia,

. . . but the real question is whether you can measure this; is there any data to back up your assertion?

Posted by Iowacowboy on Sep 21, 2018 | 8:57 AM reply rec (1) flag

There’s a standing 50/50 chance

That someone will harangue Boyce today in hopes he’ll make a cameo. Make that 100.

Posted by GoStros1 on Sep 21, 2018 | 10:30 AM up reply rec flag

Is Maldonado the slowest human?

Posted by bilbos on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:14 PM reply recs (1)

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Beltran was slower

Posted by Danteslion on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:15 PM up reply rec flag

It doesn’t seem possible, but McCann is even slower

Posted by Willie McGee’s Twin on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:16 PM up reply rec (1) flag

only one way to find out

we need to get them all into oversized hotdog costumes and let them hoof it

Posted by Homeboy H Jefferson on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:18 PM up reply rec flag

Or get them in the legends race with Julia.

Posted by Justin Schraeder on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:19 PM up reply rec flag

Why is the Ump Going to the Locker Room Every Half Inning?

What’s up with the home ump?

Dropping a deuce?

Posted by Trav in San Antonio on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:18 PM reply rec (1) flag

Torchy’s revenge?

Posted by SDsportsjunkie on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:19 PM up reply rec (1) flag

Class 1 download.

I bet the strike zone is pretty big this game….

Posted by Willie McGee’s Twin on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:20 PM up reply rec (1) flag

He’s been calling the high strike consistently.

Posted by Trav in San Antonio on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:22 PM up reply rec flag

#UmpDump

Posted by Homeboy H Jefferson on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:20 PM up reply rec (1) flag

Did he stop in Arlington for some Tex-Mex food?

Posted by Dr Rick on Sep 21, 2018 | 9:20 PM up reply rec (1) flag

The A’s are the Most Playoff Ready. They Beat the Angels After Scoring three Touchdowns

We need to score 11 more runs..

To prove we’re more playoff ready than Oakland!

Posted by Jlh071974 on Sep 21, 2018 | 10:52 PM reply rec (1) flag

O Where or Where did My Framber Go?

Lord I was born a Framblin Man

Tryin to makin livin, pitchin the best I can.

Posted by Jlh071974 on Sep 23, 2018 | 3:57 PM reply rec (2) flag

Those who left Framber off your roster

Are going to get Framber’d in a Frambery way, forgetting he

Framb-erases any scores

Framb-orizes opposition’s threats

Fram-bakes up the cookie they can’t hit.

Posted by GoStros1 on Sep 23, 2018 | 10:31 AM reply rec (4) flag

A Framber is like a Maddux -- a type of game

A Maddux is a complete game shut out with < 100 pitches.

A Framber is a 5-inning shutout with at least 5 walks — not easy to do.

I don’t know if Framber can pitch a Framber in the playoffs, but it would be interesting to see. (editor’s note, We won’t, not in the ALDS anyway)

Posted by maris61 on Sep 23, 2018 | 11:44 AM up reply rec (5) flag

And Don’t Call Me Shirley

Bullpen does serious work tonight.

Posted by chuckiepoo on Sep 24, 2018 | 10:33 PM reply rec flag

Notice no Rondon or Deviniski

Posted by CanuckStro2 on Sep 24, 2018 | 10:34 PM up reply rec flag

expectly absent.

Posted by chuckiepoo on Sep 24, 2018 | 10:35 PM up reply rec flag

iz expectly a real word?

Posted by chuckiepoo on Sep 24, 2018 | 10:36 PM up reply rec flag

Is iz is?

Posted by Jlh071974 on Sep 24, 2018 | 10:36 PM up reply rec flag

Shirley.

Posted by chuckiepoo on Sep 24, 2018 | 10:37 PM up reply rec flag

Just Walk Him

Bad call -Bregman should have walked

Posted by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 25, 2018 | 7:18 PM reply rec flag

It’s Okay - Bregman makes up for it by HITTING A HOMERUN !!!!!

