Astros fans know the numbers by heart. 106, 107 and 111.
In a three-year span from 2011-2013, they’d amass 324 losses. I can vividly recall attending a four game home series verses the Tigers in May of 2013 in which they were outscored by a margin of 37-8 in four straight defeats. These were the early origins of Jim Crane’s team ownership. Things were beyond bleak.
To appreciate what they became, you must appreciate where the humble beginnings. Now that the Astros payroll has dipped out of the top
10 amongst clubs, ironically thanks in large measure to the Tigers absorbing the salary of Framber Valdez, many are wondering if Crane and the top brass are still committed to delivering a winner to the Bayou City.
While Mark Walter in LA and Steve Cohen in NY are in a competition to see who will ultimately one day surpass 400-million-dollar payrolls in MLB, the Astros have been measured and calculated, waiting to see who ultimately wins positional battles in spring training.
Former MLB pitcher Steve Sparks has served as the Astros color analyst on radio since that referenced 2013 campaign, sat down with me for Four Big Questions.
Q: How determined is this organization to return to playing meaningful games in October?
I think the Astros are very hungry to get back to the playoffs, and beyond, this year. During this 11-year stretch, they’ve barely played any games that didn’t mean anything. So, with that, those expectations permeate the organization in every facet. They haven’t won a playoff game in a couple of years, so that empty feeling has been motivating the players to do everything in their power to stay on the field.
Q: Let’s talk about Hunter. How imposing is his knuckle curve on opposing hitters?
Hunter Brown is one of the few true aces in baseball now. Finishing 3rd in the AL Cy Young voting last year was just scratching the surface. With the addition of the sinker two years ago, he’s able to keep righties from diving, and that makes all his pitches more effective. And by all pitches, I especially mean the nasty curve. Because of its shape, it’s equally as devastating to both righties and lefties. I think there are a few pitches in the major leagues that can induce swing-and-miss in the strike zone. Brown’s hook is one of them.
Q: How crucial is it for Cristian Javier to return to his form of 2022 for this rotation?
Cristian Javier is finally far enough away from Tommy John surgery to mentally take the next step as a rotation stalwart. There seemed to be some trepidation last season when he returned, but this spring we’ve seen hop and life back in his four-seamer. I expect a bounce back to his former self.
Q: With Josh Hader still in the process of returning to 100%, can the Astros do it bullpen by committee?
I guess if there’s a silver lining to a setback to one of the best closers in the game, the Astros have one. With Hader down to start the season, they turn to one of the best setup men in the last three years. Bryan Abreu has punched out triple-digit batters in each year, and sometimes overpowers the game’s best hitters. Not all the fans know a whole lot about him, but every hitter does. He’s in a select class of baseball’s best relievers who aren’t closers YET.
SB Nation Four Big Questions With Astros Broadcaster Steve Sparks
Summarized by AI ⓘ
