Messages

1

Talk Zone / Re: Team Payroll 2019

« on: March 20, 2019, 08:38:54 am »

I think you're right in this.

Bregman gets a $10m signing bonus, according to Heyman. Would that affect how the AAV is calculated?

It seems to me like it might actually be better for the Astros if it includes 2019. Yes it pushes them closer to the cap for this year, but it gives you more room in the other 5 years. Going over by a few mil this year, if they have to, wouldn’t be that big a deal. It’s going over by a lot, and for multiple years in a row, that starts to get costly.

2

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: March 19, 2019, 10:12:48 am »

Hasn’t Machete signed?

Did someone already post this tidbit about Maldonado and Boras?

3

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: March 19, 2019, 10:03:39 am »

And Harper’s record is demolished. The Angels are extending Trout’s contract for 12 years, $430 million.

Edit: this actually adds ten years, as it replaces the two years remaining on his current deal.

The Angels would be scary this year and upcoming years if they
A) finally dumped the Albertross
B) Got serious about bringing in good players to surround Trout
C) Reversed their awful luck with injuries

4

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News 2019

« on: March 18, 2019, 02:42:50 pm »

Moran is actually in a worse spot than he was last year - he was the primary 3B for PIT, and now they've named Jung-Ho Kang as the starter over Colin. And those guys are probably just keeping the seat warm for Charlie Hayes' son.

5

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: March 15, 2019, 03:06:14 pm »

Dodgers apparently wanted more lefty/righty balance in pen, Fields was out of options, more advanced stats say he was more lucky than good in 2018 which apparently is why there wasn't a trade market for him.

All those things would have been known by the Dodgers months ago so the real question is why the Dodgers didn't non-tender him.

I thought I read somewhere that his velocity was down this ST, although I can't find a link now.

6

Talk Zone / Re: Team Payroll 2019

« on: March 12, 2019, 02:06:02 pm »

I am definitely not a member of the STFU and play contingent, in any sport. I don't care if a player gets something off his chest, what Bregman said and how he plays don't bother me at all, Keuchel's bitching never bothered me at all, I don't even mind seeing players address topical issues regardless of whether it's Kaep or some dumbfuck like Schilling - I think if you have a platform and you have something to say, say it.

Of course there is a fairly clear line between speaking your mind and being an irredeemable dumbass like Tyler Bauer. That guy probably really should just STFU.

I agree with this. As a fan who badly wants to see my team win every single game, I often find myself subconsciously hoping the players will make as little money as possible, and wince, on some level, any time one of them complains about their salary. Then I have to remind myself that, although most of them make more money than I will ever see, they are employees of absurdly rich men/corporations, whom I have no sympathy for. MLB and its owners are making an insane amount of money.

So I don't blame Bregman for speaking out, I don't blame Blake Snell for speaking out after the Rays renewed him for relative pennies on the dollar, I don't blame Charlie Morton for going to another team that guaranteed him $30m over 2 years. It's a messed-up system, especially for young players, and while the MLBPA is partly to blame, at the heart of it they are a union, employed by a big huge corporation that wants to squeeze as much out of them as possible, for as little money as possible.

As long as a player's ego doesn't get so unchecked and out of touch that they become a complete self-absorbed jackass, I'm OK with it. When that point arrives is, of course, somewhat subjective.

7

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: March 07, 2019, 06:38:39 pm »

I think he's still pissed because the Astros killed Keuchel's Korner.

The Royals should try to lure him with visions of Keuchel’s Kooky Kansas City Kabob Korner.

8

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: March 06, 2019, 10:33:01 pm »

I wouldn’t disagree if we moved some of this outfield depth and say, Brady Rogers, to the Blue Jays for Stroman or to the Mets for Lugo.

I also think taking a flyer on Gio Gonzalez wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They’re not getting Stroman without giving up at least a Bukauskas or Alvarez, unless Luhnow pulls off some magic Gerrit Cole-type shit.

9

Talk Zone / Re: Astros OF Defense

« on: February 16, 2019, 09:51:32 pm »

I’m gonna be the jerk who comments without reading the linked article, but I think Springer is much better than “OK”. We all know that Jake is the best, but I think of George as clearly an above-average MLB CF, and far above average compared to most RFers.

10

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: February 08, 2019, 10:05:10 pm »

Alfaro went to Philly in the Cole Hamels deal. He has potential to be nearly as good as Realmuto.

Does he realistically though? I thought I’d read he strikes out a ton, and is bad at blocking balls.

I mean, yes, he’s probably better than Stassi, and the Phils did pay a heavy price, but I dunno if they’ll regret including Alfaro all that much.

11

Talk Zone / Re: Team Payroll 2019

« on: February 03, 2019, 07:41:55 pm »

Trade Reddick to the Giants or Indians and sign Harper.  C'mon Luhnow.  Do it! 

Reddick will be 32 and is coming off a mediocre season, with $26m still owed for 2019-2020. I think the Astros would have to eat over half of that money to get someone to take him. I wondered if the Braves were an option, since he's a Georgia boy and they historically love their local players, but then they re-signed Markakis.

12

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: February 03, 2019, 07:35:35 pm »

I think Harper would mash in our lineup behind Springer and Altuve and in front of Bergman and Correa. I really wish Crane would bite the bullet and do this. Yes, you bust the tax threshold but the merchandise sales alone with Harper might pay for the tax. I would offer a one to two year deal at a number he couldn’t turn down, say $38-40 per or a four year deal at $160 with opt out after 2 or 3.

I’d like Verlander back next year as well but I can’t see them giving a 37 year old pitcher a 3 or 4 year deal. It is going to be a difficult call. Cole, if he produces this year like last year, will probably double his current 13 million dollar salary. He’d come with less physical risk than JV because of his age so signing Cole makes the most sense in my opinion. It will be costly to sign both.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If I had Crane's money I would give Verlander a 3-year deal in a fucking heartbeat.

13

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: February 03, 2019, 07:30:33 pm »

Correa's hearing was yesterday and normally decisions are announced within 24 hours but then there's this...

Jon Heyman  @JonHeyman 1h ago
Carlos Correa arbitration hearing was yesterday but the result is being held until Tuesday, AP reports. Results are sometimes held so as not to affect other upcoming hearings. Could be Tommy Pham in this case.

Other than their service time being similar, I fail to see how a 24-year-old SS's case would have much bearing on a 30-year-old OF.

Obviously, the optimist in me is hoping the delay is because they actually are hammering out a multi-year deal, but the realist knows that is highly unlikely.

14

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News 2019

« on: January 27, 2019, 10:54:57 pm »

So cynical. So they were lying about Britton and Harper, eh? Cite your sources, please.

I don't think they were lying. I believe the O's and Nats owners nixed those deals. But it was definitely a PR move for Crane/Luhnow to share that info. I'm sure there are plenty of nixed-deals around baseball where one team could make another team look bad or foolish by sharing what happened, but they don't.

15

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: January 25, 2019, 06:50:36 pm »

Hopefully getting the deviated septum fixed will have a similar effect to Josh James getting treated for sleep apnea.  Oxygen is important!

I dunno about that, Correa already throws 95. Do you want him to break Yuli's hand?

16

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: January 21, 2019, 01:08:27 pm »

Here's something kind of mind-blowing  that I found when looking up that Stanton/Harper comparison on baseball-reference...  I looked at all hitters who've had at least 2,000 Plate Appearances since 2014, which is 158 players. Altuve is 3rd in WAR, at 32, behind Trout (44) and Betts (35). Which was only mildly surprising. Rounding out the top 10 were Donaldson, Arenado, Goldschmidt, Cain, Machado, Simmons, Yelich. Stanton was 12th, Harper way down at 33 mainly due to their defensive stats not liking him.

Anyway, here's the crazy stat: Batting Average over that span. Altuve, of course, is #1... then there's a fucking 20-point gap before the next hitter, who by the way is Michael Brantley:

Altuve .331
Brantley .311
D. Murphy .308
JD Martinez .307
Votto .306
Turner .305
Posey .305
Blackmon .304
M. Cabrera .304
Trout .303

The gap between Altuve and #2 is bigger than the gap between #2 and #23.

Altuve is amazing. I'm so glad we get to watch him play for the Astros.

17

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: January 20, 2019, 03:43:36 pm »

I think this is where Luhnow is at if we make go for him.  Contractually, it would have to be less years, opt outs, and a new project for BH that he might find interesting --- he can do one more dog and pony FA show and end his career in a new locale.

And in terms of his inconsistency, I am not sure there is another left handed power hitting influence that could plug into our team with his experience and performance.  Some might say Kyle Tucker, and he certainly projects well, but there is just as much if not more risk in a Tucker/Reddick platoon than a Harper buy.   

Rose colored glasses?  Definitely.   Agree he is wild card.  But a G Stanton like mess?  Not in my book.

Thanks for the replies though - I enjoy counter arguments.

Actually - and this surprised me a little - Giancarlo and ol' Bryce are pretty comparable players overall. Stanton has been around longer, but just taking the last 5 years, 2014-18:

Stanton: 24.4 WAR, 20.9 oWAR, 148 OPS+, 2,823 PA, .270/.360/.557 with 188 HR, 478 RBI
Harper: 18.6 WAR, 20.6 oWAR, 144 OPS+, 2,863 PA, .282/.401/.525 with 142 HR, 404 RBI

And Stanton didn't have a bad year with the Yankees, just not his typical outstanding year:  38 HR, 100 RBI, 126 OPS+

One other quibble, if I may: opt-outs favor the player. If Harper gets an opt-out it's a safety net for him, not the team. And I could be wrong, but I don't think he will sign any kind of shorter-term guarantee like you're talking about.

I think Brantley will bring some balance to the lineup - he crushes RHP. And Altuve hits everyone, Bregman too. Maybe by 2020 Tucker and Alvarez will also be LH power threats.

18

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: January 20, 2019, 12:03:18 pm »

Reuben, I hear you.  Fund allocation for the future is THE big issue for the future of the Astros, JLuhn needs to get this right.  So, I'll not argue against this point (especially when you consider how valuable Verlander/Cole were last year), plus I do think Bregs will be a long term Astro.  So three of your list are spot on, and I like Springer.  Like others here, I wanted to see CC bounce back from his health issues before he gets the big contract. 

One small bone to pick, though involves the list of Nationals hitters you presented. 

Yes, they are good hitters, but I cannot see for the life of me that they offer the kind of protection in a lineup that our boys provide.  It is certainly feasible a win now trade/FA approach could see 7 or 8 starting astros hit 20 HR's and drive in a helluva a lot runs.   

Washington's boys are nice, but the point was we are a whole level above that, and when you add analytics to equation, we might see close to career totals for BH in an Astros uni. 

Then again, I think there are a lot of routes to success, not just one.  It will be interesting to see which direction we head.

The 2017 Astros offense was on a whole other level, yes. That offense was historic. Counting on that convergence of career years again is probably not wise. The 2018 lineup was still very good, but not great. I think it will be better in 2019, but regardless, I think you’re looking at Harper through rose-colored glasses. He’s a wild card. He’s been extremely volatile both offensively and defensively. He’s always had at least some very good protection in WSH (if not the 1-9 depth); there’s not an easy answer for why he’s been so inconsistent. And I’m dubious that going from a good lineup to a great one will definitely improve an individual player’s performance anyway. Look at Stanton’s so-so year with the Yankees after coming over from the Marlins.

Harper would’ve been a great hitter to plug in for the stretch run and playoffs last year. He’s be a great player to sign if the Astros had a $275m payroll every year. But they don’t, so I imagine Luhnow will decide there’s better ways to spend the money he does have.

19

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: January 19, 2019, 10:11:43 pm »

The Nationals had plenty of good hitters - Rendon, Soto, Turner, Zimmerman, Ramos, Dan Murphy, and others during Harper’s time there. So expecting him to magically become consistently amazing simply by being in the Astros lineup is very wishful thinking. And wishful thinking is a very bad reason to commit a $300m+ contract to one player.

I would much rather Luhnow allocate those funds toward extensions for some of Verlander, Cole, Springer, Bregman, Correa.

20

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News 2019

« on: January 18, 2019, 02:41:09 pm »

we are well into it.

Either your sarc-meter has been irreparably damaged, or mine has.

21

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News 2019

« on: January 18, 2019, 02:15:11 pm »

I think it was to demonstrate that they’re serious about wanting him in Houston. I don’t expect him to sign here, but I think the Astros do want him.

Demonstrate to who? I'm sure Harper already knew about it. Demonstrate to Astros fans that they tried to do more at the deadline but were foiled by another team's owner, sure, we've seen that PR move employed before.

But I think the only thing that would show fans they're serious about wanting him is if they make a legitimate offer, and leak THAT to the media at some point.

22

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News 2019

« on: January 18, 2019, 09:17:36 am »

I’ll keep saying it until Harper signs somewhere else: the Astros leaked that trade story to Rosenthal for a reason.

What exactly would be the reason?

23

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News 2019

« on: January 17, 2019, 09:43:53 pm »

I keep wondering if the Angels might be a "mystery team" that eventually ends up with Harper or Machado. Their payroll is already fairly high, but Moreno has made unexpected splashes before. They've got Trout signed for only two years at this point, they have some good players in Upton, Simmons, Ohtani... they could fit either Machado (moving Zach Cozart to 2B) or Harper (pushing Kole Calhoun out). Seems like this is their time to go for it.

Then again, they don't seem to have done much at all this winter other than pick up a few so-so players like Matt Harvey, Cahill, and Bour, so I'm not really sure what the hell they're doing.

24

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 HOF Ballot

« on: January 17, 2019, 09:33:46 pm »

Oswalt and Berkman are both going to drop off the ballot. That's pretty surprising.

Don't worry, Lance played for Tony LaRussa and was a "run producer" so I'm sure he'll eventually get in on some fucked up Veterans Committee vote.

25

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: January 10, 2019, 11:16:34 pm »

Cashman can go fuck himself if he wants Bukauskas for one year of Sonny Gray is my take on this.

26

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News 2019

« on: January 09, 2019, 08:50:41 pm »

U FOO!

Since they coach on the same team, do you think Daryle Ward and Danny Darwin go out for beers together? I would like to believe that they do.

27

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: January 05, 2019, 01:58:29 pm »

I would be stoked if they picked up Gonzalez. Having watched him pitch in DC, his stuff is remarkable. What always struck me is the Nats just seemed to throw him out there, relying on that stuff. He never really seemed to have a plan. It seems to me that some data-intensive guidance on 1) what to throw particular batters and 2) on what strengths he should leverage in certain situations would do him a world of good. Hallmarks of a Storm transformation...

I think Gio's curve rates high on the almighty spin-rate list, too. And perhaps the fact that Luhnow's protege Stearns traded for him in MIL last year is an indication that the analytics like his potential... if the 25 IP he threw for the BrewCrew are any indication, maybe they did help him: 5.0 H/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.13 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, after putting up very sub-par stats for the Nats prior to the trade.

28

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 29, 2018, 09:57:38 pm »

With 4 years of control I doubt it would be cheap, but I think he could easily be had without parting with Tucker or Whitley. Something like Fisher, White and/or Davis and Bukauskas might get it done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lugo is a 29 year-old RH who is basically a reliever - he’s been far better in that role (4.06 ERA, 1.30 WHIP as SP; 2.38 ERA, 0.99 WHIP as RP). I’d be very surprised if a package had to include Bukauskas. Maybe something like Fisher and Jairo Solis or some other lo-A, hard-throwing more lottery-ticket type.

It’s also possible that the Mets don’t even want to trade him for prospects at all, because they are clearly going for it in 2019 and seem like they need Lugo for their bullpen.

29

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 29, 2018, 05:23:17 pm »

Astros looking at the Mets' Seth Lugo.

https://twitter.com/MarcCarig/status/1079068066632421376

@MarcCarig

Some added context here. Told Seth Lugo’s name got floated out as part of wider-ranging trade talks between the Astros and Mets. Sounds like the sides kicked around a bunch of different ideas of late. Thus far, none have gained traction.

I wonder if the Mets are interested in Derek Fisher. They have Lagares, who is kind of an injury-prone Marisnick - great D, sub-par bat, RH hitter. Not that Fisher is a great CF, but he may be better than their other options and could theoretically platoon with Lagares.

30

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 29, 2018, 03:23:15 pm »

Crazy thought: given the Marlins’ previous talks with the Mets, could the Astros be looking to spin Lugo on to Miami?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I doubt he would be anything close to a headliner for Realmuto, if that’s what you mean. Fish wanted two of Nimmo, Rosario, Conforto in Realmuto deal.

31

Talk Zone / Re: Team Payroll 2019

« on: December 19, 2018, 06:41:39 am »

Not too long, did read. Thanks.

32

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: December 17, 2018, 08:49:15 pm »

I love Puig. I would love to watch him play every day.

I have to agree with this statement.

33

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 17, 2018, 04:59:00 pm »

this author makes his case as to why Cruz and Astros should get together. https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-should-go-all-out-to-sign-nelson-cruz/c-301893492

I dunno about you, but I am just about convinced.

34

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: December 17, 2018, 04:56:30 pm »

Rumor is Harper has agreed to a deal with the Dodgers. Just a rumor at this point, based on a supposed leak in LA front office.

They have been trying hard to trade Kemp and/or Puig, perhaps to make room for B-rice.

35

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 15, 2018, 06:17:52 pm »

And in a pinch he can drop a fly ball for you.

Like the David Freese “triple?”

36

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 15, 2018, 05:14:44 pm »

Cruz doesn’t actually strikeout all that much, especially for a big power hitter. 2015 and 2016 were the only years where he was in the league top 10 in Ks.

For his career in the postseason he has a 1.016 OPS and something like 16 HR in 41 games, although the last time was 2014.

37

Talk Zone / Re: Talk me off the ledge

« on: December 13, 2018, 02:11:39 pm »

Fuck me.

Thanks. I hadn't checked there yet. I saw a Rule 5 summary, but now realize that clearly did not include the 2nd round, where Ferguson was taken.

38

Talk Zone / Re: Talk me off the ledge

« on: December 13, 2018, 12:54:45 pm »

Who's the 2nd player they lost in the Rule 5? All I saw was Riley Ferrell, which I'm not really sure why that's upsetting.

39

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 04:29:45 pm »

Are you really comparing Grandal to Realmuto?

Regardless, Luhnow has dealt top prospects.  He has not forfeited draft picks.

Yes, Realmuto is better, and 2 years younger. But they are comparable. Good bats with supposedly good defense.

40

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 02:04:29 pm »

Point remains.  That's about $2mil in flexibility.  Not going to happen.

Which would surprise you more, Luhnow surrendering the 2nd round draft pick to get a premium catcher, or Luhnow surrendering Kyle Tucker to get a premium catcher?

41

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 11:10:42 pm »

In an article on astros.com Hinch suggests, IMO strongly, that McHugh will be back in the rotation.

I wonder if Peacock will at least get stretched out in ST as well. He didn’t exactly prove that he’s best in the bullpen.

42

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 11, 2018, 02:27:15 pm »

Tucker has really played himself into being trade bait. Wasn't he untouchable as late as the end of spring training ;last year?

Tucker had a very poor MLB debut, but it was only 72 trips to the plate, and he was 21 years old. Meanwhile, he hit .332/.400/.590 in AAA with 24 HR and 93 RBI in only 100 games. It's possible the Astros see something in his swing or approach or whatever where they don't think he'll ever approach those numbers in the majors, but I don't think it's accurate to say that he "played himself" into being trade bait.

43

Talk Zone / Re: Car accident claims lives of Valbueana, Castillo

« on: December 07, 2018, 07:50:23 pm »

Wasn’t that what happened to Yordano Ventura too? Or at least, he was robbed while he lay dying in the road.

44

Talk Zone / Re: Car accident claims lives of Valbueana, Castillo

« on: December 07, 2018, 07:37:14 am »

That’s terrible. I always liked Luis Valbuena. The article didn’t mention what family he is survived by, but I feel horrible for them. 33 years old.

45

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 05, 2018, 09:24:00 pm »

So what to make of the return for the D-Backs in the Goldy deal? Don't ask the fucking experts...

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 1h ago
The allure of Carson Kelly: great glove, excellent makeup. If he hits -- he's got a good swing and is athletic -- he's a star. Luke Weaver was really good in 2017, mediocre in 2018. Trade may hinge on who he really is. I've heard from six front offices, and all love the return.

Ken Rosenthal  @Ken_Rosenthal 1h ago
Other execs not high on #DBacks’ return for Goldschmidt, with one saying, “Where is the star power?” Fair point, especially considering regressions of Weaver and Kelly. But young players do not always progress in linear fashion. Change of teams might do both good.

Joel Sherman  @Joelsherman1 1h ago
3 evaluators have generally said #Diamondbacks did not get 1 stud prospect back, but rather potential upside/control. But said considering 1b/31/1 yr to fr agcy the return was fine.

It’s certainly clear that the Astros could’ve offered better pieces without including Whitley or Tucker. Maybe they balked at Alvarez, or Josh James. Maybe something like Martes/Stubbs/Dawson/? wasn’t quite as good as what the Cards gave them. Doesn’t seem far off though.

46

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 05, 2018, 09:56:03 am »

As opposed I suppose to the sung glue.

Like this?

Or maybe this?

47

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 05, 2018, 09:03:26 am »

Chirinos deal is $5.75M. That seems like more than backup C money.

48

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News 2019

« on: December 03, 2018, 06:28:41 pm »

Mariners continue the dismantling. Cano and Diaz to the Mets and Segura to the Phillies.

BUT! now they have Jay Bruce and Carlos Santana.

49

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: December 01, 2018, 03:41:18 pm »

Mike Fiers (for the 2nd straight year), Robbie Grossman and Xavier Cedeno among the non-tenders.

Fiers surprised me, until I saw that he still gave up a ton of HR this year, and probably was very lucky with his ERA.

50

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 30, 2018, 06:51:11 pm »

Another catcher off the market. Natinals are reportedly getting Yan Gomes from Cleveland.

For, as far as I can tell, the Nats’ equivalent of Ronnie Dawson.

51

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 09:34:24 pm »

Pitch was in the other batters box

Horrible call. This shit is embarrassing for MLB.

