This date in 2004

[bhogg]

On this date, one year ago, the Houston Astros stood at a paltry 45-47. They were 13 games behind the Cardinals and 4 games behind the Cubs.

 

They were left for dead.

 

There was no way they'd win 90 games, much less compete for the post season.

 

 

Yes, they made a super deal. Still, I don't see where the '04 Astros were all that much better than this year's cubs.

 

 

It's very very possible that Big Jim has a block buster in the works. It's very very possible that this team can go on a freaking tear and win 90-95 games.

 

Enjoy the ride!

[Brian]

On this date, one year ago, the Houston Astros stood at a paltry 45-47. They were 13 games behind the Cardinals and 4 games behind the Cubs.

 

......

 

Yes, they made a super deal.

 

The Astros landed Beltran before the All-Star break.

[Wendy City]

The Astros had underachieved all year. Then, Kent, Berkman and Bagwell got hot - Beltran did more for them defensively than offensively. They had been a weak defensive team in th OF with Biggio and others out there. He solifdified it and had a decent half season att he plate. But really if you look aty his numbers he was never an offensive jugernaut until the playoffs. In fact, in September when the Stros made the majority of their great run, he hit less than .200.

 

That said, i thinkt he Cubs are capable of a pretty strong run themselves. A trade would help, but Nomar coming back could add a lot also and I like the way ew're hitting and pitching right now.

[CoolHandLuke]

In FICTION, in September when the Stros made the majority of their great run, he hit less than .200.

 

Fixed

 

2004 splits

 

His OPS with the Astros was 900+ so I would call him a pretty huge part of their run offensively, as well as defensively.

[GhostRunner]

Beltran was poor offensively at Minute Maid, but hit well on the road. His defense was a saving grace for the Astros in both scenarios.

 

What's odd is that, despite Beltran's lack of production at home, the Astros still reeled off, what, 18 home wins in a row? Amazing.

[Jazz]

to make a run like houston did, whoever is in the #1 and #2 holes need to be one of the best tandems in the league, that, and the middle of the order hitting like it has, maybe another bat, and a solidified bullpen (which i believe doesnt need outside help to get)

[neely crenshaw]

the astros made a deal...that also helps with your mental aspect.

the astros fired their manager

the astros had a whole bunch of very good hitters who were hitting terribly all season that started to hit like they were capable.

to ask for more production from perez, lee, aram, burnitz and walker is nearly impossible