After their loss in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to the Texas Rangers, the Houston Astros players claimed to have had a good season despite the result of their last meeting.
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Although they would have loved to play in the World Series for the third time in a row, the West Division champions in the USA do not feel like they have taken a step backwards.
“It wasn’t just about being successful this season, which is why I wanted to come back [avec les Astros]. “There’s always a window to win,” pitcher Justin Verlander said during press conferences after the 11-4 loss.
Despite the changes that could occur in the coming months, the players who will wear an Astros cap when the 2024 season begins will all have the same mentality.
“Our goal is always to win the World Series, and I don’t expect that to change until next season,” right fielder Kyle Tucker said. Our team may be a little different, but the goal will remain the same.
Thanks to the Rangers
While the Astros players acknowledged that they could have executed their plays better during the game, they wanted to give credit to their opponents.
“You obviously don’t want to lose,” third baseman Alex Bregman said. We prepared to win a championship, but unfortunately we didn’t succeed. We have to take our hats off to the Rangers, they had an excellent series and are a very good baseball team.
“In baseball, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and that’s exactly what happened today. They played better than us,” second baseman Jose Altuve added.
By outshining the Astros, the Texas Rangers managed to reach the World Series for the first time since 2011.
The end for Baker?
Astros manager Dusty Baker didn’t give a definitive answer when asked about his future following his team’s exit.
The man who led his team to two World Series titles in four seasons at the helm, winning one and two championship series, will take time in the coming weeks to reflect on his future with the team.
“I didn’t have time to think about my own future in baseball. I don’t want to steal the attention the players are given. We need to enjoy what we have just achieved, think about how we can improve and then I will assess where I am in my life. “I left my family aside a little bit when I was looking for another championship ring,” the 74-year-old admitted.
One thing is certain: If Dusty Baker leaves, Astros players will remember their manager fondly.
“He is a good man. He cares about his players. I loved getting to know him as a person, not just on the field. It was a pleasure to play for him,” said Verlander.