52

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS Attendees

« on: October 12, 2018, 06:53:21 pm »

A friend of mine from Massachusetts (where I lived for 9 years) offered to pay for our tickets if I’d come up to Boston for one of the ALCS games. I really, really, wanted to take him up on it, but just couldn’t make it work logistically or financially.

53

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 12, 2018, 04:48:27 pm »

I think Gattis’ status as the 3rd/emergency catcher helped him. If you pinch-run or pinch-hit for Maldonado (say, with Kemp) in the 6th inning, you don’t have to worry quite so much about McCann catching a backswing to the head and having to leave the game. Assuming you haven’t already burned Gattis as a PH, of course.

54

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS

« on: October 08, 2018, 10:52:12 pm »

Reports circulating claim that Severino showed up 8 minutes before game time because didn’t know what time the game started.  Can that be real?  It might explain - but not excuse - his 3IP / 7R effort.

The mlb.com story I saw said that he didn't go out to the bullpen to warm up until 10 minutes before game time - presumably thinking it was another 8:15 or whatever start time, rather than 7:40.

Either way, of course, inexcusable, and you wonder why no one else with the team tried to get him out there sooner. Should never happen in a playoff game.

55

Talk Zone / Re: J. D. still resents the lack of support in the 2013 Astros clubhouse...

« on: October 04, 2018, 10:38:15 pm »

I thought Carlos Pena was supposed to be the designated vet mentor on the 2013 club. Other than that, what the fuck did JD expect - Matt Dominguez to guide him through MLB life? The only other vets really on that club were pitchers like Erik Bedard or Jose Veras.

Or is he not talking about veteran leadership? Is he just saying he didn't have any friends on the team? Several of whom he must have played with in the minors...?

56

Talk Zone / Re: Recapping front office changes

« on: October 04, 2018, 02:59:50 pm »

...except Hillman went from the Astros to manage in the KBO.

57

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 25, 2018, 11:19:14 pm »

Horseshit. Prosecutors do not dismiss cases involving unredeemable conduct. Fuck your first sentence.

Keep telling yourself what you need to, in order to allow yourself to cheer for this guy. His lawyer reaching a peace bond under these circumstances does not prove anything about the matter one way or another, any more than Blasey Ford not filing charges against Kavanaugh when she was 15 years old proves he is innocent.

58

Talk Zone / Re: Bannister canned

« on: September 24, 2018, 10:51:09 pm »

Every time I come back to this, I see "Bannister caned."

Bob McNair could learn something from such accountability.

I just keep thinking about The Mannister.

59

Beer and Queso / Re: Hurricane Florence

« on: September 15, 2018, 05:32:22 pm »

A mother and infant child were killed when a tree fell on their house.  I sincerely hope this is not your cousin.


I hope everything stayed quiet.  Flo is a bitch.

Thanks, I can report that they are all OK. Lost their dock, apparently (they live on the sound, opposite Atlantic Beach), but did not get water in their house.

Next up in Flo’s path is Charlotte, where my sister and her family live. It will be weaker by then of course; they are expecting 10-15” of rain.

60

Beer and Queso / Re: Hurricane Florence

« on: September 14, 2018, 12:49:19 pm »

A cousin of mine for some reason decided to take her infant son and go TO Morehead City to stay with her (perfectly capable/mobile) mom.

Here in Durham (about 150 miles from where Florence made landfall) it’s been quiet, some wind, some rain, but nothing too unusual, yet.

61

Talk Zone / Re: September Additions

« on: September 14, 2018, 11:28:44 am »

With Stassi's playing time pretty much reduced to nil, I can't imagine they would add to the glut by calling up Stubbs.

I agree, although I thought I remembered Luhnow mentioning a while back that Stubbs would probably come up this year. That plan may have simply changed when they got Maldonado, of course.

62

Talk Zone / Re: September Additions

« on: September 14, 2018, 09:18:44 am »

Looks like their championship series with Memphis could run through Sunday (and will at least go through Saturday). I wonder if they’ll call up Stubbs? Or figure that 3 catchers plus Gattis is enough. Stubbs has certainly “earned” it based on his season.

63

Talk Zone / Re: Trouble in Tigers Broadcast booth - both announcers banned for rest of season...

« on: September 12, 2018, 06:18:20 pm »

I read an article about this a week or two ago. I believe it said they had been working together for 17 years... I wonder in which year their relationship started going south.

64

Talk Zone / Re: Possible impact of J. D. Martrinez on Springer's tenure with Astros

« on: September 12, 2018, 06:15:45 pm »

JD Martinez was a 20th round pick who was given 2 years at the big league level before being released. George Springer was a 1st round pick who tore up the minors and was never that bad in the bigs. That is to say nothing about how Springer adds value on defense when not hitting, Martinez only adds value if he hits. Tyler white would be a more apt comparison

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

All this.

65

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 7, 2018

« on: September 08, 2018, 01:31:15 pm »

I used to see a Captain Morgan ad on the subway in New York. It was a photo of some young urbanites in a festive setting with the caption, Comin' alive after five!

I always wondered whether that meant five o'clock or five drinks.

Must've meant five drinks. No one goes to the bar in NY at five o'clock. Unless they meant AM.

66

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BUIES CREEK 2018

« on: September 08, 2018, 01:21:39 pm »

Formal announcement on the 12th. Apparently people think it will either be Fatbacks or Woodpeckers.

Oh good lord. Either would be terrible, obviously, and they've already got a team called the Wood Ducks in the league. They should just go back to being the Fayetteville Generals (owing to nearby Ft. Bragg) if that's the best they could come up with.

67

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BUIES CREEK 2018

« on: September 08, 2018, 12:12:10 pm »

Very cool. Loved the colorful quotes from Ensberg in the article.

By the way, have they announced what the team will be called next year when they move to Fayetteville?

68

Talk Zone / Re: stop trying to change the game

« on: September 05, 2018, 12:41:08 pm »

The Twins did this last night vs the Astros!

The Twins started Sunday experimenting w/ an approach that might allow their starters go deeper in games - by letting them avoid the top opposing hitters until later in the game by using a reliever to "open" the game.
Last night...

• May - the Opener - aimed to limit the damage by the Astros 1-6 hitters in 1 or 2 innings.  (It did not work.)
• Stewart - the Primary pitcher - would start against the weakest hitters and go deeper into the game (5 innings so far) by facing the top hitters only twice.  (It did work.)

Explanation:
https://www.mlb.com/news/twins-to-experiment-with-opener-strategy/c-292922934
Of course, the A's started this and the clubs have been experimenting w/ it in the minors until now.

I thought Tampa Bay started it.

69

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 05, 2018, 12:39:02 pm »

Optics not good here for the Astros, but I understand their policy on non-game-related signs:

The Houston Astros booted a customer from Minute Maid Park stadium during a game for holding up a sign that read, “Houston Domestic Violence Hot Line 713.528.2121,” the ejected fan told ABC Houston station KTRK-TV.

https://www.yahoo.com/gma/houston-astros-fan-allegedly-kicked-stadium-displaying-domestic-150039493--abc-news-topstories.html

The article quotes a statement on astros.com that says,

'“The Astros welcome banners that support teams and their players, so long as they are in good taste. The Houston Astros Baseball Club does not permit signs, posters or banners which are obscene, slanderous or in bad taste. Management reserves the right to remove any sign deemed inappropriate.”'

Which makes me wonder if they asked the guy to put the sign away or hand it over and he refused, or did the security guard just ignore team policy and immediately eject him from the park.

I can only speak for myself, but the optics don’t bother me at all. This subject has been beat to death.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is that supposed to be... a joke?

70

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: September 03, 2018, 08:39:08 pm »

I had to look it up to see who it was you were talking about--Josh Naylor, a former 12th overall pick (brother Bo was also taken in the 1st round). But yeah, he is most definitely hefty, hefty, hefty...

Thanks, JBM.

Yes, great stuff jbm.

Nate, I think Noah is the other Naylor you’re referring to - C picked this year 29th overall by CLE.

71

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: September 03, 2018, 08:35:54 pm »

Just the 4th pitcher in Texas League history to win the pitching equivalent of the Triple Crown (leader in ERA, strikeouts and wins).

Damn. That’s a pretty cool accomplishment.

72

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: September 03, 2018, 08:30:18 pm »

A month after trading him, Tucker back to the Braves today in a cash deal.

What a wacky yo-yo he’s been on this year.

73

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 01:41:35 pm »

Except for possibly Abreu, I'm not sure any of those guys get ranked that high simply because of the number of arms ahead of them in the system.

Other interesting names besides the three you noted: Leovanny Rodriguez (though he's not finishing the year on a strong note), Parker Mushinski (walks are a huge problem but maybe there's a LOOGY profile there), Edgardo Sandoval (I thought his numbers really quite decent for a guy just returning from TJS).

And that's just limiting the discussion to guys finishing the year at QC.

Absolutely (at least on the pitching side).

Thanks, Nate. And yes, I meant the arms. Position players, not too many surprises that I can think of.

74

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: September 01, 2018, 11:38:09 pm »

So who of these unheralded QC pitchers with the incredible numbers has earned a spot in org Top 10s? Or at least Top 20? Donato? Collado? Abreu?

It just seems like amazing depth right now, with “pop-up” prospects left and right.

75

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: August 31, 2018, 08:30:44 pm »

The Cleveland Subcontinentals traded for Josh Donaldson.

76

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: August 24, 2018, 04:40:27 pm »

By the pitchers, not the batters, right?

I live in Durham, didn’t realize last year’s Bulls set a record.

77

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BUIES CREEK 2018

« on: August 24, 2018, 04:38:17 pm »

2 more homers yesterday, both against righties, giving him 20 pokes on the year. Those splits updated:

Vs. LHP: 12-for-82, .146/.242/.220, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .462 OPS
Vs. RHP: 80-for-253, .316/.387/.648, 19 HR, 47 RBI, 1.036 OPS

I'm not sure I've ever seen splits that wide.

Ron Blomberg and Rich Becker were two that came to mind, but looking them up neither were close to that wide. The good news for JJ is there’s more RHP in the majors than LHP. If he keeps murdering righties he might be able to carve out a niche for himself.

78

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: August 22, 2018, 05:59:33 pm »

Fuck off. You made your opinion clear weeks ago. You do not know what happened. No one does. STFU about this.

I know that there is a very high likelihood that he committed a serious act of violence against his girlfriend. Do you think Manfred would have decided on a 75-game suspension if nothing serious happened? Do you think Osuna would have accepted the suspension, and the resulting loss of $2-3 million in salary, if nothing serious happened?

I'm sorry my opinion on this matter upsets you so much. I don't see anyone else getting too upset about it.

79

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: August 22, 2018, 05:52:38 pm »

Rondon has five blown saves this year.  In four of them, he blew them in the 9th, and the Astros lost three of those games.  Two were against the A's, one against Seattle.  Only once did Rondon blow a save as you describe...he came in the 7th inning and gave up the tying run, after which the Astros scored four runs the next inning and he got the win.

Thank you. These are pertinent facts that refute some of my argument. I will concede that Rondon's 14 out of 18 legitimate Save opps is not great.

80

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: August 21, 2018, 11:59:00 pm »

Rondon has been good overall but if you are going to close, then you have to be able to seal the deal practically every time you go out. If you don’t, you can’t expect to stay in the role. For the season Rondon has converted only 13 of 18 save opportunities. That is barely over 70% and that isn’t good enough to be honest. I’m not knocking Rondon, just stating a fact. Osuna now gets his chance. This is why Luhnow traded for him. If he shits the bed tonight Rondon will probably get another shot. Hopefully someone takes charge and proves they can shut the door almost every time out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Osuna led the majors last year with 10 Blown Saves, as the Jays' full-time Closer. Judging Rondon on Save percentage doesn't hold water, because he started the year as a setup man - where you don't get to stay in for the Save, but you do get charged with a Blown Save, if, say, you come in in the 6th inning with no outs and the tying run on 3rd and give up a sac fly.

But I admit to being biased in favor of the humble-seeming guy who's been a savior when they badly needed it and against the guy who was suspended for half a season for beating a woman.

81

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: August 21, 2018, 11:52:38 pm »

Díaz,  the Seattle closer,  is 21 for his last 22--- in retiring Houston Astros.  It may be 22 for 23 now.

So there's a level of bullpen performance in the competition that the Astros haven't sniffed this season.

Rondon is a gamer,  but I don't blame them for trying Osuna.

Diaz and Treinen are having ungodly seasons. It is not fair to judge Rondon against that standard.

82

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: August 21, 2018, 06:14:50 pm »

If I had to guess, the plan might be, peacock for 3 innings and valdez for 3 innings then the rest of the pen to finish depending on how the game goes

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

My thoughts as well, and I expect Valdez to get sent back down tomorrow to bring a fresh arm up.

83

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: August 21, 2018, 06:09:23 pm »

Hinch apparently just announced Osuna will be the regular closer.

When on the off chance the Astros are leading late in the game of course.

That’s shitty for Rondon. He stepped up and did a fantastic job for four months. Now he has a little rough patch, where he blows a couple of one-run leads, and his manager anoints the new guy, who hasn’t exactly been lights-out recently either.

84

Talk Zone / Re: Cora for MOY

« on: August 20, 2018, 07:56:35 pm »

Was that it?  Oops. My apologies then. I’ve just seen so much of this in the game zone. And it was not sarcasm there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hear you.

85

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: August 20, 2018, 07:54:45 pm »

He has a memento from his time in Fresno:

https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1031687824871849984?s=19

That's hilarious.

John Olerud had over 2,000 Major League hits before he got his first AAA hit.

86

Talk Zone / Re: It's time

« on: August 20, 2018, 07:46:28 pm »

I haven't had it at the Lamar location, but I know folks who have ordered it more than once.

The Stiles Switch on Lamar was one of the places my brother made a point of taking us when my dad and I visited him in Austin this April. I was very happy with the brisket and pulled pork I got. None of us ordered (or noticed) the Frito Pie.

87

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: August 18, 2018, 02:17:08 pm »

Back-to-back 2-homer games for JD Davis and now has 7 dingers in his last 6 games.

I would love to see someone analyze Davis’ swing, approach, etc. and explain how he can post such poor results (and look mostly bad doing so) in the majors while so thoroughly dominating AAA. This is not a Reed or Fisher or Singleton-type discrepancy; those guys have never hit .350 with an OPS over 1.000 in AAA. And while I do realize that Davis had never hit quite so awesomely in the minors prior to this year, he has been very solid; it doesn’t seem like his 2018 AAA success can just be explained away by “he’s been lucky”.

88

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: August 18, 2018, 10:59:47 am »

I’ve been catching up on a lot of my Bus Ride reading recently, including some of the linked articles. So I just want to give another shoutout to say how much I appreciate all the contributions- from VB, juliogotay, Duman, Jacksonian, and especially Nate.

Thanks, folks. I find all of it interesting.

89

Talk Zone / Re: Going to Angel Stadium next weekend

« on: August 18, 2018, 01:42:09 am »

Well, I bought tickets in sec 423. Row E.

Anyone else going to the game?

I hope Jose Altuve is going...

90

Talk Zone / Going to Angel Stadium next weekend

« on: August 17, 2018, 09:33:38 pm »

Any tips on good seats that aren’t crazy expensive? Probably willing to spend $60/seat max, though something cheaper, but still decent, is of course ideal. Taking our 2 1/2 year-old to the Saturday 6pm game, so it’s not likely we’ll end up staying for the whole game.

91

Talk Zone / Re: McTaggart's Inbox

« on: August 16, 2018, 03:45:08 pm »

For some reason, I thought I heard it was dark enough, just not large enough.  There was a greater chance that certain combos of release points and hitter's eyes produced a line of sight outside the batter's eye.  I could have dreamed this though.

Shit, Altuve’s probably looking at sky behind a lot of pitchers’ release points.

92

Talk Zone / Re: It's time

« on: August 13, 2018, 08:00:33 pm »

I like fried calamari. I like ice cream. Not really interested in fried calamari ice cream.

I know for a fact that garlic ice cream exists. I’ll bet somewhere, someone is trying to make an edible fried calamari ice cream.

I’m not saying I personally endorse either of those ideas. Meat and cheese, though, I strongly support.

93

Talk Zone / Re: It's time

« on: August 13, 2018, 02:12:13 pm »

Some would say it is missing onion, too.  I'm not a real fan of cheese and meat together.  But, make it the best you can.

I know some people don’t love the deli sandwich genre, but what about cheeseburgers and pizza? I’m just having a hard time understanding why, if one eats meat, and eats cheese, one wouldn’t like them together in many different forms.

94

Talk Zone / Re: Giants series

« on: August 10, 2018, 01:21:42 pm »

One of the few nice things about having all of these injured players is the re-emergence of Tyler White.  Not saying that he will ever be a full-time starter, but he's got a good eye (leading to a .371 OBP), enough pop in the bat, and can play a bunch of positions on the field.

I wouldn’t go that far. White will never play anything but 1B except in a blowout, or some crazy injury- or extra-inning situation.

95

Talk Zone / Re: On this date in 1947...

« on: August 08, 2018, 04:45:32 pm »

I feel the same way about 04 with Andy Pettitte

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Or even a healthy Wade Miller. Backe stepped up big-time, but the drop off from Pettitte or Miller to Pete Munro was enormous.

96

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: August 01, 2018, 07:40:45 pm »

Would like to steer this back to actual baseball for a moment. So when Osuna gets activated on Sunday, who is sent down/released/traded?? Will Harris??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Probably someone who actually doesn't beat women.

97

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: August 01, 2018, 07:28:22 pm »

Saw this on twitter last night - thought it was very accurate:  split squad lookin ass lineup

This site could use more JackAstro.

98

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 31, 2018, 03:41:38 pm »

Did they say this before or after he was dealt?

Source: #BlueJays decided earlier this season that Roberto Osuna would not pitch for them again at @MLB level following the domestic violence incident. Blue Jays ownership and management decided to make the best trade they could. This was it. @MLBNetwork

Morosi tweet

99

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 31, 2018, 03:26:58 pm »

I know your daughter's story and certainly understand and respect your point of view as it relates to your experience with her.  And she did get second chances (and more) with you and others, but you are her family.  If my kids ever go through something similar, of course I'll give them second chances because they're my kids.

I just wish that this hadn't been the best deal Luhnow could make.  Osuna had 29 other MLB cities where he could've gotten a second chance, maybe not at this trade deadline but at least after his trial had finished.

I agree with all this. It's one thing if you're talking about a player who's already on the team doing something - although I still would hate it - to rationalize holding onto them by saying "we believe in second chances." It's a whole other thing when you go out of your way to BRING a known, recent domestic abuser to your team. There were plenty of good relievers out there available in trade. The Astros could easily have not chosen the one who beat up his girlfriend.

You can fault the Blue Jays for waiting until they could get decent trade value back, instead of just outright releasing Osuna, but the bottom line is they made the decision with THEIR player - whom they know better than any other team does - that they didn't want him representing their organization on a major league mound, because of what he did.

100

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 30, 2018, 04:38:26 pm »

Chapman, by the way, was suspended for 30 games. Osuna for 75.

101

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 30, 2018, 04:32:42 pm »

Do you think this organization did not investigate this player thoroughly? Seriously?

I’m sure they did, but I can’t imagine what they would find that would justify bringing in that kind of person. When the Yankees, and then the Cubs, and then the Yankees again acquired Aroldis Chapman I thought it was shitty of them to do so. I think it’s shitty of the Astros to go, Hey we don’t care if you’re a piece of shit, if you’re good at baseball come on over.

102

Talk Zone / Dear Astros: Please don’t acquire domestic abusers

« on: July 30, 2018, 09:49:41 am »

I don’t care how good Roberto Osuna or any other player who abuses women or family members is; I don’t want to see them in an Astros uniform.

(Just in case you were even mildly considering it).

103

Talk Zone / Re: Up the middle

« on: July 29, 2018, 09:28:13 pm »

Last year, I believe around this time the Astros had a similar trying time when for several weeks they seemed like the worst team in baseball.  People, including myself were starting to worry.  Hopefully the ship will right itself in the coming weeks.

August 2017

104

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: July 28, 2018, 10:56:24 am »

You could say that. Then again, the Brewers have too many outfielders and I just read something about how Lopez has really taken a step backwards in their system. If true, they gave up an extra OF that will have a hard time getting regular playing time for a pretty good bat which they need. Probably a good deal for the Brewers but they need a pitcher as well. Look for them to perhaps get Kyle Gibson from the Twins, who just shutdown Boston in Fenway 2 nights ago.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It seems like an overpay because a) Mousse Tacos ain’t all that, and b) as a result, they will move their regular 3B, Shaw, to 2B where he has never played professionally.

105

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Ryan Presley

« on: July 28, 2018, 08:40:43 am »

Perez has been optioned to AAA.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks. I figured that would be the move, even though it throws off the L/R balance again. Have to think Harris is on the hot seat, though.

106

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Ryan Presley

« on: July 28, 2018, 08:02:40 am »

So who goes, to make room? Cionel Perez optioned? Harris DFA?

107

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: July 27, 2018, 06:36:23 pm »

I thought about him too after seeing him in the ASG, but I know absolutely nothing about him. My hope #1 is Luhnow’s getting Herrera when/if Washington decides to be a seller.

I feel like if they really wanted Herrera they would’ve made KC a better offer than the Nats did.

108

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Martin Maldonado

« on: July 26, 2018, 01:41:45 pm »

Maybe they're also trying to win, like, tomorrow. Federowicz is terrible and Maldonado will help in that respect right away.

There's that too. 5 games on Seattle and 6.5 on a red-hot Oakland is not the safest of division leads.

109

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Martin Maldonado

« on: July 26, 2018, 01:29:05 pm »

That would mean no Gattis on the post-season rosters.

Or only 7 relievers.

9 starters (including Gattis)
Plus Kemp, Marwin, Stassi, Maldonado
= 13 position players unless I’m forgetting someone obvious.

It does, of course, preclude having someone like Marisnick or Straw, unless Tucker is off and Kemp or Marwin are the primary LF.

