Opening Day, Yeah!
It’s opening day for the Astros, and I’m pumped! Not because Houston is going to be good this year – just because I enjoy baseball. The double-switch, the hit-and-run, watching Jose Cruz Sr. remind professional baseball players how many outs there are at every visit…you can’t beat that!
I also enjoy listening to Jim Deshaies’ humor…yes, that’s a great bonus. Personally, I can’t stand announcers from other teams, especially the Rangers. I mean, I understand it’s punishment having to watch that team every year, but man those guys just don’t have a clue. I remember a game last year when they spent the entire inning talking about cold remedies. And the Braves announcers – I’ve always wondered if they suck helium before each inning. Don’t get me started on ESPN’s hot air blowers who watch one game of each team and think they know everything. To be fair, the Cubs announcers are decent – at least they have a good grasp on the game and the players for each team.
Anyways…back to the Astros. I think they will be around .500 this year, and probably miss the playoffs again. The offense is obviously improved, but the pitching is definitely below average. I think Backe will be OK, but I don’t see Wandy improving much from previous years. If he was going to get better, I think it would have happened by now. Hopefully I will be surprised and we’ll be in the hunt come mid-season. If so, maybe we can get a #2 starter at the trade-deadline and make a playoff run.
Play ball!
I’m with you. Mow the grass, fire up the TIVO and let the games begin. Nothing better than baseball in the Spring. Astros could be great or could be terrible, but right now, they are tied for 1st.
Dad