The White Bear Chronicles

The End is the Beginning is the End

2018-11-30T13:44:00.000-06:00

Hello again, readers. It sure has been a while. About a little over 3 months, to be exact. It was George Harrison that said, "All things must pass." Unfortunately, that does even include the good things of our lives. To everything, there is a season, right? Because of this, I felt it necessary to reference a Smashing Pumpkins hit from the Batman and Robin soundtrack. Front man, Billy Corgan mentioned writing the lyrics specifically about the caped crusader, who is both an outsider and a figure of admiration. Much in the same way that I have seen, and still see, your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis over time.

Well, after just over 4 years and 330 exact entries, I have decided that this will be the very last entry for The White Bear Chronicles. I made the announcement just two days ago on social media. There are a few reasons for why I have decided to do this. Namely, so I can focus my attention on my screenwriting, which is an aspiration and dream of mine that I am still in the midst of pursuing. Already, I've been getting some really good online industry mentoring from the Chaz Bono, a.k.a. Cher's child. Honestly, that is where my attention needs to be right now.

Before anyone goes off on any tangents or starts spreading any toxic gossip, I want to make some things perfectly clear.

This is in no way a cop out of anything. It's a matter of sorting out priorities.
With Evan Gattis being a free agent now, the future does feel a bit uncertain in that regard. Plenty of teams could use his power bat, but the question that remains is will they?
I still plan to actively root for the Astros as my team. This was probably the biggest focal point of unnecessary controversy among some of you out there. But depending on where Evan ends up, it just may not be exclusively. Rest assured, if he ends up with the Boston Red Sox or Texas Rangers, I cannot in any good faith rot for either of those teams and will stick exclusively with the Stros.
I will still support Evan Gattis, the rest of his career, and those closest to him. Perhaps, I may even keep up with my tweets about it. However, I just may be a tad more discreet about which things I talk about and which I don't.

Now that the air has been cleared of all that, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those that have supported me in my run. Whether from the ATL or H-Town, I have had plenty of loyal readers from both teams. I regret that whomever ends up signing Evan Gattis over the winter won't get to enjoy this as fully, but I'm sure it's no tremendous loss to any of them. Additionally, it may prevent a third fan base from coming after me.

Although, haters always find a way to hate, no matter where they are. And to those CDH (critics, doubters and haters) that have done everything to demean, exploit or bully me over the years, I've got one thing to say to all of you: YOU FAILED! And in your failure, I've created tremendous success for myself. Even though I'm not quite where I want to be yet, I'm working to get there. Quite frankly, that's more than many can say about themselves.

Thankfully, songs of praise for El Oso Blanco have been pouring in. For as much guff as I give them, The Crawfish Boxes through me a curve ball with the following tribute below:

A True Astro: Evan Gattis https://t.co/PJO4kce1BI pic.twitter.com/Mzbt0KizfU
— The Crawfish Boxes (@CrawfishBoxes) November 26, 2018

Being the emotional guy I am, I did shed quite the bundle of tears reading this. Against the backdrop of cynics and know-it-alls, some have taken the high road in wanting to lift the bear up rather than tear him down. More over, it comes from sources that aren't just me. The comment section of that article really warmed up my heart. Knowing that Evan Gattis will still be loved no matter where he goes is a tremendous feeling.

With all of that, we come to the final thoughts of my last entry. Even now, I find myself fighting back tears. Closing one chapter to start a new one is never an easy thing. But change is necessary, and even beneficial at times. While I will still be a writer for Fansided and active on social media, not posting this frequently each month will leave a void, if even a slight one. But in place of that void, I will be actively pursuing a dream I envisioned almost 5 years ago for myself.

For my loyal supporters, I have nothing but love for you. The most rewarding part of all of this is the support that I have gotten from Evan's own inner circle over the years. Their insights and knowledge have really helped guide me through all of these things. They know who they are, so I'll just leave it at that.

For the CDH crowd, Karma will catch up to you eventually. All in all, this experience has been a fun ride to be apart of. I wanted a voice like mine to be heard. One that isn't at the microphone as much as the haters. I mean, just look to our own president as an example. By the way, if you thought I wasn't going to get just slightly political on this thing as an openly gay political progressive, you still don't know me at all.

But really, this blog has also been a platform to introduce the world to myself and what I'm all about, as much as it was a safe haven to promote the good things about Evan Gattis and enjoy what he brings to the sport of baseball. Variety is the spice of life. Without it, life would be bland and dull. Who wants that, really?! I know I don't, and I'm positive many of you don't either.

Uncertainties of the future are scary. But hope is what will keep us all going forward. I'm chock full of it. And as I use it to pursue my dreams and Evan uses it to continue his, I advise all of you out there to do the same. Nothing great ever comes easy. It takes hard work. But once you get there, it will be all the more worth it.

This post is it's own commencement ceremony. The end of one thing, and the beginning of something new. Just like the title of this post and corresponding song suggests, this will be true both for me and Evan Gattis. Many blessings to all of you for your support over the years, as well as the continued support I still and will receive. Always live your life guided by kindness, joy, and above all love.

TTFN: Ta ta for now!

Original Photo Credit: Bob Levey of Getty Images

Thanks for the memories, everyone!!!!

Wonder Wheel

2018-08-23T15:03:00.000-05:00

The title for today's post references the recent Woody Allen period piece starring my favorite actress of all time, Kate Winslet. In the film, four lives intertwine during the boom and bustle of the iconic Coney Island in the 1950's. Arguably, that was the heyday for the famed New York City attraction. Romance and drama flood each scene of this masterpiece, as only Woody Allen himself can tell.

Similarly, the Houston Astros have been experiencing their own kind of drama over the past month. August has seen another rough stretch for the spacemen. Fortunately, the return of key players such as George Springer and Jose Altuve has aided in getting the team back to their winning ways. They've won 3 of their last 4 against heel-nipping divisional rivals, the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics, both of whom are battling for one of the wild card spots.

Among those that have stepped up in place of injuries, no one has been more impressive than Tyler White. He is being given the attention he so rightfully deserves. After hitting an insurance home run in the 9th inning of yesterday's game, it became all the more clearer just how much he has earned his place on the major league roster. He even went so far as to help lead a stare down on camera that has gotten quite the buzz across the baseball world. You can see for yourselves in the tweet below.

Legends. pic.twitter.com/Z0UiCAxGCd
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 22, 2018

I honestly couldn't be happier for White. Through all of the hate that has been flung at him over the years, it's about time to see him get some respect around these parts. The only downside is, the respect he's been given has now come at a price of disrespect towards your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis.

Yeah, remember him? El Oso Blanco? The guy who has been a solid foundation for this group over the past 4 seasons, and was a perennial part of the championship run last year? How quickly so many out there seem to forget about him. The bear only seems to get any respect when he's hitting balls over the fence. But heaven forbid he goes through a slump like any player does in this game, and the torches and pitchforks get lit up and sharpened respectively.

Folks, I think all of you need to step off. As much hard work as Gattis has put in, and continues to put in, for this team, organization and city, it is baffling how unfair a lot of you are being towards him. Yes, by all means, keep giving credit to White, but not at the expense of a player that helped get this city it's very first World Series title. Keep in mind, plate appearances do factor in. While White has done well, it is way off to be talking about him being a superstar DH that will replace Evan Gattis next season.

Also, as another fact that some of you seem to be ignorant to, most of White's PA's have come as a first baseman. He also knows how to play the rest of the infield and left field. Sound like someone else we know? It should, because they are the exact same positions that Marwin Gonzalez plays. Who, by the way, just happened to get signed by notorious money grubbing agent, Scott Boras. Most likely, Gonzalez will depart and free up a space to allow both Tyler White and Evan Gattis to exist on the same roster, despite what so many of you childishly fight against.

I understand that anything can happen over the winter. Evan's own mother made us more aware of that when she retweeted the 2019 schedule and made it a point to say that she thought it was "bittersweet because the bear may not be here." Honestly, I could have gone the next two and half months without having that kind of assault on my heart strings, but that's neither here nor there. Much like the characters in the film, a lot of us are having to deal with the harsh realities that still exist.

Quite frankly, money has never been an issue with Gattis, and never will be. Those that gripe about him being to expensive are completely oblivious to the fact that he's been paid peanuts for most of his career. That doesn't really expect to change, even in his upcoming free agency year. Does he deserve to get paid the big bucks? Absolutely, he does! However, would he be willing to take a pay cut to stay in Houston? I can say with the utmost certainty that he would.

Point is, people need to stop being armchair GM's. You don't have all the answers, and neither do I. This is why someone like Jeff Luhnow gets paid to make these personnel decisions. We won't always agree with them, but they will be made for the good of everyone involved. Most especially, so that the Houston Astros can continue winning championships. Whether folks want to accept it or not, Evan Gattis is a player that brings championships. He's already proven it, and will continue to do so. He has skills, talent and clubhouse chemistry that is unmatched by anyone.

That's not something you can just find anywhere. Nor do the Astros need to. He's right here!

Original Photo Credit: Jason O. Watson of Getty Images

The look Evan Gattis gives to all of you doubters and haters out there.

When the Levee Breaks

2018-08-16T15:04:00.001-05:00

It has come to my attention recently that your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, has changed his walk up song from the Richie Havens "Freedom" classic we're all accustomed to over to the Led Zeppelin tune referenced in the post title. Either way, both songs suit El Oso Blanco and his personality incredibly well. After last night's home routing of the Colorado Rockies, there is plenty to sing about today.

The bear was a huge part of the decimation of the fellas from rocky mountain way last night. Up to his second plate appearance last night, Gatty Daddy was riding a strenuous 0-for-20 slump. It had seemed as though April was beginning to repeat itself for our beloved bearded warrior. Some were even quick to post articles about how he may be "too inconsistent to keep next season" and all of that same old nonsense.

And then, THIS HAPPENED!!!!:

That's right, ladies and gentlemen! Captain Caveman Lumberjack belted two bombs. The first one towering over the train tracks, and the second just clearing the reach of the right fielder's glove. Additionally, he tacked on another single to left for his 3rd hit of the game. All of this comes for the first time since August 1st, which was when Gattis had previously gotten a hit.

I happen to believe that the national league games against the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants may have factored in. With both of those parks under national league rules, no DH could be used. Therefore, Gattis was having to sit and pinch hit late far more often than he was used to. It isn't making an excuse for him. Far from it. It's meant as a way to see things in a reasonable scope. Something that many fans out there refuse to still do.