110

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Martin Maldonado

« on: July 26, 2018, 01:03:47 pm »

Todd Kalas tweet:
According to baseballsavant.mlb.com @statcast Maldonado has best arm (87.6 avg. MPH) of all AL catchers (5 games+) and 2nd in @mlb to PHL J. Alfaro. #NeverSettle⁠ ⁠

I also saw someone point out that BOS and CLE are 1-2 in the AL in SBs.

111

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Martin Maldonado

« on: July 26, 2018, 11:57:41 am »

Angles get LHP Patrick Sandoval in return, says OC Register guy.

112

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Martin Maldonado

« on: July 26, 2018, 11:43:46 am »

Exactly. This is a good insurance policy and he is better behind the plate than Federowicz if McCann can’t go. Haven’t looked at any defensive stats but doesn’t he have a strong arm?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Won a Gold Glove last year, and for his career has 37% caught stealing vs. a league average of 27. Only blemish I can see is a league-leading 10 passed balls this year.

113

Talk Zone / Re: “We will get a closer”

« on: July 25, 2018, 10:14:54 pm »

I wonder if Luhnow likes Adam Conley, lefty RP on the Marlins. Won’t reach FA until after 2021 season I believe. Batters hitting .168 off him this year (albeit in just 27 IP). Previously a below-average starter.

114

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: July 25, 2018, 06:04:00 pm »

Yep -- 32 years old, batting .234/.333/.423, and on the DL until sometime next month. Has only appeared in 36 games this year (and just 113 last year). Oh, and making $23 million this year in the final year of his contract.

Hence why he would pass through waivers in August, and thus be available to a contender via trade. The Jays would probably pick up some salary in exchange for a sweeter prospect package.

But yeah, first he has to make it back on the field and show something.

115

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: July 25, 2018, 04:21:35 pm »

Josh Donaldson might be the highest-profile guy who would be a plausible August trade candidate. Not that the Astros would be very interested in a 3B, but some team probably will.

116

Talk Zone / Re: “We will get a closer”

« on: July 24, 2018, 10:03:35 pm »

That explains why he now plays OF. He’s almost a +2 WAR if you believe in that stuff. Has 6 outfield assists so he must be a decent fielder out there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OF assists do not prove anyone is a good fielder. In fact I’m pretty sure Castellanos is considered to be one of the worst defensive OFs in MLB.

117

Talk Zone / Re: “We will get a closer”

« on: July 24, 2018, 08:30:01 pm »

Does Luhnow have a Plan B? Was this a clever diversion?

I’m wondering about Plan B too. Iglesias of the Reds? Haven’t heard any other names.

118

Talk Zone / Re: “We will get a closer”

« on: July 24, 2018, 08:19:15 pm »

Britton be gone.

Brexit?

119

Talk Zone / Re: “We will get a closer”

« on: July 24, 2018, 08:01:26 pm »

With Luhnow take a chance on Osuna from Toronto? Word is he is being shopped.

Isn’t Osuna a wife-beater? No thanks.

120

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: July 23, 2018, 07:12:41 pm »

The Astros are long overdue to have another catcher named Quint___ on the team.

121

Talk Zone / Re: “We will get a closer”

« on: July 23, 2018, 07:06:51 pm »

If the Astros are really as “heavy” on Britton as has been reported, then I can only conclude that they like what they are seeing currently. His injury of last year shouldn’t matter as much as “is he healthy now?” and “is he pitching at a high level now?” If their answer is Yes to both, then I sure hope their offer is better than Tyler White, because I am pretty sure that isn’t going to cut it.

122

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: July 22, 2018, 08:01:14 pm »

Oz @OcampoBaseball 3h ago
Great to see DR RHP Bryan Abreu coming into his own.  Projection guy we signed who threw 84 mph with 12-to-6 CB calling card.  Now 93/97 MPH with 4-pitch mix (FB/CB/SL/CH), maybe the best CB in the system.  Great kid, another #AstrosSleeper

Looking at his career stats, walks were a HUGE problem before this year. Had decent K numbers before, so I wonder if the velocity jumped a few years ago but it took him a while to harness it, or what.

123

Talk Zone / Re: Hand off the market

« on: July 21, 2018, 08:38:11 pm »

Tweet from Crasnick:
The #Astros and #Cubs are trying to match up prospects with the #Orioles on a Zach Britton deal. Others involved too. Heard the O’s would like to wrap it up by early in the week. With Familia, Hand and Herrera having moved, it’s ramped up the pace of talks

124

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18

« on: July 21, 2018, 02:30:03 pm »

Looking at Baseball America's updated top 10 Pirates prospects. Though he was not among the 10, they mentioned Jason Martin as a "Riser":

OF Jason Martin, acquired from Houston in the Gerrit Cole trade, continues to exceed evaluators’ projections and has hit .321/.378/.509 between Double-A and Triple-A.

It'll be hard for Martin to crack Pittsburgh's lineup anytime soon, considering they have Dickerson, Marte, and Polanco in the OF, plus two well-regarded young guys in Meadows and Luplow.

125

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BUIES CREEK 2018

« on: July 21, 2018, 02:03:04 pm »

This system really is filled with intriguing, under-the-radar pitchers. I guess the analytics stuff they're focusing on lends itself more to improving pitcher performance than hitter.

126

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker

« on: July 21, 2018, 01:59:08 pm »

I'm judging his struggles by the large number of softly-hit balls to 2nd base.

I haven't been able to watch many games since his call-up, so I defer all "judgement" to those who have. Just passing along what to me was an interesting observation, a week ago, by either Blum or (I think) Bagwell.

127

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker

« on: July 21, 2018, 01:08:17 pm »

Either Blum or Bagwell made the observation recently that the reason Tucker’s swing looks so awkward is that he doesn’t let go of the bat with his top hand. Both hands clutch the bat all the way through his follow-through, which just is not the graceful, balanced swing you expect from good LH hitters. Obviously, he hasn’t settled in and started barreling up balls yet, but maybe he “looks” like he’s struggling more than he really is, because of the unorthodox finish.

128

Talk Zone / Re: Prepare to have your flabber completely gasted

« on: July 20, 2018, 05:35:10 pm »

I thought you were going to talk about how Joey Votto has north of 6500 plate appearances and has never popped out to the pitcher, catcher or first baseman.

And it looked to me like that guy went around.

Third baseman’s a damn ball-hog.

129

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: State of the System 2018

« on: July 20, 2018, 03:04:31 pm »

Indeed.

130

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: July 20, 2018, 09:42:32 am »

Apparently JD Davis, Taylor Jones and Tyler White all drew the short straws tonight.

How do you mean? Not playing? I didn’t realize White was sent back down.

131

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: July 20, 2018, 09:06:18 am »

Brett Adcock allowed just one baserunner in his 3 IP AA debut. Struck out the last 4 batters he faced. Scoreless streak up to 16 IP including his time in BC.

132

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: July 20, 2018, 09:04:26 am »

There is a lot to like in that  piece.

Great piece, and seems like a great, mature kid.

133

Talk Zone / Re: Giles

« on: July 20, 2018, 08:58:20 am »

Giles threw a perfect inning for Fresno last night. 2 K, 12 pitches, 8 strikes.

134

Talk Zone / Re: Hand off the market

« on: July 19, 2018, 01:50:22 pm »

Yes. Framber Valdez is the #15 ranked player in our system. He’s a southpaw which may intrigue the O’s since they would be trading a lefty in Britton to us. Valdez has both started and relieved in the minors this year so he’s flexible for the O’s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OK. I know who Framber Valdez is. Just didn't know if you were talking about him, or an Orioles player or what given that it was kinda from left field.

As far as secondary-type players to round out a deal, there's also guys like AJ Reed, White, maybe JD Davis. Heck, maybe even Marisnick depending on how the Astros feel about Myles Straw.

135

Talk Zone / Re: Hand off the market

« on: July 19, 2018, 11:32:30 am »

The price for Britton should be MUCH cheaper. He’s a rental coming off an injury. If he is the one Houston wants though I would move quickly. As supply drys up the price could go up. If the Orioles are still interested in Fisher one for one may do it. If they want an arm too I personally would have no problem putting Giles in the deal if the O’s want a closer type back. Valdez could also be a possibility.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Valdez?

136

Talk Zone / Re: Hand off the market

« on: July 19, 2018, 11:22:04 am »

So, I haven't followed Cleveland, but is Miller out?  Why give up a "tucker" level prospect for a closer?

Miller has been injured. Mejia’s defense as a catcher is seen as shaky. And of course I’m just equating him to Tucker in terms of their consensus rankings. Plenty of scouts might strongly prefer one or the other.

Also, Hand’s salary is reasonable and he’s under control through 2021.

137

Talk Zone / Re: Hand off the market

« on: July 19, 2018, 10:43:29 am »

Pads get C Francisco Mejia from CLE. Equivalent Astros prospect would’ve been Tucker. CLE does also get a good rookie RP in the deal in Cimber.

138

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: July 18, 2018, 12:33:44 pm »

Sensitivity training, but no suspension. Yuli says “WTF?”

I think it’s because Hader’s tweets were from 6-7 years ago - when he was 17,18 and not yet drafted even.

139

Talk Zone / Re: “We will get a closer”

« on: July 18, 2018, 09:45:13 am »

He's not Treinen.  He's the witch.  And that's badass.

http://www.sfexaminer.com/oakland-athletics-blake-treinen-witch-nasty-pitch-combo-plus-franklin-barreto-note-strikeouts/

That trade was a pretty nice one for the A's. Doolittle and Madson are great, but they got back Treinen and Jesus Luzardo,  a LH SP who's I think only 19 or 20 and already blowing guys away in AA - 2.54 ERA, FB hits 98. He went to Stoneham Douglas HS in Parkland, FL.

140

Talk Zone / Re: “We will get a closer”

« on: July 18, 2018, 09:03:58 am »

Rondon doesn’t seem like he quite terrifies opposing hitters, but he has certainly gotten the job done. And I doubt the name “Blake Treinen” makes them piss themselves either.

I’d be happy if they add a Closer, but I’d be fine if they stuck with Rondon, too.

141

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: July 18, 2018, 08:58:27 am »

Yeah, that’s been the oft-cited reason. Seems like a future Closer, no?

142

Talk Zone / Re: Morton and Snell

« on: July 13, 2018, 06:09:52 pm »

Yes, there’s an Astros Radio podcast where you can hear all of those interviews.

143

Talk Zone / Re: Wilson Ramos

« on: July 12, 2018, 09:18:47 pm »

Thanks, I spazzed out and forgot about the differing treatment for injured and uninjured players.

Technically, players who were in the org but playing in the minors until September can still be added to the playoff roster if somebody on the 25-man goes on the DL. For example, let’s assume Cionel Perez gets sent back down soon, comes back up in early September and blows lefty hitters away for a few weeks. Let’s say in mid-September Will Harris gets hurt and can’t pitch. Perez could then be added to the postseason roster as a “replacement “ for Harris.

That’s what happened with K-Rod back in 2002; I think he pitched more in the playoffs than he had in the regular season that year, since he was a September call-up.

144

Talk Zone / Re: I have been waiting for this

« on: July 12, 2018, 01:22:17 pm »

Even if Appel were not in the system, I'm pretty sure the Giles trade would have been worked out.  I have to think the Phillies were much more interested in Velasquez, anyway.

For sure. It was originally Fisher in the deal instead of Appel, for one thing.

145

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BUIES CREEK 2018

« on: July 11, 2018, 11:08:08 pm »

Cali boy Patrick Sandoval just keeps eating. So recapping/updating:

• 91 whiffs vs just 13 walks in 81 combined IP this year between QC and BC.
• Now 32 innings since last allowing a run.
• And 41 IP since allowing an earned run.

Geez Louise.

146

Talk Zone / Re: Giles

« on: July 11, 2018, 01:29:42 pm »

Hinch re. The Fuck You:
“I did hear about it. He was pretty mad in the dugout. I don't know, man. That stuff happens in the heat of battle. I'll have to look at it. He can let me know if it was directed at me. I didn't hear anything. You can certainly understand I'll address it. If it turns out it was at me, we'll talk about it.“

147

Talk Zone / Re: Giles

« on: July 11, 2018, 01:00:50 pm »

I do not question his toughness. I do question his emotional stability.

ETA: the media is all over this today. Chuck is an astute lip reader. He said “Fuck you, man.”

Didn’t see the game; are you saying Giles said “Fuck you” to his manager when he came to take him out?

148

Talk Zone / Re: Jose Abreu Rumor

« on: July 10, 2018, 06:42:17 pm »

Yuli is not going to do what Marwin does. Nor is Tony Kemp, or anyone else on the current roster.

149

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Tri-City 2018

« on: July 10, 2018, 02:35:54 pm »

Thanks. Will definitely be watching to see how Celestino does as they play more road games - sounds like they have a few strong pitchers' parks in the division.

150

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Tri-City 2018

« on: July 10, 2018, 09:14:55 am »

It’s funny, I attended probably 10-15 games at The Joe, and it never seemed like a bandbox to me. Are the park effects really extreme? At any rate, didn’t stop Celestino from coming in at #13 on the BA Hot Sheet:

Team: Short-season Tri City (New York-Penn)
Age: 19
Why He's Here: .393/.433/.786 (11-for-28), 6 R, 2 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBIs, 2 BB, 4 SO, 5-for-5 on SBs.

The Scoop: Celestino is either the best center field prospect in the Astros organization or the second best, depending on one's opinions about whether Myles Straw is a center fielder long-term. The 19-year-old has proven to be quite the base stealer in the New York-Penn League. He's swiped 10 bags in 10 attempts in 21 games. (JJ)

Whoops, just saw Nate already quoted this in a separate thread. Oh well.

151

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: July 09, 2018, 07:30:45 pm »

So was Schroeder the only HS player signed?

152

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: July 09, 2018, 07:26:02 pm »

I hope that’s not as silly as it sounds. I know many infielders will do a sort of hop as the pitch is delivered, basically shifting their feet from the standing position into a crouch. And as a kid I was taught to crouch in a ready position, with my weight up on the balls of my feet. Is this all that different?

153

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: July 09, 2018, 03:37:08 pm »

Yesterday he also mentioned Straw would get some work at middle IF to make him a more valuable ML roster piece in the future. Talked about Reed, Davis being blocked despite being ML-ready (Reed is ML ready?) and gave me the impression they may need to move on this off-season.

AJ Reed? Yeah, I’d say he is what he is at this point - nothing left to prove in AAA might be a better way to put it. He certainly doesn’t look as promising as he did a couple years ago.

154

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: July 09, 2018, 02:08:19 pm »

Luhnow was asked about Forrest Whitley on the pregame radio segment yesterday, and while he thought the injury was probably minor (Whitley was about to be checked by a specialist in Houston), he basically said this ended any chance of him making it to the majors this year. He did say they'll probably have him make up some innings in the Arizona Fall League.

155

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: July 08, 2018, 10:17:26 pm »

Seth Beer played 11 games with Tri-City before his promotion, hitting 4 HR. Sorry far he has zero HR in 11 games with the River Bandits, but is batting a nice .447 with a 1.069 OPS. That brings his overall slash line to .367/.485/.595 in pro ball.

156

Talk Zone / Re: Jose Abreu Rumor

« on: July 08, 2018, 05:59:33 pm »

Blame the journalist if you want, but not the scout for an innocuous out of context hyperbolic comment.

Yeah, it sounds like it could’ve been an off-the-cuff comment from a scout, kinda silly of Cafardo to publish it given the lack of a fit for Abreu in the lineup. You could argue he’s better than both Gattis and Yuli, but you don’t fuck with winning team chemistry and you don’t fix what ain’t broke.

157

Talk Zone / Re: Jose Abreu Rumor

« on: July 08, 2018, 11:04:57 am »

It is a fine example of journalistic sensationalism--presenting information in a way that is intended to provoke public interest and excitement, at the expense of accuracy. I guess lazy and cheap are subject to individual interpretation.

Agreed. The whole idea of the Astros pursuing Abreu makes zero sense. No way can you replace Yuli or Gattis this year.

158

Talk Zone / Re: Astros trade James Hoyt to the Indians

« on: July 06, 2018, 03:34:41 pm »

Clears a 40 man spot.
Alvarez promoted to AAA.
Tucker not in the Futures Game.

Something’s brewing here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ooooooohhhhhh, I think I’m pickin’ up what you’re puttin’ down there, MM.

....

Um, like, you’re saying Fisher’s being called back up, right?

159

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: July 06, 2018, 02:53:29 pm »

Yordan Alvarez gets the call from CC.

Jon Kemmer traded to Twins for cash.

Makes sense. With the promotions of Alvarez and Jones, and continued presence of Davis, Reed, Tucker, Fisher, and Straw, there was zero room for him in Fresno. In fact, that’s still a crowded picture.

160

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: July 06, 2018, 08:55:01 am »

Len Hayward  @Caller_Len 13m ago
Uh oh, trainer is coming out to look at Forrest Whitley. He's pointing to his lower left back and now leaves the game.


ETA:

They're calling it left oblique discomfort.

Thanks for the info, Nate. I saw in the box score that he left in the 1st inning, and I came here first to find out what happened.

Hope it’s a minor thing.

161

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Those Dickheads from Arlington, July 3, 2018

« on: July 04, 2018, 02:42:47 pm »

I would be happy to see the Astros back in the NL.

Me too.

162

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: July 04, 2018, 02:39:19 pm »

Former Astro Rhiner Cruz, whose last MLB action came in 2013, was called up by the Blue Jays today.

163

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: July 04, 2018, 12:10:20 pm »

I will never forget McHugh's "WTF" reaction on that fly ball to CF that Gomez misread by 30 yards or lost in the light or whatever.

“What the fuck is he doing?” is the wording I remember.

164

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: July 04, 2018, 10:04:18 am »

I just remember the one(s) with Gomez, and I'd just about never begrudge someone for getting in that guy's face.

I actually still don’t have a real problem with Gomez’ antics and attitude. I think he loves playing baseball and likes to have fun doing it. But I do think he’s an idiot in terms of baseball IQ and approach.

165

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Those Dickheads from Arlington, July 3, 2018

« on: July 03, 2018, 11:05:44 pm »

This catcher sure is “busy” when catching strikes.
...

That’s what my dad and I both thought. Fed’s glove was jerkin’ all over the place. Stassi and McCann are so much quieter and smoother back there.

166

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: July 03, 2018, 09:50:51 pm »

Okay then.

There was a perception that McCann was an uptight, self-righteous prick who flew off the handle at a number of opposing players for showing up his pitcher or whatever. There were a couple notable incidents with then-Brewer Carlos Gomez, and maybe one with Jose Fernandez? Plus he was a Brave and then a Yankee, so totally normal to assume he’s a dickhead.

Anyway, either the perception was wrong, or he mellowed.

167

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: July 03, 2018, 09:11:54 pm »

X-rays negative--Stassi day to day.

Stubbs hasn’t even been removed from Fresno’s lineup as a precaution.

168

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: July 03, 2018, 03:37:05 pm »

McCann was their Jake Taylor exactly when they needed it. May he make it back for one last ride, at least.

169

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: July 03, 2018, 12:58:40 pm »

What’s wrong with Federowicz as a backup? Has he looked like a butcher back there or something?

170

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: July 03, 2018, 10:37:07 am »

McCann to the DL, Federowicz up; also Joe Smith will be activated, all according to Chandler Rome on twitter. No word on who makes room for Smith - I assume Reed or White.

171

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: July 03, 2018, 10:34:01 am »

In place of whom? Are they going to have a 3-catcher rotation?

Ok, now this makes more sense. McCann to the DL, Federowicz up to Houston.

172

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: DSL Astros 2018

« on: July 02, 2018, 08:27:00 pm »

Now leading the league in both WHIP (0.43) and ERA (0.39).

Good grief. Does he need to get his WHIP under 0.30 to get promoted to the GCL?

173

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: July 02, 2018, 08:24:03 pm »

Catcher Jamie Ritchie up from CC.

In place of whom? Are they going to have a 3-catcher rotation?

174

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: July 01, 2018, 06:53:53 pm »

Kyle Tucker was ejected in the 3rd inning of today’s game. So anyone seeing that he left the game early, rest assured he’s (probably) not injured, traded, or getting called up.

175

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: July 01, 2018, 06:19:19 pm »

Josh James with 12 whiffs in 5 innings today. Now has 114 Ks in 71.2 IP this season.

Future Astros Closer?

176

Talk Zone / Re: Astros looking hard at Iglesias

« on: June 30, 2018, 10:22:31 pm »

From the same Cafardo article in that link, there was also this interesting tidbit:

J.T. Realmuto, C, Marlins — No fit has really developed for Realmuto as the Marlins are holding out for a hefty trade package. The Astros have shown interest but they don’t appear to be willing to meet the Marlins’ price right now.

177

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: June 30, 2018, 09:56:11 am »

Yes he did. Great accomplishment. Hope to see him in the future.

Same here.

178

Talk Zone / Re: Mets Starters

« on: June 30, 2018, 09:55:35 am »

Why is the backhand pick easier? Wouldn’t it depend on the personal preference/comfort level of the individual fielder? Or is there some technical or physics thing that I’m failing to consider?

179

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: June 29, 2018, 01:45:03 pm »

Interesting. Looking at the current 40-man, Boshers surely will be gone, and then there’s several still-young arms they’ll have to make decisions on: Deetz, Guduan, Gustave, Rodgers. Hoyt is not young and probably expendable. Martes and Paulino will presumably stay on the 40 unless their injuries are really serious.

I would think James, Armenteros, and Thornton are the priorities of the Fresno 6, but I dunno. One or two of those may even get added and brought up in September. Ditto Whitley.

180

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: June 28, 2018, 08:18:59 pm »

Taylor Jones the TL All-Star game MVP. Went 2-4 with a double in the game, and then with the game knotted at 2 after nine won the Sudden Death Home Run Derby used as the tiebreaker.

Corbin Martin and Cionel Perez each tossed a perfect inning in the game, too.

181

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: June 28, 2018, 08:16:48 pm »

If JD Davis is getting called up to fill the Correa roster spot tomorrow, once Reed comes back don't see why he and Jones can't alternate at first and DH.

