Houston - The Aug 2nd trade deadline has come and gone. The Houston Astros, currently sitting atop the AL West by a double-digit margin and holding the #2 seed also by double digits, made a series of moves to shore up deficiencies in the outfield, catcher, and pitching positions. Made some quality moves, I think, noted Dusty Baker, sitting in his office sampling his latest summer Cabernet Sauvignon.
When the dust settled from all the activity, the Houston Astros picked up Trey Mancini, who can play at the First Base/Outfield/Designated Hitter Positions. Current Os GM and former Astros executive Mike Elias was reportedly happy with the prospects they picked up. He was also checking in from an undisclosed location, as there was some, uh, discontent from Baltimore about the move, and he made this decision out of caution. They also picked up Boston catcher Christian Vasquez, in an attempt to shore up the hitting, or lack thereof, from the catching position (update: Vasquez, in his first at-bat for the Astros, grounded out, so most would say he is fitting right in). To shore up the relief corps, Houston picked up Will Smith from Atlanta Cant beat em, steal em from the champs, opined an unnamed staffer from the Astros.
With all of these moves, the Astros would appear to be setting themselves up for another long post-season run. Yet, there was a sense of more immediate urgency from the Astros brain trust.
Well, ok, we are thinking about the post-season and all. Yes, there is the potential to try to maybe catch the Yankees for home field. Maybe, just maybe, we can win a few home games in a key playoff series or something like that, noted Astros GM James Click Yet, we werent sure we were going to make all that many moves. Coming into the the All-Star Break, we were sitting in a good position for the division and playoff seeding. Wed even run the gauntlet of the New York schedule and crushed it. Going with a 6-man starting rotation and possibly upping it to 7 with Lance [McCullers] coming back. A lineup that is starting to find the rangeyeah, life is good.
However, we saw a huge problem right as we came out of the All-Star Break. When we played the Yankees and the white-hot Mariners, we ran the table, going a nice 5-0. Then, we take a nice trip to Oakland, to play the dead-last As. Then we get swept. [Expletive Deleted] swept by those guys. After they took 2 out of 3 from us right before the break. Ok, maybe we were tired and just wanted to get to the off-time for that first one, but we lost to them. Good grief, [at the time of this interview] we are 0-5 against teams with a non-winning record since the break, 0-5!!!!! raged Click.
The Click diatribe continued: Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon for the Astros. We all remember last year when this squad simply could not get past those pesky, dangerous last-place squads. Detroit gave us so, so much trouble. Good grief, the Baltimore Orioles, whove held on to the #1 pick in the draft for at least the past half-decade, swept us at home. They were the worst team in baseball, and they up and swept us. At home. It wasnt even the World Series.
There were some signs that we were better about this in 22. Been handling the Rangers just fine, and the Angels. We even swept the As the first time we played them this year. Yet, since June, weve had some of those issues again. Lost a home series against Miami, then lost our last two series against the As...and we have a ton more games against them this year. Heck, the Red Sox, who are last in the AL East, have won the season series against us. Ok, if they are over .500, maybe, just maybe, we have a chance.
The unnamed exec continued Look, I dont want to panic, but while a 8-1 record against teams with a winning record after the All-Star Break is great, that 0-5 number is not looking so good. If we cant beat those last-place teams, especially with the acquisition of Mancini and Vasquez, we are in deep, deep trouble.
While some personnel remained worried, others took a more serene approach.
Look, I dont like the fact that we are struggling against the As, but in the bigger picture, I think we will be just fine. observed owner Jim Crane. Besides, Ive been enjoying life and rubbing it in every time I see [MLB Commissioner Rob]Manfred and [New York Yankees General Manager Brian] Cashman about how the all-mighty fightin Judges, er, the Yankees, struggled against us, a team that struggles against the As. I am not worried. Now, if we once against have home field in the World Series, then Ill show some concern. Until then, its all good.
Only time will tell if the recent acquisitions will pay off for the Astros. Will they help solve the biggest current crisis of the Astros struggling against their biggest foes: Last place teams? We will have to wait and watch. If they can get past that major roadblock, then we shall see what the Astros will do in the post-season. Until then, we shall wait and watch, just like the rest of the world.