Gattis wasn't alone, either. Nearly everyone in the offense came alive last night. Carlos Correa got it all started with a bases clearing double. Alex Bregman got a double, a run scored and a sac fly RBI. Yuli Gurriel has himself a nice two run bomb. To cap it all, Tyler White saw Yuli's 2 run bomb and raised him a pair of 2 run shots. You can see those for yourselves in the video below:

When bears and sharks attack, am I right?! What makes this so special for me personally is that these are my two favorite players on the current roster that are active. Brian McCann is a favorite of mine too, but is still on the DL until September, presumably. In any case, these two get flack from haters all of the time. It really warmed my heart to see them be the biggest offensive heroes of the night last night.

Though I'm not holding my breath, maybe a night like this will finally shut the haters up for a while. It is further proof that both White and Gattis belong on this team for the foreseeable future. Instead of demanding consistency in a game that is riddled with streaks, both good and bad, fans should start embracing what is really true about this game. It is an exciting one, but also an agonizing one, depending on whether a particular player is ebbing or flowing, as I point out in my latest HOH piece.

There's nothing at all to worry about, fans. This same exact thing happened to the Astros last year and they went on to win the entire kitten caboodle, if you'll pardon my use of an old time expression and turning a phrase. George Springer is coming back on Friday, and Jose Altuve is soon to follow. By the time September call ups come around, all of our regulars will be healthy, and we'll go on that two month tear towards a back to back title run.

In other words folks, we got this!

Original Photo Credit: Bob Levey of Getty Images

All bears, assume attack formation!!!!

Into the Woods

2018-07-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

The popular Stephen Sondheim musical and subsequent 2014 film with an all-star cast provide the perfect backdrop to describe the state of the Houston Astros lately. The story follows a witch tasking a baker and his wife with gathering magical items from other fairy tales to alleviate a curse put on a family tree belonging to the lead couple. Similarly, Jeff Luhnow and the Astros front office are being tasked with gathering up all the players they need before the upcoming trade deadline in order to get them back to the World Series.

They already made their first trade yesterday, getting Martin Maldonado from the Los Angeles Angels. Clearly, it was an insurance move in the wake of Brian McCann having knee surgery and the recovery that is following it. Early reports indicate that BMac won't be ready to go until at least September when rosters expand. To make room on the 25 man roster, they designated Tim Federowicz for assignment, essentially, sending him packing. Max Stassi is still on the roster as starter for now, but depending on how Moldanado handles the staff, those roles could switch at any time.

No surprise, the trade deadline makes everyone in the fan base some kind of armchair GM, thinking that they know everything. As per usual, your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, has once again become a target for people to say demote or trade. Completely disregarding his stellar month of June, "fans" seem to use only the stats from his most recent slump to justify either not needing him anymore or somehow upgrading the DH position with some magic bat that's out there somewhere.

This sentiment couldn't be further from folly. El Oso Blanco is still 2nd on the team in both home runs and RBI, only trailing All-Star MVP, Alex Bregman. Additionally, Gattis is second on the team in slugging percentage and 5th on the team in OPS for those with at least 250 AB's. That's not really shabby, when you consider everything else in the grand scheme of things.

Where was Carlos Beltran at this point last season when the team won it all? Well, I'm glad you asked that question, because I happen to have the evidence below. It is my job as a journalist, after all, to uncover the real truth and smoke out the spin. So here goes: Carlos Beltran had the following slash line by July 27th of last year: .234/.288/.405/.693 with 12 HR and 41 RBI. Gattis, by comparison has a .234/.298/.478/.776 with 19 HR and 63 RBI. Yes, their averages are similar, but Gattis is clearly slugging way better and doing exactly the kind of job that the organization wants him to do.

The point here is this. No matter how much fans want it, there is no Edgar Martinez style DH out there in the league that will be some magic upgrade. Quite frankly, there is already far enough production from other positions that they can be more lenient at the DH position without it costing them wins. Far from it, the Astros still sit 30 games over .500 and with a comfortable 5 game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the AL West division.

It's well known that the organization is gonna make the moves they need to. However, it is just plain gullibility to think that a player that has shattered franchise records is somehow going to just be sold off to another team. The front office knows instinctively that Evan Gattis wants to stay in Houston, and how hard he is working to earn his spot. The real issue as of late is the relief pitching, so that's where they are going to focus next and with the utmost of urgency. All the troubles with Ken Giles and the taxing of the other relievers will be front and center in what and who they trade for.

Evan Gattis doesn't need to be included anywhere near that. He is a huge part of this championship team chemistry, and everyone knows that. The armchair GM's, who are likely critics, doubters and haters, will have to get over themselves and accept that the bear isn't going anywhere. He's here to stay, and the Astros will continue reaping the benefits of it.

Original Photo Credit: Bob Levey of Getty Images

Get used to it, ladies and gents. The bear is here to stay!

Ready, Player One

2018-07-19T17:54:00.001-05:00

I realize that I have been away for quite some time. This summer has been a bit hectic for me in more ways than one. I vow to do my best to be better about posting more here, assuming that the chaos can die down for a while. Only time will tell on that, but just like anyone else, I can only do what I can do. I'm sure you all feel the same exact way.

Additionally, we've all been feeling some great things about our Houston Astros lately. They came up big in the All-Star Game, thanks to George Springer and Sundance Kid himself, Alex Bregman. The ESPYS recognized them as the best team of the past year. On top of all that, they have a comfortable 5 game lead in the AL West division over the Seattle Mariners. These last 63 games will be ones to keep eyes on. Trade deadlines, roster expansions, and the health of the players will all factor into how the spacemen finish it all out.

The unsung hero through all of this has been none other than your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis. Unfortunately, he ended up missing another midsummer classic. It was disappointing, to say the least. But life does go on. And according to a tweet he sent out just prior to the Home Run Derby, it appears that El Oso Blanco was spending his break up north away from this heat. Good thing too, because I don't have to tell any of you readers in the Lone Star state exactly how brutal this heat has been.

But I digress, the Astros will look to stay red hot through round 2 of the season. And just like in the new epic film from Steven Speilberg, all characters involved will put up quite the fight to defend what is rightfully theirs. The bear and the cub, referring to Gattis and Bregman who are arguably the offensive ex-factors so far in 2018, will continue being a huge part of that run for the team to get back to back titles. Bregman has been especially welcoming, as I highlight in my latest HOH piece on his ASG performance.

However, I would urge folks to remember exactly what Gattis has done for this team as well. He may not be the spotlight guy that Bregman is, but he does damage in a humbling way. He is a silent working class hero on this Astros squad, and while he may not be big into hype, I still feel it necessary to give him the credit he deserves by continuing to remind folks that he exists and is doing well.

Yes, he slumped a bit prior to the All Star Break. But he is still on pace to have at least a 30/100 season in homers and RBI. That far exceeds the 25/85 that I predicted for him at the start of 2018. I truly believe that he will quietly and continually prove people wrong about him. He does have value, and he doesn't have to have superstar numbers on either side of the ball to do so.

Let the second half of the 2018 season commence!

Original Photo Credit: Bob Levey of Getty Images

The bear is ready to hunt and pounce on some opposing pitchers!

Being for the Benefit of Mr. Hinch

2018-06-15T14:50:00.000-05:00

I opted to pick another song from The Beatles' landmark album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, as a means to convey my arguments in today's post. Thankfully, the Houston Astros are sitting pretty with an 8 game win streak. Two series sweeps of divisional rivals, the Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics, have put the spacemen squarely in the driver's seat in their success of taking back the division by a half a game and making another huge statement in the American League.

To sweeten the pot, your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis has been on an out-of-this-world tear when it comes to offense. So much so, he even made history to become the first Astros player in franchise history with consecutive games of 5 RBI or more. I talk all about it, as well as my ongoing candidacy for him to make the 2018 All Star team, all in my latest piece from House of Houston. You can find it in the tweet below!:

A CASE MADE FOR EL OSO BLANCO: Evan Gattis has been on a TEAR as of late, certainly turning some heads along the way. @tvwizard85 makes his case as to why the WHITE BEAR should be an All-Star. Take a look. ⚾️🔥🤔💯https://t.co/TScUehLne9
— House Of Houston (@HouseOfHouston) June 15, 2018

Of course, the celebration over the bull-bear's success was quickly met with hostility and ignorant trolling from the CDH (critics, doubters and haters) crowd. Folks thinking is streak is just a flash in the pan, or that his average isn't high enough to be in the All Star Game. Accusations of Gatty Daddy being one-dimensional and all else still seems to run a muck with some people out in the internet world. It's like El Oso Blanco is a walking catch 22, cursed if he does and cursed if he doesn't.

To be honest, it's all pretty sickening and sad. Never mind the fact that Gattis has a higher batting average (.245 BA as of today) than even Mr. Swag himself, Bryce Harper. (.228 BA) Never mind that the ambush caveman lumberjack has risen his OPS almost 300 points in the span of 30 games. All of that seems to be lost on the ignoramuses out there that think they know this sport better than anyone else. That they are somehow impenetrable to criticisms or counterpoints.

Well, I've got news for them: They aren't. I've made the vow several times that "bears" repeating. (Pun totally intended here, by the way.) If someone tries to throw something out there that is either impulsive, ignorant or disrespectful, I will fight back against it every time. It's not hyping just one player, it's knowing what the actual truth is and making sure THAT gets told instead of the lies and spin. It's what a good journalist does, and I pride myself on being one.

But I digress ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for us to send Evan Gattis to the All Star Game. At the very least, and as I pointed out in my HOH piece, Hinch should exercise his power as the AL team manager to invite his "ambush caveman" to the midsummer classic festivities. At the absolute very least, he should get an invite to the Home Run Derby by whomever the AL team captain is. It would be for everyone's benefit, including the skip. There are no more excuses, folks. This needs to happen!

Side Note: I now also have a new writing job at Fansided as a Paid Entertainment Contributor. Please give my other work a look at the link below, and thank y'all in advance!

https://fansided.com/entertainment/

Original Photo Credit: Rick Yeatts of Getty Images

#VoteGattis! It doesn't get any simpler than that!

Shock the Monkey....or Bear!

2018-06-13T15:43:00.001-05:00

Peter Gabriel released this hit smash back in 1982. While some have thought the song is about using shock therapy, Gabriel has cleared the air many times to say it's a song about jealousy. Something that all of us, at some point in our lives, feel. It can take us by surprise when we least expect it. Often times, we don't even realize that we are feeling it.