That’s a good point re. Davis. In that scenario Kemmer would be the odd man out, assuming the OF is primarily Fisher/Straw/Tucker.

Davis not in the lineup tonight. Tucker is, and homered in the 1st.

Edit: Jones just hit a two-run HR in his first AB with Fresno.

182

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: June 28, 2018, 06:46:59 pm »

With the callup of Reed to the big club, Taylor Jones gets moved up from CC to man 1B.

Is that typical, to fill a 3-day (or less) temporary hole in AAA? It doesn’t seem like there’d be any room for Jones to stay once Reed comes back down.

183

Talk Zone / Re: Checking in at the halfway point.

« on: June 28, 2018, 06:43:03 pm »

I don't believe for a second you get DeGrom w/o Tucker or Whitely. Would you do it?

For some reason seeing WHITEly spelled thus repeatedly on this site bothers me enough to keep attempting to correct people. It’s WHITLEY, L-E-Y.

And no, I wouldn’t.

184

Talk Zone / Re: Mets Starters

« on: June 28, 2018, 04:45:21 pm »

Those guys are going to cost a ton. No I don't go after them. Astros need bench and bullpen help, resources need to go towards that end, not starters

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Astros need bench help? Assuming Marisnick either improves, or is displaced by Kemp once Tucker is promoted, I don’t see who you would remove from the bench.

185

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: June 27, 2018, 11:17:42 pm »

Andrew Thome (NDFA 2015) released. Riley Ferrell up from CC.

Ferrell had not allowed an earned run in his last 12 appearances for the Hooks, striking out 22 with just 5 hits and 2 walks allowed in 15 innings.

RF finally buzz-sawing through minor league batters the way many expected him to the year he was drafted.

186

Talk Zone / Re: Springer’s almost homer

« on: June 27, 2018, 10:43:31 am »

He tried to let the ball come into his glove for a basket catch. If he had raised his glove above his head and caught the ball at his glove’s highest point, the OFer had no chance. What a wasted opportunity.

Maybe he's not used to the LED lights yet.

187

Talk Zone / Re: Offensive Futility

« on: June 27, 2018, 10:40:52 am »

Thanks for doing that.

+1

188

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Tri-City 2018

« on: June 25, 2018, 08:50:09 am »

And #4 today for the Beer Man.

I wonder how long before he moves up to Quad Cities. The year Bregman was drafted, he skipped Tri-City, played 29 games at QC, and then played the final month+ at Lancaster. Seems like Beer is the most advanced college hitter they’ve had since Bregman.

189

Talk Zone / Re: Grandson Weston

« on: June 23, 2018, 03:18:35 pm »

Glad to hear the little guy is doing better. Hope it's all smooth sailing from here on.

By the way, Edward Weston is one of my favorite photographers.

190

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: June 22, 2018, 10:37:29 am »

Luhnow: Francis Martes continues to be shut down with right elbow injury and won't start throwing again until early July. Likely won't pitch in a game until late July/early August.

https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-shut-down-righthander-Francis-Martes-13015627.php

No wonder it was so hard to find updates on Martes. “We’re not sure really what the issue is” does not look good in the press.

191

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 21, 2018, 10:18:50 am »

According to Callis:

"6th-rder R.J. Freure signs w/@Astros for $348,800 (pick 192 = $237,600). Pittsburgh RHP, leads NCAA D-I w/14.6 K/9, fastball up to 97 mph, curve can make hitters look silly too. @MLBDraft"

reliever or starter?

192

Talk Zone / Re: Jose Abreu Rumor

« on: June 21, 2018, 10:15:32 am »

Not to mention Alvarez potentially coming up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not saying they can't move him back to 1B, but Alvarez has played 239 innings in LF this year at CC. He has played 1 inning at 1B. He also played more in LF last year, so it seems like the Astros brass envisions him there. Maybe they see an eventual Alvarez/Springer/Tucker OF, once Reddick leaves in a couple years.

193

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Tri-City 2018

« on: June 19, 2018, 06:05:13 pm »

I expect will will see a lot of releases early in the year as the drafted players come on board.  With them contracting a short season team last year, they had too many players in extended spring.  Some players were being held until they knew who they drafted and that the roster needs would be.

I still don’t understand the removal of Greenville from the system. Won’t it be a huge jump for 18, 19-year old kids to go from the GCL to the NYPL? Not to mention just the dearth of places for all the interesting players to play. Guys like Taylor Jones might not be able to stick around long enough for their breakout, in the future.

194

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: GCL Astros 2018

« on: June 19, 2018, 05:59:35 pm »

Thanks, Nate. I’d forgotten all about Elian Rodriguez. Hope he can find the plate this year. Is that $3.8m official “cost” the most the Astros have ever paid for an international signing, besides Gurriel? I seem to remember Ariel Ovando held that distinction for a while, something like $2.7m.

195

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: June 19, 2018, 05:52:46 pm »

Thanks for a great write-up, jbm.

196

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: June 19, 2018, 05:46:23 pm »

Logan Ratick @Logan_Ratick 9h ago
The @QCRiverBandits pitching staff led the Midwest League in ERA (2.94) and strikeouts (744) during the first half of the regular season. They averaged 10.63 strikeouts per game.

Holy shit.

197

Talk Zone / Re: Fresno

« on: June 19, 2018, 05:16:01 pm »

Just shows you how unpredictable prospects can be.  Last year, the Astros pretty much made Martes and Fisher untouchable.  I don't think that anyone would have a problem trading either right now.

Wasn’t Martes rumored to be in the Britton deal last year, or was that Musgrove or someone else?

198

Talk Zone / Re: Fresno

« on: June 16, 2018, 08:32:03 am »

The lack of injury news on minor leaguers can be maddening. I haven’t seen anything in the past month with an update on Martes, Paulino, Bukauskas, or Yordan Alvarez.

199

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Tri-City 2018

« on: June 14, 2018, 05:05:46 pm »

Also note to site gurus:

I know I suck, but I'm a "suspicious visitor" as well?

What? I’d love to hear what the story is there.

Great seeing you here again, NC.

200

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 14, 2018, 08:00:30 am »

Bob is correct, and yes, I used to live about 75 minutes from Troy, where “The Joe” is, so we’d go to a handful of games each summer, circa 2010-14. They usually made the playoffs too, so we got to experience some of those games.

201

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: June 14, 2018, 07:41:16 am »

His line tonight: 4IP, 1H, 5K.  Dominant in his return.  One note I saw had him at 98 at least once.

Whitley had his 2nd start yesterday: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 0 R, 6 K

202

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 13, 2018, 09:58:13 pm »

Beer was just on the Astros pre-game show being interviewed. Reporting to Tri-City.

FIFY

203

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 13, 2018, 06:56:36 pm »

The first six official signings are in.  Including the 3rd round shortstop.

No word on him so signing Beer is not yet on tap.

Beer signing now official. We can all breathe.

edit to add link

204

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: June 12, 2018, 08:32:43 am »

In early May, Nori Aoki recorded his 4,000th at bat in NPB. With a .328 career batting average to that point, he  qualifies as NPB's lifetime batting champion.

Whoa. That’s... unexpected, but cool. Did he need to reach 4,000 to qualify?

205

Talk Zone / Re: Six pitcher no-hitter

« on: June 12, 2018, 08:27:44 am »

I was lucky enough to have been there. My first night ever in the big apple. There was a bowling alley across the street and we celebrated with a good number of Stros fans.

My dad and I were there too. It was a weird night because I had just found out that my cat Babe, a close companion of 16+ years, had died back home. So I was feeling sad and jubilant at the same time.

206

Talk Zone / Re: Keuchel vs McHugh

« on: June 11, 2018, 02:55:22 pm »

I didn't see the game. How many of the 13 hits he allowed did Dallas have a legitimate beef about, ie. weakly-hit grounders that found holes or sloppy play by his fielders (hopefully he was not implicating his teammates; hard to know with DK)?

207

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: June 08, 2018, 01:12:09 pm »

Great stuff, thanks again.

I didn't realize Paulino was on the DL again. What's the deal there? And I can't seem to find any updates on Martes' "elbow discomfort" or whatever. You'd like to see at least one of those two guys get back on track.

208

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 07, 2018, 04:55:04 pm »

I think Donnie built the little league park there. Also that sign needs some upkeep.

"The sign does need a little sprucing up..."

209

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: June 07, 2018, 01:58:43 pm »

Great stuff, thanks VB and Jacksonian.

210

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 07, 2018, 01:54:29 pm »

I had to look this up, but you are correct: They did draft and sign the oldest one.  And they drafted one of his brothers, but he didn't sign, played at UT, was drafted and signed with another team.

Koby was the elder, right? C/1B/3B/DH/? who raked one year at Lancaster and got everyone dreaming about him getting called up to the majors to catch his dad, circa 2006.

Another one (Kory? Kacy? Klyde? Kharles? ) got drafted fairly high this year, by the Tiggers, I believe.

211

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 07, 2018, 07:57:49 am »

Mctaggart Boutwell had an article on astros.com claiming that the Correas were the first pair of brothers ever drafted by the Astros (and the Bregmans second); has he already forgotten about Preston and Kyle Tucker? And it would not surprise me at all if there were others.

212

Talk Zone / Re: Interesting theme based Astros merchandise

« on: June 05, 2018, 11:03:26 pm »

I’m not in any hurry to click on a Fox News link, but thanks.

213

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 05, 2018, 05:11:46 pm »

Beer's not fast, but he does chug.

Well done.

214

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 05, 2018, 05:11:17 pm »

Agreed, but he really didn't stick the landing.

Yeah, I wasn’t sure whether to call it a dive, slide, or tumble.

215

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 05, 2018, 02:54:40 pm »

Here's a video of Seth Beer making a nice diving/sliding catch while playing RF. I don't see AJ Reed making that play.

216

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 04, 2018, 08:34:36 am »

mlb.com with a Monday morning mock. Mayo has Astros getting Noah Naylor (HS C), "some see him as one of the best pure high school bats in the class". Callis has them getting Connor Scott (HS OF from the Tuckers' school), "a high school bat who slides is the best option for Houston."

217

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: June 03, 2018, 08:40:17 am »

BA’s Friday mock throws a curveball, HS 1B Triston Casas:

“Casas’ power fits in the first round, but his profile makes it a bit more tough to find an obvious landing spot if he doesn’t go No. 13 to the Marlins. The Yankees make some sense as well, but if he’s on the board here the Astros might fall in love with his gaudy exit velocity numbers.”

I’ve seen previous names like Naylor, Gilbert, Walker all over the 2bd half of the first round. I think no one knows what’s gonna happen. But I, too, would be surprised if the Astros take a 1Bman.

218

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: June 03, 2018, 08:03:35 am »

Fisher activated and optioned to AAA.

Finally.

219

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BA prospect list

« on: June 01, 2018, 02:46:06 pm »

BA released an updated Top 100 Prospects list today. Whitley, Tucker, and Alvarez all stayed in roughly the same place, but Corbin Martin vaulted from unranked up to #85.

Scouting Report: Martin was a reliever in the Texas A&M bullpen for two and a half seasons, but in his junior year he moved into the rotation. He became the team's Saturday starter and while his fastball velocity dipped a little, the command and the quality of his breaking balls improved with more work. The Astros signed Martin for $1 million as a second-round pick and used him in their tandem-starter system, something not all that unusual for Martin because of his multi-role background. Martin's 90-94 mph fastball has excellent glove-side life. He also throws an average slider that has bigger shape than most, with its break coming earlier than other sliders. His curve is a little behind the slider, and his changeup is generally below-average but it will flash above-average at times and could develop into a better weapon. Martin has a quick arm but his delivery has some effort and a high back elbow. He has the makings of four pitches and potentially average to above control, so there's no reason to not let him continue starting.

link

220

Talk Zone / Re: .OPS+

« on: May 30, 2018, 01:52:44 pm »

Why would you look at only one stat?  That's like using only one ingredient in your spaghetti sauce.

Oh, I'm not advocating only looking at one stat. But if one were forced to choose between, say, Batting Average and OPS+ as the one stat you could see - up on a scoreboard, in this discussion - OPS+ would be the better choice.

I'd like to see AVG/OBP/SLG along with HR and RBI, personally. Maybe even Plate Appearances.

221

Talk Zone / Re: .OPS+

« on: May 30, 2018, 11:31:12 am »

OPS is nothing but a sum of two numbers, and you have to look at the individual numbers to know what kind of hitter he is.

So if you had to pick only one stat to look at, with no idea what the other stats were, what would you choose?

222

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BUIES CREEK 2018

« on: May 30, 2018, 10:27:29 am »

Matijevic getting some love.

"...it's like you're facing a Friday guy every day of the week."

This is something a lot of fans don't understand.  If you know college baseball you know what he's talking about.  Nearly every school throws their best pitcher in the first game of the weekend series.

Matijevic and Corbin Martin were the two picks the Astros got from the Cards due to the hacking scandal, right? It would be especially gratifying to see them turn into good major leaguers.

223

Talk Zone / Re: .OPS+

« on: May 30, 2018, 10:16:23 am »

By "secret sauce", they mean it's more similar to wOBA or wRC+, which weight walks, HBP, singles, doubles, triples, and homers all differently, and each according to how common they are across the league for that year.

It's like saying "yes, you should definitely use Ragu, spaghetti is fabulous", but not mentioning the fact that your sauce uses completely different ingredients.

I imagine their formula also incorporates batted-ball data (exit velo, launch angle, yada yada), rather than just using the game outcomes. So someone who's hit lots of screaming liners right at fielders still gets credit for doing something positive.

OPS+ is a great quick-and-dirty comparative stat. Obviously it's leaving a whole lot of things out. But every stat does, if you only choose to look at one single stat.

224

Talk Zone / Re: Yesterday

« on: May 28, 2018, 10:08:26 am »

I know Jose Ramirez is a great hitter, and strikes out far less than most guys, but what does it say about Giles’ stuff that he was able to foul off so many pitches? It’s great that he hasn’t walked anyone this year, but the straightness of his FB continues to be a problem.

225

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 20, 2018, 01:25:16 pm »

Huh. Kaplan says Fisher to the DL.

226

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: May 19, 2018, 02:55:31 pm »

I listened to the game last night, the SA Missions announcers were quite complimentary, almost gushing over his performance last night.

Did they say anything interesting about Fernando Tatis Jr., of the Missions? He sounds sorta like Correa Lite.

227

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: May 19, 2018, 02:52:13 pm »

Mayo's latest mock has a high school 3B.  That's contrary to Luhnow's entire draft history for a first round pick.

Although Rio Ruiz got 1st-round money, and Joe Perez wasn't too far from there. But yes, it seems in general if he's going for a HS hitter, he wants someone with more defensive upside, like a Cameron or Tucker. Is that what you mean?

228

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 17, 2018, 10:59:23 pm »

In case anyone wondered how JD Davis would respond to not getting a call-up, he hit for the cycle tonight. Drove in 5 of Fresno’s 9 runs, and added a walk for good measure. Average back up to .425.

229

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 14, 2018, 02:06:09 pm »

The team OBP is good. SLG is dismal outside of Springer and Correa.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk

Part of that, in my opinion, is because several of the hitters are taking too many meatballs, throughout the count.

230

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rangers @ Astros, Mothers' Day, May 13

« on: May 13, 2018, 03:13:42 pm »

Correa got 100% of that one.

231

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rangers @ Astros, Mothers' Day, May 13

« on: May 13, 2018, 02:23:32 pm »

My wife pointed out earlier that Profar looks like Marlo from The Wire.

232

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rangers @ Astros, Mothers' Day, May 13

« on: May 13, 2018, 01:52:06 pm »

Fuck. This feels like one of those days for the offense, against a shit pitcher.

233

Game Zone 2018 / Rangers @ Astros, Mothers' Day, May 13

« on: May 13, 2018, 01:32:57 pm »

I haven't been able to keep tabs on the GZ much this season, but I see that Mr. Happy hasn't started any of the threads. Is he OK?

234

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: May 12, 2018, 01:10:17 pm »

How many lefty throwing catchers are there? I can't think of any. Do they even manufacture catchers gloves for lefties? Should "catchers" be possessive? If so, singular or plural?

I think Bennie Distefano was the last lefty thrower to appear at catcher in MLB at all, and that was back in 1989 for 3 games, 6 total innings. I read a NYT article from years ago with some baseball folks claiming there's no good reason a lefty couldn't play catcher. It certainly seems to be discouraged though. The throws to 2B and 3B with a RHB in the box would obviously be the biggest drawback.

edit:Here's the article. Maybe I've posted it here before?

Interestingly enough,
"But the primary problem Distefano encountered was with plays at home. Because his glove was on his right hand, every accurate throw to the runner’s side of the plate would have to be reached for backhanded, impeding a quick tag."

235

Beer and Queso / Re: 2017 Music Thread

« on: May 11, 2018, 02:40:07 pm »

I liked the first.  When I listened to the latest I thought he sounded a lot like Elton John.

Exactly how I feel, on both counts. We went to a FJ Misty show in 2015 when my wife was about 38 weeks pregnant. It was good, but I haven't gotten into that newer album at all.

...

Also in my current rotation - War on Drugs and Fleet Foxes.  With Beck and Wolf Parade likely to join soon.

I abso-fucking-lutely adored that one War On Drugs song, Arms Like Boulders, from about 10 years back. I saw them a few years ago and enjoyed the show well enough but it didn't blow me away, nor did they play that song. Any newer album you'd particularly recommend?

236

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2018 Draft

« on: May 11, 2018, 01:21:57 pm »

https://www.mlb.com/news/college-players-lead-in-mlb-mock-draft/c-276190214?tid=151437456

Callis has the Astros looking a high school outfielders.  This one went to the same school as Tucker.

Connor Scott. That's the same kid Mayo had to the Astros in his mock.

Callis throws out several other names, including a switch-hitting, ambidextrous catcher, Anthony Seigler.

237

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 11, 2018, 01:11:52 pm »

The pitching was OK too, and I thought the American League MVP did a good job.

238

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 10, 2018, 06:02:02 pm »

Well, perhaps, but the difference between 2017 and every other Astros team was 7-8-9. There were no easy outs in the lineup.

Very true. And Gattis ain’t no Adam Everett. His only purpose on the team is to hit.

239

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: May 10, 2018, 11:15:08 am »

I noticed that about Emanuel too. Gave up a HR to the first batter he faced, then retired the next six.

JD Davis went 4-5 with another double; now hitting .450 with a 1.180 OPS. AJ Reed hit a homer but was removed after 2 ABs; did not see any mention why. Tony Kemp has a 15-game hitting streak and a .336 AVG.

The Grizzlies had 20 Hits altogether. I know Vegas is supposed to be a big offensive environment, but it didn’t bother Rogelio Armenteros, who scattered 6 singles and a walk over 6 shutout innings.

240

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 10, 2018, 10:35:52 am »

Anyway, someone else will now have to mention things like JD Davis going 4-for-5 (to raise his average to .450) as his Fresno comrades punished the Las Vegas team. I promised I was done with that.

241

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 09, 2018, 08:27:24 am »

After this note, I will resume posting JD Davis updates in the Bus Ride forum, rather than here:
Davis 3-for-4 with another double and two walks yesterday as Fresno pounds out 18 Hits. Now batting .432 with an 1.149 OPS.

242

Talk Zone / Re: Trevor Bauer

« on: May 08, 2018, 04:26:47 pm »

Lance really didn't like that it seemed like Charlie was the one attacked.  Tyler Bauer may be the best thing that happens to this team this year.

I saw something somewhere that Morton’s spin rate has stayed the same, or maybe even declined, since joining the Astros. It seems pretty clear Bauer was focused on Cole, but he fucked up his weird-ass insinuations so badly that he ended up implicating all 5 of them.

243

Talk Zone / Re: Starting Pitching

« on: May 07, 2018, 06:04:39 pm »

Which begs the question: I wonder if opposition team strength is a part of the equation.  Getting a 101 score, which is amazing, versus a 51 game winning ‘13 Astros AAA squad is very different than Wood’s 105 against the ‘98 Astros 102 win offensive juggernaut.

That is an excellent question.

244

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 06, 2018, 10:22:39 pm »

JD Davis now hitting .4-fucking-25 with 11 doubles and 24 RBI in just 22 games with Fresno.

245

Talk Zone / Re: Tough weekend

« on: May 06, 2018, 09:57:42 pm »

That’s correct.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, I should’ve picked up on that. Carry on.

246

Talk Zone / Re: Tough weekend

« on: May 06, 2018, 07:38:46 pm »

“Hey, I know he’s not the best receiving catcher in the world, but a) he’s a living, breathing human you can put behind the plate and b) think about the cross-promotional lumberjack marketing opportunities. And Vikings? We haven’t gone down that road yet in Houston for obvious reasons, but I really think he could pull it off.”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How is this a Jason Castro reference? I must be missing something.

247

Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 04, 2018, 07:52:25 pm »

From the Media Information: The Astros 28.0-inning scoreless streak by their offense was their longest since going 28.0 innings without a run from April 26-30, 1992

And they avoided being shut out for three consecutive games for the first time since July of 1985. Kind of amazing that the 2011-2013 Astros never got shut out three times in a row, honestly.

248

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: May 04, 2018, 05:14:39 pm »

Braves sending Preston Tucker down to make room for Jose Bautista. Preston was 4-for-7 off the bench since he lost his starting job.

249

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 04, 2018, 01:29:38 pm »

It's the Comical, I know, but the quotes from Luhnow and Hinch are enlightening.

In short, Fisher's leash is fairly long.

At least Hinch pointed out how Fisher has been too passive at the plate at times, and he needs to work on that. Perhaps management can be a little too passive at times, as well.

250

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 03, 2018, 07:37:21 pm »

I don’t think Davis is better than Yuli at anything, a least right now. But he’s better than Gattis at everything. I think Davis can be be a .260-.280ish/25 HR run producer in say the 5th or 6th spot in the lineup.  I’d swap Davis and Gattis in a heartbeat. I also agree with losing a pitcher and acquiring an outfielder.

Davis went 3-5 with a HBP and 3 RBI in Fresno's double-header today. He's now batting .405/.458/.635 with 3 HR and 19 RBI in 19 games there. Lately he's been mostly playing 3B, with 5 games in LF mixed in. Only 4 putouts in those LF games so I'm curious how he looks out there.

