Contention windows and cycles are one of the most contentious aspects of baseball, particularly in Major League Baseball (MLB). Many smaller-market teams wait until their top prospects reach their potential before investing in improving their chances. The rest of the time, they trade away their star players and refuse to spend any money. This is frustrating because every MLB owner has the financial means to sign multiple high-priced free agents, but some choose not to. The Houston Astros, on the other hand, have been consistently competitive since 2015 under the ownership of Jim Crane. According to a tweet from FOX Sports: MLB, Crane has stated that the Astros’ “window” will never close as long as he is in charge. Crane believes that it is possible for all teams to achieve this level of success, but it requires a comprehensive approach within the organization, including scouting, long-term planning, strategic spending on free agents, player development, calculated risks, internal development, smart trading, and signing young stars to long-term contracts before they become too expensive. These are all areas in which the Astros have excelled over the years. Their accomplishments speak for themselves, with seven consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series and four World Series appearances since 2017, resulting in two championships. The Astros’ success under Crane’s leadership should serve as a model for other owners who are hesitant to invest in their teams.
Kansas City police officers have disclosed that Lyndell Mays, one of the adult males facing murder charges following the shooting incident at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl...
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