Posted by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 25, 2018 | 7:18 PM up reply rec (1) flag

Jays tried to walk him.

Ump foiled the strategy. Thanks, Blue.

Posted by maris61 on Sep 25, 2018 | 7:20 PM up reply rec flag

Interesting Take on Osuna

Nah. It’s never been about convicting him.

Just many of us didn’t like the fact that the Astros leveraged pending criminal charges to get a better return in a baseball trade.

The victim returned to Mexico after the alleged assault and had no intentions of testifying. Without her testimony they had no way to convict. This happens quite often in DV cases (Ray Rice comes to mind…and they had video). This is hardly a ringing exoneration based on facts.

If they can’t convict him then he shouldn’t be in jail and he shouldn’t be banned from baseball. But if you are unwilling to acknowledge the ethical dilemma created by the trade or buy into Luhnow’s praise of the Astros’ zero tolerance policy in its wake, then I’m not sure I can be of much help.

Posted by Fat 3lvis on Sep 25, 2018 | 5:46 PM up reply unrec (3)

Eh - kind of agree (editor’s note, to another comment)

Not saying we would know the exact truth of what happened. But as of last time I looked there was 0 information other than speculation as to even what the accusation was. No comments from either side etc.

I mentioned in the original article about my family’s situation and how policy dictates that if there is any visible marks, the police are required to arrest, even if both parties say the marks are not from DV. (Not saying this is the case here)

We just know absolutely nothing about what occurred or even what the basis of the DV charges were.

What evidence do you have or information without the trial? Only things I’ve seen were: Bellboy at a hotel called it in, victim made a video taped statement to the police but we dont know what was said, Osuna claimed that MLB commissioner claimed if he appealed that they would push for a longer suspension, he was suspended for 75 games, and the victim refused to go back to Canada to pursue and her mom still wanted him involved in the Childs life.

Posted by HebrewHammah on Sep 26, 2018 | 11:09 AM

I don’t agree we have 0 information or evidence.

Heck, I’ve taught classes on evidence to other lawyers, and it is a term that it is consistently misused and misunderstood here.

Here is evidence – a person near the incident made a 911 call (here, a concierge), the call occurred during the alleged attack, the police went to the scene contemporaneously with the attack/call (which was late at night/early in the morning), the police arrested Osuna on the spot (which they have to have some quantum of “evidence” for), after his arrest a prosecutor then decided to charge Osuna with assault, MLB (through Rob Manfred, a very experienced, top-tier labor lawyer) suspended Osuna without pay for 75 games after an investigation (far longer than other suspensions after allegations of domestic violence, some of which resulted in no discipline), Osuna did not challenge or appeal the suspension and neither did the MLBPA (despite it’s length and severity), “sources” told reporters afterwards that the police saw “significant injuries” on the alleged victim, and the victim provided a video statement to police officers, other anonymous sources reported that Osuna punched his girlfriend and threw her down some stairs and when the police showed up Osuna said she fell, Osuna’s girlfriend later moved to Mexico and would not cooperate with authorities, and ultimately Osuna entered what amounts to probation and a restraining order and the charges were conditionally withdrawn (assuming he complies with the conditions of the bond).

All of this is “evidence.” Hearsay, in fact, is evidence. Some of this evidence would be admissible (hearsay is often admissible) in a trial and some of it would not be. But it is all evidence. Surely, some other evidence would have come out at trial (like the pictures/video that police took of the alleged victim the night of Osuna’s arrest) and we could all have a more informed opinion about whether it looks like she “fell.”

But we shouldn’t pretend that there is “0” evidence. It may not be enough evidence for you or someone else to form an opinion or conclusion about what happened the night of Osuna’s arrest. Nor should we pretend that a trial, or a jury’s verdict, would definitively tell us all what truly happened that night either.

