Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com.
There’s nothing more important or popular than arbitrary grades picked by ill-informed yokels such as myself at the mid-point of a season. Especially when that midpoint happened 5 games ago. The Stros are 10 games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 1999 season, and playing well enough to win games. I’ll be the first to admit that they are also playing about 10 games over my expectation level of this team, so as an Astros fan, I’m pleased. Here’s what I think about everyone in an Astros uniform this season:
Alou, Moises – “A” Call it a free-agency push if you want, but Mo is the best hitter in the National League right now. Astros fans are finally realizing how special a player he is…just about the time he gets his walking papers. Fully expect Alou to continue his torrid pace in the second half, and likely with the Astros. Also expect him to be wearing some other uniform next season. Astros brass doesn’t know how much they’re going to miss him.
Ausmus, Brad – “D” The Ausmussiah has played the field pretty much as expected. Jose Lima and Scott Elarton notwithstanding, Brad has calmed down a shaky pitching staff and shut down the opponents running game (which looked like the Texas Relays at times last year). That should be enough to earn a better grade, but the hitting…oh the hitting. It used to be a .250 average would have been good enough to keep people off of Ausmus’s back. It probably still would be, but he’s been between .175 and .210 all year. Automatic outs don’t get good grades.
Bagwell, Jeff – “C” There’s no better example of how great a player Bagwell has become than his current stat line earning him a ho-hum when you’re talking about the Astros line-up. He’s on a pace for 40 homers, 120 RBI once again, and that’s without being locked in at any point this season. His strikeout numbers are also climbing into Derek Bell-ian territory as he has 72 at the break. He hasn’t looked comfortable all season, and had near the hitting approach as he’s had in seasons past. However, he won’t smile either way, so you have no idea if carrying that really heavy wallet around troubles him or if he’s having trouble with the new strike zone.
Barker, Glen – “F” Demonstrated some of the worst running instincts since Custer. Still a pretty good break dancer.
Berkman, Lance – “A+” The most pleasant surprise in the National League this year, Berkman is hitting for power, hitting for average and getting on base at an MVP clip. If Moises Alou is the best hitter in the NL right now, Lance is 1a. His defense has been surprising enough to stick him in center for a stretch this season. He’s made himself into a competent outfielder. Biggest drawback is that his last name begins with a “B” which makes it a lock that the “Killer B” crap will continue for years to come.
Biggio, Craig – “B” There are 2 Craig Biggios on the roster this season. The one who hits (and gets hit) looks like a 25 year old instead of the 35 year old he actually is. The one who plays 2nd base has all the range of someone who uses a walker. Biggio is doing his job getting on base and setting the table for Bagwell, Berkman and Alou. Coming back from the injuries he had, he’s playing better than most could hope for. Just wish he could get to any balls hit 3 feet away from him.
Bottenfield, Kent – “F” For me, this wasn’t an exciting pick-up to begin with. So the expectations were exactly where he’s performed. Injuries probably have a lot to do with it, as he lives on the 60 day DL now, but he just wasn’t that good to begin with.
Brocail, Doug – “INC” Evidently won a “be a major-leaguer for a season contest”. Prizes included a seat on the bench, a really sharp looking suspension bridge growing from his arm and a complete set of Astros uniforms.
Castilla, Vinny – “C+” As a no-risk pick-up, Castilla’s only real problem has been that no one seems to know his name is not Castillo. He’s been excellent in the field, but pretty much as advertised at the plate with all the bat speed of Ted Williams…in 2001. Fortunately in the Astros line-up, he provides just enough power to be a competent 7 hole. Probably the third best bargain in the line-up.
Cruz, Nelson – “B-” In tough situations, he’s been very good. In (virtually) pressure-less situations he’s been roughed up. Still, he’s a definite upgrade over anyone who was in the bullpen last year. When he has command of his slider, he is very, very effective. Also, silly fans think he’s related to Jose, so he brings AIS among the ignorant. More ignorant “fans” are needed in the EFUS.
Dotel, Octavio – “B+” This grade is only as a member of the bullpen. I share the opinion that he hasn’t been given a proper chance in the rotation this year. Recently he’s been lights out (That this all began with Jose Lima being shipped out is only speculation. Honest.) demonstrating not only a breaking pitch or two, but a fantastic idea of when to use them. I expect him to get another shot at the rotation replacing either Tim Redding or Scott Elarton at some point in the second half.
Elarton, Scott – “F” I wish I knew. After winning 17 games last year, and letting us all use “slow start” to explain away his ERA, Elarton has regressed to the point most of Astrodom thinks he needs begin his own personal Mardi Gras. Astros Brass continue to say the right things about Scott, but I imagine he’s got 2-3 more starts before he becomes Tony Pena’s problem. Still a world of talent, but somehow a total lack of focus.
Eusebio, Tony – “B” Tough Tony is still a capable back-up, despite being somewhere between 37 and 73 years old. He’s been on his last season as an Astro since 1994 or so and continues to survive. Probably the best pinch-hitting option on the team with Bill Spiers dead to the world, or at least the roster.
Franklin, Wayne – “INC” He’d get an F but it’s not his fault he’s left handed (the only reason he made the team.
