The Astros are awesome, but history indicates they are no juggernaut
by John Kincade
Remember that I’m not questioning if Tom Brady is the GOAT, but there will always be a humorous blemish on his career accomplishments. When he gets to the biggest stage, he prays he doesn’t have to face an NFC East team. For all of the great reasons to celebrate him, he lost twice to Eli Manning and once to Nick Foles. That’s (0-3) in Super Bowls where he was heavily favored against quarterbacks who aren’t in his league. This World Series reminds me a little of that same scenario. The NL East has had their number! Both the 2019 Nationals and 2021 Braves were heavy underdogs and managed to turn Minute Maid Park into a friendly confines!
The Astros have been to the World Series four of the last six years. They have failed to win in 3 of those. They also have lost as heavy favorites in 2019 and 2021. What are some of the common denominators to give Phillies fans hope? I’ll be glad to help you out for your next bar argument!
The Astros lost Game One at home in their last 2 World Series appearances. They gave up the home field advantage that they fought so hard for in one night. They dug themselves a hole. In fact, it’s not just Game One where they have issues. In 2019 they played a 7 game World Series and lost EVERY game in Houston. Last year after rebounding to win Game Two they lost the series in Game 6 at home. I’ll do the math for you. That’s a terrible (1-6) record over their last 2 World Series appearances. It’s imperative that the Phillies sew that seed of doubt in their heads early on. A split is necessary to dream of winning this championship.
Facing Justin Verlander in Game One seems like a tremendous challenge, but as the last fact I told you about tells you they are hardly invincible. Verlander is one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, until he pitches on the biggest stage. His career record is (0-6) in seven World Series starts. He has pitched 38 innings in those 7 starts. He doesn’t average lasting 6 innings and his World Series ERA is 5.68. That is horrible considering what his regular season numbers look like. It’s not a certainty, but it bodes well for the Phillies. It’s in his head and he can’t claim otherwise. A patient but aggressive approach is the balance required to beat him.
Dusty Baker has a history of coming up short more than he has a record of coming up big. Dusty gets accused of not being the best chess player. It’s hard to question the bold decisions that Rob Thomson has made, because he has won 3 straight series as an underdog. I don’t believe they can be passive in this series. I’m wondering why they haven’t been more aggressive on the base paths. Roll the dice, Force the defense to make plays.
The Astros are undoubtedly talented. They are also undoubtedly beatable. A split in Houston sets them up beautifully for a potential Fall.
