28 Million Reasons Why The Astros Must Win Tonight

HOUSTON, TX — So it's Tuesday on Halloween, and most people in Houston aren't thinking of dishing out candy or dressing in wacky clothes. They're not thinking of those numbers they need to input, sales that need sold, items that need stocked or even what's for dinner tonight. Most loyal Houstonians are thinking of the possibility of the Houston Astros winning the World Series tonight.

For most, this day seemed like it would never come. Just thinking of it is like Candyland on one of the biggest candy days of the year.

This day seemed probable when the Astros started the season off hot and continued to lead all of the majors until the all-star break. The dream saw some dark nights in July when a small slump hit and injuries started to plague the team all while the Dodgers ruled the National League, the Boston Red Sox caught fire and the Cleveland Indians went on a 22-game win streak.

The Astros turned it around and, right before the stroke of a midnight trade deadline, the organization bet all their chips on one player — Justin Verlander. Though the veteran Detroit Tigers pitcher and former Cy Young winner had some struggles earlier this season, he'd won four of five recent starts and was throwing like the old Verlander.

Houston parted with a trio of minor league prospects — outfielder Daz Cameron, catcher Jake Rogers and stud pitcher Franklin Perez, a top prospect who wouldn't even be considered in any other potential deal.

Verlander's price tag comes at $28 million — a year! The righty immediately became a top pitcher for the Astros. He helped the team blow past the Red Sox in the divisional series and squeak past the vaunted New York Yankees in the ALCS.

Now the Astros are up 3 games to 2 heading into an important Game 6 tonight in Los Angeles, where the Dodgers ran Verlander out early in Game 2 — the Astros still came back to win a thriller.

History shows that teams who trail 3-2 and win Game 6 have a better shot at winning the decisive Game 7. Justin Verlander takes the mound tonight for the Astros to ice the game and bring Houston it's first-ever World Series title.

Verlander will make $28 million this year, next year and the next — win or lose. The Astros paid good money and bet the farm for a chance like tonight, having an ace on the mound in a series-clincher. Now it's up to Verlander to finish. And that's 28 million reasons why the Astros need a Halloween night World Championship.

Image: Houston Astros' Justin Verlander watches from the dugout during the eighth inning of Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)