Posted by Willie McGee’s Twin on Sep 26, 2018 | 12:21 PM

You’re Right Ken. It’s Our Fault

Hey Ken

Your fastball is straight. Ken replies, “you don’t make me feel comfortable.” Hitter says, “boy I’m comfortable, throw it in there baby and watch it go.” Sweet, now let’s watch the nut hit himself in the face and cuss out his manager.

Posted by rambo3 on Sep 24, 2018 | 1:55 PM reply rec (4) flag

During a Boring Loss in September. What’s the Best Seinfeld Episode?

I don’t wanna be a pirate!

Posted by Boyce DuBois on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:35 PM up reply rec flag

I still haven’t seen an episode of that show.

Posted by Trav in San Antonio on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:35 PM up reply rec flag

theres like 20 five best lol

Posted by Danteslion on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:40 PM up reply rec flag

I know.

For me, there are five that I can watch infinitely without getting tired.

1. The pirate shirt.

2. The one where they have the contest.

3. The one where George pretends to be a marine biologist.

4. The one where George does the opposite of what his instincts tell him to do.

5. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

Posted by Boyce DuBois on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:46 PM up reply rec flag

soup nazi has to be somewhere on that list

Posted by Danteslion on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:49 PM up reply rec (1) flag

That’s in my top ten.

If I were to add five more, I would choose that episode, the Hamptons, the Mel Torme episode, the Keith Hernandez episode, and the one with the Bubble Boy.

For sentimental reasons, I also like the one with the Astros.

Posted by Boyce DuBois on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:55 PM up reply rec flag

Nice list. What about the library cop episode? That scene in Jerry’s apartment is the stuff of legend.

I literally am hurting after watching that. Gets me every time

Also like the episode where Jerry shaves his chest..

There are just too many great episodes to count….

Posted by CanuckStro2 on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:50 PM up reply rec flag

oh yea the library cop episode was great

”Cantstandya”

Posted by Danteslion on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:53 PM up reply rec flag

Festivus for the rest of us.

Posted by Gordo B. Staff on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:54 PM up reply rec flag

Three months early.

Posted by Boyce DuBois on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:56 PM up reply rec flag

We must immediately begin our Airing of grievances

Posted by Gordo B. Staff on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:59 PM up reply rec flag

Is Tucker Really All That?

Tucker is going to get shifted to death

if he stays in this hitting rut. Ground ball after ground ball to right side.

Posted by maris61 on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:53 PM reply rec (1) flag

Tru dat!

Posted by SDsportsjunkie on Sep 26, 2018 | 5:57 PM up reply rec flag

This can’t possibly be true

His wxalkjOBA is .364 which just shows he’s the unluckiest major leaguer ever, not that his production is more or less exactly what it should be hitting ground balls into the teeth of the shift on the right side.

Note- I’m a big numbers guy. But Tucker cannot be a successful middle of the order major leaguer with that spray chart.

Posted by Wulaw Horn on Sep 26, 2018 | 6:06 PM up reply rec flag

Nice Research On the Astros’ Contract Situation

Thru 2021:

C: TBD

1B: White (2023)

2B: Altuve (2024)

SS: Correa (2021)

3B: Bregman (2022)

RF: Tucker (2024)

CF: Springer (2020); TBD

LF: Reddick (2020); Yordan Alvarez (2019-?)

DH: TBD; Seth Beer (2020-?)

UT: Gurriel (2020); Jonathan Arauz (2021-?)

OF: Marisnick (2020); Straw (2019-?)

C: Stassi (2023)

SP: Verlander (2019); Forrest Whitley (2019-?)

SP: Cole (2019); JB Bukauskas (2020-?)

SP: McCullers (2021)

SP: James (2024)

SP: TBD; Corbin Martin (2020-?)

RP: Peacock (2020); TBD

RP: Devenski (2021)

RP: Smith/Harris (2019); F Valdez (2019-?)

RP: Rondon (2019); TBD

RP: McHugh (2019); C Perez (2019-?)

RP: Pressly (2019); TBD

RP: Osuna (2021)

Posted by Zombie Snake on Sep 26, 2018 | 12:53 PM up reply rec flag

They Don’t Call Him Slim

Big Flames James he’s been dubbed by blummer

Just don’t call him late for dinner — that’s a big ol boy!