Follow this link:
- [Webinar] #FreeSpeech: Perspectives from the UK and the US on Social Media Liability for Fake News, Damaging Content and Censorship - July 29th, 9:00... [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Wake up, America; discount the fake news - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- People are injecting themselves with bleach because of fake news, says senior MP - Telegraph.co.uk [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Turning Fake News on its Head: Stalin Lives Again to Reveal Deep Truth - Canada NewsWire [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- MHA says migration during COVID-19 lockdown was triggered by fake news about its duration - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Fake news of Rafale crash circulated in Pakistan using bogus handles - THE WEEK [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Election fake news weekly report to monitor New Zealand campaigning - RNZ [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Think more, share less: How to avoid falling for misinformation, disinformation and fake news - KING5.com [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- 'The Social Dilemma': Netflix's documentary and what it means for startups - EU-Startups [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- With the election campaign underway, can the law protect voters from fake news and conspiracy theories? - The Conversation AU [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Technology has given amazing possibilities of communication but fake news remains a concern - India TV News [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Man falsely accused of shooting deputies received threats - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Letter: No need to rely on fake news and ignore good Trump news - Thehour.com [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Conspiracy mentality linked to the acceptance of fake news about science - PsyPost [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- We're launching an election-season ad campaign to fight fake news, and we need your help - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Investigative journalist will address 'fake news' in virtual talk - Ripon Commonwealth Press [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Misinformation Is Hyperlocal. Attempts to Counter It Should Be, Too. - Foreign Policy [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Beware of Fake News On City Council Races - Odessa American [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- 'Manipulated and fake': NTA rubbishes news claiming topper in ST category was given wrong 'failed' result in NEET - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- REFILE-'Not fake news:' COVID-19 cases surge in Wisconsin ahead of Trump campaign rally - Reuters [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Trump duped by fake news story of Twitter going down to protect Biden - Global News [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Poor numerical literacy linked to greater susceptibility to Covid-19 fake news - The Guardian [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Mboweni responds to reports of hard lockdown in SA: 'Fake news' - Briefly [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- The steady growth of unreliable news sites is an addition to the list of terrible things that happened in 2020 - Digital Information World [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Problem posed by disinformation online increasingly serious, says BBC boss - The Independent [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Congress trolls trying to shield Rahul Gandhi left red faced after party confirms Wayanad MP is on vacation - OpIndia [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Hitting two birds with one stone: China develops fake news factories to fill the information vacuum and curb - DNA India [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- The Hindu journalist accused of publishing fake news because his wife was not given insurance business: Details - OpIndia [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- A Tale as old as Time: Proliferation of 'fake news' may have even preceded the birth of Christ | Recto Mercene - Business Mirror [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- The FBI, Comic Pros and the Fake News Controversy of the 1964 Election - Bleeding Cool News [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Actor Sushant Singh continues to share fake news, this time lies about the release of suspended cop DSP Davinder Singh - OpIndia [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- @RealSanta: Perfect Christmas expected at N. Pole, all that other stuff is 'Fake News' - KCAW [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- FAKE NEWS | SANDF denies claims that members' leave is cancelled due to Covid-19 surge - News24 [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Totally Not Fake News: Texans Stars Punished for Violation of COVID Protocols, Filing Appeal - Battle Red Blog [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Alternative facts, witch-hunt, bigly: the Trump era in 32 words and phrases - The Guardian [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Conservative Twitter users dominate the discussion of fake news about the coronavirus, study finds - PsyPost [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Fake News Buster: Vaccines have only helped to save lives - Bangalore Mirror [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- Covid fake news can be fatal, govts need to step in: Study - The Tribune India [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2020]
- CBSE Board Exam 2021: Only those passing Pre-Board to get admit card? Here's the truth - India TV News [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- The Ferguson Report: Fake news you can trust - The New Daily [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Media reports on closure of All India Radio stations are fake news: Prasar Bharati - Northeast Now [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Church cautions constituency not to be misled by fake news over Covid-19 vaccine - Independent Online [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Fake News Alert! The Viral Picture Of Anushka Sharma With Her Newborn Is A Stock Image - Mashable India [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Lena urges to stop spreading fake news; shares that she hasnt tested positive for COVID-19 - Times of India [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Why fake news is here to stay - Washington Times [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Fake US leg band gets pigeon a reprieve in Australia - ABC News [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Alarm in UK over fake news prompting non-whites to reject Covid vaccination - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- RRC commissioner vents at France, fake news and the woke [Opinion] - Houston Chronicle [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Totally Not Fake News: The Burning Question of Our Time - Battle Red Blog [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Anyone can fall for 'fake news,' conspiracy theories: The psychology of misinformation - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Level 4 lockdown message on WhatsApp slammed as fake news - IOL [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- "The suggestion street races will not take place are completely wrong"- F1 calls Monaco GP cancellation... - The Sportsrush [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Ravish Kumar apologises for spreading fake news about paddy procurement by govt after letter to NDTV by PIB: Here is what he said - OpIndia [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- NAACP says Viral Warnings About Threats of Violence is "Fake News" - caribbeannationalweekly.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Rob Lowe on Whether That Prince Harry Ponytail Story Was 'Fake News' - Extra [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- On the Record, Jan. 16, 2021: Media and fake news - WRAL.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Fake news and science denier attacks on vaccines. What can you do? - DocWire News [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- How will the EU's new act deal with online lies and fake news? law - RTE.ie [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Fake News and Kashmir Media - Brighter Kashmir [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Pupils will learn how to spot fake news on Safer Internet Day - On The Wight [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Andy Farrell dismisses predictions of Ireland canter in Cardiff as fake news - Irish Mirror [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- DNA exclusive: Prakash Javadekar`s first reaction on fake news - Zee News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Opinion: QAnon, conspiracy theories are no joke - DW (English) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- TikTok adding new features to stop fake news and misinformation spreading - Dexerto [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- DNA exclusive: Anurag Thakur`s first reaction on fake news - Zee News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Opinion: Fake news, pandemic, evolving job market a liberal education is needed more than ever - Calgary Herald [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Gangland criminals spreading expensive fake news, garda warn - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Fake news and conspiracy theories risk to vaccine roll-out in Dudley - Stourbridge News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- LIVING IN THE AGE OF FAKE NEWS - DAWN.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Fake news? No, it really is Macquarie Dictionarys word of the decade - Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Opinion | Social media sites need to monitor fake news - UI The Daily Iowan [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Journalist identities hijacked to spread fake news - Axios [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Verified Twitter Users Shared an All-Time-High Amount of Fake News in 2020 - PCMag [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Totally Not Fake News: The Great Debate Within the Houston Texans Front Office - Battle Red Blog [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2021]
- Fake: Govt is not giving Rs 1.2 lakh to employees who have worked between 1990-2021 - Oneindia [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Himansh Kohli Opens Up About His Angry Reaction to the Fake News of Apologising to Ex Neha Kakkar - Yahoo India News [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Rahul Gandhi spreads fake news about train ticket fares being doubled: Here is the truth - OpIndia [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Is Facebook responsible for launching the concept of "fake news"? Film Daily - Film Daily [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Min cautions against fake news after 'assault' - The Shillong Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]
- Opinion | Dont Go Down the Rabbit Hole - The New York Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2021]