Well, I can safely say that there must be plenty out there who are feeling that way now about your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis. The Houston Astros coasted to a sixth straight win last night, which began in the second inning. Carlos Correa had just returned to the lineup after a few games out with with right abdominal soreness. His first at-bat upon his return was, no surprises, a rocket into the second deck of left field. This was followed by a Yuli Gurriel single and a Josh Reddick walk that would set the table for what would come next.

Rather than tell you, I will gladly show you!:

If you think my bear buddy was done after, boy would you be wrong! The bull-bear lumberjack then followed up 3 innings later with THIS gem of a hit! For the first time in his career, Gattis tallied 5 RBI in a single game. this was the spark that catapulted the team to a 6-3 victory over the division rival, Oakland Athletics. The spacemen are proving, once again, why other teams around the league are gonna have to take their title from them by force.

After so many posts from people calling for him to be put on DFA or released outright, the haters have been silenced once and for all. El Oso Blanco is back, and isn't going anywhere. So as they say in Return of the Jedi, "Let the hate flow through you." Or in this case, the jealousy of knowing that you have been proven wrong once and for all, CDH crowd. In a way, Evan Gattis has shocked the monkey right off of his back that had been plaguing him all throughout the month of April.

It's all in the rear view mirror now, and it is glorious. Just check out these tweets:

This photo isn’t mine, but it’s just too perfect not to tweet. @tonykemp @BulldogBeing I so hope this indeed is their thing when Evan homers or has himself a night. Dude deserves it and Kemp being a hug machine is perfection. pic.twitter.com/0eNBZulE9H
— Nico Chitty (@_hansolocup) June 13, 2018

Evan Gattis on his big night pic.twitter.com/8g9NyRc6zB
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 13, 2018

My personal favorite of these two is seeing the pic of Gatty Daddy getting that hug from Tony Kemp. There is no greater heart-warming feeling than seeing the chemistry that has been built in this clubhouse over the years. Skipper A.J. Hinch has been a big force behind that. Credit is also given to Jeff Luhnow and Jim Crane for getting him here in the first place, AND sticking with him. No matter what happens this coming winter, Evan Gattis will always have a special place in Astros history.

We should thank ourselves lucky that we get to be apart of it!

Original Photo Credit: Rick Yeatts of Getty Images

Nothing sounds more melodic than when a bear roars! 🐻

Constant Craving

2018-06-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

Happy National Pride Month, everyone! For those that don't know, June is LGBTQ Pride Month. The time of year where most of the parades around the country take place and a good number of Americans celebrate and reflect on the history of LGBTQ community and liberation movement for all gender minorities in this country. Even though so many out there, like our current leaders, continue to disavow and marginalize us as second class citizens, those of proper and real moral values stand along side of us. If you consider or have proven yourselves to be one of our straight allies, I want to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of all of us in the LGBTQ community for your continued support and love for our important causes towards full equality under the law and true justice for all.

To that end, it was only fitting for me to reference a hit song by K.D. Lang for today's post title. Oddly enough, she wrote and recorded the song in 1992 as a means of coming out of the closet herself. However, to me, the song is about much more than identity and self awareness. It is also a song about yearning to see things come to fruition that maybe have not yet, or will never, come to be. One thing that I have yet to see transpire in the past few years of baseball is seeing your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, get selected to be in either the All Star Game, or the Home Run derby at the very least.

The closest El Oso Blanco came to being apart of the midsummer classic was last season, when he placed 5th among American League DH players. While it will be an uphill battle for him to climb through, it's not completely out of the realm of possibility to get him in there this season. And just an FYI for you readers and fans out there, voting has already begun for this year's All Star Game. The polls opened up just today, in fact. Giving that there hasn't been anything eye popping from the DH position as far as average or OPS, the bull-bear actually has a shot, however small it might be.

But there in lies the dilemma. His shot can actually be greater if us fans are willing to put our pride aside and actually make the effort to get him there. There is no guarantee of the home run derby, since those players are selected by the team captain from each league. So the best chance he has to get to the midsummer classic festivities is by us voting him there. Fans, we can do this, and I'm asking politely for you all to give it some real thought, consideration and action.

Yes, the usual suspects of Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and others are to be expected in the game. Albeit, they would also completely deserve to be there. But so does Evan Gattis. He stands today as one of the most underrated players in the entire league, and a proverbial outcast in this sport. We have the power to change that, as well as the hearts and minds of others around Major League Baseball. Complacency is the enemy here, folks. Take the 5 minutes out of your day to vote for as many Astros players as possible. But also, find it in your hearts to put Evan Gattis among them.

As the chorus in the K.D. Lang song says, "That constant craving has always been." It's time for the craving of seeing Gatty Daddy make it to the midsummer classic to start coming true and being satisfied. Or should I say, GATTISFIED! (Don't judge me!) If not now, when? Now is as good a time as any to me. So please fans, join me in this conquest of getting our Oso voted in to among the league's best players. He is much more so than people realize, so let's reward his hard work once and for all!

Original Photo Credit: Sean M. Haffey of Getty Images

#VoteGattis 2018! We need to hear him roar!

What Is And What Should Never Be

2018-05-23T17:02:00.000-05:00

Yes, readers. I'm making another Led Zeppelin reference for my post title today. It should come as no surprise though, for those that know my eclectic musical tastes well enough. Nevertheless, it does signify what has been going on with the entire Houston Astros team lately. Some of these things have gone beyond the game of baseball itself. And unfortunately, not in the good way.

As many of you know, another school shooting took place at nearby Santa Fe High School last week. It is now the second time in merely a full year that H-Town has had to deal with some level of tragedy. Out of respect to everyone, I will not get on any kind of political soapbox or preach to some hearsay ideological dogma. Except for me to say that this is something else that could have been avoided and that more needs to be done to prevent it from happening again. No matter where you stand on things, this is something that everyone can agree to.

Even from the ashes of darkness, light can still prevail over it. The entire Houston Astros ball club wore these wonderfully made shirts yesterday during practice as a means of showing support to that school and the victims and families affected. That kind gesture could have very well been a spark plug in guiding the team to a resounding 11-2 victory over the visiting San Francisco Giants last night. Gerrit Cole took to the mound and kept his pitching greatness, the proverbial "Cole Train," rolling along. Despite giving up a 2 run bomb to his brother-in-law, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford, Cole and the rest of the Astros pitching staff kept the boys from the bay "at bay," if you will. (Late edit: They just completed a two game sweep of the Giants with a 4-1 victory, and are now heading to Cleveland to face the Indians the next 4 games!)

In a second victory over the bay area, the Houston Rockets also won game 4 of the NBA Western Conference finals. This sends the series back to Houston for a pivotal game 5 tomorrow evening. All the Rockets have to do is win that one, and the momentum will be clearly in their favor. Even though I am not a big basketball fan, I will certainly be joining the rest of you to #RunasOne!

Back to baseball, however. Your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, certainly did his part last night in the victory over the Giants. He was the first hitter to get on base, with a lead off double in the 3rd inning. Additionally, he had another base hit single, and scored 2 of the 11 runs of the game. Yes, his average and OPS still have some work to be done, as they both sit at .213 and .645 respectively on the 2018 season. This after he unfortunately went 0-for-3 this afternoon. But the bull-bear has shown tremendous progress in the month of May, like he has always done throughout his career.

Despite this, there are still too many out in the fan base and across the internet that are making some kind of case, however foolish, about wanting to DFA or release him outright. The biggest culprit of this is none other than my blog nemesis, Jason Marbach, of the Crawfish Boxes. He put out THIS recent piece, clearly click bait, about how El Oso Blanco needs to be moved to make room for the minor league youngsters that are "tearing it up." He even goes so far as to say that Gattis will be gone before the season is even over.

Okay, so now he's awoken the sleeping giant. First of all, Marbach deliberately refuses to accept the fact that Gatty is hitting well over .280 across his last 12 games with an OPS around 1.000 in that stretch. You're not going to get Jose Altuve superstar numbers out of him. Even I as his most loyalist fan can admit to that. Regardless, Gattis still brings plenty of value to this team, and will continue doing so going forward.

The only way you will get him away from this Astros team is if you pry him away via next winter's scheduled free agency. And even then, I still believe he can be signed to a team friendly contract to catch with Max Stassi in lieu of Brian McCann likely not being vested next season, and the need for a veteran catcher to still be present. I know so many out there are high on Garrett Stubbs being at the big league level. That may happen at some point, with both he and Tim Federowicz are holding down the catching core pretty well at AAA Fresno. There are options for that position.

If the organization really doesn't want Gattis to catch, there is also the conversion to first baseman. Marwin Gonzalez is likely gone and Yuli Gurriel in need of some spotting. It's early to speculate over what will happen with the team next season. That much is true. But to completely write off Evan Gattis as being useless and a waste of roster space, as Marbach and others have, is both ignorant and insulting to a veteran that has long proven himself. It is slightly inconvenient that he is having these early struggles in his walk year. But that's the unfortunate nature of this game sometimes that you cannot always blame on the player. And lest we forget, tearing it up at the minor league level doesn't always translate to the big leagues. Tony Kemp is the exception disproving that rule this year.

The point in my rants and reflections is that, like the title of the Led Zeppelin song says, there are things that are, but also things that should never be. Evan Gattis being put to a double standard just because he hasn't fielded this year, even though he still can, is something that should never be. Let's just hope that the Astros organization sees it the way I do, and not the way these reckless writers, CDH crowd and trolls do.

Original Photo Credit: Houston Astros on Twitter

He's catching wind, so let's see him spin!

The Fighter

2018-05-14T16:14:00.000-05:00

I could think of no better thing to reference for today's post title than the award winning 2010 film starring Mark Whalberg and Christian Bale. Directed by David O' Russell of Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle fame, this movie follows the real life story of Micky Ward, an Irish boxer following his route to a lightweight title. In the midst of his quest, he is trying to get out of the shadows of his trainer-junkie-criminal brother in order to be successful. Trials and tribulations plague the story throughout, but Micky comes out of it on top.