I agree that he appears to be an upgrade over Gattis at this point, but they seem very reluctant to cut bait on Evan.

251

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 03, 2018, 07:23:12 pm »

Sending struggling players with options down is SOP.

I'm with you, I'm just scratching my head trying to come up with some explanation why Fisher isn't in Fresno.

252

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: May 03, 2018, 06:26:57 pm »

Positional versatility.

I thought I read a while back where some scouts thought he was better in LF than 1B. Despite his size, BA describes him as very athletic.

253

Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 03, 2018, 04:49:56 pm »

Why Harris?

Indeed. Baffling.

254

Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 03, 2018, 04:05:27 pm »

Dear lord. What a time for Hinch to get cute with his bullpen.

255

Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 03, 2018, 03:47:33 pm »

That sounds far.

256

Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 03, 2018, 03:31:56 pm »

A lead! A lead!

257

Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 03, 2018, 03:22:26 pm »

<gasp!> Another!

258

Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 03, 2018, 03:21:52 pm »

A Run! A Run!

259

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: May 03, 2018, 02:48:49 pm »

After hitting 2 homers last night, Yordan Alvarez is at .303/.394/.573 with 6 HR and 24 RBI in 23 games. After playing a lot of 1B last season, he has played almost exclusively in LF this year. A lefty batter, he's done quite well vs. LHP - no HR, but he's batting .400 in 30 ABs.

He's 20 years old.

Meanwhile, 2016 19th-round pick Taylor Jones deserves some recognition for his .378 AVG, and 1.107 OPS through 21 games. Incredible.

260

Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 03, 2018, 02:31:22 pm »

Shit, I would've had no idea the game was going on if I hadn't wandered on to the GZ. A Thursday day game?

261

Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 03, 2018, 02:27:20 pm »

He's starting today against Tanaka.  I'm not one to second guess Luhnow, but this clear indictment of Fisher has me wondering what they're waiting for.  Swapping Fisher for Kemp would not hurt the Astros and can only help Fisher.

Agreed. Only thing I can think of is perhaps they don't want to send a message to the team that they are panicking. But really, how many players would be surprised if Fisher was sent down to get regular ABs (and hopefully right the ship)?

262

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities 2018

« on: April 30, 2018, 11:42:53 pm »

Bukausas, after 2 poor starts, is on the DL.  I have not been able to find out why.

Uh-oh. Healthy, he's possibly their top "touchable" trade chip.

263

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: April 30, 2018, 11:41:29 pm »

Luhnow mentioned on the pre game radio interview Sunday to look for Emmanuel to start moving to the pen.  With Paulino being activated, Paulino will piggy back a start and then Emmanuel will move to the pen.  He said that is Emmanuel's quickest path to the Astros and sees him being able to help this year.  Looks like they think that is the LH relief arm they have been looking for.

Very interesting. I wonder if his FB will tick up in relief. He's what, around 87-89 mph?

264

Talk Zone / Re: Rule Change Commentary

« on: April 28, 2018, 01:48:17 pm »

Not once during the numerous mounds visits by catchers during the playoffs did I say to myself "oh come on,  get on with it already."

The tension,  if anything, was heightened.

yep.

265

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BUIES CREEK 2018

« on: April 28, 2018, 11:48:42 am »

Dawson led off the game with a walk and was pulled for a pinch runner. Anyone know the story?

I might, if the BC website ever posted game stories... so baffling/frustrating. Their twitter account had nothing about Dawson.

On the bright side, Corbin Martin and Brett Adcock tandemed a 1-hit shutout with 14 Ks.

266

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: April 27, 2018, 06:35:15 pm »

JD Davis has played in LF the last two games. Last night went 2-3 with a walk, including a go-ahead RBI double in the 8th.

Batting around .380 with a 1.000+ OPS, it seems they’re considering him as a replacement for Fisher.

edit: Davis is back at 3B tonight.

267

Talk Zone / Re: Roster changes

« on: April 25, 2018, 11:04:14 am »

Info on Ohtani's interest (or lack of) in Astros presentation and update on Whitely here. https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-were-serious-in-ohtani-recruitment/c-273669734

Whitley, not Whitely.

268

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: April 24, 2018, 10:37:06 pm »

Myles Straw, now batting .398, somehow just hit his first two doubles of the year (to go with his two triples).

Yordan Alvarez threw out two runners from LF.

269

Talk Zone / Re: Starting Pitching

« on: April 24, 2018, 12:59:32 pm »

Yep - 105 - highest for a 9 inning game.  There are some of those crazy 13 inning no hitters that score higher but that his the high for 9.   

Also a score of 50 is considered the league average.

Does any version of Game Score take into account strength of opponent? Wood doing that against the 1998 Astros was a hell of a lot more impressive than if it had been the 1998 Devil Rays, for example. No offense to Paul Sorrento.

270

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2018

« on: April 23, 2018, 07:00:22 pm »

Seems like a straw man argument.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is that better than someone who's a fisher for compliments?

271

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: April 23, 2018, 08:36:35 am »

Tucker 2-for-4 with a double, and threw out a runner at home from LF. Davis and Ferguson stay hot, the latter with his 2nd HR.

Martes got rocked, his ERA is up to 6.91.

Guduan was rocked for 3 H, 2 BB, HR in his IP.

272

Talk Zone / Re: I have been waiting for this

« on: April 21, 2018, 02:57:48 pm »

Good grief. That’s 10 per day. It takes at least two hours to smoke each one. Did he smoke in the shower and in his sleep?

“I got serious nicotine poisoning,” Oldman told The Hollywood Reporter. “You'd have a cigar that was three-quarters smoked and you'd light it up, and then over the course of a couple of takes, it would go down, and then the prop man would replenish me with a new cigar - we were doing that for 10 or 12 takes a scene.”

For his scenes, Oldman smoked at least 400 Romeo y Julieta Cubans which saw almost £15,000 of the film's £22.4m budget go into the cigars alone.
link

273

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ White Sox, April 20, 2018

« on: April 21, 2018, 01:59:54 pm »

Here's the low down on the Verlander/Anderson back and forth:

http://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/white-sox/after-astros-cruised-past-white-sox-justin-verlander-wasnt-all-happy-tim-anderson

Doesn't sound like any of the vets on his own team said anything to him about getting picked off trying to steal 3rd, down 5-0 with a laboring pitcher on the mound. Anderson sounds like a dumbass.

274

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2018

« on: April 21, 2018, 01:52:13 pm »

Tyler White has really taken off to start the year.  He's showing more a lot power than before by hitting .341/.423/.682 in 52 plate appearances so far.  That includes 4 homers and 2 doubles with more walks than strikeouts.

Who else is off to a hot start at Fresno? I asked myself. Let's see:

JD Davis- .429/.484/.714 with 2 HR and 8 RBI in 7 games since his demotion.
Drew Ferguson - .344/.444/.541 with 12 RBI in 15 games.
Tony Kemp - .339/.459/.424 with 13 R in 15 games, plus 5/5 SB.
catching tandem - Federowicz and Stubbs are hitting .423 and .395 with a combined 18 R and 13 RBI in 16 games.

LH SP Kent Emanuel - 2-0, 1.08 ERA, 16.2 IP, 9 H, 2 BB, 16 K, 0.66 WHIP.
Guduan - 5 G, 9.1 IP, 2 H, 7 BB(!), 15 K, 1.93 ERA, 0.96 WHIP. (obviously the walks are bad).

Tony Kemp deserves a shot at being a 2B on some team like the Marlins or Rays or something.

275

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ White Sox, April 20, 2018

« on: April 20, 2018, 09:09:21 pm »

I'm wondering if Verlander said something to him. He was congratulating himself a lot after his hit.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Maybe. Looked like he was mouthing off so much, even the 2B ump told him to quiet down.

276

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ White Sox, April 20, 2018

« on: April 20, 2018, 09:02:40 pm »

Tim Anderson kept yelling “who gives a fuck?” after screwing up and getting picked off. Kalas thought he was yelling at Verlander. Anyone know what the hell that was about?

And yes, Diaz’ strike zone is minuscule.

277

Talk Zone / Re: I have been waiting for this

« on: April 20, 2018, 02:50:18 pm »

"It was that combination of humans and computers that led to this unlikely championship last October."

Great quote from the linked video, referring mainly to the way Luhnow and co. re-discovered the importance of scouts, and figured out better ways to integrate their observations/opinions with the data.

278

Talk Zone / Re: Rock bottom?

« on: April 20, 2018, 02:43:15 pm »

The “team control” deadline was April 13th, last Friday. So whether they call him up today, June, September, or he makes the club next spring, he won’t become a free agent until 2025. They will essentially get 7 seasons of control bringing him up now. The trade off is he’ll get an extra year of arbitration. Where the Astros are right now, and the window they have, there is absolutely no reason to delay bringing him up if they feel he could help and it won’t hinder his development.

Agreed. They must not feel like he's reached that point yet.

279

Talk Zone / Re: Ohtani has NH thru 4, 0 BB, 7 K’s.

« on: April 09, 2018, 02:42:05 pm »

In other news, the Yankees loaded the bases with nobody out and trailing by one the Orioles in the bottom of the 12th. Aaron Judge promptly hit into a 1-2-5 DP and Stanton k’d swinging to go 0-7 on the day. Schaudenfreud!

a 1-2-5 DP? Don't see many of those.

280

Talk Zone / Re: Yuli?

« on: April 05, 2018, 09:15:16 am »

Fisher’s on pace for 54 triples, what more do you want from a #9 hitter?

281

Talk Zone / Re: OWA Opening Day Schedule

« on: April 03, 2018, 11:50:29 am »

That was a truly excellent day. Thank you all for your gracious hospitality towards my dad and I at SF and FS, and I sincerely apologize for all of the rude things I’ve written in response to some of you over the years. I guess looking at a computer brings out my angry side. But what a great time, capped off by a nearly perfect game that served as a great reminder of why baseball is such a beautiful game to watch in person.

282

Talk Zone / Re: OWA Opening Day Schedule

« on: April 02, 2018, 12:12:17 am »

Salt and pepper Jewfro, cargo pants and a Fuck Satan t-shirt.

I will be deeply disappointed if that’s not what you look like tomorrow.

I’ll probably catch up with y’all at Spanish Flowers, and I may or may not have my dad with me.

283

Talk Zone / Re: OWA Opening Day Schedule

« on: April 01, 2018, 03:16:29 pm »

Starts at Shiloh (1321 Studewood) at 11:00 am. 
Spanish Flowers (4701 N. Main) at 1:00 pm
Flying Saucer, after, if you want.

Just to confirm, since I don’t know what any of you people look like, we’re all wearing Junction Jack costumes, right? Should be easy enough to find each other if that’s the case.

284

Talk Zone / Re: Race for the Lid XX!!!

« on: March 29, 2018, 12:57:29 pm »

108, then.

285

Beer and Queso / Re: Facebook in Freefall

« on: March 26, 2018, 11:43:07 am »

Tracking calls and texts?

link

286

Talk Zone / Re: Hitting

« on: March 25, 2018, 02:36:29 pm »

You missed the entire point of the article. Whatever.

You missed the entire point of my post. Whatever.

287

Talk Zone / Re: Hitting

« on: March 25, 2018, 01:51:43 pm »

If Gattis hits 30 HRs this year, I will be very happy...and surprised. Gallo is getting better. Is Gattis? This is all hypothetical, of course. Gallo is not going anywhere.

Gattis hit 32 (in just 447 ABs) in 2016, and 27 the year before that. I don't think he's getting better, while I'm sure Gallo is. How much better he can get will be interesting to see. If he can move beyond Rob Deer/Chris Carter/Dave Kingman territory and hit around .250, then he'll be the new Adam Dunn.

288

Talk Zone / Re: Hitting

« on: March 25, 2018, 11:56:12 am »

You would take Gallo as the Astros’ DH in a heartbeat, and you would like with whatever Ks came with 40+ HRs.

Gallo over Gattis? It's an interesting question. 41 homers is great, and he walks a lot, but a .204 batting average and all the Ks will kill a lot of rallies. He's only 23, so he may get better, whereas Gattis has pretty much established that he is a .250 hitter who will put up around a .310 OBP and hit 30 homers, if he stays healthy and plays everyday. Obviously, any GM would take Gallo right now, because of age and contract status, but if you're talking purely which guy the Astros would want as their DH this year, I'm not so sure. Clearly last year Luhnow intentionally added guys like McCann, Reddick, and Gurriel who strike out a lot less. On the other hand, he traded contact-guy Aoki to install K-machine Fisher. So I really don't know.

289

Talk Zone / Re: Hitting

« on: March 24, 2018, 10:48:41 pm »

I think there's a lot of great info in the article, although I disagree with the implication that the goal is to hit like Joey fucking Gallo. I can't think of a situation where I'd not rather have, say, Alex Bregman at the plate instead of Gallo. \

The article also made me wonder, given how many balls now are being hit to the outfield rather than on the ground (and I think it will keep going up), if the Astros might focus even more on outfielders with superior defense.

290

Talk Zone / Re: Years Past

« on: March 24, 2018, 10:36:00 pm »

Spec was a moron. Had we had Cuellar, we might have been much better in the early 1970’s.

Kept Cuellar, kept John Mayberry, kept Morgan, kept Billingham... might have won it all.

291

Talk Zone / Re: Years Past

« on: March 23, 2018, 02:42:41 pm »

Jimmy Paredes. Chris Johnson. Matt Dominguez. All just helping pass the 3B baton from Ensberg to Bregman, I guess.

292

Talk Zone / Re: Brandon Bailey RHP

« on: March 23, 2018, 02:13:51 pm »

When I first glanced over the threads, I thought this said "Brandon Bailey RIP".

So I'm glad he's not dead.

293

Talk Zone / Re: Years Past

« on: March 22, 2018, 03:00:07 pm »

Oh shit. I forgot about him.  What ever happened with Kvasnicka?

Looks like he retired after a decent year in Indy ball in 2015. Had a famous OF collision with Byron Buxton when both were in AA in 2014; he was fine but Buxton missed the rest of the year due to a concussion.

At least the Astros drafted DeShields and Folty earlier in the 1st round that year, so they didn't completely blow the top of that draft. They did, however, draft Kvas (33rd overall) instead of Aaron Sanchez (34th) and Noah Syndergaard (38th). That would've been a heck of a pick.

294

Talk Zone / Re: Years Past

« on: March 22, 2018, 02:15:17 pm »

Jiovanni Mier, who I think of as one of our first bright new hopes of the dark era, will turn 28 later this year. He spent last year with the Mets' AA and AAA teams, batting .231/.272/.349.

295

Talk Zone / Re: Derek Fisher

« on: March 21, 2018, 09:10:41 pm »

Not until July.

I did notice that the AL has a real lack of left handed hitters. All the stars seem to be righties.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Huh. I’d never thought of that, but you’re absolutely ri-, er, correct. Trout, Judge, Stanton, JD Martinez, Cruz, Beltre, Cabrera, Betts etc. The best LH hitters in the AL include a couple switch-hitters - Jose Ramirez, Lindor- plus Cano, Seager... I’m struggling to think of others.

Meanwhile the NL has Harper, Votto, Bellinger, Hosmer, C. Seager, Murphy, Rizzo...

296

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 2018 Spring Training Game Thread.

« on: March 21, 2018, 08:19:32 pm »

Add .1 IP and a K as he pitched to one more batter B6.

He just really wanted to make the ERA an even 0.50 I guess.

297

Talk Zone / Re: A J Reed

« on: March 20, 2018, 11:47:58 am »

That’s just it: there was room for him. Scout’s repeated comment about him was “He is blowing it.”

Reed? You mean despite pretty good spring numbers, he was blowing it in other ways?

298

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve extension?

« on: March 19, 2018, 09:25:58 pm »

And before Altuve's contract... what was that ceiling?  Hosmer? 8 yrs AAV 18 million?   JD Martinez 5 yr AAV 22 million?   Altuve's sets the bar much higher.  GM's can use it as a ceiling but Boras/Agents can use it as a starting place or at least a reference point for bidding.  As long as there are two teams interested, anything can happen.

A Trout-type deal was the likely comparison for Harper, and to a lesser extent Machado. I think Todd is overstating things, but I also don’t think Altuve’s deal sets the bar much higher. None of it is apples-apples, in any case, because Altuve and Trout were not Free Agents. As you say, with two teams bidding, anything can happen. Even if one of them is only a “mystery “.

299

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 2018 Spring Training Game Thread.

« on: March 18, 2018, 06:14:31 pm »

Kevin E. and Stanton

Vin Scully should not feel threatened.

300

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Starter

« on: March 18, 2018, 02:42:28 pm »

Morton reported to be the home opener.
According to Julia.
If season started today, #Astros rotation would look like this:  Verlander, Keuchel, McCullers, Cole and Morton. Hinch said he wanted Morton to start the home opener.

Well, if it can't be Mike Fiers, I guess Morton will have to do.

301

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve extension?

« on: March 16, 2018, 04:49:11 pm »

Great news! $30M/year is a lot of cake. Is anyone else in MLB making that now?

Trout, Kershaw, Greinke, Price off the top of my head.

302

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve extension?

« on: March 16, 2018, 04:48:27 pm »

I listened to the astroline from a couple days ago where Bill Brown interviewed Luhnow. One of the questions was about keeping the core guys around, and Luhnow gushed about Altuve, saying he has skills that usually age well, a la Wade Boggs and Tony Gwynn. Also talked about wanting to keep a guy who might be their next HoFer. It was the first time I really started to think they might actually keep him around.

But I certainly didn’t think they’d do it this soon. Fantastic!

303

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 2018 Spring Training Game Thread.

« on: March 15, 2018, 08:03:09 pm »

Long swing, slow bat. You are going to “tighten that up?” I want to watch and take notes.

I'm not going to do anything except hope that the Astros decision-makers and coaches do what they think will help him. I'm sure if they thought he was hopeless they would have traded him by now. Plenty of teams wanted him.

304

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 2018 Spring Training Game Thread.

« on: March 15, 2018, 02:26:14 pm »

I wish they'd give Fisher more time in AAA to tighten up his game a little.

They've played Davis in LF a little bit this spring, right? Anyone seen him out there?

305

Talk Zone / Re: New Pace of Play Agreement

« on: March 15, 2018, 12:40:31 pm »

I have no problem with this in the minors. This isn’t about pace of play. It is about getting players on buses for 8 hour road trips at a better time. There is no value for an extra inning game from a developmental standpoint.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Why not just let them be a tie, then? The runner on 2B thing is so silly, and I’m worried that this is Manfred “testing it out” to eventually impose in the majors.

306

Talk Zone / Re: New Pace of Play Agreement

« on: March 14, 2018, 10:16:21 pm »

Oh, no. They're implementing the runner on second in extras in the minor leagues this season.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/minor-league-baseball-announces-pace-of-play-rules-changes.html

Jesus fucking Christ. It’s true. Stupidity knows no limits.

307

Talk Zone / Re: Can someone smart help me here - ALCS/WS viewing

« on: March 14, 2018, 08:21:53 am »

Is there not a YouTube app for Apple TV? I know my Roku has one.

This worked perfectly. Thanks! The YouTube app was further down the menu screen, where I rarely looked.

308

Talk Zone / Re: Can someone smart help me here - ALCS/WS viewing

« on: March 13, 2018, 11:18:22 am »

Is there not a YouTube app for Apple TV? I know my Roku has one.

Could be, I’ve never looked for it. I’ll check tonight, thanks.

309

Talk Zone / Re: Yankees

« on: March 12, 2018, 08:11:40 pm »

Smith held the Yankees to 1 for 16 last season, and hitless in 4 games of the ALDS. 


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

That’s pretty dang good.

310

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: March 12, 2018, 07:28:12 pm »

When does the current labor agreement run out?

Not until 2021 or so.

311

Talk Zone / Re: Yankees

« on: March 12, 2018, 07:27:31 pm »

Yesterday on Astros radio, Sparky said he heard Hinch tell Boone he's got a new Righty for Sanchez, Stanton and Judge.

Who, Joe Smith? Or Rondon?

312

Talk Zone / Re: Can someone smart help me here - ALCS/WS viewing

« on: March 12, 2018, 10:56:15 am »

MLB has loaded all of the post season games on YouTube, for free.

YouTube, eh?

313

Talk Zone / Can someone smart help me here - ALCS/WS viewing

« on: March 11, 2018, 03:04:43 pm »

Earlier in the winter, I had just used my mlb.tv app (on the Apple TV) to re-watch the playoff games. But once Spring Training started, the calendar flipped to February 2018, and if you go in and select 2017 it lists all games starting in March 2017. It takes forever to load a new batch of dates as you scroll down; basically it's terrible and I haven't been able to get to the October part of the schedule without it crashing.

Has anyone else tried to watch recently via mlb.tv/apple tv? I know the games are available on Youtube, but I'm hoping to be able to watch on the actual TV, without having to do screen mirroring (which never works that well) from a laptop.

314

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 2018 Spring Training Game Thread.

« on: March 11, 2018, 02:37:51 pm »

The Astros just overshifted on Jay Bruce by moving all four infielders to his pull side, leaving on one on the other side. Bruce keeps trying to go the other way but has been unsuccessful in two ABs. Psychological warfare in spring training, probably courtesy of Sig and the gang in analytics.

That would be hilarious if they did it during the regular season. Were there two guys in short right field, or what?

315

Talk Zone / Re: A J Reed

« on: March 11, 2018, 02:19:14 pm »

He is 21, I think, but the starting the clock comment likely is spot on.

Yep, he turned 21 in January.

316

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: March 09, 2018, 02:02:49 pm »

Carlos Gonzalez back to Colorado for $8 million. These are some crazy bargains.

CarGo had a pretty bad year last year. I'm actually surprised he got that much. Moustakas has much more recent success, plays a tougher position, and is 3 years younger. That's the one that really shocks me.

317

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: March 09, 2018, 09:05:56 am »

Boras ought to lose his job over that one.

Or his client, at least. I don’t think Bora$ is going to fire himself.