Posted by GoStros1 on Sep 27, 2018 | 3:35 PM reply rec flag

It’s OK If Dallas Keuchel Gives up Lots of Hits

“It’s only weak contact”...

Starting to move up on the Irritation Meter along with:

”Arrogant”

”Concerned”

”Discomfort”

”Soreness”

Bud Selig

Posted by hon17 on Sep 29, 2018 | 8:12 PM reply rec flag

True Love.

am...

…not ‘concerned’

…‘arrogant’ like Bregman (or Rambo)

…loving LMJ’s curveball

…curious of CFM’s arm health

…tired of the comment ‘soft contact’

…puking every time I hear ‘Playoff ready’ (and I know who started this)

…not worried about ‘momentum’ of BoSox in perpetuity or otherwise

…impressed with Machete’s rifle

…intrigued by Straw’s upside on the bases

…still frightened when JD plays third and Yuli at second (please don’t do that in PO’s)

…wondering if Tyler will eat salad during off-season

…remorseful for the obscenities I have held carefully under my breath when Devenski pitches

…wondering # of gnats in Gattis beard per capita

…missing my wife of 47 years who would have LOVED this!

Posted by hon17 on Sep 30, 2018 | 12:56 AM reply rec flag

WHIP record

Something to track tomorrow: the Astros have a chance to set the live ball era record for lowest team WHIP. If the Astros allow 13 or fewer hits/walks tomorrow, they’ll set the record (assuming it goes 9 innings).

If they allow 12 or fewer hits/walks tomorrow, they can extend that mark to be the best WHIP in the last 101 years.

Interestingly, if they set the record, they’ll do so with the player who has given up the most hits/walks in all of MLB, Dallas Keuchel (211/58).

In case you were wondering, the current live ball WHIP record is held by the 1972 Baltimore Orioles. The lowest team WHIP in the last 101 years is held by the 1918 Cincinnati Reds.

One more unique thing the Astros pitching staff is going to accomplish this season: they’re going to be the first pitching staff to have more strikeouts than hits/walks allowed. They currently have 87 more Ks than hits/walks allowed, so that one is in the books.

Posted by charder on Sep 30, 2018 | 12:53 AM reply unrec (6)

(editor’s note, The Astros allowed less than 13 walks and hits on the last day of the season)

I work from home. But Not in October

Tomorrow is going to be a glorious day!

Posted by stros1fan on Sep 30, 2018 | 8:38 PM up reply rec flag

do you actually do any work?

Posted by Danteslion on Sep 30, 2018 | 8:42 PM up reply rec flag

In October? No.

Posted by stros1fan on Sep 30, 2018 | 8:53 PM up reply rec (2) flag

So you work for the Rangers?

Posted by JohnInWisconsin on Sep 30, 2018 | 9:11 PM up reply rec (17) flag

I want the review guys’ job:

1) Eat Cheetos

2) Play video games

3) Get everything wrong

Posted by AdmonkeyTX on Oct 1, 2018 | 4:38 PM up reply rec (2) flag

Just wondering how many Cubs and Rockies players and fans

are thinking back to that game or two (or three or four) during the regular season their team should have won but didn’t. That one fluke play, that one error, that one pitch too many before the pitcher was removed, that TOOTBLAN, that bad umpire call (or NYC review), that closer blow-up, whatever.

One more win is all they needed.

Posted by Joe in Birmingham on Oct 1, 2018 | 10:33 PM reply rec flag

I drove my pickup to the Cowboys game yesterday and I have a big World Series Champions decal on the back window.

I worried my truck might get keyed or some other damage might be done to my truck. To my pleasant surprise there was no damage.

