https://instagr.am/p/DXrXessFQM1

Looks like the Mariners are done pretending they aren't going to run away with this division.

Has Joe held a press conference where he congratulates the team on only losing by 2 runs instead of losing by 5+ like normal?

going back to the outfield situation...

it's something that Dana & Joe are directly responsible for. They have decided to make the outfield the place for young players and experimental players. Plus go heavy defense over offense. And it's failed miserably.

the Astros have gone from Springer / Brantley / Tucker / Reddick / even Chas...

to an outfield that hits 7-8-9 for the second year-in-a-row

We went from being run behind the scenes by nasa engineers to run by people who probably flunked out of 151. Twice.

Crane really said "As long as I'm here, the window will always be open" and then ran off a title-winning GM and refused to allow any contracts that would keep the window open.

On a lighter note, I'm going to need Fernando Tatis Jr. to start taking steroids again. I drafted him in fantasy baseball this year and through 28 games, he has 0 home runs and is "slugging" .295. He has career .505 slugging percentage.

I'm reminded of all the times Texans linebacker Brian Cushing got busted for PEDs. When he was taking them, he was fantastic. When he was off of them, he was like Lattimer in "The Program" when he gets clean and then can't stop anyone. I need Tatis roided up to hit some long balls so I can win my fantasy league since the Astros aren't looking too good in reality ball.

🏠⚾️ Indoor Baseball is OUT NOW! Available on Steam, Xbox, PS5, and Switch!

Fast-paced arcade baseball chaos, huge hits, wild plays, and nonstop action. Have you played it yet or seen anyone streaming it?

Let me know what you think of the game so far, more fixes and content… pic.twitter.com/EtPExcuHwV

— ColbyGameDev (@snowdaysoftware) April 28, 2026

wonder how many runs per game we would allow in this variation

although, Yordan is definitely putting a hole in someone's ceiling

Mathguy64 said:

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We went from being run behind the scenes by nasa engineers to run by people who probably flunked out of 151. Twice.

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Username checks out

Beau Holder said:

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https://instagr.am/p/DXrXessFQM1

Looks like the Mariners are done pretending they aren't going to run away with this division.

---

We are probably better off they do. Don't need Crane thinking he just needs 84 wins to snake into the playoffs.

Altuve and CC aren't going anywhere, but I'm assuming literally every other player is available at the trade deadline. (Unless of course if for some very odd reason someone wants CC).

Yordan available but the deal has to be something where we can't say no.

We need Pena and HB to come back and play well to solidify their trade value. Would be nice if Paredes would show a pulse as well.

3 months until the trade deadline.

My how the mighty have fallen

I haven't watched a game in a week.And honestly , my life has been pretty good..... its depressing to watch this lifeless team

CharleyKerfeld is here to rescue you from the doldrums of a bad start to the season!



That's right, it's Second Chances: Astros Mini-Bingo, Doom and Gloom Edition!

RULES:
1. Answer all the questions Yes/No
2. Reply to me on thread or send me answers via DM.
3. Entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.
4. GRAND PRIZE: Cash equivalent of combined Yainer Diaz HRs and Tatsuya Imai wins in 2026. Current cash value: $2.

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS Yes or No

• Astros finish in last place in the AL West
• Astros have the worst record in the American League
• Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season
• Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season
• Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season
• Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season
• Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season
• Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season
• Astros lose 100 or more games
• Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59)
• Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs
• Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026
• Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season
• Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games
• Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds

Note: If any of the trades or firings happen before you put your picks in, you still get credit for them if you pick them right because IDGAF.

No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Wabs said:

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Altuve and CC aren't going anywhere, but I'm assuming literally every other player is available at the trade deadline. (Unless of course if for some very odd reason someone wants CC).

Yordan available but the deal has to be something where we can't say no.

We need Pena and HB to come back and play well to solidify their trade value. Would be nice if Paredes would show a pulse as well.

3 months until the trade deadline.

---

This is the worst team in baseball. Even Altuve and CC should be made available.

Astros finish in last place in the AL West
No

Astros have the worst record in the American League
No

Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season
Yes

Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season
No

Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season
No

Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season
No

Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season
No

Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season
No

Astros lose 100 or more games
No

Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59)
No

Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs
Yes

Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026
Yes

Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season
Yes

Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games
Yes

Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds
Yes

• Astros finish in last place in the AL West NO
• Astros have the worst record in the American League NO
• Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season NO
• Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season NO
• Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season NO
• Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season YES
• Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season NO
• Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season NO
• Astros lose 100 or more games NO
• Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59) NO
• Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs YES
• Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026 YES
• Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season YES
• Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games YES
• Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds YES

Damn...I see Imai got his ass lit up last night in his rehab start.

2 IP, 5 ERs, 6 Hs, 3 BBs, 31 of 59 pitches thrown for strikes

That's not good.

• Astros finish in last place in the AL West - No
• Astros have the worst record in the American League - No
• Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season - Yes
• Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season - Yes
• Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
• Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
• Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
• Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
• Astros lose 100 or more games - No
• Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59) - No
• Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs - No
• Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026 - Yes
• Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season - Yes
• Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games - Yes
• Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds - Yes

1876er said:

---

Wabs said:

---

Altuve and CC aren't going anywhere, but I'm assuming literally every other player is available at the trade deadline. (Unless of course if for some very odd reason someone wants CC).

Yordan available but the deal has to be something where we can't say no.

We need Pena and HB to come back and play well to solidify their trade value. Would be nice if Paredes would show a pulse as well.

3 months until the trade deadline.

---

This is the worst team in baseball. Even Altuve and CC should be made available.

