105 Losses and Likely Counting

The last two seasons the Astros finished with 106 losses in 2011 and 107 losses in 2012, both breaking franchise records (in a bad way). With just six games to go the Astros stand at 51-105. Could the Astros finish with less than 107 to not break a franchise record for the third consecutive season? We’ll find out soon.

The Astros travel to Arlington for their last road trip of the season starting today. Jordan Lyles, Brad Peacock, and Dallas Keuchel take the mound against a Rangers squad that is 1.5 games back of a playoff spot. The Rangers need to virtually win out to ensure a wild card spot. Three games against the Astros is certainly one way to start a winning streak and if I were a betting man, I’d say the Rangers are likely to sweep the Astros. Derek Holland, Yu Darvish (perfect game alert), and Martin Perez, all with sub 3.60 ERA’s will go against the Astros. Of course the Astros will want to play spoiler but I don’t see any way the Astros take a game. I’ll be ecstatic if they do but at this point I’m being realistic.

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Starting on Friday, the New York Yankees come to town. The Yankees are currently 4 games back of a playoff spot and could be eliminated by the time they come to Houston. The Yankees always bring a full crowd to Minute Maid Park and the stadium should be near capacity for every game of the final home stand. Besides the Yankees draw, it is also likely the last time Mariano Rivera steps on the field as a player. Rivera has had a Hall-Of-Fame career and the Minute Maid Park mound is where he will throw his final pitch. I hope the Astros can possibly take two of three from the Yankees.

105 losses and counting. How many more this season? I hope we can keep it under 110. 110 is just a number and really no different than 109 or 111, but 110 to me looks a bit worse. If the Astros can win two of the next six I’d be happy. If they lose out the rest of the season I’ll get over it within a few days but it would sting. The Astros are currently on a 9-game losing streak and if they end the season losing 15 in a row, it would leave a sour taste in my mouth as well as many other fans.

At the end of the day, 105 losses or 111 losses isn’t a big difference, but one looks a bit better than the other.