Posted by Trav in San Antonio on Oct 1, 2018 | 11:10 AM up reply rec flag

Like wearing a MAGA hat

to a World Wildlife Fund meeting

Posted by Iowacowboy on Oct 1, 2018 | 12:30 PM up reply rec (2) flag

Fuck the Pandas

Posted by Darth Grendel on Oct 1, 2018 | 1:41 PM up reply rec (2)

Do You Think You Know Who’s Going All The Way?

No. I have followed baseball for almost 60 years.

The fact is that teams have limped in to the playoffs and wound up going all the way. Other teams have been red-hot heading into the post-season and flamed out early. Aside from suffering tough injuries late in the season, there is usually no correlation between late-season play and playoff success. The playoffs are another season entirely. Since 1995 only 3 teams that have had the best record in the majors have gone on to win the WS. The playoffs are a crapshoot.

Posted by patmaweenie on Oct 1, 2018 | 9:04 AM up reply rec flag

Fun Stuff + stats

14 Position Players vs Indian’s Pitchers

Springer (11/34-.314-2 HR-5 RBI)

Altuve (15/34-.441)

Bregman (10/35-.286-2 HR-9 RBI)

Gurriel (11/32-.344-1 HR-1 RBI)

Marwin (5/22-.227-1 HR-2 RBI)

White (2 AB’s)

Correa (7/31-.226-1HR-6 RBI)

Kemp (8/25-.320-1HR-3 RBI)

Reddick (1/8-.125)

Gattis (5/18-.278-2 HR-7RBI)

Jake (3/11-.273-1 HR-4 RBI)

Straw

Maldonado (1/5)

McCann (1/14)

Pitchers vs Indian’s Hitters

Verlander (no stats 2018)

Cole (5/27-.185)

Morton (9/49-.184)

Keuchel (14/56-.275)

Closer-Osuna (2/8-.250)

Pressley-6/19-.316)

McHugh (4/21-.190)

McCuellers (7/45-.156)

Sipp (1/9-.111)

Joe Smith (1/10-.100)

James (no stats)

-————————————

If you subscribe by “momentum” theory:

Rondon (3/13-.231) However, month of September (8.1 IP-9.72 ERA)

Harris (4/9-.444) However, month of September (7 IP-0.0 ERA)

Devenski (3/15-.200) However, month of September (6.2 IP-5.40 ERA)

Peacock (2/8-.250) However, month of September (7.1 IP-6.14 ERA)

Posted by Kllrbeez on Oct 2, 2018 | 9:55 AM reply rec flag

Good Job Copying my Format

I copied Cangrejos, with one change, and wish everyone would use a number format for easier digestion.

Posted by Chillout17 on Oct 2, 2018 | 6:48 PM up reply rec (1) flag

Good artists imitate

Great artists steal.

Posted by JohnInWisconsin on Oct 2, 2018 | 6:49 PM up reply rec flag

Good artists imitate

Great artists steal.

Posted by Chillout17 on Oct 2, 2018 | 7:01 PM up reply rec (2) flag

Every poet is a thief

-Bono

Posted by GoStros1 on Oct 2, 2018 | 7:28 PM up reply rec flag

Luhnow is Part of the Illuminati

Might be off by a year but....close enough

Deep undercover agent

The fact that the Astros had the foresight to plant Josh Fields on the Dodgers as a turncoat for the 2017 WS is mind blowing.

Lunhow “Josh we are trading you to LA. When you get called into the WS against us I will give you the sign to throw meatballs to our lineup.”

Josh “I don’t understand. Are you saying it will be LA vs HOU in the WS this year?”

Lunhow “No, Josh this is a long con.”

Lunhow is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. Now this makes the Gomez/Fiers trade make sense….plant our guys on Brewers for 2019 WS.

Hold my beer…

Posted by TheAntagonist03 on Oct 26, 2017 | 11:11 AM

Posted by TheAntagonist03 on Oct 2, 2018 | 1:22 PM up reply rec (5) flag

So you’re saying

Hader is another Josh Fields?

Posted by maris61 on Oct 2, 2018 | 3:56 PM up reply rec flag

I’m saying JL brainwashed him before sending him off.