318

Talk Zone / Re: A J Reed

« on: March 02, 2018, 01:38:43 pm »

It's also just one week of spring training.

319

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Tickets

« on: March 01, 2018, 03:06:59 pm »

I checked my phone...I had 52 redials before I got through. Hope to see you on OD!

ETA: I get it now...you bought GOOD seats.

You too, Ty! Hope to meet all you fine people at one of the pre-game stops, assuming you're not all just Russian bots.

And yeah, the seats better be GOOD... given the occasion, and that we're coming all the way from NC for the first time in 10 years, I wanted to make sure I got decent seats.

320

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Tickets

« on: March 01, 2018, 10:37:39 am »

I get why they do it. They do it here too. It's to keep out the folks who buy up big chunks of seats and do travel packages for fans of northern teams. If you call the number posted they will sell to you.

Well  hot damn, I just tried again and it worked! They still had some good tickets that had been released. I am going to try not to think about how many hours I had to work for the baseball game tickets I just bought.

Opening Day here we come!

321

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Tickets

« on: March 01, 2018, 10:11:12 am »

Call them. They'll sell to you over the phone.

I tried but it was busy. After a few minutes all but the nosebleed seats were snapped up anyway.

322

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Tickets

« on: March 01, 2018, 09:12:15 am »

Well fucking hell. I got a password, got all the way to the payment page (tickets in section 112), and then it said they only accept payment from credit cards with a TX or LA address. I think that's discrimination against North Carolinians. No Paypal option either. So I'm back to having no tickets.

323

Talk Zone / Re: A J Reed

« on: February 28, 2018, 09:47:39 pm »

Ok, just looked up his BA draft report. Reed led the SEC with 12 Wins as a Junior, and had a 2.83 ERA over his 3 years at Kentucky. But, BA said “He's likely a fifth-round talent on the mound, with an 88-91 mph fastball and three fringe-average secondary pitches.”

I certainly hope he makes it as a hitter. That LH power would be nice.

324

Talk Zone / Re: A J Reed

« on: February 28, 2018, 09:26:09 pm »

Ankiel went the other way. Did not know Reed was a pitcher.

Reed was 32/104 in AAA last year. Come on, man. You have a real chance.

Yeah, Reed was Kentucky’s Friday starter and put up excellent numbers his final year - that and the dingers got him named college player of the year by BA. I think he was regarded as probably a 3rd/4th round “talent” as a pitcher, as opposed to 1st/2nd as a hitter.

325

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Tickets

« on: February 28, 2018, 05:18:19 pm »

Did not get chosen for the pre-sale. If there’s any chance there might be two available tickets for Opening Day, please let me know! Would love to drag my dad out there and fold in a visit with my brother in Austin... and share a pint with some of the fine denizens of this website.

326

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 2018 Spring Training Game Thread.

« on: February 28, 2018, 05:14:48 pm »

Today's broadcast included a 20+ minute chat with Bagwell during the game.  I could seriously listen to him talk forever and never get tired of it.

Hopefully Astros radio makes a podcast of it, but just in case, care to give us some highlights?

327

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: February 27, 2018, 11:26:36 am »

Thanks, Bench. I miss Nate Colbert.

328

Talk Zone / Re: tomorrows game is on mlb

« on: February 25, 2018, 02:39:54 pm »

I'm watching on the Cards broadcast. These announcers suck. Apparently no Astros players have names.

They have practically ignored the basics of game calling for a while now.

329

Talk Zone / Re: tomorrows game is on mlb

« on: February 25, 2018, 02:12:00 pm »

Damn. Tyler White has made a couple nice plays at 2B today - one diving stop to his left to throw out a guy, and just now a tough chopper behind the mound that the pitcher missed, White made a nice short-hop scoop and threw across his body to nail Pham, a fast runner.

edit: he also just ran into the first out of the inning at 3rd. I guess he's feeling all spry and shit.

330

Talk Zone / Re: tomorrows game is on mlb

« on: February 25, 2018, 02:01:55 pm »

Announcers noting that Tucker's earlier bomb to RF was hit into the wind.

331

Talk Zone / Re: tomorrows game is on mlb

« on: February 25, 2018, 01:47:48 pm »

Tommy Pham looks like a strong dude.

This Tyler O'Neill kid has forearms bigger than his own head.

332

Talk Zone / Re: Whitely Suspended?

« on: February 22, 2018, 10:48:47 pm »

Morosi on MLB TV just described Whitley as MLBs 2nd best pitching prospect after only Ohtani.  Time will tell but there were seven pitchers drafted before him in 2016.

That's how Baseball America views him, although they have several others - Honeywell, Buehler, Keller, Reyes - very close.

333

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: February 20, 2018, 09:27:45 pm »

Its actually fairly amazing to me how many decent free agents are still left, especially position players.  And I can't figure out where these guys are going to go, unless the "tanking" teams go out and start signing players en masse.  I mean you could put the following team out there:

1st:  Logan Morrison/Lucas Duda/Adam Lind
2nd:  Tony Phillips/Neil Walker
3rd:  Michael Moustakas/Danny Valencia
SS: JJ Hardy/Erick Aybar
c:  Jonathan Lucroy/Ruiz
LF:  Melky Cabrera/Jason Werth
CF:  Carlos Gomez/Maybin
RF:  Carlos Gonzalez/Michael Saunders
DH:  Napoli/Bautista/Holliday

It seems to me that these guys are going to start signing really cheap contracts as desperation sets it.

I think Tony Phillips is dead. (RIP)

334

Talk Zone / Re: The Athletic Houston

« on: February 18, 2018, 09:59:46 am »

Where did you hear that about Steve Campbell, I cant find any mention of him joining.

I was wondering that too, last I heard Campbell had retired from journalism altogether.

335

Talk Zone / Re: Tony Watson

« on: February 18, 2018, 09:41:02 am »

It is very surprising how little he got. What, $7m for two years plus a cheap player option? There must be something that teams don’t like about him. Every team in baseball could use another good LH RP, and every team could afford that. Well, maybe not the Rays. But every other team.

336

Talk Zone / Re: McHugh

« on: February 16, 2018, 08:50:30 am »

This is where I am also. I, as does chuck, like him a lot, and he is great to have around in case one of the starters goes down. He was a #2 starter on a playoff team not too long ago. My guess is, however, he is/will be frustrated by a role of middle relief/starter-in-waiting, and although he likely does not want to leave the Astros, he also likely would welcome being an important part of another team’s rotation. This will be interesting to watch how it plays out.

I feel the same way.

337

Talk Zone / Re: Verlander very nicely tells Christopher Russo...

« on: February 15, 2018, 12:29:09 pm »

That was pretty much exactly how Game 6 went.  Marwin's incredibly unlikely home run changed the course of history and is in my opinion the most significant moment in franchise history.

Certainly the most significant home run.

338

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Tickets

« on: February 14, 2018, 09:41:46 pm »

Thanks!

339

Talk Zone / Re: The Athletic Houston

« on: February 14, 2018, 12:39:22 pm »

I like reading about baseball, but I don't like Twitter.  It's pointless.  Like online news "articles" that turn out to be videos.  I hate that.  There used to be some good baseball writers out there, but not so much anymore.  Stark is OK.  I always liked Paul White when he wrote for Baseball Weekly, which I used to read religiously back before I had a TV and the internet.

Same here on Paul White and Baseball Weekly. Whatever happened to him? I never cared much for Bob Nightengale, another BW guy.

340

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Tickets

« on: February 14, 2018, 12:37:39 pm »

BG, do you (or anyone) know when individual tickets go on sale? I'm looking at the possibility of making it to Opening Day.

341

Talk Zone / Re: Verlander very nicely tells Christopher Russo...

« on: February 14, 2018, 12:34:47 pm »

I agree with you on both scores. Girardi was one of the top five skippers in the game.

I wouldn't go that far, but I thought he was the perfect manager for the Yankees - he's their kind of asshole.

342

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BA prospect list

« on: February 14, 2018, 12:30:39 pm »

The change from 2011 to 2012 is stark.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm sure this has been remarked on before, but it's ironic that arguably Ed Wade's biggest triumph as Astros GM - trading 1 and 1/2 seasons of Pence for Cosart, Singleton, and Domingo Santana - those 3 guys didn't actually end up providing much Major League impact for the team. Really, it's only due to Luhnow trading Cosart for Marisnick, Martes, and Moran that the Astros got any value out of the Pence trade. And of course, the Cosart deal also got them the comp pick that became Daz Cameron, who helped them trade for Verlander.

343

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BA prospect list

« on: February 13, 2018, 07:26:13 pm »

Damn, I just threw out a stack of BA's featuring the top 10 prospect in whichever division the Astros were in at the time going back almost 20 years. Pre-Luhnow most of these were total ML busts. I had forgotten about most of them but so many did not even have a cup of ML coffee.

A lot of futility in there. Remember when we were pinning our hopes on TJ Steele, Jio Mier, Ross Seaton, and Jonathan Meyer? On the other hand, Jose Altuve, Dallas Keuchel, and George Springer were pretty good pre-Luhnow prospects.

344

Talk Zone / Re: Realmuto

« on: February 13, 2018, 07:07:55 pm »

We covered all this, at some length, in the appropriate area of this site.

Ah. I forget that there's other areas.

Hey, does anyone want to talk about some minor league prospects...?

345

Talk Zone / Re: Realmuto

« on: February 13, 2018, 03:41:58 pm »

I didn't think we were supposed to discuss hotels or the Prado.

The Prado is great, but if you're in Madrid you really should also go to the Reina Sofia, and see Guernica.

346

Talk Zone / Re: The Athletic Houston

« on: February 13, 2018, 03:36:30 pm »

I'm a big proponent of paying for quality media work because I don't like seeing newspapers, magazines, reporting and journalism dying. Nothing is perfect and bitching about flaws is easy, but if you don't support efforts like this, or local papers, or newsmagazines with good writing, it all gets dumbed down even further until it's virtually nonexistent. Chip in and keep efforts like these alive.

Well said.

347

Talk Zone / Re: Franklin Perez

« on: February 12, 2018, 12:51:51 pm »

Major prospect used as chip in Verlander deal, of course. Interesting stuff here. A lot of superlatives. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/02/11/detroit-tigers-franklin-perez-houston-astros/326144002/

Nice article, thanks for posting. I hope Jake Rogers and/or Daz Cameron can do well over there too, so that he doesn't have to feel like it's all up to him to prove that trading Verlander was worth it.

348

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BA prospect list

« on: February 09, 2018, 01:38:44 pm »

Here is mine from several years ago.  I think after the 2012 season

The thing that jumps out at me from that spreadsheet (aside from the now-laughable consensus ranking of Singleton ahead of Correa) is how many of those guys have made it to the majors for at least a cup of coffee: all of the first 20, I think, and several others including Brett Phillips and Devenski down at #44-45. That seems like a really high percentage.

349

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: February 07, 2018, 09:55:42 pm »

I saw where the Rangers signed Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal with a spring training invite. They now have a Colon, a Bush, a Fister, and an Odor.

A Choo.

350

Talk Zone / Re: Pure gold.

« on: February 05, 2018, 10:47:57 am »

Mickey Mantle has to be Eminem, right?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I dunno, I thought "Method Mantle" was pretty good.

351

Talk Zone / Re: Pure gold.

« on: February 05, 2018, 10:45:15 am »

Holy Shit, this is amazing. Thank you, RB (and long time no see).

352

Talk Zone / Re: Springer

« on: February 05, 2018, 10:02:12 am »

Does that buy Houston any more service time with GS?

He's still got 2018, 2019, and 2020 before becoming a free agent. This just gives him a larger 2018 salary in exchange for probably saving the Astros a couple mil on his 2019 salary (I assume if he had a typical season this year, their financial projections showed him getting more than $14m in 2019 via arbitration). I suppose it could end up making his 2020 salary lower, too; I'm not totally sure it works that way though.

353

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: February 04, 2018, 03:17:45 pm »

I don't feel a lot of sympathy for the mega-star FAs who just aren't satisfied with the $25m per year with only a 5-year term offers they've gotten, or whatever it may be.

Then again, I don't feel any sympathy for the owners, who are swimming in money.

The problem is the guys who are in their first few years in the league don't get paid a fraction of what they're worth. So, yes, it is much more cost-effective for a GM to hope that one of those guys can do approximately as well as a medium-tier veteran that he'd have to pay $5m a year instead of $500k.

I don't know what the solution is, but it just seems like a huge problem when teams have free reign to pay their youngest players a fraction of what they'd have to pay similarly-skilled older players. There's so much money in baseball these days, you'd think there would be a way to throw more of back to the 1-3 year service-time guys, not to mention the minor leaguers, who get paid an inhumane wage.

If the younger guys' salary corresponded a little more with their contributions, then maybe the extra experience and dependability of the veteran becomes a little more appealing, if you're talking about, say, $5m a year versus $3m a year rather $5m vs. $500k.

354

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BA prospect list

« on: January 28, 2018, 02:24:01 pm »

More gushing praise for Whitley on the BA Top 100 Prospects podcast. They ranked him 10th overall; he's the 2nd pitcher on the list after Shohei Ohtani. Said scouts rave about him.

355

Talk Zone / Re: yelich

« on: January 26, 2018, 01:32:52 pm »

If you look at Sickel's updated Marlins prospect list, he ranks Brinson, Harrison, and Diaz, #1, 3 , 4 in the Marlins system.  Former busrider Jorge Guzman is ranked 2.

Listening to the various "experts" this morning, it seems that there is a good deal of disagreement about Brinson.

Would a similar Astros package have been Tucker, Mattijevic, Sierra, Trent Thornton?

In any event, the Brewers got a lot better yesterday.  And if anyone is looking for an outfielder, the Brewers are definitely the team to go to with Broxton and Phillips certainly available.  Probably hurts the market further for free agent outfielders.

I think it would've taken Tucker and Yordan Alvarez, plus a lesser guy. Or maybe the Fish would've considered Fisher/Alvarez/Bukauskas or something like that.

356

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: January 26, 2018, 01:29:52 pm »

I think they like Domingo.  I think they would love to trade Braun if they could find a taker (given the huge financial commitment remaining) and Braun allows the trade.  I find it unlikely that anyone would take that contract, which is why Braun goes to first.

Yeah, I think The Peen is untradeable right now. But Domingo isn't a great outfielder either, and the fact that they pushed so hard to get Cain and Yelich tells me they really prefer great defense out there. My money is still on them trading Santana, if they can get a decent SP back, because they have a big need there.

Thames is also one of their only lefties.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's a good point, too. Thames and now Yelich, along with Travis Shaw, who isn't a lock to match his career year either.

357

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: January 26, 2018, 12:55:58 pm »

Who's their 1B? Braun is such a poor outfielder that I wouldn't be surprised to see him moved to first.

Eric Thames is their 1B. The guy who came back to the US after 3 years of mashing in Korea, and hit 31 homers. Maybe they don't think he's for real, or maybe they envision some sort of time-share with Braun and him... but I think the most likely scenario is probably that Domingo is traded for a pitcher.

358

Talk Zone / Re: yelich

« on: January 24, 2018, 11:39:30 am »

I keep reminding myself that A) Giles is a really, really good pitcher and the best closer this team has had since Lidge

Small nit: I think Valverde was better than Giles (so far).

359

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: January 22, 2018, 10:21:16 pm »

I can’t remember the last time the Astros had a successful lefty reliever who came up through the system.

360

Talk Zone / Re: yelich

« on: January 22, 2018, 10:18:40 pm »

I hope you called Luhnow to tell him this. He offered Gonzalez a contract.

Are you sure? I can’t find anything that says that. But I am a terrible google-er.

361

Talk Zone / Re: yelich

« on: January 20, 2018, 07:04:34 pm »

Actually, look at his numbers at MMP.  The "home" numbers must include the games that the Astros played in Tampa.  His actual home numbers are ridiculously good.

Maybe he's just really glad that Tal's Hill is gone. And being in the batters' box at home, looking out at the new batters' eye just fills him with happy thoughts.

362

Talk Zone / Re: yelich

« on: January 18, 2018, 09:55:22 am »

"Jake is what he is."

"Yeah, but..."

"Jake is what he is."

"Yeah, but..."

"Jake is what he is."

"Yeah, but..."

"McCullers shouldn't even be on the postseason roster."

"Yeah, but..."

"McCullers shouldn't even be on the postseason roster."

"Yeah, but..."

"McCullers shouldn't even be on the postseason roster."

"Yeah, but..."

363

Talk Zone / Re: yelich

« on: January 17, 2018, 10:52:21 pm »

Seriously?  Have you paid no attention to how the Astros play him?  I get frustrated by posts of the like because they are a waste of time and indicate the poster has NOT been paying attention.  The ASTROS have treated him as a fourth outfielder since the Gomez trade.  I’m following them.  Hinch used him masterfully as the 4th outfielder.  When he was pressed into more full time duty in August, he tanked offensively, proving the Astros point.  He had fewer at bats this year than any time since he was dealt to Houston.  He hit well in limited and targeted time.  That’s who he is.  The Astros have it figured out.  Why haven’t you?

First of all, perhaps if YOU paid attention to what you're reading, you'd realize that the post in question is not suggesting the Astros should make Jake a full-time starter. Nor was I, in the other thread. It's possible both for people to like Jake, and express admiration for his skills, and to also think that the Astros should aim for a better player to play full time. We're basically in agreement - Jake is the 4th OF on this team - I don't understand why you get so upset by discussions of the extent to which he might play (he has averaged over 300 PAs the last 3 years). Typically people post on this board because they like to discuss the Astros.

364

Talk Zone / Re: Tony Watson

« on: January 17, 2018, 06:59:55 pm »

Anthony Gose?  The dude we had for a few minutes and played for the Blue Jays? 

I guess it's ok to take a flier on the guy, but they are planning to bank on an established lefty, correct?  This is a flier, not the plan, correct?

Yes, that Gose. Oswalt trade, flipped for Brett Wallace.

He has to be considered a long shot to make the team, but we'll see. Luhnow and co. have said they are happy having RHP who get lefties out - Harris and Devo are particularly good at it - so it's anyone's guess whether they'll acquire a more established lefty and jettison Sipp.

365

Talk Zone / Re: Tony Watson

« on: January 17, 2018, 06:40:17 pm »

I apologize, I thought Gose was a nickname for Guduan, but it’s apparently an actual guy named Gose.

I’ve tuned out on the off-season, who is this guy and where’d we get him from?

The short version? Former OF with some MLB time who didn't pan out. Now 27 years old, just converted to pitching this past season and is a LHP who hits 98. Results weren't great in High-A ball and he had injury issues. He pitched in high school and was regarded as a legit 2-way prospect at the time.

When the Astros took him, Goldstein indicated in an ideal world he could not only pitch but occasionally pinch-run or play some late-game OF - he is extremely fast.

366

Talk Zone / Re: Tony Watson

« on: January 17, 2018, 05:45:25 pm »

A lefty that can throw 100 is worth taking a flier on and it's not like there's any risk, if he can't cut it you cut him and move on.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

No risk, no, but meanwhile he’s taking up space on the 40-man from the moment they drafted him. That’s why you rarely see teams as good as the Astros take a guy in the Rule 5.

367

Talk Zone / Re: yelich

« on: January 17, 2018, 05:33:22 pm »

ARRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, because how dare anyone even hint at a belief that a player deserves even 5% more playing time than your very specific feelings on the matter.

368

Talk Zone / Re: Tony Watson

« on: January 17, 2018, 05:23:45 pm »

They're really hoping Gose pans out.  He's got a quality arm.

The fact that the Astros, a well-stocked, contending team with 40-man issues decided to use a 40-man spot on Gose does make me think they must really like him. This is not the time to be carrying a Rhiner Cruz type.

369

Talk Zone / Re: Rangers new stadium to embody true Dallas ethos

« on: January 17, 2018, 12:37:59 pm »

Does the artist rendering of the new Arlington park remind you vaguely of anything?

"They have the golden arches, we have the golden arcs."

370

Talk Zone / Re: Astros to acquire Gerrit Cole

« on: January 16, 2018, 01:21:13 pm »

If he improves, I hope it is elsewhere. He apparently has value or Luhnow would not be offering him in deals.

Reports are that Fisher was "off limits" in Cole trade talks.

I'm sure with his pedigree and his speed/power tools, there are plenty of teams out there that would trade something good for him. I don't see why the Astros wouldn't start him back in AAA this year, but I could see him contributing eventually. Springer looked terrible his first couple trips through the league.

371

Talk Zone / Re: world series stuff

« on: January 15, 2018, 07:38:00 pm »

Reuben...how did you become an Astros fan? Are you an ex-pat? Only asking since you don't live in this neck-0f-the-woods.

I was born in Houston. My family had lived there for 6 years or so, but moved back to North Carolina when I was a month old - my dad had finished law school at U of H and got a job in NC.

So my dad, not having any strong prior franchise affiliations, had become a big Astros fan while they were living in Texas. I started really getting into baseball in 1986, when I was 7. Pretty good timing to fall in love with the Astros. Through the years it's been a big thing for my dad and me.

A lot of baseball fans in NC became Braves fans, or Cubs fans, because those were the only teams you could watch regularly on TV when I was growing up. Suffice to say, aside from liking Ryne Sandberg I never gave a fuck about either team.

372

Talk Zone / Re: Astros to acquire Gerrit Cole

« on: January 15, 2018, 07:31:01 pm »

That 2005 rotation carried an inept offense to the World Series. They’re the best until proven otherwise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Best Trio - 2005 will be hard to beat
Best Rotation - 2005 is dragged down by the regular-season ineptness of Backe (10-8, but a 4.76 ERA), Wandy (10-10, 5.53), and Ezequiel (3-6, 5.67). I'd say 2018 has a good chance to be better.

1980 and 1981 starting rotations were pretty good too.

Ryan (1.69 ERA), Knepper (2.18), Sutton (2.61), Niekro (2.82), and Ruhle (2.91) were pretty incredible in '81.

373

Talk Zone / Re: world series stuff

« on: January 15, 2018, 02:33:18 pm »

The one. What's worse is, without commercials it runs right at 90 minutes.

