When last I posted, the World Series was ongoing. I got frustrated at repeated WordPress glitches. I’m back now to try again.
Of course that means I did not write about the second World Series no-hitter ever. It was one of the most 2020’s baseball things ever. The Astros used 4 pitchers. Even a no-hitter doesn’t get you a complete game as a starting pitcher.
I had predicted that the Phillies could win if their offense dominated, but that the Astros would win if the series got to 6 or 7 games. I’ll give myself an A+ for that…and ignore that I totally blew the entire NL playoff prognostication.
With the end of the season, Dusty Baker re-upped on a one year deal. As long as the Astros remain in a competitive window, Baker can probably manage as long as he likes. At age 73, one year at a time probably makes sense too.
They need a new GM, though. Owner Jim Crane also offered Click a one year deal. He’s a lot younger than Baker though, and felt he should get more. He didn’t and so he apparently channeled his inner Johnny Paycheck.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gj2iGAifSNI
Justin Verlander, as expected, opted for free agency. Even without him, the Astros top of the rotation is strong with Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier.
Reliever Rafael Montero signed a new three year deal for $34.5M.
The team has won four pennants and two championships (even if one gets a mental *) in the past 6 years. Bregman and Altuve are signed though 2024. Expect the Astros to be a contender again next year.
Fan Interference 
Still glitching. Don’t know what I can do about this.
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The Astros were a mere 10th among the 30 teams in opening day payroll with a paltry 174 and some million dollar opening day payroll – sort of like your Rays. At the same time the ‘Miracle’ Phills were 4th with a 224 plus million dollar payroll. The 15th ranked team, the Cubs, were set to spend 146 million or so dollars, which is 51% (over half!) of the frugal 284 plus million dollars the humble Dodgers were set to spend.
Baseball, just like real life. Money talks and bullsh*t … enjoys an early off season – but only about 80% of the time. Some things are more likely than others but all things are possible so if you’re a fan of a small or mid market team, enjoy the hot stove league because this just might be your decade- if you’re able to hang around for the whole thing.
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