Does this ring a bell to anyone? It should, because it is a similar story to that of the Houston Astros very own slugger, and once again YOUR people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis. El Oso Blanco is riding a 5 game winning streak. You read that right: 5 games! In that time, he has been hitting well over .350 and has a pair of homers and 4 more RBI to his name. While his overall stats still have a little ways to go, the bull-bear has turned on the offensive jets and it is full steam ahead! And as I write in my latest recap on House of Houston, May has always been the month of the bear. Check out what I have to say in the tweet below:

FLAME ON: The #Astros bounced back to what was a notable Week 6. What else happened? @tvwizard85 has the scoop. ⚾️🔥🤔💯https://t.co/HFMWtV2h9g
— House Of Houston (@HouseOfHouston) May 14, 2018

Compared to my recap from the previous week, I had a lot of things to say about these last six games. The pitching staff continues to be stellar, and the bats are heating up at just the right time. However, there is just something about the two homers from Gatty Daddy this week that really warmed my heart more than anything. Perhaps they will to you as well, once you give a look to the towering 400 ft one launched yesterday:

Hearing the crack of that powerful bat, and knowing that the ball traveled for over 107 mph at a nice launch angle of 32 degrees makes me so abundantly proud. It was a true signification that Gattis is back! He's seeing the ball exactly the way he always has, and it is paying off the dividends for himself and the team. Even better, the CDH crowd is slowly but surely losing their power again. Which energizes me, because I now have more to say than they do.

Evan Gattis is the living embodiment of overcoming adversity. Just when the CDH crowd thinks he's down, he gets right back up again. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, can ever stop the bear. Every time that folks out there think that he can't do something, he will prove you wrong EVERY SINGLE TIME! To that end, he is the ultimate fighter. No matter what obstacles come his way, he will face them head on.

I'm not naive to the fact that there will still be other times this season where he will struggle. Baseball is just that finicky of a game. But let's all just hope and pray that this heated trend of his from this weekend will be long lived to get him back to where we know he is capable of being, stat wise. I know I believe in him to do so. It is my greatest wish that all of you readers out there will as well.

Original Photo Credit: Houston Astros on Twitter

The best pic to describe Evan Gattis lately. The true fighter. Like Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing!"

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World!

2018-05-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

Released in 1963 and starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney among other names of an all star cast, this cinema classic follows the story of a dying thief leaving behind clues to a treasure. All characters involve make a cross country dash in order to seek out this revealed prize. A 2001 reboot, the film Rat Race starring another all-star cast that included Whoopi Goldberg, Seth Green and Jon Lovitz among other names, makes light of this same type of story. In the end of both, no one succeeds in recovering the treasure, and friendships are formed in the process. The moral of the story being that riches make people do crazy things for it.

Similarly, this moral can be applied to the game of baseball. Our Houston Astros have been having a rough time to start the month of May. The bullpen is stumbling and our bats are somehow freezing up again. Despite winter being gone into the setting sun, those bats have got some icicles on them. Anyone not named Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are not hitting for well enough average or OPS. Sure, some clutch hits here and there. However, not very many. At least, not enough to win games.

And then, there's Evan Gattis. He's still my people's champion, but I honestly can't really say that he is any of yours right now. At this point, I don't really blame any of you if that is the case. Whether it's an unknown physical ailment, the mental anguish of stewing over previous at-bats between innings from not being able to take the field, or even at this point a curse from some voodoo witch doctor somewhere, the bear has had a serious statistical fall from grace, and it is the biggest nightmare I have ever had to witness.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other more important things in this world to feel nightmarish about, for sure. But this is the absolute worst case scenario that could have happened for El Oso Blanco in 2018. Not that it would EVER be welcomed, but it also couldn't come at a worse possible year. That being his final one before being due to hit free agency next winter. He, along with Dallas Keuchel and Marwin Gonzalez, are all scheduled for it. Quite frankly, all three of them, along with some others, are looking like they won't last much longer.

I reiterate, this is the biggest sports nightmare that I could be witnessing right now. Often, I yearn for someone to just pinch me and wake me up from this. But like everyone else, I have to deal with the harsh reality that this is all really going down. I'm sure the CDH crowd is all kinds of happy with themselves right now. Some have even gone so far as to harass me across social media. I've taken my own steps to weed it out. At the same time, I'm growing incredibly weary on this baseball season so far, and it's only the beginning of May.

To that end, none of us should really be going into the kind of frenzy that characters in the film do to find the proverbial treasure. We're all scrambling to find answers, and even going so far as to be armchair GM's, making decisions that aren't ours to make. This includes what to do with Gatty. I'm going to say something I thought I'd never say, but I wouldn't be completely against the idea of him being sent to AAA Fresno for a week to 10 days to get his head and bat right. In his stead, you can give Tyler White and/or Kyle Tucker a shot at some big show action.

That is all assuming, of course, that Hinch would still refuse to play him in the field at catcher or first base, like he naturally still plays. One thing the CDH tries to spin is that he can't play a position on the field, which is false. OR that a DH is just supposed to go up there and hit 3-5 times a game. ALSO FALSE. Players can't naturally go from a fielding position to just pinch hitting multiple times a game and then stewing between innings. Many of them, I'm sure Gattis included, feel that it sets them up for failure.

There are changes that can be made that can get this team jolted. They don't have to be huge changes, just shifting some things here and there. And NO FANS, no one is getting DFA'd this early in the season, Gattis included. This has not reached Carlos Gomez territory be any means. Nor will it. Like so many others, he is in a bad slump. But even those get broken. Just like the hot ones will have their stumbles. There is still way to much of a season to be played. No towels need to be thrown, and no mad dashes to find shiny treasure need to take place.

Stop the madness, fans. Our boys are gonna be alright. By extension, we're gonna be alright also!

Original Photo Credit: Rick Yeatts of Getty Images

The bear isn't dead yet, folks. And there's still life in that bat. It just needs to be awoken.

Breaking Dawn

2018-04-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

I know some of you are going to roll your eyes at the fact that I am referencing a title from the Twilight series. But if you think about it, the team just played up in Washington State when facing the Seattle Mariners. It's where that series is set, so it actually does make sense for me to make that reference. Specifically, the final book in the series which wraps things up in a neat little package. It is symbolic to what the Houston Astros are doing as a team right now.

To put it mildly, the bats are thawing out and heating up. While at the same time, the pitching has been so on point that records continue to be shattered and broken. And we are still within the first month of season play. I analyzed this near perfect road trip in my latest piece from House of Houston. You can check it out in the tweet link below!:

ROAD TRIP! @tvwizard85's week four recap is LIIIIIIIIVE! Overall, the #Astros had a SUCCESSFUL week on the road. The pitching has been PHENOMENAL and the bats are starting to WAKE UP! All that and more, check it out! ⚾️🤔🔥💯https://t.co/evxKA9PilA
— House Of Houston (@HouseOfHouston) April 23, 2018

The very best part about this road trip, by far was when your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis hit his first homer of the season yesterday. According to StatCast, it was a 92 mph sinker pitch from Hector Santiago that El Oso Blanco clobbered at a rate of 100 mph of of his mighty bat. Of course, it is a homer that is too good not to show via the actual video footage from MLB.com. If only they would have had the embed code so I can post it here. Oh well, there is always the links here and on my HOH piece.

But you get to see first hand exactly what that does to a player like Gattis, who has really been in a struggle since the first series against the Texas Rangers in Arlington. I've said it so many times before, but it "bears" repeating. (Pun most assuredly intended!) It only takes one going over the fence to give a real boost of confidence to any hitter, especially the Bull-Bear. From here on out, you are really going to see his true form come to its fruition, with his numbers making the same kind of rocket style launch.

That's not to say that he still won't have his occasional stumbles and slumps. I mean, everyone on the team is going to at times. That's what makes baseball so enjoyable to watch. Nevertheless, getting that first homer yesterday is going to be just the ticket to getting Gatty Daddy to where we all truly know that he is capable of being at. It's also a true redemption from the triple play gaffe of Thursday. I personally believe that getting him behind the plate late on Friday may have been another way to get his head back in the game. But then again, that could just be me.

Regardless, the Bull-Bear has found his swing again, and that will hopefully mean that he will be allocated the same consistent playing time that skipper A.J. Hinch has been doing since the start of the year. The journey does not get easy for Gattis and the Astros, despite the team coming home for a 10 game home stand. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim await them upon their return tonight to the juice box. Additionally, Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani will pitch against our hitters on Tuesday night.

I know many of us will be on the edge of our seats for this entire series against the Halos. Namely, the game happening on Tuesday will most certainly be the biggest in this 4 game Battle Royale. It will be a pretty clear indicator as to which team will carry the most momentum to a division title this coming fall. So long as the bats can stay hot against Ohtani pitching on Tuesday, and the pitchers continue their dominance over him with any potential DH start that he may have in this series, likely Thursday in the finale, I won't be too worried about our spacemen.

Their time is certainly now to really get going like we know they can, and they are doing just that. Evan Gattis will be a big part of that, much more so than folks realize it now. This first home series against the Angels will be the ultimate test for them in the division. And once they face the Boston Red Sox, that will be a test for defending the AL Pennant and making it back to the fall classic. I have faith in them, and I know all of you readers out there do as well. Let's all continue to stand by our men!

Original Photo Credit: David Banks of Getty Images

Love seeing the jubilation on his face. Brace yourselves for more clutch bear hits and bombs to come, fans!

Gattis in Wonderland

2018-04-20T15:26:00.003-05:00

Before I get too far into today's post, yes, I am referencing the Lewis Carrol literary classic and corresponding Disney films. However, no, I am not doing this as a means of belittling your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis for what transpired yesterday. Additionally, I'm just now realizing that today is 420, and perhaps it is situational irony taking over for what we collectively know about the bear-bull's past AND the famed Carrol tale. But I digress, it's time to provide some context for those that don't already know what happened against the divisional rival, Seattle Mariners yesterday.

Here's the scoop: Evan Gattis hit a check swing at a pitch that he didn't like. It grounded towards Kyle Seager at third base to get out Jose Altuve. He then threw it to Robinson Cano at second base to get out Carlos Correa. Anger began to take hold of El Oso Blanco for swinging at said hit. Not realizing that it was only 2 outs at the time, he began trotting back to the dugout. There in lied the dilemma. Since he abandoned the first base bag, he unintentionally put himself back in play. First baseman for the Mariners, Daniel Vogelbach, applied the tag to Gattis, causing a rare Triple Play on a base running gaffe and all around brain fart.

Below, you will find the video of what transpired. This, in addition to some close call comebackers hit to the mound versus both starting pitchers yesterday, is just among some of the rare oddities creeping around at Safeco Field. Be warned: What you are about to see is not at all pretty. Viewer Discretion is Advised! (And yes, I did just go there!)

