Obviously very disappointed, but it truly was a historic season. We watched our team win 107 games. Saw two no-hitters. Got to watch JV and Cole dominate all season long. Saw Bregman turn into a true MVP-caliber player. Were introduced to Air Yordan, who was as advertised. And got to celebrate after the face of the franchise hit a home run at home to clinch the pennant. On a more personal level, I was able to come home for a week and catch several games this season with my parents, and I took my mom on an Owner’s Experience tour and got to watch the guys take BP on the field. It didn't end the way we wanted, and it's a shame that the story of this season has this unhappy ending. But it was an awesome ride.
Aside from losing the series, I think the most disappointing part of this world series was watching our team become the heel in the story. I'm not talking about Bregman carrying the bat or Correa holding his hand to his ear. I'm taking about Osuna, Taubman, and the PR response. Luhnow bet the organization's image on Osuna coming in and helping us win a World Series. It hasn't worked out. Luhnow saw a market inefficiency and exploited it. It seems as though he failed to account for the loss of reputation costs. Our front office is cold and calculating. It has resulted in the most talented Astros teams we have ever seen, but the approach has its blind spots. Win at all costs only works out when you win. Our organization should be the envy of the league, and it likely is if we are being honest. But it's tough to defend how they handled Taubman. It's tough to defend how the handled the response. And their failure to handle this situation resulted in what should be one of the most likable teams in the league being viewed as the villain. The players and the fan base deserved better. So did the journalist who reported the story.
I enjoyed discussing this season with you all. I live in Montana and know only one other Astros fan in the entire state. This thread has allowed me to interact with Astros fans in a way I would not be able to do otherwise. I have no doubt that I would have enjoyed this season much less if not for this thread.
Today will suck. I am the “Astros guy” here. I’ve already had to discuss last night with several people at the gym this morning. My colleagues in the office will be coming by my office today to offer condolences. They all mean well, but I’d be happier if they all just fucked off today.
As for the offseason, if you were still holding out hope that the Astros were going to sign Cole, it may be time to put those hopes to bed. Maybe I'm reading too much into post-games comments following a frustrating and devastating loss. but it certainly sounds like Cole has pitched his last game for the Astros. We will need to target at least one SP, as I don't believe we can count on Whitley being ready to assume the 5th spot on Opening Day. We also need to address the bullpen. Pressly and Osuna will be back, but Harris is gone, and i don't really trust anyone else currently on the roster. If we can, we need to get something of value from Reddick and let Tucker take over RF duties full time. I am not in the camp that thinks we should trade Correa. But all of these discussions can be saved for the offseason thread. I hope to see you all there.