The Juice Box speakers will play a song that triggers Hader to go full on Lidge v Pujols.

Posted by TheAntagonist03 on Oct 2, 2018 | 4:01 PM up reply rec (4) flag

Why is WMT Always Right? He’s Part of the Conspiracy.

Put on your tin foil hats

But I’m pretty convinced now that WMT is actually an AI construct developed by Luhnow and team. Let’s just hope the Cardinals never gain access to his secrets.

All kidding aside, I always take everything the man says with a heavy dose of reverence. If I ever disagree with him, I’m immediately researching why I’m wrong. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t, ha!

Posted by htownhomer on Oct 5, 2018 | 12:04 AM reply rec (4) flag

Henry Fondle? #METOO

Him and Stanton strike out too much

Not a real threat

Posted by Henry_Fondle on Oct 3, 2018 | 8:52 PM up reply rec flag

Why not Henry Fondle without the underscore?

Was it already taken?

Posted by Willie McGee’s Twin on Oct 3, 2018 | 8:56 PM up reply rec flag

Wouldn’t let me without it for some reason

Hopefully this doesn’t hurt my chances of being nominated for the Supreme Court

Posted by Henry_Fondle on Oct 3, 2018 | 9:06 PM up reply rec (1) flag

an anonymous source told me that he once knew someone that heard from another person that one time you farted and blamed it on a dog

Posted by Danteslion on Oct 3, 2018 | 9:08 PM up reply rec flag

Boyce is our Resident Expert on Modern Music

let him stay, let him stay, Let him stay

Posted by Joe in Birmingham on Oct 3, 2018 | 9:42 PM up reply rec flag

Let it be, let it be.

Let it be, let it be.

Posted by Boyce DuBois on Oct 3, 2018 | 9:45 PM up reply rec flag

Pink Floyd lyrics?

…couldn’t help myself.

Posted by chuckiepoo on Oct 3, 2018 | 10:00 PM up reply rec (1) flag

Set the controls for the heart of the sun , i believe.

Posted by Doc Savage on Oct 3, 2018 | 10:03 PM up reply rec flag

I knew someone would mention it.

Posted by Boyce DuBois on Oct 3, 2018 | 10:06 PM up reply rec flag

Boyce, this place would definitely be a lesser blogspot without you. Keep doing you brother.

Set the controls to the heart of the Sun

Posted by chuckiepoo on Oct 3, 2018 | 10:10 PM up reply rec flag

Studying Defensive Sabremetrics Makes Ya Hungry

wOBACON and xwOBACON represent the actual and expected weighted on-base average, respectively, when contact is made. I’m not yet entirely familiar with the use of xwOBACON minus wOBACON as a measure of team defense, but from what I can surmise the difference between the two figures can be interpreted as a result of a combination of factors, including luck and the ability of defenders to produce outs when contact is made. For the Astros and Yankees, there is no meaningful difference when subtracting wOBACON from xwOBACON.

Interesting, but why am I suddenly so hungry?

Posted by Nolamike on Oct 4, 2018 | 9:01 AM reply rec (3) flag

A Serious Tutorial On Defensive Metrics By WMT

Mmmmm, BACON

Also, I’m not actually sure where the numbers above are coming from.

Here’s the statcast metrics for xwOBACON and wOBACON – Statcast Pitching/Defense by Team

Conceptually, “xwOBA” is a measure of pitcher performance (which of course is also affected by the hitter, the ump, and the catcher). If a pitcher strikes a hitter out or walks him, or gives up hard or soft contact, it will be reflected in the pitcher’s xwOBA. A pitcher’s wOBA is what actually occurs, irrespective of what was expected. If the pitcher gives up a soft fly-ball that is usually caught, then it will have a low xwOBA – but if that soft fly-ball just happens to land for a double because the fielder was shifted in the other direction, then it will show up as a “double” in wOBA, regardless of the soft contact and low xwOBA. wOBACON strips out Ks and BBs, because those balls are not put in play.