Everyone out there knows full well about my unconditional loyalty to the bear. But when I saw this, even I had to break out the face palms. My heart sank down into my chest, and I was trying to tell myself that there was no way this could have happened. No way did we just witness something like this happening. Here is a GIF rendering of my reaction to this yesterday:

What seemed like confusion and day dreaming on the part of Gattis was actually built up frustration and anger that led to the eventual gaffe. As he explained it to the Houston Chronicle, he just allowed his stress to get the better of him. Here are some takeaway quotes from him:

"It was just a mistake," Gattis said. "I knew how many outs there were. I was really mad at the pitch I swung at and really mad about grounding into a double play. And I really don't have anything to say, I don't really know why I started running into the dugout."

"I think I got so mad I couldn't think straight."

Skipper A.J. Hinch was just as equally angry, telling reporters after the game that he "didn't really want to talk about it." In all honesty, it wouldn't surprise me if this cost's Gattis a spot in the lineup tonight. I would hope that wouldn't be the case, but would understand and accept it if it did. This is just one of those plays that there is absolutely no excuse for. I mean, that's one of the biggest fundamentals taught to a player when they are younger.

Nevertheless, one thing that I think all fans can admire is him taking responsibility for it. After all, that Chron article also said that he arrived in the clubhouse and bellowed to his teammates as to whether or not they wanted to talk about the triple play. Quite frankly, I would not have wanted to be on the Astros roster in that particular circumstance. If someone with the physique of Gattis bellowed anything at me, I'd be running for the hills seeking sanctuary and shelter somewhere.

It is important to note, however, that this was a mistake that is in the past now. A Momentary Lapse of Reason, if you will, as well as judgement. Anyone that would want to bring it up beyond today would just be a fire starter that had no business saying anything at all. Because clearly, it wouldn't be anything nice to say. We all know the golden rule. Some of us just need to start being better about applying it to their own lives, as well as the lives of those around them. It goes a lot farther than you might think.

Original Photo Credit: Lindsey Wasson of Getty Images

Even Heroes Can Stumble at Times!

Things Can Only Get Better

2018-04-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

Just like the rest of you Astros fans, I'm feeling in a bit of disarray about the state of the team right now. Much like the current political climate in the country, our spacemen are going through turbulent and chaotic times right now. The bullpen is not looking as sharp as it was during Spring Training, and the bats are all but frozen. So I figured that referencing the Howard Jones hit tune that is as old as I am would be the best thing to assess what could possibly be going on right now.

The team is heading off to Seattle to open a 4 game set with the divisional rival Mariners this evening through Thursday. They will then follow it up with a 3 game set versus the Chicago White Sox. More cold weather is sure to be a stick in all of the players' collective crawls. Unfortunately, the schedule only gets more difficult from there. Guess who awaits them when they return home? The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, with the red hot Shohei Ohtani.

Some how in some way, the reigning world champions have got to find a way to get it together. That includes your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis. He's now hitting below .200 and still has an OPS below .600 as of today. Nobody is more scared of that little development than me. More playing time in 2018 was supposed to be a big boost to El Oso Blanco's overall numbers. Instead, these first 2-3 weeks of the season have done the exact opposite. I suppose the baseball Gods are getting all their laughs in, as are most out in the fan base, including the CDH (critics, doubters and haters) crowd.

However, if you think for one minute that I am about to throw in the towel and concede things over to those people, then you obviously don't know me at all. I was pretty quick to get back up and swing hard at them in my latest piece from House of Houston. You can view it for yourselves in the linked tweet below:

HOLD UP, WAIT A MINUTE! #Astros fans, it might be time to pump the brakes on some early struggles from #ElOsoBlanco! Gattis has, historically, been SLOW in April BUT these April slumps bring May bombs! @tvwizard85 breaks it down. ⚾️🤔💯🔥https://t.co/kGnClvrFjN
— House Of Houston (@HouseOfHouston) April 16, 2018

It's no secret that Evan Gattis is, by definition, a late bloomer. He didn't even break into the big leagues until he was 26 after spending 3 years in the Atlanta Braves minor league system. Even now at his age 32 season, the bull-bear is still far off from his prime. When you compare the collective ages and service years of a vast majority of players, it becomes all too clear that Gattis can still, very easily, survive close to, if not completely, another decade in this league.

Far fetched? Not really. In fact, there have been a good number of players that have lasted well into their 40s, or pretty close to it. This would not have been the case a couple of decades back. The game has changed in some good ways and other not-so-good ways. But player longevity has been increasing, and that has been one of the good changes that baseball has seen over time. They don't call it America's pasttime for nothing.

Additionally, it is a game of ebbs and flows. Some players have really hot starts. Others, like Gattis, may not have it as well off. But the truth is, those are the kind of paradigm shifts in baseball that take place over time. Hot streaks and slumps run rampant in this sport. Players like Gattis, or Marwin Gonzalez as another example, will get their bats hot. On the flip side, even a player as good as Ohtani has been since entering this league will also have times where he struggles. Whether it's not spotting his pitches right or slumping at the plate himself, it's only a matter of time before he knows what the reverse feels like.

Reason and logic need to start prevailing in the fan base over impulse and feelings. It has to! The standards can afford to be shrunk down a little bit, even for our defending world champions. That's not to say we can't feel upset when something doesn't go right. Just that it isn't the end of the season if they don't make a play on defense correctly or if they have hard times thawing out the bats. As Howard Jones reminds us in the song, things really can only get better.

Original Photo Credit: Bob Levey of Getty Images

I won't stop and falter, and neither will he!

Cold as Ice

2018-04-12T15:48:00.000-05:00

With the Houston Astros wrapping up a three game set against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis yesterday, it's no surprise that I would reference the famed rock hit from Foreigner for today's post title. Not only was the weather very blistering up there, but so were the spacemen. They dropped their first series of the season, and both sides of the ball looked to fall victim. Both Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers suffered the two losses that cost the team the series. To make matters worse, the bats woke up too little too late.

Thankfully, the Astros have now returned home and will open up a short weekend home stint against the in-state divisional rivals, the Texas Rangers. The I-45 neighbors have been biting the big one, to say the least. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim just left Arlington with a sweep of the team, and now, they get to come down to H-Town for a good, old-fashioned, Texas-sized whopping of the derrieres. Even more amusing, Big Sexy himself, Bartolo Colon, will finish the series on Sunday against Justin Verlander. Expect that game to be quite the show in and of itself.

Aside from the botched two starts from Keuchel and McCullers, the rest of the pitching staff has been keeping the team in games. Tying up the game in the 9th inning yesterday seemed to be a signal that the bats are heating up. That includes the one of your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, who had another multi-hit outing Wednesday with a pair of singles. One of which tallied 2 of the 8 runs scored in the game, and a third was scored by El Oso Blanco himself.

Returning back to a dome setting at home should get all of the hitters to find their groove again. The Bull Bear didn't have a very good home stand last time. But after what transpired in yesterday's game, he is definitely seeing the ball a lot better now. He may not have a multi hit game every outing, and we are all still eagerly awaiting those bear bombs that he has been known to hit in the past. However, as the old saying goes, patience is indeed a virtue.

Meanwhile, the team does find itself a game out of the Angels for the division lead. While a tad upsetting, it's not something for anyone to hit the panic switch on our boys yet. The pitchers that are struggling right now will find their step, as will the hitters. Additionally, those on the team that are hot right now will have cold snaps with their gloves or bats. Truth is, as I have mentioned before, that is what makes the game of baseball so great. It gives us fans unimaginable highs and worrisome lows all at the same time.

Honesly fans, let's just enjoy the ride. Every last one of these players, including Gattis, are going to give us some great things to root for. This is true for this season, and in many others to come. The Angels will certainly be making their work be cut out for them this season with the emergence of Japanese star, Shohei Ohtani. But even a player like him is mortal, and prone to making his own mistakes. Despite not making very many right now, he will have his struggles as well.

So yeah, I'm not worried. And you shouldn't be, either!

Original Photo Credit: Houston Astros on Twiter

Perched in the dugout, the Bull Bear eagerly awaits to be freed!

Hand in My Pocket

2018-04-09T15:11:00.000-05:00

Released as the second single off of the iconic 1995 album, "Jagged Little Pill," Alanis Morrisette went a little more low key on this song than the previous release of "You Oughta Know." Like most songs off the landmark album, "Hand In My Pocket" is one about finding zen. No matter what spot you may find yourself at any given point in your life, Morrisette was attempting to remind folks to embrace both the good and the bad.

I think Mike Myers as Wayne Campbell in the classic comedy film,"Wayne's World 2," described the album best when he was recalling growing up around Peter Frampton's 1976 classic "Frampton Comes Alive:"

I think if you lived in the suburbs, you were issued it. Came in the mail with one of those sample packages of Tide.

In all honesty, everyone had that record. Even if not for themselves, they lived with, or was close, to someone that had Jagged Little Pill in their record collection. It was actually one of the first CD's that my sister bought with her own money. Back then, she was 15 and I was 10. But I digress. It's time to shift the focus back to baseball, which is what y'all came here for!

This song is symbolic to what the Houston Astros went through over this past weekend against the San Diego Padres. The series proved to be the first big test of pitching they had never seen before. The Padres are now considered inter league, so it was very possible that a lot of the hitters in the lineup had dealt with these hurlers for the first time. And man, did it show big time!

They lost the first game of the series 4-1, and on Saturday, they won in extra innings off of a pop up fielding gaffe from Eric Hosmer that allowed Alex Bregman to cross first base and Derek Fisher to score the lone run of the game to get the spacemen the victory. Sunday would be the game that would secure the series victory with a 4-1 final score. Charlie Morton threw for another quality start, and Max Stassi belted a 3 run bomb into the Crawford Boxes and proved himself to be a future All Star catcher.

The Astros are now in snowy Minneapolis to start a 3 game set with the Minnesota Twins. Unfortunately, there has been lots of snow in the area, and Target Field has no roof, so it's not really primed for an overstay of Old Man Winter. It remains to be determined, but it would not surprise me if the fellas have to take their first postponement of the 2018 season. Even if they did, they have all certainly earned their rest.

Among the good things for the team has also come the not-so-good things happening with your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis. Since his 3 hit, 3 RBI outing in the finale against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, El Oso Blanco has fallen on some hard times at the plate. He only had two hits on the home stand, and his strikeout rate is ballooning. (Though, many of the strikeouts have been questionable third strike calls, if we're gonna be honest!) I admit, even as his biggest fan and blogger, it's not really looking good for the bear right now.

