Astros take flight while spirit of Clemente lives on

By César Augusto Márquez

Even though the Boston Red Sox struck back on Sunday for their first win, the Houston Astros’ José Altuve and Carlos Correa have been the top stars of the American League Divisional Series. Off the field, Miguel Cabrera promised fans that he’ll come back better than ever next season. And a wide collection of musical artists is agreeing to perform at Marlins Park in Miami to raise money and awareness for the victims of Hurricane María.

Venezuelan-Puerto Rican One-Two Punch

During Game 1 between the Astros and the Red Sox, Altuve became the ninth player to hit three home runs in a postseason game, a list that includes Babe Ruth, who did it twice. The last player to accomplish this Bambino-esque feat was fellow Venezuelan Pablo Sandoval on October 24, 2012, when he played for the San Francisco Giants in the World Series. Carlos Correa has blasted two dingers in the first three games of the series, helping the Astros to a 2-1 lead.

A promise from Cabrera

After struggling with two herniated discs this season, as well as being distracted by the crisis in Venezuela, Miguel Cabrera averaged .249 and totaled 60 RBI — both career lows — while finishing with a -0.8 WAR. In case you missed it, that’s a negative number. Miggy, who turns 35 next year, promised that he will regain his form. Father Time always wins, but it’s hard right now to bet against this four-time batting champ and two-time MVP.

An artist on and off the field

Omar Vizquel starts his first year on the Hall of Fame ballot wondering whether his next-level defensive skills at shortstop will be enough to gain entry into Cooperstown. He’s also hoping to become the next manager of the Detroit Tigers. In the meantime, he pursues his off-the-field passion — painting. Yes, this man is an artist in more ways than one.

We Are One

On Saturday, Marc Anthony, Camila, Gente de Zona, Nicky Jam, DJ Khaled, Prince Royce, Romeo Santos, Alejandro Sanz and Daddy Yankee headline a concert, “SOMOS Live!” at Marlins Park for the victims of Hurricane María, as well providing disaster relief for those in Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico. A joint live broadcast from L.A. will feature Jennifer López, Jamie Foxx, Ricky Martin and many others. Ticket prices for the concert in Miami start at $15.

Spirit of Clemente lives on

Much of the aid reaching Puerto Rico arrives via private donations and help. The Pittsburgh Pirates, the only team Clemente played for in his 18-year MLB career before he died during a humanitarian effort in 1972, sent a plane last week to the island, a relief mission led by the Venezuelan Francisco Cervelli.

A single that deserved a bat flip

Few major leaguers today play with the passion and joy of Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers’ Cuban right fielder. First, he wagged his tongue after sliding into third on a triple in Game 1, then he flipped his bat on a single to centerfield in Game 2. There’s no one like Yasiel, and we’re glad for it.

Winter League season is upon us

For most players, winter is when you prepare for the next season and spend time with family. But for many Latin American players and young prospects, it’s time to fly south and report to their Caribbean teams. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — son of you know who and the Blue Jays’ top prospect — is already training with the Escogido Lions in the Dominican Winter League. It’s possible a proud dad posted about it.

One big leaguer, Padres catcher Luis Torrens, reported to Magallanes in the Venezuelan Winter League. That season starts this Tuesday, while the Dominican Winter League begins on Friday.

Big Boo-Boo

During the opening game of the ALDS in Houston, a Boston Herald sportswriter mistook the Texas state flag for the Puerto Rican flag. We know everything is bigger in Texas, but this was one major boo-boo. While both have one star, the Texas flag has only two stripes and doesn’t looking anything like the Puerto Rican red, white and blue. Then again, maybe Marvel Comics has also had it wrong all these years. Captain America, who sports one star on a blue background, may really be Captain Puerto Rico.

Featured Image: Houston Astros Instagram