In case you have not heard yet, the Astros won the World Series in 2017.
When your team reaches Nirvana in its sport, it is easy for a fan to remember only the good things. The mind plays tricks. Nori Aoki as the opening day left fielder? Carlos Beltran’s 509 plate appearances? Mike Fiers? They fade, because really, what can one legitimately complain about when one’s team wins it all?
Another thing that gets lost in the throes of Dionysian bliss is that the Astros’ bullpen, a major strength in 2016, had a twisty and bumpy road through 2017 that ended with its regular denizens being eschewed in favor of starters Brad Peacock and Charlie Morton during the World Series.