Nevertheless, I get really irritated when I see things like THIS on social media:

Max stassi is playing really fucking good. Evan gattis will slowly be phased out of the game plan.
— Bobby Miffin (@DrPuffenstein) April 8, 2018

The moto for this team this season is Never Settle. Well, I'm holding true to it by not settling for people saying ignorant and stubborn gibberish such as this. And yes, I will call it out at every single turn. Consider that your warning, CDH (critics, doubters, haters) crowd! Could Evan Gattis have been the one to hit that three run homer yesterday? Yes. Would it have been nice of him to at least get an RBI base hit? Of course. However, unlike Mr. Miffin over here, I'm not going to sit here and make armchair proclamations, or allow for such absurdities to continue.

All of this has come as skipper A.J. Hinch revealed to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com just the other day that he is not in any rush to put Gattis behind the plate. The early success of Stassi has certainly factored into that. Believe me, the kid deserves every good thing that is coming to him, and I am just as much in his corner as anyone else on this team. But since his DH and catching OPS numbers are practically night and day, maybe Gattis should be given some reps at first base. Especially, given that Marwin Gonzalez is struggling even worse than he is right now.

Giving him the chance to be on the field can actually help take his mind off of a previous at-bat. I trust what the skip is doing, and that's not an issue. But what is a minor one is him mentioning that he doesn't want Gattis to be "just a DH," but yet not making the necessary decisions to bring this to fruition. So long as he is consistently in the lineup, I'm not picky as to where, and Hinch has been making good at getting the bear consistent AB's. But perhaps, we need to change things up ever so slightly, even if only just for a game or two.

Whatever happens, this team will continue it's great run, and Evan Gattis will be a big part of that. Just like a handful of others in the lineup, he is in the unfortunate slump phase right now. He'll get out of it. Additionally, those that have been on the hot steaks will certainly have their stumbles as well. That's what makes the game of baseball an edge of your seat roller coaster. And yes, I did just go all movie critic on that last phrase, but you knew what you were getting into when you opted to read this post.

I'm lost, but I'm hopeful baby!

Original Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj of USA Today Sports

What it all comes down to, is that everything is going to be quite alright!

Hungry Eyes

2018-04-05T15:26:00.000-05:00

It was bound to happen eventually, folks. Referencing a song from the 80's classic film, Dirty Dancing, was only a matter of time before happening. Hey, there are some gay stereotypes I still hold true to. In all honesty though, it is the perfect thing to sum up what has been happening in this first week of the regular season of baseball thus far. Let's dive in, shall we?!

The Houston Astros have the best record in baseball so far at a 6-1 clip. They just swept the O Birds (otherwise known as the Baltimore Orioles) out of town, and are now set to host the San Diego Padres this weekend. Life could not be better for us Astros fans right now! They are doing exactly what they set out to do, even if we are only just 7 games in. At current pace, the spacemen can win not just 100 games, but perhaps even over 110!

Okay, so maybe that might be too bold of a prediction this early. However, it isn't completely far fetched from reality. The pitching staff is doing exactly what they need to do to sit the opposing team down, and the bats are the most alive they have ever been. Up and down that roster, the Astros are in a very solid position right now to get that repeat title going. There will most certainly be challenges along the way. Most notably, some of the command issues that Dallas Keuchel has shown early. But again, it is early, and plenty of time to get that under control.

Additionally, your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis has been off to a fairly decent start. Though the strikeouts have been a tad heavy, you can't really blame El Oso Blanco for wanting to be a little more aggressive than he was last season. Especially, since his playing time will be significantly increased over the course of 2018. Still, he has been getting clutch hits, like the 3 he had in Arlington that put up 3 RBI and got him scored in twice. For those counting, that was 5 of the 8 runs scored in that game that can be attributed to the bear! Either by driving in a runner, OR crossing the plate himself.

No doubt, Gattis will be back in the lineup Friday, after having an off day on Wednesday. The Astros will be facing a righty in Luis Perdomo who, at this point, is sporting a pretty hefty 11.25 ERA. Keep in mind, this is also what he has before facing the top offense in the league and defending world champions. Unless Perdomo figures something out, which may or may not be the case, our batters should have no problem getting to him early and often.

This next series should be another good one. One that favors the Astros in another potential sweep. Or, at the very least a series win of 2 out of 3 games. As per usual, these fellas are gonna keep giving it their all. Like us fans, they are hungry. Hungry for a repeat title. Hungry for further glory. Hungry to get a taste of something that only so few other teams have gotten to experience over the history of this game. The table is set, so let the feasting continue!

Original Photo Credit: Jackson Gorman (@dublemeat on Twitter)

While menacing looking, the bear is just like the rest of the team. Hungry for more titles!

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This!)

2018-04-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend, and are not feeling too sluggish to start the new week. But even if you are, just remember that it's home opening week in H-Town, ladies and gentlemen! I can think of nothing better to reference than the classic 80s tune from The Eurythmics and subsequent industrial medal cover by Marilyn Manson. There are instances where I actually do like the cover of a song better than the original. However, this particular cover was not the case. But I digress, back to baseball!

After taking 3 out of 4 games from the in-state divisional rival Texas Rangers, which I analyzed in my latest House of Houston piece just this morning, The Houston Astros are arriving home for a 6 game set against the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres. At the same time, this first home series of the season will be one that celebrates last year's historic title run. Starting today, the championship banner for the team will be unveiled at Minute Maid Park for all the world to see. At least, those that make the trek out to the proverbial juice box. Now that the team are the current reigning champions, that should be a lot more people coming from around both the country AND the globe!

Tomorrow, however, is the bigger ceremony. The ring presentation to the players! The very fellas that put in the work, never settled, and above all, earned every bit of it! Carlos Beltran is set to be apart of it, as the veteran and future hall of famer will grace Minute Maid Park out of retirement to join in on the festivities. It's not clear whether Nori Aoki, Cameron Maybin and others from last year's squad on other teams now or retired will make it tomorrow. But one thing is for sure, they will all get their respective rings, regardless of the RSVP, or lack there of.

While I commend and celebrate every last one of these players on there accomplishment, tomorrow will be especially emotional for me to see my favorite player on the team, and your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis get his ring for all that he has done since getting to the Astros in 2015. Not to mention, taking on a decreased role and making sacrifices to his personal stat numbers in 2017 to aide in the team making that run. Considering everything that he went through to get to the major leagues in the first place, getting that championship ring is going to be the most special for him.

For those that keep wondering why I revere El Oso Blanco so much, you need look no further than this documentary from Fox Sports South released back in 2014, when Gattis was still with the Atlanta Braves. Ironically, it was the same year I met him for the very first time. It gives an in-depth look into his life leading up to his debut in the big leagues. Raw emotion, harrowing ups and downs, and the happiest of endings, which are truly just beginnings for the bull-bear, are really what make him an absolute treasure. Someone deserving of having a movie made about his life, and one that I intend on getting the script sold off to Hollywood in the near future.

It is the perfect rags to riches story. The embodiment of the American Dream that we all seek to get a piece of every single day. Though not all of us may make it to exactly where we want to go, Evan Gattis is the living proof that you don't have to be stuck in the same rut all the time. If you have a passion in life, the only thing that would ever stop you from realizing it is you. That sense of gusto is exactly what has driven me to write the three scripts that I have, including the one on Evan's life. The road may be a bit long with some twist and turns, but I have every intention of getting to where I want and need to be. Getting in better shape has been a big part of that as well!

So as we celebrate these fellas tomorrow, let us all continue to be inspired by their own individual journeys to get to what they've accomplished. As much as we see these spacemen as superheroes, we must also remember that they were once just like all of us. In many respects, they still are as human beings. They got to where they were because they put in the work. Simultaneously, they also enjoyed the grind, and were willing to do whatever it takes to get to the top.

They are also not settling for just one title. The Astros are still working hard every single day of the grind to achieve a feat that is difficult in baseball: A repeat title. They have everything they need to do so. We should all take pages out of their books for our own lives as well. I mean, we'll be cheering them on to another victory. Following their examples on how to go about work and life should be something that we cheer for all at the same time. As they, and I, always say, "Onward and upward!"

Original Photo Credit: Karen Warren of the Houston Chronicle

Jake and the Bull-Bear!: We know how excited these two are, and will be, for this first home series!

The Final Countdown!

2018-03-28T15:11:00.000-05:00

I can think of no better way to get you fans excited for Opening Day tomorrow than by citing the 80s power rock song by Europe. In less than 24 hours from now, our spacemen will be out on the back to back quest. Their mission? To boldly go where not a lot of teams have gone before. They will all proudly march into Globe Life Park here in Arlington with their heads held high as the defending World Series champions. In doing so, they will, without a doubt, put a beat down on the in-state divisional rival Texas Rangers. The likes of which has never been seen before.

Up and down the lineup, the Houston Astros have all the pieces to do so. A stellar rotation, and even a secondary one that I brought up in my latest piece for House of Houston just last night. A bullpen that knows how to seal the deal, led by some great coaching all around. And of course, the guys on the roster carrying the big sticks: The positional players!

The core four of George Springer, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa will be at the top of the lineup each day, barring anything unforeseen. Yuli Gurriel, when he has fully recovered and served out his suspension, will be a big part of the middle of the batting order. Sprinkle in Marwin Gonzalez, Josh Reddick, Derek Fisher, J.D. Davis and Max Stassi, and you have yourself the ultimate title repeat recipe. Most experts even have this Astros team being better than the one that got H-Town its very first championship last year.

Of course, there are two other components to this positional player potion. The Bearded Bash Brother #BearSquared Wonder Twins, of course. Brian McCann, a.k.a. the BMac, as well as your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, who will both be crucial elements to the catching and designated hitting quadrants respectively. With the team carrying Stassi as a third catcher, it allows for more flexibility to get these two more at-bats. And as we all know, when Gatty Daddy and McCannonball square up a pitch, that ball is bye bye!

Despite a scare on Sunday in Florida during the final Grapefruit League game against the Miami Marlins, the bear is feeling just fine after a hit by pitch that put a welt on his left elbow. Actually, El Oso Blanco was able to tally a single and a walk while catching the last 4 innings yesterday in the final exhibition game against the Milwaukee Brewers. No matter what some may try, you just can't keep the bear down. He's as tough as nails, despite what his physical age will tell you.

