Convenience Big Store: ⚾ Dusty Baker dishes on Astros exit

Leadoff

Manager Dusty Baker Jr. #12 of the Houston Astros takes questions from the media ahead of the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on October 14, 2023 in Houston, Texas.

Dusty Baker talks Astros' exit, lack of 'freedom' with staff

The baseball legend dished on his time with the club on a podcast Wednesday.

$HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 24: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks on the field before the preseason game \al at NRG Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)$

CJ Stroud, Texans thrilled to make Lambeau Field debut Sunday

Houston's signal caller will make his first trip to Green Bay this weekend.

Cheap Seats

MVP?

In the Cheap Seats, Chron sports writers answer burning questions from readers.

Who is the most important player on the Rockets this season?

Chron sports reporter Michael Shapiro:

Alperen Şengün is the Rockets' best player. He's also their most important piece in 2024-25, now anchoring a franchise with legitimate postseason expectations.

Şengün isn't Houston's swing piece this season simply by virtue of his talent. Instead, his range of outcomes for the next year mirrors his team's. If Şengün refines his three-point stroke and earns an All-Star nod, the Rockets will be a playoff team. Should he struggle to adjust to increasing defensive attention, Houston's offense could slide toward the bottom of the league efficiency rankings.

Houston has plenty of options on the wing with Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason jockeying for minutes. The point guard combination of Fred VanVleet and Reed Sheppard should be quite effective. Şengün, however, is the ceiling raiser for this group. When he's cooking offensively, few teams are more lethal. Expect another leap from the fourth-year center this season. If Şengün meets the hype, playoff basketball should be back in Houston for the first time since 2019.