This year's recap will have a stream of consciousness feel to it as the season plays out.
Tragedy struck the league in April, as the Tigers and the Mets both had their owners pass away just six days apart.
Injuries took their toll on the Astros early, as four outfielders hit the dl in a two week period in May. Despite the adversity, though, Houston finished May just 3 games under .500, led by a rotation that doesn't have a single starter with an ERA over 3.90.
The Braves' Dan Uggla hit the dl in May with elbow soreness brought on when his fingers got stuck in a bowling ball.
With the 2nd overall pick, the Astros take high school right-handed pitcher Bryan Hoeing. Hoeing can hit 97mph with his fastball and can already does a good job of keeping the ball down in the zone. His potential included a plus sinker and above average fastball, splitter, and forkball.
Chad Qualls was released on July 1st after I was unable to find a trade partner for him. So far this season he's put up a 8.35 ERA, just one year removed from a 31 save season. Jason Stoffel, recently named PCL pitcher of the month, will take his spot in the bullpen.
Justin Verlander no-hit the Yankees in July, giving up three walks to go with three strikeouts. It's been a rough season for Verlander, as he's just 6-11 at this point with a 4.26 ERA.
The Astros lone All-Star this season is Marc Krauss. At the mid-point, Krauss is hitting .314/.400/.543 with 13 HR and 45 RBI.
Dexter Fowler was traded to the Yankees for young catcher Gary Sanchez. Fowler was set to be a free agent next season, while the 22 year old Sanchez has already gotten a strong start to his career as he was named rookie of the month in both April and May.
The deal for Sanchez enabled me to make my next move, as I traded Jason Castro and Alex White to Philadelphia for a solid SS prospect, Willy Adames, and a couple rookie league lottery tickets. Fans were understandably upset over the loss of Castro, but I think Sanchez will make them change their minds very quickly.
These two moves also allow me to bring up Mike Foltynewicz and Preston Tucker, who have been tearing up the PCL all season waiting for their call-ups. Folty slots into the rotation while Tucker will split time between LF and DH. New catcher Gary Sanchez will bat 3rd or 4th most days.
Injuries, almost exclusively to the outfield, killed any shot at offensive consistency this season and the squad finished 61-101.
On the mound, Jarred Cosart took a good step forward, finishing 14-13 with a 3.48 ERA in 219.2 innings. He struck out 149 while cutting his walks to just 51.
Kevin Chapman did admirably in the closer role, saving 25 with a 3.58 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 70.1 innings.
In addition to the two named above, Keuchel and Peacock earned starter spots going into next year while Fields and Stoffel will definitely be in the bullpen.
At the plate, Villar hit .242/.312/.376 with 49 steals. Altuve dropped off to hit just .257. Gary Sanchez hit .263 with 15 HR in 59 games after the trade.
Springer hit .236/.302/.425 but did hit 25 homers and stole 17 bases while striking out 196 times. All-Star Marc Krauss finished the season hitting .290/.372/.488 with 18 home runs.
Something I didn't do last year, but will going forward is name team superlatives.
Jarred Cosart will run away with team Pitcher of the Year and Marc Krauss will take team Most Valuable Player.
Not a good year, I feel like there are more questions going into next year than there were at this point last season.