Even though the team is going to be in my area, I unfortunately have to enjoy the first game of the season from the privacy of my workstation. I know, I probably should have been better about getting tickets. But, priorities do take precedent. I mean, I do have 4 trips to take this year, starting next month with a weekend getaway to Chicago to see my old college bestie. But I digress, none of you out there really want to hear my excuses, and I don't blame you.

More than just the actual first game of the season itself, Opening Day ushers in the most wonderful time of the year. I'm willing to even wager that it is almost better than Christmas. (Notice I said ALMOST better, readers! Put down the torches and pitchforks!) The weather is warming up, everything is in bloom, and new beginnings are on the horizon. A chance to start again. A chance to make great change happen. And yes, the chance to repeat as champions of the world.

Can you feel it, Astros fans?! The quest for a repeat title starts....NOW!

Original Photo Credit: Alex Trautwig of MLB Photos via Getty Images

Evan Gattis is ready for Opening Day tomorrow. Will you be??!!

Safety Dance

2018-03-16T16:04:00.000-05:00

The White House visit by the Houston Astros is now in the rear view mirror. Even with that, they are still rolling strong throughout Grapefruit League. They have an overall spring record of 14-6, which is the best among all of the teams that call Florida their spring homes. All players on the roster, whether they be pitcher or position player, are hitting and pitching tremendous strides. That includes your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, who is currently batting a .310 BA with an .804 OPS. .459 of that OPS is, surprisingly, the on-base percentage, or OBP. He may not be hitting for a whole lot of power, but he is getting on base and moving guys across.

This all really comes as no surprise, since he had already begun to show progress in his hitting approach last season, when his playing time was diminished severely. Thankfully, that will not be the case going into this 2018 title defense season, when El Oso Blanco will step into the shoes left behind by retired future HOF, Carlos Beltran. Additionally, he will still be used as a third catcher to spell both Brian McCann, who has been struggling to get a hit so far this spring, and Max Stassi, who really has nothing left to prove at the minor league level and is more than capable of playing in the big leagues.

All of this leaves skipper A.J. Hinch some options as to what to do when constructing the everyday lineup. It's the same luxury he had last season, when the spacemen won their first ever championship in franchise history. Already this spring, he has begun to spell some guys, including Gattis, as a means of preserving their strength and overall health. The Houston Chronicle broke this story last weekend. You can check it out at the following link.

Frankly, I believe this to be a tremendous idea. Anything that can save our guys from extended trips to the DL is always a good thing. Not sure if this is different from how Hinch executed last spring, but even if it is a new idea, it's still a fantastic one! I'm sure the bear will benefit tremendously from it, since he was one of the ones being talked about in that article. Since he'll only be catching once a week, it is good for him to get a rhythm going on that.

Funnily enough, if for no other reason, it has lifted Evan's spirits. I mean, he's even been trying his hand at some Twitter comedy. At least, the organization seems to think so from his stint at the White House. How often can a player do such a spot on impersonation of a Will Ferrell character? I'm willing to bet, not a whole lot. Just see for yourselves:

Great delivery from @BulldogBeing though 😂 pic.twitter.com/ecEQ9u2DBS
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 12, 2018

I don't know about you readers, but I think the bear may have a future as a stand up comic or SNL featured player once he retires from the game. But that could just be me. Want even more proof of the bear's recent comic side? Just look at a tweet he sent out two days ago:

On a serious note, I dont think it is possible to win a World Series without flinstones vitamins. #yabba_dabba_true #ad
— Evan Gattis (@BulldogBeing) March 14, 2018

Say what most might about how Evan Gattis is "not a cornerstone player" and all that jazz, this veteran is gonna be around for a while. How else will the core four of George Springer, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa be backed up? As great as these four are, they'll need some veterans sprinkled in to help keep the championship years and potential dynasty going. The bear already fits the bill of such a player. And when GM Jeff Luhnow extends him over next winter, I will be turning on the gloating jets so hard on some of the CDH trolls out there.

Look for 2018 to not only be the Year of the Dog, but also the Year of the Bear!

Original Photo Credit: Karen Warren of the Houston Chronicle

Using his glove as a visor + Gnarly beard = PIMP BEAR!!!!

Mr. Gattis Goes to Washington

2018-03-12T16:22:00.000-05:00

The Houston Astros are continuing to make other teams pay in Spring Training. They are enjoying a nice 12-5 record in Grapefruit League as of today. Even better, as they are the best AL team in Spring Training so far, the American League team with the worst record right now is none other than the in-state rival, Texas Rangers. Cloud 9 is about to run out of room to fit all of the spacemen on it, because they are all on it right about now.

As the final stop on their championship tour from last year's big World Series win, the team made the trek to the White House today to be honored by the president. So, not surprisingly, I decided to reference the title of the famed Jimmy Stewart movie for my post title. What's more, almost everyone on the team seemed to be present for the ceremony. The only big exceptions were Ken Giles because of family commitments and Carlos Beltran due to his retirement. Carlos Correa was not present today, but I have a feeling as to why that may or may not be the case. Still, to see these fellas get honored was truly something.

You can check out their big entry below, courtesy of Brian McTaggart of MLB Network (a.k.a. Taggs!):

Astros arrive at East Room pic.twitter.com/AUjnb7sHgB
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 12, 2018

The team itself also recorded the entire 20+ minute presentation. Give it a look below as well:

Watch live as the World Series Champion #Astros are honored at the White House! https://t.co/GbC1QXSHKS
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 12, 2018

After the ceremony, the players got to have a little fun at the podium. My favorite of these moments came from, who else, but your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis. His old little league coach tapped this following little moment that El Oso Blanco had at the podium:

Longtime Dallas Tiger and Houston Astros WS champ Evan Gattis at The White House #tigernation pic.twitter.com/G92mvmNMuK
— Tommy Hernandez (@dtigertommy) March 12, 2018

Perhaps the bear may be making his own bid for the presidency in the future? Who knows? But I'll tell you one thing: If he does, as I've said many times before, he's gotta make me his campaign manager/chief of staff. Evan, let's make this happen, dude! Plenty of more pics and video can be found across social media.

With that in mind, however, one things that has been showing up on social media is far too much political commentary on the event. Let me stop folks right there, before anything gets too heated. Those that know me well enough know that I am a very proud, openly gay, political progressive. (Note: I refuse to say liberal because of all the negative connotations that get associated with it.) But if I can be so honest, it had and has no place for a ceremony such as this.

The Houston Astros are a diverse group of guys from all different walks of life. In many respects, they are the perfect melting pod of human beings that is America. Some of them may not have been born here, but got here as fast as their own two feet can carry them. To be honored at the White House is a tremendous thing, regardless of political leniency. Sure, there may not have been a whole lot of smiles at any given time. But that is the prerogative of the players themselves, as well as others in the organization in attendance.

So both sides, the right AND the left, really need to cease fire. If you want to make your voice heard, then go out and vote when elections come around. Otherwise, lips need to be buttoned! It is the office of the presidency that is honoring these guys, not necessarily the man in the office. We can have our disagreements, but be civil and time it right. Today's ceremony for our spacemen is not the proper time to get into heated political discussions. Save that for actual elections!

Okay, a little out of breathe for now. I will end by saying that I am proud of our boys for getting such greatness and glory bestowed upon them today. And unlike some others out there, I vow to take the high road and celebrate this achievement, rather than find ways to turn it into a negative. I will always be proud of who I am and what I personally stand for, but I refuse to let that take away from what these men have achieved.

Original Photo Credit: Houston Astros on Twitter

Gattis rocking a bow tie and making stump speeches. Man, the bear cleans up real nice!!!!

The Shape of Water

2018-03-05T16:12:00.000-06:00

The 90th annual Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles last night. As an aspiring screenwriter myself, this was the spring version of the World Series for me. Hollywood's biggest night held up true for sure, as so many comedic and serious moments converged into quite the Tinsel Town shindig. So it should come as no surprise that I would reference the winner of the top prize of Best Picture for my post title. A tour de force from Guillermo Del Toro, this film succeeded across the board in all elements of film making and encompassed a wide array of genre, including both fantasy and horror.

This film is also symbolic of how the Houston Astros have been doing in Grapefruit League thus far. Plenty of things to really love, but also, some things that have boggled and frightened the mind simultaneously. First, the frightening things. Brian McCann is still without a hit this spring. Dallas Keuchel got touched up in his first start. On top of all of this, three important relievers in James Hoyt, Will Harris and Hector Rondon all have ERA's above 8, as it stands today. (Harris did get the win today, though!)

Despite this, the things that may seem horrific right now are far outweighed by the things that are still works of art for the defending World Champions. Their overall record is 8-3 and still have a little under 3 weeks left of preseason play. Additionally, your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis is doing his part quite well. While true that he doesn't have a homer yet, he is putting the ball in play and striking out rarely. Exactly what he did from last season. Except now, with Carlos Beltran gone, he'll now get more of the playing time that he has long since deserved.

Little by little, the Astros are solidifying another movie making season. Some things still need to fall into place. But this Hollywood production is sure to get the ending it needs and deserves. In their own right, these players take on celebrity-like qualities. At the same time, sports in general has it's own unique theatricality to it. Athletes and actors are not that far off in their pursuit of entertainment of the masses. They just have different crafts and pathways of achieving seemingly the same thing. That is, they keep us fans glued to our television screens and on the edge of our seats in both stadiums and cinemas around the country and the world.

No two days are ever really the same. That sentiment will surely hold up for the Astros, as they strive to get that repeat championship. Jeff Luhnow believes in them. A.J. Hinch believes in them. I certainly believe in them, and I know you all do, too. This coming baseball season, like an Oscar winning film, will keep us in suspense until the very end. Here's hoping that this season will end with the same emotionally happy ending that last year did. An ending that is as golden as an Oscar statue!

P.S. By the way, if Kobe Bryant can get one, I think I have every shot in the world to land mine soon enough. I just have to keep pressing forward!

Original Photo Credits: Joel Auerbach of Getty Images (Gattis, Left) and AT&T SportsNet SW on Twitter

Lights, Cameras and Lots of Actions! These fellas are getting ready for their close ups!

In Through the Out Door

2018-03-02T14:56:00.000-06:00

When Led Zeppelin released their 8th studio album back in the summer of 1979, they were reflecting upon some of the recent struggles the band was going through. Oddly enough, the biggest of these involved two of the biggest guarantees in life: Death and Taxes. Not surprisingly, the band broke up two years later. Some close to the band speculate that the recording helped awaken something within all of them. Perhaps it was stress or creative differences? It is hard to say for sure.

