Perrotto: Astros’ Tanking Blueprint Could Work for Pirates — Perhaps (+)

George Springer was a rookie, and the Houston Astros were getting close to finishing another desolate season.

I was filling in for a day as the Houston Astros’ beat writer for MLB.com in Cleveland. How did that happen? Let’s just say I was the pinch-hitter for the pinch-hitter for the pinch-hitter.

Anyhow, I was making small talk with the affable rookie center fielder in the clubhouse in the hours leading up to the game when I asked how he and his teammates handled all the losing. He smiled and gave an interesting answer.