Ginter, Keith – “INC” Had one at-bat for Houston. Didn’t get a hit. Bastard.
Hayes, Charlie – “F” The best thing I can say about the Chair-master is that he was released on Monday.
Hidalgo, Richard – “C” Injuries, stomach disorders, and a voodoo woman named Phyllis have all conspired to retard Hidalgo’s growth as a hitter this year. Alarming strike out number trails only Bagwell so far. Looks to be in full on pull mode for the rest of the year. Still playing steady defense in center, so he’ll play everyday. Most in need of a long hot streak on the team.
Jackson, Mike – “A” Along with a healthy Billy Wagner, has solidified the bullpen and made Astros games a 7 inning affair. Has been better than anyone expected. Probably won’t be an Astro next year.
Lima, Jose – “F” Gets the grade for being resistant to help, being absolutely brutal on the mound no matter what the situation and for sucking so hard that his relative value was only Dave Mlicki.
Linebrink, Scott – “INC” Was lights out in his brief stint in the bullpen, which made for a lot of head scratching when he was sent down. Until recently, has done little to justify a trip back to Houston, which made for a lot of head scratching recently.
Lopez, Mendy – “INC” OPS of 1.867 notwithstanding, he’s got no long-term place on the roster. However, the next time we face Chad Durbin, you can bet he’ll be called up.
Lugo, Julio – “C” The gardener has been inconsistent in the field (although better than expected) and inconsistent at the plate (worse than expected). Like a modern day Willie Mays Hayes, has fallen in love with his power-stroke. Maybe he needs to start doing push-ups.
McKnight, Tony – “INC” Great in one start, horrid in the other. He must have made the mistake of getting a non-refundable round-trip ticket to N.O. because he was back there quicker than instant oatmeal.
Merced, Orlando – “B” Has been an excellent bench player for the Stros, and a competent 4/5 outfielder. Provides lots of opportunities for Bagwell to crack about Rookie of the Year, 1991.
Miller, Wade – “A” Now that we’re all over the hype of 900 strike outs this season, Miller has been the only consistent pitcher in the rotation all year. Has the potential to be a solid number 2 guy in the rotation for years to come. I look for him to tire over the second half, however.
Mlicki, Dave – “INC” Besides the ability to use few vowels in his name and chew gum, Mlicki provides little to this team. Until he does Casa Ole commercials, there’s little need to actually pitch him.
Oswalt, Roy – “A+” Wade Miller is a number 2 pitcher because of this guy. This guy right there. Incredible poise, toughness and mental ability to pitch. Plus a 95 mph fastball. If only he’d learn to pronounce his own name. “Ose-walt” sounds a bit too much like “Franc-Een-Steen” to me.
Powell, Jay – “D” Snake-bit or bad pitcher, Powell’s stats were deceiving. The 3.72 ERA looked pretty good. The 57% of inherited runners scoring did not. He’s exploring the school system in Colorado currently. Mike Hampton says it’s excellent.
Redding, Tim – “C” Hard to grade this guy too harshly. He’s talented enough that the Astros totally abandoned every one of their development plans for young pitchers to get him in the majors. Has shown flashes of brilliance, but 7.27 is 7.27. He probably needs to bullpen for a while.
Reynolds, Shane – “B+” Started off so slowly, I dropped him from my fantasy team. Rebounded so quickly, I was able to pick him up a week later. Has been very steady from his 3rd start on. Look for Shane to get stronger as the season wears on.
Servais, Scott – “INC” He’ll be signing at the Shed any day now.
Slusarski, Joe – “WTF” How did this guy get back on the roster, or even in the organization? Is it some sort of running joke we have with the Braves?
Spiers, Bill – “INC” Despite his desire to compete, still manages to find his way to the Astros bench and clubhouse every day, somehow, through all the pain.
Truby, Chris – “D” Unless he’s playing the Brewers and then it’s an “A++” Sent down for looking like Shaggy, fielding like Velma and hitting like Daphne.
Villone, Ron – “INC” Initial instinct is to give him an “F” for being a Red. A certified Astro-killah, he can either be a valuable left-handed asset in the bullpen or a total flop. Either way, he’s not shutting down Houston’s offense by pitching against them, for a change.
Vizcaino, Jose – “B” Provides good defense, and a left handed bat. His presence allows the Astros to withstand the gale force winds created by Julio Lugo’s 65 strikeouts. Likely provides a good amount of “veteran presence” as well. I guess.
Wagner, Billy – “A” 19 out of 20 saves converted. High 90’s gas and the willingness to use a breaking ball every now and then. If there was a silver lining to his 2000, maybe it’s that he finally grew up a little bit.
Ward, Daryle – “C” Hasn’t been in the lineup enough to get any kind of rhythm going. Combine the bizarre way Dierker uses him, which seems to be “Can one swing of the bat win the game?” and the seasons Berkman and Alou are having, and it looks like another wasted season for Daryle.
Astro of The 1st Half
Lance Berkman. He leads the world in hitting with a .365 average at the break. He is in the top 10 of every major offensive category there is. He’s humble and hungry and is rapidly moving up the list of “Everybody’s Favorite Astro.” If he can overcome the bizarre need everyone seems to have to giving him a nickname, he’s going to be one of the all-time greats.