The Houston Astros, similarly, are dealing with some early struggles of their own. Brian McCann has not gotten a hit yet this spring. Yuli Gurriel went under the knife, the fight for his spot at first base is heating up among the likes of three players. They include J.D. Davis, Tyler White and A.J. Reed. (More on him shortly!) Additionally, your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, is having his own struggles behind the plate, giving up a passed ball and striking out 4 times across his first 11 at-bats. The defending champs are certainly going through some early motions right about now.

Despite this, there is no reason for anyone to really fret. Rather, it is a chance for some kinks in the hose to be undone as early as possible in time for Opening Day. I still very much believe that all things will come into place by the time the end of the month rolls around. Skipper A.J. Hinch knows how to solve any puzzle put in front of him. I mean, he was instrumental in getting this team and city it's very first World Championship, so nothing should be out of his reach.

There is one grey area that seems to be getting a little too dark. It involves A.J. Reed. Just this morning, I had my latest House of Houston post sent out about how I feel on the matter. You can feel free to take a look at the tweet link below:

CANCEL THE TEST: The #Astros need to SCRAP the A.J. Reed EXPERIMENT. He has been INEFFECTIVE & @tvwizard85 tells you why that’s the case. Look. ⚾️🔥🤔💯https://t.co/b4z8TN49HD
— House Of Houston (@HouseOfHouston) March 2, 2018

Here's what it boils down to. Reed has not made any of the necessary adjustments that a hitter needs to make. Not only that, but he his a liability on both sides of the ball. There are reasons that he hasn't made the big league roster over time, with the exception of 2016. The biggest is the lack of adjustments. Does he show signs of being a solid major league player? Of course, he does. Left-handed power is especially rare in this game.

What Reed has in power, he does lack in almost everything else. His contact percentage is below average, his strikeouts are well above what they should be, and he's not all that quick with the glove, either. For a team that has players like Davis and White, who have both made adjustments and are incredibly versatile in the field, there is almost no need to even have a player like Reed around anyways. That's not a knock on Reed himself. It's just the truth, and we all know it sets people free.

I know there are a lot of people out there wanting to see Reed full time in an Astros uniform. And maybe with enough time, that could still happen. But I am of the opinion that he should be used as trade bait for a pitching prospect. In my HOH piece, I suggested the Chicago White Sox because, as a native of Indiana, Reed can be with a team that is close to where he and his kin live. They can come and see him in more games, and everyone would be happy. That would include Reed himself, I would imagine.

Only time will tell what actually takes place. But with everyone putting in so many chips on Reed over other players, I have to speak up and say something about it. Think clearly, Astros fans. Do we really want a duplicate Chris Carter or Jon Singleton? All power and nothing else? This has resonance when it come to Evan Gattis, because everyone screamed that about him for the longest time after his first season in H-Town. Even though he has made adjustments, there are some out there that still want to label him the same way. There are clear differences between these two players, and really anyone else on the 40 man roster, compared to Reed.

This is one struggle that the team does not have to keep enduring upon themselves. Hinch said he would give him opportunities, but Reed has, so far, squandered every last one of them. Something needs to awaken within this ball club and organization to throw in the towel and ship Reed off to another team he can crack the major league roster on. I'm sure plenty of AL teams can use a 1B/DH type of player. The organization just needs to shop around.

Original Photo Credit: Joel Auerbach of Getty Images

The seemingly shaky ground is about to even out! Let's just hope the right decisions on things are made.

Toy Story

2018-02-28T17:12:00.001-06:00

Before I get completely started with my post today, I want to wish our Piña, Yuli Gurriel, a speedy and pain-free recovery. For those that don't already know, he had surgery on his left hand today. There was some kind of minor fracture in the hook of his hamate bone that sent him under the knife. It will be at least six weeks of recovery, followed by a rehab stint, AND still serving the 5 game suspension. While this will open up the door for the likes of A.J. Reed, J.D. Davis, or whom I believe will be the best fill-in for first base in the first month of the season, Tyler White a.k.a Great White, it is still a bit of a sting for the clubhouse.

But, games must still be played, and they have been incredibly diligently by this Houston Astros squad. Despite only two losses in Grapefruit League, they are ranking right up there with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, the two teams they beat in the playoffs to get to the World Series in the first place. Slow and steady is definitely helping to win the race for another repeat championship for the spacemen. Though some players have a bit of catching up to do, there is still a month left worth of preseason games to be played before the season opener in Arlington against the hated divisional and in-state rival, Texas Rangers.

Speaking of which, that brings me to why I referenced one of my favorite films growing up, and arguably one of the best animated films of all time! some fans like yours truly have been given exclusive pre-sale access for single game tickets for the upcoming season. However, much to all of our collective dismays, seeing our World Champions will cost a number of pretty pennies in 2018. It's no surprise, seeing is how most teams that win a championship one year hike up their prices for a lot of things the next. Don't even get me started on the Yankees organization! Unfortunately, for those of us lower middle and working class folks, it may be difficult to secure our spots this season.

All of this brings me to another mildly disappointing thing I encountered in the same email yesterday: The Promotions Schedule. Most of the giveaways this season are pretty solid. In fact, anyone going to that July 7th game against the Chicago White Sox that is willing to sneak me out a World Champions gym bag, I would gladly pay you handsomely for it! But I digress, a few of the players were obvious choices to have a promotional night. Namely, the core four in George Springer, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. Even Yuli and Justin Verlander have some promotional giveaways happening throughout the season.

Noticeably absent from the giveaway list are your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, as well as his #BearSquared wonder twin, Brian McCann, a.k.a the BMac. Even after the good folks at AT&T SportNet ran a poll about which players should be featured in a twin bobblehead night for the upcoming season, the marketing and promotions department for the organization failed to deliver something worthwhile to those of us fans that will be spending our hard earned dimes just to see our champs. They can do it for Altuve and Correa last season, but not for Gattis and McCann this season?

Why is that exactly? Do they know something we don't? Does the team really plan to not bring back the bearded bash brothers in 2019? My answer to that would be that I most certainly hope that isn't the case. These two have been hidden veteran gems on a team full of young talent. That's not something that can easily be replaced. Additionally, where is the love for these two when it comes to the giveaways? What are they, chopped liver?!

You can take a look at the promotions schedule for yourselves here, Astros fans. Quite frankly, a lot of these giveaways should have been remade to give credence to these players. For instance, the Scarf Night could have been a Josh Reddick Nature Boy Scarf Night. Or the tote bag could have been the Chris Devenski Dragon Tote. Maybe I'm just spit balling here, but with half of the regular season games being played at home, there is no reason that at least half of THOSE can't feature some promotional giveaway centered around a player. There are so many great ones on this team, still here from last season, that have helped this ball club reach the achievements that it has.

Look, I don't want to be "that guy," and tell a credible ball club and organization how to do there job. But seriously, who do they have working for them in the marketing and promotions team? And while we're on the subject, who makes the final decisions on these things? I mean, some of the giveaways I get. A lot of them, however, just don't feel like they're enough for our World Series champions, and us fans that support them. Perhaps this department is in need of some fresh eyes and blood? (wink, wink!)

It's going to be difficult for a lot of us to make it out to the juice box this season. Especially me, since any game at MMP requires me to drive 4 hours to the south. Under no circumstance does that mean any of us will stop rooting for the team. But this does present potential awkwardness among the fan base. We all want to enjoy the symbolic "toys" that the club will offer fans coming to the games this year. Regardless of what happens, we all stand behind these guys to bring home a second title this fall. And that will be quite the new story to tell!

Original Photo Credit: Karen Warren of the Houston Chronicle

The promotions team literally dropped the ball in not getting a promotion going for these two in 2018. But, que sera sera, I suppose.

Can't Stop The Feeling!

2018-02-26T16:38:00.000-06:00

So my pivot to referencing the main song from Trolls, sung by none other than Justin Timberlake may seem like a bit of a stretch. However, you'll be up out of your seats dancing soon enough!

Today, the Houston Astros did a pair of split squad games. One took place at home against the New York Mets. The other took place on the road against the Miami Marlins. Justin Verlander made his spring debut in the home game, striking out four batters across two innings of work. Not too shabby, I must say! Because of that, plus home runs from J.D. Davis, Max Stassi and top prospect, Kyle Tucker, the home squad was able to squeeze out an 8-7 victory over the visiting Mets.

While that was the good news, there was also some not so good news. The traveling squad did not fair as well, losing to the Miami Marlins on the road 11-0. A shutout wasn't exactly what us fans were hoping for. Having dazzled onlookers so far in Spring Training, Francis Martes gave up 3 runs on 3 hits in just over an inning of work. The relievers didn't help much either in surrendering another 8 runs to the opposing team. Sadly, both Will Harris and James Hoyt gave up the majority of them, 3 and 4 respectively.

Even though the road squad got shut out, there was some breaths of hope with the bat. Derek Fisher, catching prospect Lorenzo Quintana and minor league third baseman Randy Cesar all came up with hits today. Tyler White and Jake Marisnick also got on base by drawing a pair of walks in the game. But the big news of the away game was that your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis came up with his first hit of the spring. It was an opposite field line drive that former teammate, Cameron Maybin, could not come up with, allowing for the bear to advance his pathway to second base.

Now, it is true that El Oso Blanco still only has a .167 BA and a .619 OPS so far this spring. However, when you consider that he ended last season's spring training with a .214 average, there is more than enough time to make up ground. In fact, some close to him that I have spoken with have said that Gatty likes to take a "pacing yourself" approach to Grapefruit League. I don't know about you, readers, but I happen to think that is a fantastic approach. How else can you explain him being so much more disciplined as a hitter overall?

The answer is that there is no other explanation. This will be Gattis' sixth season as a major leaguer. He's a seasoned veteran and overall clubhouse presence. Among all of these young stars, the bear will be a foundation for them, as well as the rest of the roster, which is why I still fully believe that he will be re-signed next winter. I may be wrong, and will gladly admit to it if I am. However, so many recent happenings with his salary arbitration and interviews with folks like Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle lead me to believe that he is slowly, but surely, becoming a cornerstone player for this Astros ball club.

Try as the CDH (critics, doubters, haters) might, they just can't stop the feeling!

Original Photo Credit: The Houston Astros on Twitter

They've got that sunshine in their pockets, and the good soles in their feet!!!!