Taking it a step further, if one subtracts wOBACON from xwOBACON, one will have the difference between the value of what was expected to happen given the launch angle and exit velocity of balls hit in play (i.e., quality of contact) and what actually did happen. In other words, if a defense can turn more balls that have a high expected value into outs, then its actual wOBACON will be less than its xwOBACON. xWOBACON is what the pitchers give up, wOBACON is what the defense does with those balls after the ball is struck.

And if you were to compare the values of wOBA and xwOBA in the linked page above, you can see the relative strengths of teams as between pitching, defense, and pitching + defense.

The Astros had the best pitching in the majors this past year (i.e., they have the lowest xwOBA). The Astros also had the best “pitching + defense” in the majors (wOBA), primarily because their pitching was so good. The A’s had the best defense in MLB by this measure, because they have the biggest xwOBACON – woBACON (defense can only be measured on balls that are contacted).

Both the Astros and Yankees had higher wOBACONs than xwOBACONs, implying that their defense was comparatively worse than might be expected. Of course, as far as I know, these numbers aren’t park-adjusted. Having a short porch could lead to a lot of balls that go for HRs in reality, but that were not “expected” to, based on EV and launch angle.

In any event, I think it’s a useful alternative and supplement to something like defensive efficiency.

Posted by Willie McGee’s Twin on Oct 4, 2018 | 11:30 AM up reply rec (2) flag

Here’s Why Hector Rondon Didn’t Make the ALDS Roster

Astros ALDS Roster:

Catchers: Maldonado, McCann.

IF: Gurriel, Altuve, Correa, Bregman, Gonzalez.

OF: Springer, Reddick, Marisnick, Kemp, Straw.

DH: White, Gattis

SP: Verlander, Cole, Keuchel, Morton.

RP: Osuna, Pressly, Sipp, James, McCullers, McHugh, Harris.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) October 4, 2018

Posted by blackout14 on Oct 4, 2018 | 2:40 PM reply rec (3) flag

I don’t want to brag, but I will.

This is the exact 25-man roster I predicted. What is my prize?

Posted by stros1fan on Oct 4, 2018 | 3:10 PM up reply rec (1) flag

Texans season tickets

Posted by Jlh071974 on Oct 4, 2018 | 3:14 PM up reply rec (3) flag

A Carlos Gomez Jersey.

Posted by Chillout17 on Oct 4, 2018 | 3:30 PM up reply rec flag

I’ll take the Texans season tickets instead.

Posted by stros1fan on Oct 4, 2018 | 3:30 PM up reply rec (1) flag

Good choice at least they are worth something

Posted by Chillout17 on Oct 4, 2018 | 3:38 PM up reply rec flag

How about an autographed Roughnod Odor photograph?

Posted by Henry_Fondle on Oct 4, 2018 | 3:41 PM up reply rec flag

There is a catch

You actually have to attend the Texans games and watch.

Posted by mhatter106 on Oct 4, 2018 | 3:42 PM up reply rec flag

That’s just cruel

Posted by Henry_Fondle on Oct 4, 2018 | 3:40 PM up rep

The guiding principle on the bullpen selections:

Who’s got the hot hand? Or, put another way, “What have you done for me lately?”

That relievers go hot and cold from season to season (T. Sipp) or in the course of a season (Harris, Rondon, Smith) is something repeated so often that it’s a cliche at this point. But the Astros obviously buy that argument.

Will it work out? Who knows? But credit to Astros’ management for not doing what some other teams have done (looking at you Rockies) and keep expensive FA reliever acquisitions on the roster (Jake McGee) just because leaving them off would make management look bad. Astros’ management left BOTH the high-profile offseason FA acquisitions (Rondon and Smith) off the postseason roster … in the same year they dumped a high-cost trade acquisition (Giles). Kudos to Astros’ management. Don’t let sunk costs affect future actions. Just win, baby.

Posted by maris61 on Oct 4, 2018 | 4:13 PM up reply rec (2) flag