Winning formula in the National League

[Clay_Allison]

I've thought this for a long time so I had to find a place to say it.

The Astros nearly have it right. They have sold the farm to buy pitching the last few years and that shows far more baseball intelligence than the Rangers' annual attempts to get it done with bad pitching and alot of power hitters.

That said, there is a formula where the Astros can affordably have a great record every year and be in it for the playoffs and a shot at the whole thing.

1. Get a Humidor. I've been hearing alot about how the Rockies have turned Coors Field up there into the old Polo Grounds when it comes to giving up home runs, seems like it should be humid enough in Houston, but from what I hear, balls fly out of little Minute Maid with ease. I know it seems wrong to practically go back to the dead ball era, but you have to have the ability to let your middle relievers and the bottom of the rotation eat up innings throughout the regular season. Your top three need a relatively low pitch count going into the playoff when the other teams' ptchers are hurting.

2. Play small ball. Power numbers are overrated. Focus on getting percentage hitters who keep innings running long and play good defense to get the opposing pitcher back on the mound as fast as possible are the way to go. Consistant hitting will get you more runs in the playoffs than power hitters who hit .238.

[PopTop]

Originally Posted by Clay_Allison

1. Get a Humidor. I've been hearing alot about how the Rockies have turned Coors Field up there into the old Polo Grounds when it comes to giving up home runs, seems like it should be humid enough in Houston, but from what I hear, balls fly out of little Minute Maid with ease.

You're kidding, right? I mean both about the humidor and the 'little Minute Maid' statements.

[KCGHOST]

I canhear the theme to the "Twilight Zone" playing right now.