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Okay, I'm sure we can all admit that we've taken a severe beating the last 2 games from our neighbors to the north and things are not looking too good
with our pitching ace having a sub par season so far and an apparent groin injury to deal with now.
Nevertheless, I'm trying to stay positive here, because despite the last 2 games, there's been lots of excitement about this team on this board lately, and it's a little too soon to allow that excitement and positive feeling to just slip away after a couple of bad games. So, here's a "Positive" list to think about, expand upon, take issue with, and/or discuss, as you choose:
1. The Astros have played one of the more difficult schedules in all of MLB up to now, and have played the most road games (27) in all of MLB, yet they're still in 3rd place in their division, only a half game out of 2nd and 2.5 games out of 1st, when both of the teams ahead of them have played the most home games in all of MLB (26) and have had overall easier schedules to date. On top of that, the Cubs have the 2nd best record in the NL, which is likely due in large part to their heavy home schedule to date. And BTW, the D-Backs have the best record in the NL, and they've also played 26 Home games. Do you see a trend?
2. If we assume the Astros can continue at this same performance level (wins and losses) while their schedule presumably gets easier, then if we extrapolate their Home and Road winning percentages (0.647 at Home and 0.481 on the Road) over the entire season, they would end up with 92 wins. 92 wins should get them at least the Wild Card, if not the NL Central.
3. Wandy is on his way back, which is likely a good thing for his games at MMP. Hopefully, he can translate Home success to the Road.
4. Roy O's injury doesn't appear major, although it might be too early to tell, but the Astros announced he was day to day. Maybe he won't miss a start, or at most, he'll miss one start. (OK, I'm treading into negative territory here, so I'll stop).
I know others can add to this Positive thread, so come forward all, and maybe we can get the Astros started on another winning streak in the finale against the Rangers.
Nevertheless, I'm trying to stay positive here, because despite the last 2 games, there's been lots of excitement about this team on this board lately, and it's a little too soon to allow that excitement and positive feeling to just slip away after a couple of bad games. So, here's a "Positive" list to think about, expand upon, take issue with, and/or discuss, as you choose:
1. The Astros have played one of the more difficult schedules in all of MLB up to now, and have played the most road games (27) in all of MLB, yet they're still in 3rd place in their division, only a half game out of 2nd and 2.5 games out of 1st, when both of the teams ahead of them have played the most home games in all of MLB (26) and have had overall easier schedules to date. On top of that, the Cubs have the 2nd best record in the NL, which is likely due in large part to their heavy home schedule to date. And BTW, the D-Backs have the best record in the NL, and they've also played 26 Home games. Do you see a trend?
2. If we assume the Astros can continue at this same performance level (wins and losses) while their schedule presumably gets easier, then if we extrapolate their Home and Road winning percentages (0.647 at Home and 0.481 on the Road) over the entire season, they would end up with 92 wins. 92 wins should get them at least the Wild Card, if not the NL Central.
3. Wandy is on his way back, which is likely a good thing for his games at MMP. Hopefully, he can translate Home success to the Road.
4. Roy O's injury doesn't appear major, although it might be too early to tell, but the Astros announced he was day to day. Maybe he won't miss a start, or at most, he'll miss one start. (OK, I'm treading into negative territory here, so I'll stop).
I know others can add to this Positive thread, so come forward all, and maybe we can get the Astros started on another winning streak in the finale against the Rangers.