Just re-watched this today with my two-year-old son. We both loved it, although only one of us kept gettin' all teary-eyed.

374

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BA prospect list

« on: January 11, 2018, 11:16:15 pm »

By the way, I listened to part of a BA podcast discussing Pirates prospects today. They were gushing about a pitcher (who I hadn't heard of until this, frankly) named Mitch Keller, who according to them is one of the very top pitching prospects in baseball. They said that, when they ask scouts what pitchers they like best (prospect-wise), they usually say either Keller, Reyes (from StL, injured this year), Buehler (LAD), or Forrest Whitley.

375

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BA prospect list

« on: January 11, 2018, 09:12:01 pm »

Alcala is that good, and I really like H.Perez.  That said, there are way too many of these "Top XXX" lists, and I think some of them go for shock value ... a sort of 'we are really ahead of the crowd calling _____ a top prospect'.  There is 0 downside and a lot of upside for them if they hit on one of these long shots.

I thought the same thing when BP put Jonathan Arauz up at #6 on their list.

376

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: January 09, 2018, 11:58:22 am »

I'm amazed the Yankees have enough prospects to make a competitive offer after emptying the farm in order to get Stanton.







Dicks.

Teams seem to love bending over for trades with the Yankees. Getting Chapman, trading Chapman to the Cubs, getting Frazier and Robertson, getting Gray, getting Stanton... all those looked like huge steals for them.

377

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Gonzalez

« on: January 09, 2018, 11:44:15 am »

I would pass on Carlos Gonzalez.  His Coors non Coors splits are awful.  A career 72 OPS+ away from Coors Field.  Also away from Coors a career .252 hitter with a .308 OBP and .427 slugging percentage.

I would rather give those at bats to Moran and Fisher.

It seems like certain hitters are messed up by playing half their games at Coors. Maybe they get used to curves or sinkers that don’t move as much in the thin air, or get too pull-happy. But I don’t think Carlos Gonzalez is really as poor a hitter as his road numbers.

Remember Jeff Cirillo? He went from Milwaukee to the Rockies and tanked. I think he hit great at Coors but lost his ability to do it in normal parks.

378

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: January 08, 2018, 01:33:08 pm »

No way am I moving Whitley for 2 years of Cole.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No kidding. I know salary played a big part in the Verlander deal, but Pirates must be aware that 2 1/2 years of JV didn’t merit a Tucker or Whitley.

379

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: January 08, 2018, 12:56:33 pm »

Now Passan tweets that the Astros have discussed a Cole trade with the Pirates. He says Fisher’s name has come up BUT, he says PIT would “almost certainly “ need Tucker or Whitley to headline the deal.

380

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: January 08, 2018, 12:20:39 pm »

Footer has some tweets out, including video of Crane saying the Astros are "actively pursuing a high-end starter." Vague about whether they're looking at FA, trade, or exploring both.

381

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Gonzalez

« on: January 06, 2018, 11:13:37 pm »

Why was Carlos Gonzales a total bust with the Astros before? What has changed? I can't explain his complete feebleness when he was an Astro, but he was certainly given a chance to turn it around and he just got worse and worse.

I'm not all that anxious to see him in an Astro uniform again.

How can you say Carlos Corporan was a bust? He was a perfectly fine backup catcher.

382

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Gonzalez

« on: January 05, 2018, 10:49:15 pm »

Carlos Gonzalez was never an Astros.  Perhaps you're thinking of Carlos Gomez?

Or Carlos Febles? Although I don’t think he was an Astro either.

383

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Gonzalez

« on: January 05, 2018, 02:47:07 pm »

What have they done to make you see this?  They discarded the idea of him being an everyday outfielder during the 2015 season.  The very most they've done is give him starts when Hinch thought he was seeing the ball well but never regularly.  If anything they've done everything they can to keep him as the 4th outfielder.  They continue to try to find a regular left fielder while not including Marisnick in that search.

Jake started 65 games last year, and would have started more if he hadn't gone on the DL in September. And he finally had success offensively, and not just vs. LHP.

Why does the idea of Marisnick sharing time in the OF to start the year, with Marwin and Moran or whoever rotating in occasionally, sound so outlandish to you? At some point I'd expect either Fisher to come up and play regularly, or Luhnow to trade for another OF, or Marwin to play more LF - especially if the other regulars are all healthy and he's not getting many ABs in the super-sub role. So it's not as though I'm forecasting some huge spike in Games Started for Marisnick - probably about the same as he had the last couple years.

In any case, it also wouldn't surprise me at all to see Luhnow sign a veteran OFer on a short-term deal.

384

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Gonzalez

« on: January 05, 2018, 02:19:51 pm »

People need to give this up.  The Astros have made it very clear by their actions that Marisnick will not be a starting outfielder for Houston.

Yes, it's clear that is not their preference for the long term. However, I could see them doing so to begin the year (with Marwin and possibly Moran playing some LF too) so Fisher could get more seasoning.

I do love how deep this team is. Marwin, Jake, and Gattis are high-quality guys to have in part-time rolls.

385

Talk Zone / Re: Catching

« on: January 05, 2018, 01:39:47 pm »

I thought this thread was about catching.

Good point. Back to catching: I've seen multiple reports that, with Stassi out of options, the Astros are considering making him the primary backup to McCann, with Gattis playing a lot more DH. This McTagg article is the latest:

As for this year, McCann is bullish on Stassi, the 26-year-old who's played 44 games with the Astros over the past five seasons. The Astros are touting the changes Stassi has made at the plate.

"Stassi changed the way he hits," McCann said. "He reaped the benefits from that this year. His swing looks really good, he's made great strides behind the plate. Gattis did an amazing job last year. There's going to be innings for everybody, at-bats for everybody and we'll see how it plays out. I really like the catching we have."

Stassi kind of quietly had a great year at Fresno, hitting .266/.383/.473 with 12 HR in 73 games. That's his best season yet, and way better than his career MiLB numbers. He's still just 26 years old (27 in March). Might be time to see if he can cut it as a major league catcher.

edit: By the way, I can't help but notice how much McCann talks like a manager. Could easily see him doing that in another 8-10 years.

386

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Gonzalez

« on: January 05, 2018, 01:29:06 pm »

Theoretically they could find ABs for both. Fisher could share DH duties with Gattis, while Gonzalez plays LF. Personally I'd be a little surprised if Fisher doesn't start the year back in Fresno - why not let him try to get his groove back there. His late-season performance sure didn't earn him a starting gig, and it would probably be more beneficial to him to get more regular playing time and hopefully develop a little further.

If they open the season with Reddick/Marisnick/Springer across the OF, Gattis DH'ing, and Stassi/McCann catching, that doesn't sound bad at all to me. But I could see signing someone like CarGo or Logan Morrison or Lucas Duda to DH or play LF, and add another dependable LH bat to the lineup.

387

Talk Zone / Re: Catching

« on: January 04, 2018, 10:39:47 am »

I don't think it's likely at all.  Santana was already a better player than Gomez at the time of the trade.  Fiers had a nice ERA but it wasn't backed up by his peripheral numbers or with the eye test.  His innings may have been filled just as capably by Dan Straily.

Or Luhnow might have gone out and gotten a different pitcher.

His ERA was his ERA. All the peripheral numbers are good for is, sometimes, predicting future performance. But a 3.32 ERA means he actually prevented real runs from scoring which helped win real games. He also pitched a no-hitter which probably fired up the team.

I agree that Gomez did not help. He took playing time away from Marisnick, and Jake was, in retrospect, the superior player.

388

Talk Zone / Re: Catching

« on: January 02, 2018, 07:01:47 pm »

The narrative lives!

"Hey Jon Heyman! We beg to differ."

Sincerely,
Brett Phillips
Domingo Santana
Josh Hader
Franklin Perez
Jake Rogers
Daz Cameron
Albert Abreu
Jorge Guzman
Jacob Nottingham
Daniel Mengden
Teoscar Hernandez
Mark Appel
Vincent Velasquez
Harold Arauz
Thomas Eshelman
Mike Foltynewicz
Rio Ruiz
Nick Tropeano

389

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 29, 2017, 02:44:54 pm »

Interesting, I wonder why the Cubs or Rangers haven't already signed him?

I've seen speculation that the Rangers don't have the payroll space. We'll see. The Cubs, maybe they're trying to use Darvish as leverage to re-sign Arrieta to a lower price? I don't know.

390

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: December 22, 2017, 08:09:16 pm »

Is there any indication that this even a possibility? Is he coming off of injury or has he learned to pitch left-handed?

And don’t you have to have been somewhere in order to come back to it?

391

Talk Zone / Re: Archer

« on: December 17, 2017, 03:47:08 pm »

A lot of people were saying that kind of thing about Verlander.  Being on a contender can do wonders.

Archer doesn’t hold a candle to Verlander, except in K’s (and Verlander had a CY-worthy 2016). I think he’s better than he has showed the last two years, but he’s not so great that he’d be worth a Tucker or Whitley, in my opinion.

392

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 17, 2017, 02:46:26 pm »

Dodgers traded for Matt Kemp

ETA: Gonzalez, Kazmir, McCarthy, Culbertson leave LA.

I cannot believe the Dodgers would trade World Series Hero Charlie Culberson. Why, who can forget his game-winning homer, and his subsequent galavanting around the bases like a drunken version of "Touch 'em all" Joe Carter? At the time, I momentarily wondered to myself if he was being a tad showboat-y, but then I said, "Well, he just won this World Series game with his homer, so it's OK. In any other scenario - say, a homer that didn't even tie the game, for example - it would be an absurdly foolish and self-absorbed home run trot, but not in THIS heroic scenario..."

393

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 17, 2017, 12:35:08 pm »

It'd be better if they could get rid of one of their biggest weaknesses.

You mean the Albertross?

394

Talk Zone / Re: Archer

« on: December 17, 2017, 12:29:46 pm »

For the sake of his career he needs to get out of St Pete. He has regressed the past two years. I think he needs a change of scenery because he has really good stuff and is a student of the game. He would look great in an Astros uni. Plus he just seems like a real cool guy.

Agree with this, but I also agree with MM that I wouldn't give up Tucker or Whitley for him. Bukauskas, maybe. Alvarez, sure.

395

Talk Zone / Re: Preston Tucker

« on: December 17, 2017, 10:46:24 am »

Saw a rumor that the Orioles might pick him up.

396

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 15, 2017, 08:11:58 pm »

So I guess Cozart will start at third. Valbuena will be the utility guy.

Or platoon with Cron/Pujols at 1B. Plus Cozart is oft-injured.

397

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 15, 2017, 03:33:09 pm »

Astros just designated Preston Tucker.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Raise your hand if you, like me, had no idea he was still on the 40-man.

398

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 15, 2017, 02:45:55 pm »

Signed Zack Cozart too.

I'm not sure where they stand with their pitching, but the Angels ought to be really good offensively and defensively next season.

399

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 14, 2017, 03:17:50 pm »

I don't want any of Altuve, Correa, Springer, Bregman to leave.  I love them all. 

Me too.

400

Talk Zone / Re: Rule 5

« on: December 14, 2017, 03:13:57 pm »

Yes, and I would think stills has the skills to play CF but can't hit a lick.

Well, he's a career .240/.309/.348 hitter in over 1200 big-league PAs, which isn't what you hope for from a starter, but isn't awful for a good CF with speed.

IF Strom and the analytic crew can help him learn a few tricks from the mound, it could be a really interesting way to fill the 25th spot on the roster. Big if, of course.

401

Talk Zone / Re: Rule 5

« on: December 14, 2017, 12:20:23 pm »

Yes he was. I've read he wants to try to pitch and be an option off the bench though I highly doubt that happens

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Jake Kaplan‏Verified account
@jakemkaplan
 3h3 hours ago
More
Astros’ Kevin Goldstein on Anthony Gose: "I could see him maybe coming in at the end of the games and doing a little defensive work, but we want him to focus on pitching. … If he's going to be in the big leagues right now, we want him to make the team out of the bullpen."

Kevin Goldstein on the Gose selection: "We'll admit it. We're throwing some chips on red 23 here, and we know that. But the payoff's pretty great. This is the highest upside guy for us (in the Rule 5 Draft)."

402

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 13, 2017, 04:07:58 pm »

Twitter says Joe Smith about to sign a two year deal with Astros.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

? I haven’t seen any mention of this anywhere.

403

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 12, 2017, 09:19:40 pm »

I'm hearing a reliever named Tommy Hunter associated with Houston. Maybe tonight.

Phillies signed him.

404

Talk Zone / Re: Stanton

« on: December 12, 2017, 01:28:56 pm »

Freaking conspiracy

Beltran’s veteran guidance may have had unintended consequences.

405

Talk Zone / Re: Stanton

« on: December 11, 2017, 11:44:30 pm »

I started the misspelling. Mea culpa.

I’m particularly sensitive to that -eu versus -ue distinction.

406

Talk Zone / Re: Stanton

« on: December 11, 2017, 06:51:50 pm »

If Kuechel leaves for free agency, does Houston get draft pick compensation?

Keuchel. And yes, they would, assuming they make him a qualifying offer after the season. It would probably be a comp pick after the 1st round.

407

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 11, 2017, 02:26:27 pm »

The Rangers signed the guy from Coldplay. He's quite the Renaissance man - also a pretty famous painter.

408

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 11, 2017, 10:20:48 am »

Luke Gregerson is now a Cardinal. Two years at $11MM.

I did my share of bitching about Luke this year, but he was exactly what the Astros needed in 2015 and 2016. And seemed like a real pro.

409

Talk Zone / Re: Stanton

« on: December 11, 2017, 10:19:08 am »

Based on comments he's made in the past regarding team moves and/or the lack thereof I have been expecting him to be in NY, Boston, Chicago, or LA for the 19 season.

Signing him would be one way for the Yankees to avoid being dominated by him in crucial games.

410

Talk Zone / Re: Server move done

« on: December 11, 2017, 10:17:09 am »

Fantastic, thanks for everything Waldo!

411

Talk Zone / Re: Stanton

« on: December 10, 2017, 12:10:22 pm »

I seriously doubt the GM tells the owner how to spend his money.

Some owners ignore their GMs on the mega-deal players, but isn’t it basically the GM’s job to decide how to spend the owner’s money? I trust Luhnow much more than Crane to decide which players are worth committing $30m a year to.

412

Talk Zone / Re: Stanton

« on: December 10, 2017, 10:22:48 am »

This is correct. It also is correct Crane said the Astros could take on his contract.

And I think he probably meant it. But Luhnow probably convinced him it wouldn’t be a good idea. Hopefully, that’s because they’re earmarking that kind of cash for extensions for Correa, Altuve, etc.

413

Talk Zone / Re: Stanton

« on: December 10, 2017, 07:56:48 am »

This had everything to do with the $295m left on the contract and almost nothing to do with what prospects a team was willing to send back. Castro was in the deal to offset salary. Note that Stanton wanted to go to LA, and the Dodgers could have easily afforded him, but chose not to.

414

Talk Zone / Re: Ohtani says no

« on: December 08, 2017, 02:41:24 pm »

L.A. Times is reporting that Ohtani is going to sign with the Angels. Wow.

Edited to add:

As I told my dad, I hate to see the Astros now having to face him all the time, but I'm glad I'll get the chance to see him a lot. It'll be fascinating to see how well he does, and how often he pitches and hits.

I assume this means that Pooholes will play 1B a fair bit while Ohtani DHs. They could play Ohtani in RF (sitting Calhoun), but taxing your best pitcher like that doesn't seem like a great idea.

415

Talk Zone / Re: Cora

« on: December 07, 2017, 03:11:17 pm »

I wonder how Drellich found out about it. I'll bet he pissed himself with glee at having found some more dirty Astros laundry to show everyone.

416

Talk Zone / Re: world series stuff

« on: December 07, 2017, 03:06:15 pm »

So tonight is Kris's book club, so I was looking for something to watch on tv and the MLB world series video was on sale on Apple tv.  I bought.

Is it as good as the Series?  Naw.  Is it pretty good?  If you get through that without either joy or tears or both, I'll buy the beer.  But you'll have to drink it on your own because I surely don't want anything to do with you.

Thanks, Neil. It hadn't occurred to me to search for this. Since we no longer bother hooking up a DVD player to the TV (and don't own a BlueRay), I wasn't sure whether to buy a copy or not. But we have Apple TV, so that's perfect.

Now, I just have to decide whether to rent it or buy it...

417

Talk Zone / Re: I cannot get enough of this stuff

« on: November 14, 2017, 10:08:34 am »

Marwin might have hit the most important HR in Astros history.

418

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: November 12, 2017, 02:29:24 pm »

Typical case of an athlete saying nice heartfelt things to a reporter in the appropriate context and the headline writers turning it into click bait.

McCann was as All-In as anybody,  and he will be for whatever team he plays for.

+1. I didn’t think I would ever be a Brian McCann fan, but here I am.

419

Talk Zone / Re: Excellent Column from Jeff Passan

« on: November 11, 2017, 07:21:12 pm »

There was also Andyzipp's source around mid-August saying they had the made the Tigers an offer, Tigers said no, but they thought Detroit would come around because the offer was a good one. I'm curious if Zipp can share anything on that now, what the offer was at the time, and the idea that Luhnow was "overridden" by "people above him."

420

Talk Zone / Re: Excellent Column from Jeff Passan

« on: November 11, 2017, 06:13:19 pm »

This is from a Detroit Free Press article on Aug. 31, speculating that Verlander wouldn’t be traded til the off-season. Of relevance- “A couple names that have piqued the Tigers’ interest are young righty Forrest Whitley, who is thought to be untouchable, and another young righty, Franklin Perez.
The Astros have shown a willingness to complete a deal with Perez as the centerpiece, but the Tigers – rightly – want more in return.”

link

421

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: November 10, 2017, 08:59:11 am »

One thing to remember is how highly the Astros regard draft picks.   If they sign someone like Wade Davis, they'd lose a couple draft picks, I think their 3rd & 4th highest picks.   I don't see them going after any FA's that received a qualifying offer.

Who cares about their 3rd-highest pick? Even their highest won’t come until like 27th-ish overall, not a huge loss, but 3rd-highest? We’re talking like close to 90th overall. I really doubt that would stop them from signing a guy they really need.

422

Talk Zone / Re: Questions for Mike Fast

« on: November 09, 2017, 03:03:55 pm »

Thanks!

We are World Series Champions, y'all!

My only other question is Did you go to Disney World?

423

Talk Zone / Re: Liriano/Devo

« on: November 04, 2017, 12:22:03 pm »

Totally agree. Trade for an elite lefty and he is #2

To my untrained eye, it certainly seems like he has the stuff to be one of the top left-on-left relievers in the game, if/when he completely adjusts to the transition from SP. He seemed to be getting it the last month or so of the season.

424

Talk Zone / Re: Beltran and McCann

« on: November 03, 2017, 07:56:57 pm »

I haven't spent a lot of time thinking whether Beltran is worthy, but here's something to consider:

Players with 400+ HR and 300+ SB
Barry Bonds
Willie Mays
A-Rod
Carlos Beltran
Andre Dawson

That's it.

In fact, Beltran's numbers are very similar to Dawson's, except that he was better at getting on base, and probably less of a power hitter. And his SB% is way better - Beltran was 86% for his career, which is incredible.

Throw in the defense, the ROY award, and the amazing postseason numbers, and I think he's got a good shot at the HoF.

Another Beltran stat:
He had 7 seasons where he had 20+ HR, 20+ SB, and 100+ RBI.

The only other player in history with more than 5 such seasons was Barry Bonds, who had 8.

425

Talk Zone / Re: Live coverage of the parade...

« on: November 03, 2017, 02:43:26 pm »

Fuck it. Hoping someone puts together a good highlight reel later.

426

Talk Zone / Re: Live coverage of the parade...

« on: November 03, 2017, 02:30:52 pm »

They're blaming the lack of cell service amid the huge throng of people. What the hell were they expecting?

427

Talk Zone / Re: Beltran and McCann

« on: November 03, 2017, 02:29:02 pm »

Mets, Yankees, Rangers and Jakes?  I wouldn't want him wearing an Astros cap in the Hall* with that much stink on him.

* I don't think he (or Berkman) are worthy.

I haven't spent a lot of time thinking whether Beltran is worthy, but here's something to consider:

Players with 400+ HR and 300+ SB
Barry Bonds
Willie Mays
A-Rod
Carlos Beltran
Andre Dawson

That's it.

In fact, Beltran's numbers are very similar to Dawson's, except that he was better at getting on base, and probably less of a power hitter. And his SB% is way better - Beltran was 86% for his career, which is incredible.

Throw in the defense, the ROY award, and the amazing postseason numbers, and I think he's got a good shot at the HoF.

428

Talk Zone / Re: Beltran and McCann

« on: November 03, 2017, 01:54:51 pm »

Beltran career:

KC: 7 years, 3,134 AB, .287/.352/.483
NYM: 7 years, 3,133 AB, .280/.369/.500
NYY: 2 years, 1,240 AB, .270/.327/.470
STL: 2 years, 1,101 AB, .282/.343/.493
HOU: 2 years, 800 AB, .243/.320/.456
TEX: 1 year, 193 AB, .280/.325/.451
SFG: 1 year, 167 AB, .323/.369/.551

(I had completely forgotten he spent two years as a Cardinal.)

He had more PA and more Games with the Mets, plus his offense was better (129 OPS+ vs. 111 in KC) and he made the playoffs (once) with the Mets, never with KC. If he gets in, I think it would be as a Met.

The HOF picks, and has always picked.  I can't imagine it won't be a Royal. 

I thought the player used to have much more of a say - I thought the HoF took control after Wade Boggs had that contract clause that he would wear a Devil Rays cap on his plaque.

Nolan Ryan sticks out to me as a blatant example of a player wrongly choosing their cap. Clearly should have gone in as an Angel.

429

Talk Zone / Re: The Void

« on: November 02, 2017, 02:18:35 pm »

Whoa whoa whoa. Hold on. Hollllllllllld on now.

Shouldn't we wait just a couple days before really thinking about shit like this? That's next year's team. I'm not ready to move on from this year's team.

430

Talk Zone / Re: The Void

« on: November 02, 2017, 01:58:43 pm »

Should Giles be the closer...