---

Personally I want Altuve here until he retires and to see his 3000th hit (if he gets there). I like CC but if there is a team out there that wants him, then have at it.

CC isn't going anywhere.

He waived his NTC to get back here and I don't see him waving it to leave here.

He'll ride into the sunset being the veteran presence and clubhouse leader on a rebuilding team in a place he's comfortable and wants to be.

And I have no problem with that.

Keep Tuve, Yordan, CC, and Hader (I'm a biased Hader fan lol). The rest is up to the new GM

Astros finish in last place in the AL West - No
Astros have the worst record in the American League - No
Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season - Yes
Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season - Yes
Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
Astros lose 100 or more games - No
Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59) - No
Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs - Yes
Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026 - Yes
Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season - No
Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games - Yes
Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds - Yes

wehnerhigh20 said:

---

Keep Tuve, Yordan, CC, and Hader (I'm a biased Hader fan lol). The rest is up to the new GM

---

We won't have a new GM until October so if you are good waiting that long then ok. Or are you suggesting Bagwell interim GM again?

One @MLB trend to watch:

Trade activity is starting early this year.

Dave Dombrowski said yesterday:

“I’ve had trade conversations earlier than I ever have . . . Other clubs haven’t been doing very well, either. Clubs have called around.”

👀@MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 29, 2026

Astros finish in last place in the AL West
Yes
Astros have the worst record in the American League
Yes
Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season
Yes
Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season
Yes
Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season
No
Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season
Yes
Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season
No
Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season
No
Astros lose 100 or more games
Yes
Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59)
No
Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs
Yes
Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026
Yes
Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season
No
Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games
Yes
Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds
No

Everyone in the division -- other than the As are below .500 -- so I'm choosing to remain positive.

Pitching is starting to stabilize a bit, even though offense has fallen off. But -- this team isn't dead yet. There are too many good pieces.

When Pena gets back -- that will provide a boost. OF is still trash. Jake, Lopes and Trammell won't be saviors, but they'll be better than what we are putting out in the field right now. Brice should go back down to AAA where he can play every day.

When Brown and Hader get back -- that will also be a boost. Imai and Javier -- I have no idea what we are going to get -- but it will likely be better than running Weiss and the other also-rans out there every 5 days.

If they aren't at or close to .500 by Father's Day -- then you consider selling. But at this point, keep pushing forward and see if they can right the ship.

Yankees have DFA'd Randal Grichuk pic.twitter.com/ZSTi8SldK8

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 29, 2026

He's better than what we are trotting out there now.

Astros finish in last place in the AL West - No
Astros have the worst record in the American League - No
Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season - Yes
Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season - No
Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season - no
Astros lose 100 or more games - No
Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59) - No
Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs - Yes
Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026 - Yes
Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season - No
Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games - Yes
Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds - No

Final record prediction: 78-84

Astros finish in last place in the AL West - No
Astros have the worst record in the American League - No
Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season - Yes
Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season - No
Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season - no
Astros lose 100 or more games - No
Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59) - No
Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs - Yes
Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026 - Yes
Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season - Yes
Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games - Yes
Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds - No

Final record prediction: 86-76

• Astros finish in last place in the AL West - No
• Astros have the worst record in the American League - No
• Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season - No
• Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season - No
• Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
• Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
• Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season - Yes
• Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season - No
• Astros lose 100 or more games - No
• Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59) - No
• Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs - Yes
• Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026 - Yes
• Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season - Yes
• Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games - No
• Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds - Yes

wehnerhigh20 said:

---

Keep Tuve, Yordan, CC, and Hader (I'm a biased Hader fan lol). The rest is up to the new GM

---

I'd be ok with this if the farm system were ready to backfill and make the team competitive. I don't see that happening organically (through the draft) in the next 24 months, so you are basically relegating Yordan to Trout status by keeping him. His value becomes a moral-victory version of banner-hanging. Yay, we have the best hitter in baseball on the worst team (lol)!

I get Altuve and Correa, because their trade value is likely minimal- plus, Jose is the face of the golden era of Astros baseball. Yordan brings the highest return for a rebuild, and the Astros would likely not pay the $300-$500 million to resign him. You'd lose him for nothing, and his value as an Astro would be minimal as measured in terms of team success.

My view is predicated on the Astros not relighting the championship engine over the next 2 years, but I think that is a safe assumption given the pitching staff and outfield.

I don't think Hader or Hunter will be healthy enough by the all star break to warrant the type of return that's worth it.

agproducer said:

---

Yankees have DFA'd Randal Grichuk pic.twitter.com/ZSTi8SldK8

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 29, 2026

He's better than what we are trotting out there now.

---

My dog is better than what we have been trotting out there.

• Astros finish in last place in the AL West - YES
• Astros have the worst record in the American League - NO
• Joe Espada gets fired before the end of the regular season - YES
• Dana Brown gets fired before the end of the regular season - YES
• Jeremy Pena gets traded before the end of the regular season - YES
• Isaac Paredes gets traded before the end of the regular season - YES
• Hunter Brown gets traded before the end of the regular season - NO
• Josh Hader gets traded before the end of the regular season - YES
• Astros lose 100 or more games - NO
• Dodgers finish with 45+more wins than the Astros (LA current pace 108, Houston 59) - NO
• Yainer Diaz hits 10+ home runs - NO
• Jose Altuve hits .250 or higher in 2026 - YES
• Astros team ERA is lower than 5.25 at the end of the season - NO
• Tatsuya Imai wins 4 or more games - YES
• Bryan Abreu gets 10 or more saves / holds - NO