In the 2008 World Series, Taylor Swift sang the national anthem at Citizens Bank Park before her hometown team and Cole Hamels. The Houston Astros in 2015 find themselves in the thick of Taylor Swift, Cole Hamels, and the playoffs. That is because the Astros are really serious about making the playoffs.
Earlier today the Astros announced that a Taylor Swift concert scheduled at Minute Maid Park would be moved:
The team announced Monday that it has moved up the date of the Grammy Award-winning singer's show in Houston from Oct. 13 to Sept. 9.
Houston, which hasn't been to the postseason since 2005, wasn't expected to contend entering this season. But the Astros got off to a great start and entered Monday just one game back in the American League West and in first place for a wild-card spot.
In the announcement, the Astros said that they made the change as they "proactively prepare for potential postseason play."
And they are serious to the point that they may be going after Phillies ace Cole Hamels.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports:
The #Astros remain in the thick of the Cole Hamels bidding, even after Kazmir trade. They're making big push, source says.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 28, 2015
After the Kasmir trade, Astros owner has said he would increase payroll for the right move.
The Astros have the prospects to land Hamels. One hurdle would be that Hamels has the Astros on his no-trade list. That list was compiled, of course, before the Astros played strong baseball in 2015. Hamels could benefit from the lack of state income tax and the competitive nature of the club. The Astros have a better shot of the playoffs than their Texas counterparts, so maybe Hamels would indeed approve the trade.
Even after the Scott Kazmir trade the Astros are loaded with prospects. And the Astros are serious about the playoffs. They're Taylor Swift serious.