Or: How many potential closers should the Astros sign or trade for this winter?

Also promising - Fisher vs. Marwin vs. Free Agent: who should be the LFer?

431

Talk Zone / Re: Game 7

« on: November 02, 2017, 01:55:47 pm »

Cute! Here are my kids -- son in a 1965 Astros replica uniform, and daughter in what a "League of Their Own" Astros uniform might have looked like. (My wife made both -- and the kids picked the idea three months ago!)

Those are excellent.

432

Talk Zone / Re: Thank You

« on: November 02, 2017, 12:49:55 am »

I said it in the GZ but my love for the Astros is made so much better by having this site and all of you. It's tough because I have no comrades here in Florida so this site is it. Love you all!

Agreed and I'm in much the same boat. Born in Houston but grew up in North Carolina, and since first stumbling upon Astros Connection in the late '90's I've used it and then this bastard child of it as a conduit while living in Massachusetts, Vancouver BC, London, New York, and now back in NC again.

My dad is as much of an Astros addict as I am - we traveled to Houston together to see Game 4 of the 2005 WS - and fittingly, he made the hour drive again tonight to watch Game 7 at our house. He and I have suffered through a lot of tough games and seasons, but there's a lot of hours of the baseball season when I have to read/discuss the Astros with other people too, and you all have been amazing in that regard.

Thank you, you fuckers.

433

Talk Zone / Re: Game 7

« on: November 01, 2017, 06:05:47 pm »

We dressed my two-year-old son up as Altuve for Halloween (despite the fact that, here in the middle of North Carolina, barely anyone knows who he is). It didn't bring any luck last night but I'm hoping for a delayed effect.

434

Talk Zone / Re: Reddick's at bats

« on: November 01, 2017, 05:15:20 pm »

Holy crap what's wrong with us?  It worked for Springer,  it can work for Josh.

What's wrong with Josh?

My theory: Speedo shrunk from prior celebrations.

The rest of you chime in, quickly.

Times a wastin'!!!

Thanks. I meant to start this thread myself earlier today, but I'm swamped with worky stuff.

Reddick is a very good hitter. His .314 AVG was 5th in the AL this year, and his 12 sac flies led the league. So it's been surprising to see him struggle so much, and in particular, to see him fail to get that run in from 3rd. It feels like he could turn it around at any moment though. May the BBGs see fit to let it be tonight.

435

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series - Game Four. Astros v. Dodgers. Oct. 28, 2017

« on: October 28, 2017, 11:06:27 pm »

I don't think Giles will be in the bullpen next season.

Move him into the rotation eh? Now you’re thinking outside the box!

436

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series - Game Four. Astros v. Dodgers. Oct. 28, 2017

« on: October 28, 2017, 10:51:00 pm »

I’m sure in a few weeks we will hear that it turns out Giles had some injury or other - “rest, no surgery, he should be ready for Spring Training” in an attempt to salvage some of his psyche and/or value for next year.

But by no means should they proceed as if he’s the closer.

437

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series - Game Four. Astros v. Dodgers. Oct. 28, 2017

« on: October 28, 2017, 10:37:57 pm »

I know Musgrove gave up the homer and some runs tonight. But I still trust him more than ken giles. Giles needs to be shut down for the season. Where is mchugh though, like seriously, where is he?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

That’s what I’ve been wondering. That game in the ALCS didn’t earn him any faith? Not to mention how he finished out the regular season.

I would literally rather see anyone else than Giles going forward. Even Liriano. Fuck it, if JD Davis was on the roster even him.

438

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series - Game Four. Astros v. Dodgers. Oct. 28, 2017

« on: October 28, 2017, 10:20:09 pm »

I understand and support loyalty to, say, Springer. Loyalty to Giles is fucking delusional.

100%. The standard has to be different for closers. Especially closers like Giles who aren’t that great to begin with.

439

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series - Game Four. Astros v. Dodgers. Oct. 28, 2017

« on: October 28, 2017, 10:16:45 pm »

Fucking Giles. A rare mistake by Hinch, but a huge one.

Oh fucking hell.

440

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series - Game Four. Astros v. Dodgers. Oct. 28, 2017

« on: October 28, 2017, 10:07:37 pm »

Man, fuck this headcase. Why the fuck did Hinch go to him in a situation like that?

It is baffling. Too loyal.

441

Talk Zone / Re: An Appreciation of Dave Roberts

« on: October 27, 2017, 10:59:09 am »

You know he would.

It seems like some of Kershaw’s worst playoff starts have been on 3 days’ rest. Alex Wood is their #4 starter and he’s no slouch. It seems like a bad move to trade one fully rested Kershaw start + one Wood/Hill/Darvish start for TWO short-rest Kershaw starts.

If their #4 was Mike Fiers it’d be a different story.

442

Talk Zone / Re: Springer's At-Bats

« on: October 26, 2017, 02:31:05 pm »

If you haven't already you should check the MLB guys (esp Hernandez/Thomas, Papi chimed in too) taking about Springer.

It's like they participated in this thread.
***

Now that you mention it... has anyone ever actually seen Sphinx and Big Papi in the same room together at the same time?

443

Talk Zone / Re: Springer's At-Bats

« on: October 26, 2017, 12:12:28 am »

Well I think this thread has now served its purpose. I hope the admins lock it or whatever.

444

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 10:27:15 pm »

Got to hold them here.

445

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 10:10:11 pm »

Jeez, Marwin made that more dramatic than it had to be, no?

446

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 10:09:11 pm »

Got to hold them here first.

447

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 10:08:31 pm »

Mrs banedoodle just pointed out that Jansen looks like Starbuck (Cara Thrace) from TV’s Battlestar Galactica.

In some ways, yes. In other, very important ways... NO.

448

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 09:56:40 pm »

"Kenley Jansen, who has not allowed a run in his last _______ outings..."
A. 30
B. 300
C. 3,000
D. His entire life, because he is perfect, like all Dodger relievers.

449

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 09:54:54 pm »

Puig is pissed. I would've been so fucking pissed if he had caught that.

450

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 09:54:08 pm »

BREGMAN!!! Nice leadoff double.

451

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 09:50:36 pm »

Nice fuckin' job under pressure, Will Harris!

Now time for the offense to step up.

452

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 09:49:10 pm »

Puig falls behind 0-2, fouls one off, Harris keeping Bellinger close, next one fouled as Bellinger runs, next one is a58 footer that bounces off McCann, Bellinger adroitly takes 2nd on the WP, next one fouled off, Puig steps off twice getting info grin the runner,  then grounds or 6-3 advancing the runner to 3rd.

1 out.

? I haven't read the whole GZ thread... is there a strong suspicion that the Dodgers are stealing signs? Some IWatch type shit? I know McCann was mixing it up even with no runners on...

453

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 09:42:01 pm »

Yes.

Good grief. If we can't expect a 1B to make a play on that throw...

and there goes the DP potential.

454

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 2, Astros @ Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017

« on: October 25, 2017, 09:39:54 pm »

E5?

455

Talk Zone / Re: Springer's At-Bats

« on: October 25, 2017, 04:25:48 pm »

No need to be giving away runs in a likely tight, low scoring game.  How did dumping McCann for a better offensive but worse defensive catcher work out for them?  I seem to remember Sanchez looking horribly lost back there a few times, and he - of course - booted the tag on the game-winning run in Game #2.

Agreed on all. Gattis will be a nice option to have as a pinch-hitter.

456

Talk Zone / Re: Springer's At-Bats

« on: October 25, 2017, 02:14:56 pm »

I think you guys are crazy wanting to change the lead off hitter in the middle of the world series.  Yeah, Springer is in a slump and I get wanting to do something to help him change his focus.  Moving him out of that spot just doesn't seem to be the right plan to me. 

Plus, he's not the only one not getting on base!  3 hits last night by the whole team.  3.

I only saw one post by one person advocating changing the lead off hitter. He has been the leadoff hitter every game he’s played for over two years basically. It would be a panic move to change that now.

457

Talk Zone / Re: Springer's At-Bats

« on: October 25, 2017, 11:02:33 am »

4. He hasn't been the same player since coming back from the injury.

This is, of course, true - although he followed a horrendous August with a decent Septmeber - .250/.361/.440. The question is, why hasn't he been the same player? Is he still hurt? Doubtful, although any number of unknown nagging problems could be affecting his mechanics at the plate, of course. The DL stint was for his quad, and he seems to be running just fine. In any case, it's plain to see he's lost up there at the plate.

458

Talk Zone / Re: Springer's At-Bats

« on: October 25, 2017, 07:15:09 am »

4. He was facing Clayton Kershaw

That’s one game. He’s been doing this since the ALDS began.

459

Talk Zone / Springer's At-Bats

« on: October 24, 2017, 11:05:57 pm »

...are driving me insane. Surely, by this point, a trusted teammate or coach has strongly suggested that he remember the other 66% of the field, instead of trying to yank every single pitch out to left. So I'm just trying to understand why he continues to flail away like this - he looks like Rookie Springer. It's really disappointing, because it seemed like he'd come so far these last two years - this year especially.

I'm sincerely curious what people think is going on. Is it:

1. He knows he should be going the other way (or at least up the middle), but he's so extra-amped-up that he can't help himself, pitch after pitch after pitch his eyes light up and he sees the ball soaring into the left-field bleachers, thinking "ok, NEXT time I'll hit it the other way..."

2. Perhaps he briefly tried going the other way, but had a bad AB or two (I don't recall one where that looked like his approach, but I dunno...) and got discouraged, thinking "if I just stick with my strength, eventually I'll pull out of this funk..."

3. Due to pressure he's putting on himself, or dreams of postseason HR glory, or whatever, he really just has decided to keep trying to hit every pitch out of the ballpark, screw going the other way, screw being selective.

4. _______________.

I honestly don't get it. George has shown that he's smarter than this. He's gotten into funks since he became a more complete hitter, but never this bad, and never for this long. It's a bummer because this team needs to feed off of his positive energy and his positive at-bats.

460

Talk Zone / Re: Cora

« on: October 23, 2017, 03:23:59 pm »

Beneficiary of a great season - new Boston manager.

Or, perhaps he’s the beneficiary of being highly qualified.

461

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALCS Game 7. Enough will be enough.

« on: October 21, 2017, 11:08:49 pm »

Oh shit, I think JOsh Reddick was just doing the CongerBot! In his speedo, of course.

462

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALCS Game 7. Enough will be enough.

« on: October 21, 2017, 10:13:20 pm »

LET'S GO, LANCE!

463

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALCS Game 7. Enough will be enough.

« on: October 21, 2017, 10:08:23 pm »

Lance probably gets the ninth.   He is absolutely nails right now.

I really really hope so. Hinch is very loyal to Giles though...

464

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALCS Game 7. Enough will be enough.

« on: October 21, 2017, 07:09:09 pm »

Didn't we chase Sabathia from a game after one inning a few years back?

In his career, Sabathia has coughed up 6 homers and 3 doubles in just 3 games vs. the Astros, with an .807 OPS. That only includes regular season but fuck it.

Also, in his career he has a 5.09 ERA in the ALCS with a 1.67 WHIP (in 46 IP). Better in other postseason series but again, fuck it. I got my proof.

465

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS Game 7

« on: October 21, 2017, 06:58:13 pm »

Me too.

Me tres.

466

Talk Zone / Re: Colin McHugh

« on: October 21, 2017, 05:59:03 pm »

Mark it down, Reddick will reach 3 times on catcher’s interference tonight.

Or at least get one hit. I’m not sure which.

467

Talk Zone / Re: SI article analyzing the trade

« on: October 21, 2017, 05:50:19 pm »

9-0 with 5 wins in the post season > Randy Johnson 10-1. I never thought I’d say a mid-season acquisition would top Johnson. We’re there, ladies and gents.

5 wins in the regular season. And I absolutely agree.

468

Talk Zone / Re: SI article analyzing the trade

« on: October 20, 2017, 10:38:06 pm »

Franklin Perez could win the 2019 Cy Young and this trade will have been totally worth it.

469

Talk Zone / Re: Gameday Special - Charlotte edition

« on: October 20, 2017, 11:15:42 am »

on the off chance there are any other lurkers on this board based in Charlotte, i just wanted to share the info that the recently opened Tipsy Burro on 7th sells Frito Pie.   Say hi to the big hairy guy at the bar wearing business casual and Astros socks.  Lets go boys.

I’m in Durham, although my sister’s in Charlotte. She’s not a baseball fan, however.

470

Talk Zone / Re: Enrique Hernandez is having a game

« on: October 20, 2017, 09:20:13 am »

It was Hernandez.

That’s disappointing. It seemed to me like the Astros stuck with him for 4 years while he was putting up pretty crummy numbers in the minors - until a breakthrough his final year. The Marlins, on the other hand, gave up on him very quickly after he didn’t hit for them.

471

Talk Zone / Re: Enrique Hernandez is having a game

« on: October 20, 2017, 07:29:39 am »

Do you remember what his gripes were?

Yeah, I don’t remember that at all.

472

Talk Zone / Enrique Hernandez is having a game

« on: October 19, 2017, 08:11:32 pm »

Solo HR and a Grand Slam as the LADodgers take a 7-0 lead in the 3rd inning over the Cubs.

473

Talk Zone / Re: Game 6

« on: October 19, 2017, 04:09:06 pm »

your memory/guesswork is awesome, but it doesn't have to be--look up a couple of posts.

Huh. I somehow missed a few newer posts. I did have Bagwell and Berkman swapped. Surprised Chavez got a start.

474

Talk Zone / Re: Game 6

« on: October 19, 2017, 03:59:10 pm »

I didn't remember him batting 2nd. Between Biggio and Bagwell I suppose.

I'm almost certain. Without looking it up, my guess would be:
Biggio LF
Beltran CF
Berkman RF
Bagwell 1B
Kent 2B
Ensberg/Lamb 3B
Vizcaino SS (AE injured)
Ausmus C
(pitcher) P

475

Talk Zone / Re: World Series tickets

« on: October 19, 2017, 03:54:12 pm »

you register online at astros.com

Thanks. Gonna register now so I can be sure to get tickets if they make it to the Universal Series.

476

Talk Zone / Re: Game 6

« on: October 19, 2017, 02:09:23 pm »

I think they should start Beltran in CF, batting 2nd, so he'll get confused and play like it's the '04 LCS.

477

Talk Zone / Re: World Series tickets

« on: October 19, 2017, 02:06:22 pm »

This was the lottery at 11a. General public was at 12p.

So, what gets one into the presale lottery? Having bought tickets in the last ____years?

478

Talk Zone / Re: World Series tickets

« on: October 19, 2017, 12:11:20 pm »

I got past the virtual waiting room but now I'm not having any luck trying for even 1 ticket at "Best Available." Are they fucking sold out alreaey?

479

Talk Zone / Re: World Series tickets

« on: October 19, 2017, 11:54:54 am »

Wish I'd had a "code". Just hoping there's something left at 12 CT for us regular folks.

480

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALCS Game 4: Astros @ Yankees, Oct 17, 2017

« on: October 17, 2017, 06:58:31 pm »

WE ARE HAVING FRITO PIES WITH HOMEMADE CHILI AND THEY ARE GORGEOUS.

481

Talk Zone / Re: Tonight's Game (Tues)

« on: October 17, 2017, 02:11:44 pm »

I will use all of the powers granted to me to do so.

If I still lived in NY, I would likely be going. Alas.

482

Talk Zone / Re: McCullers

« on: October 17, 2017, 02:09:58 pm »

Where has Musgrove gone?

Oh yeah! I forgot about Musgrove. He gave up that Pesky Pole HR in Boston, but otherwise has been more reliable than Devo the last month or two.

483

Talk Zone / Re: McCullers

« on: October 17, 2017, 01:59:28 pm »

McCullers 3, Peacock 4, Devo/Giles 2?

484

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALCS Game 2: Yankees @ Astros Oct 14, 2017

« on: October 16, 2017, 01:58:53 pm »

That his batting average in September doesn't tell the whole story.

Of course it doesn't, but .363 is a fantastic batting average, and in this case, it's a good snapshot - Marwin batted .363/.440/.575 in September with 17 RBI in 23 games, which is fantastic.

August was the month where he did poorly - .221/.272/.347.

485

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALCS Game 2: Yankees @ Astros Oct 14, 2017

« on: October 16, 2017, 12:40:53 pm »

Raw numbers such as batting average don't tell everything.  Some people get that, others never will.

What's your point?

486

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALCS Game 2: Yankees @ Astros Oct 14, 2017

« on: October 16, 2017, 11:33:53 am »

The same Marwin who hit .360 in September?

This got me curious. In the 2nd half, Marwin hit .299/.363/.485 with 37 RBI in 63 games. Not nearly as great as his 1st half, but still very good.

He was terrible in August - as was most of the team - with a .619 OPS, though he still managed 12 RBI in 25 games. September was his 2nd-best month of the year as he had a 1.015 OPS.

He has looked absolutely lost and over-anxious in October, swinging at crap and not doing a good job of recognizing breaking stuff. Here's hoping he can turn it around.

487

Talk Zone / Re: Which 25?

« on: October 15, 2017, 03:18:15 pm »

It's not playoffs, it's post-season.

Theirs no hyphen in postseason.

488

Talk Zone / Re: Verducci

« on: October 15, 2017, 02:17:04 pm »

That was very interesting and well written.  Thanks Coach.

I love how he traced the high-velo batting training back to Barry Bonds. Without a doubt, that asshole knew what he was doing in the batters' box.

489

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran

« on: October 13, 2017, 01:55:51 pm »

Without doing any research, I would bet that there has been a reduction in superstars going into coaching since free agency. However, and while you could put asterisks by their names, Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire were and are coaches and are examples of post-free agency players who stayed in uniform. .

Ryne Sandberg, Paul Molitor to name a couple Hall of Famers. Trammell, who should be a HoFer.

The tricky part is guys who have young kids still. February through October is a long time to be away from your family at least 1/2 the time. Probably feels harder to justify it when you're a coach, not a player. I don't know what Beltran's kid situation is.

490

Talk Zone / Re: Happy Playoffs!

« on: October 13, 2017, 01:49:53 pm »

I didn't read it, sounds like I don't need to read it.

I read it. It was good. Things change and people change; I'm OK with StrosRays just not feeling the same passion that he once felt for the team. You can't just make yourself feel it again; it either will happen or it won't.

491

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran

« on: October 12, 2017, 08:47:28 pm »

I just can't imagine why Beltran would want to coach. He has made a shitpile of money playing and you really don't see superstar types hanging around in uniform once they quit playing. He may go be Governor of Puerto Rico or something.

Maybe he really likes wearing a baseball uniform and being in a dugout.

It would be atypical, granted. Especially to transition right away from playing to coaching.

492

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran

« on: October 12, 2017, 06:17:34 pm »

I’m listening to Hinch’s ALCS press conference from earlier today, and he heaped a lot of very genuine-sounding praise on Beltrán and his leadership, intelligence, and stature among his teammates. An interesting thought occurred to me: if Alex Cora, as expected, gets a managing gig somewhere, and Beltrán, I’m assuming, retires as a player... I wonder if they’d make him the new bench coach.

493

Talk Zone / Re: Yankee Gorveling...

« on: October 12, 2017, 05:11:41 pm »

"Let me write an article that shows the Astros are better in nearly every way. Then pick the Yankees, because they are a fun team and why not?"

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I thought that too, but it’s not a crazy prediction by any means. Their bullpen alone is a pretty understandable reason to pick the Yankees.

494

Talk Zone / Re: Indians or Yankees?

« on: October 12, 2017, 01:42:22 pm »

I felt even better about the team after game 4 than games 1 or 2.

I kinda did too. We all have seen how this offense can absolutely mash when they get rolling like, well, a big fucking freight train. But we've also seen them get tight, and all struggle with the bats at once. From Game 3, inning 2 on it kinda felt like they were reverting to that, but to get up off the mat and mount that classic late-game rally in Game 4, against 2 of the best pitchers, hands down, in the entire world, well... that tells you anything is possible.

495

Talk Zone / Re: Sale

« on: October 11, 2017, 05:27:07 pm »

He had a pretty bad shoulder injury late in 2005.

496

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 11:52:45 am »

Looks like there's a good chance we get a rain delay...which team does that favor?  Our logical long man to throw out there after a rain delay would be who?  Martes/Fiers?

Neither Martes nor Fiers are on the roster. There is no logical long man for the Astros today. McHugh isn’t on the roster either, I’m sure McCullers isn’t available... probably just piece it together with Musgrove, Harris etc. Maybe Verlander, depending.

497

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 11:33:39 am »

Another casualty of this horrendous tropical storm season; I fear my plans to sit glued to the TV today at 1pm EST will be ruined by the remnants of Hurricane Nate...

Apparently MLB believes they can start on time and play a couple hours before the rain forces a delay. What do you think?

498

Talk Zone / Re: Indians

« on: October 07, 2017, 01:19:41 pm »

I did not see the game but one silver lining takeaway is Kluber may be human.

499

Talk Zone / Re: Streaming the postseason

« on: October 04, 2017, 04:51:55 pm »

Hulu live also has FS1.  That is what I will probably do a free 7 day with

they have FS1 and MLBN?

500

Talk Zone / Re: McCullers

« on: October 03, 2017, 03:35:37 pm »

With you and Chuck? I dunno about that; I read a lot of what gets posted here and in the GZ. Do I have 100% of the story? Probably not, but I do know that, in between a lot of great, insightful stuff that you post here, there's a lot of condescending, mostly unnecessary chaff too, with Chuck and others. Maybe a lot of people come here especially for that, but I don't.

It's funny about the thing with McCullers. I think it's absolutely possible that you're right, that he's a selfish brat who cares way more about himself than the team. But, no one here actually has anything close to proof of that. He might, as someone suggested, just be trying to be honest with the team and not hide an injury before it gets worse, a la Keuchel last year.

McCullers is an Astro. I prefer to assume the best about an Astro until proven otherwise. Now if you want to jump to all kinds of conclusions about what kind of pedophile, racist sexist sadist scumbag Rougned Odor is? Be my guest. I hate that Ranger fuck.