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		General Discussion => Talk Zone => Topic started by: JimR on April 29, 2015, 09:55:40 am
		
			
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				with The Great Jed Lowrie out for quite some time, I wonder if there is a debate going on in the front office about bringing Correa up now.
			
 
			
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				According to Astros.com, Luhnow likes the idea of Correa facing the pitchers in the 8-team Texas League multiple times, so they can make adjustments to him and he can adjust to those adjustments. Luhnow resistant to the idea for now. 
http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/121141388/jed-lowrie-injury-wont-speed-astros-prospect-carlos-correa-ascent
			 
			
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				you can leave fruit on the vine till it gets overipe the  its no good for anyone
			
 
			
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According to Astros.com, Luhnow likes the idea of Correa facing the pitchers in the 8-team Texas League multiple times, so they can make adjustments to him and he can adjust to those adjustments. Luhnow resistant to the idea for now. 
http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/121141388/jed-lowrie-injury-wont-speed-astros-prospect-carlos-correa-ascent
not 100% convincing.
			 
			
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you can leave fruit on the vine till it gets overipe the  its no good for anyone
I don't think anyone has "over-ripened" after 1 full season in the minors.
I would love to see Carlos up here, but I'd lean towards seeing if the team can make do with Marwin/Villar for at least a couple weeks.
			 
			
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According to Astros.com, Luhnow likes the idea of Correa facing the pitchers in the 8-team Texas League multiple times, so they can make adjustments to him and he can adjust to those adjustments. Luhnow resistant to the idea for now. 
http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/121141388/jed-lowrie-injury-wont-speed-astros-prospect-carlos-correa-ascent
As long as he doesn't start getting the Barry Bonds treatment, it makes sense.  
			 
			
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				My assumption is: of course they are considering it, but will temporarily try to the Villar/Gonzales option to bide some time.  If that works, great; otherwise, contemplate Correa more seriously.
I'd also be surprised if their internal conversations revolve around service time, accelerating free agency, etc, and instead revolve around "how pressing is the need" and "will this hamper his long term development."  I really think Crane wants to win, and if that means Correa will cost more sooner, then so be it.  
			 
			
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I don't think anyone has "over-ripened" after 1 full season in the minors.
I would love to see Carlos up here, but I'd lean towards seeing if the team can make do with Marwin/Villar for at least a couple weeks.
I'm of the opinion don't bring him up until he is going stay for good.
			 
			
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with The Great Jed Lowrie out for quite some time, I wonder if there is a debate going on in the front office about bringing Correa up now.
I'd be shocked if there wasn't.  He's killing AA, and AAA wouldn't seem to offer much for him.
			 
			
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I'm of the opinion don't bring him up until he is going stay for good.
one never knows that.
			 
			
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I'd be shocked if there wasn't.  He's killing AA, and AAA wouldn't seem to offer much for him.
Geez, a 1.200 OPS isn't exactly killing it.  What?  Oh.
			 
			
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				I'm a bigger Marwin fan than most.  I think he's a better shortstop than Lowrie and his bat has been pretty damn decent since last year.  If Luhnow wants to keep Correa down a while longer it won't hurt my feelings.
OTOH, it would be pretty awesome to see him called up.
			 
			
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I'm a bigger Marwin fan than most.  I think he's a better shortstop than Lowrie and his bat has been pretty damn decent since last year.  If Luhnow wants to keep Correa down a while longer it won't hurt my feelings.
OTOH, it would be pretty awesome to see him called up.
I agree with BG that he should not be a mere place holder, then sent back down.
			 
			
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I agree with BG that he should not be a mere place holder, then sent back down.
Jim, I'm interested in your opinion. Do you think AAA is that important to his development? I would think so but others have skipped it and done fine. 
			 
			
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Jim, I'm interested in your opinion. Do you think AAA is that important to his development? I would think so but others have skipped it and done fine.
ideally, yes. lots of veteran pitchers and breaking balls. some players may not, however, and I wonder if he is one.
			 
			
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				He hasn't needed an adjustment period yet at any stop.  I'd say he's about as good of candidate to make the jump as anyone is.  He's leading the Texas League in almost every single hitting category.  Regardless of what they decide, he probably doesn't need to stay in AA much longer because he's not being challenged right now.
			
 
			
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He hasn't needed an adjustment period yet at any stop.  I'd say he's about as good of candidate to make the jump as anyone is.  He's leading the Texas League in almost every single hitting category.  Regardless of what they decide, he probably doesn't need to stay in AA much longer because he's not being challenged right now.
I do not disagree, but it is a tough call.
			 
			
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				I think if you bring him up, you'll have an extra starter when Lowrie comes back. You can trade Valbuena and have Lowrie play third, or you can trade Carter or Gattis and have him DH/1B. Or trade an outfielder and have Gattis play LF. 
			
 
			
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				I think next year, Correa is the starting SS and Lowrie is playing 3rd.  Lowrie is signed thru 2017, so unless they dealt him, he is gonna play.  3rd seems as good as spot as any for Jed.
			
 
			
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I think next year, Correa is the starting SS and Lowrie is playing 3rd.  Lowrie is signed thru 2017, so unless they dealt him, he is gonna play.  3rd seems as good as spot as any for Jed.
I agree with you, except that I'd think whoever is more productive between Lowrie and Valbuena will be kept.  Both have good upside.  The only advantage I see to Lowrie is his longer term contract.  
			 
			
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I agree with you, except that I'd think whoever is more productive between Lowrie and Valbuena will be kept.  Both have good upside.  The only advantage I see to Lowrie is his longer term contract. 
I think Lowrie brings a veteran's leadership that is a positive and the expiration of his deal should coincide pretty well with the development of Moran. 
			 
			
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				I like Valbuena too. let's worry about next year later.
			
 
			
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				in altuves bio pic he seemed to have affinity for lowrie
			
 
			
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I think next year, Correa is the starting SS and Lowrie is playing 3rd.  Lowrie is signed thru 2017, so unless they dealt him, he is gonna play.  3rd seems as good as spot as any for Jed.
Lowrie has a front loaded contract (same as Feldman)
2015 - 8 million
2016 - 7.5 million
2017 - 6.5 million
2018 - 6 million (club option with 1 million buyout)
Valbuena makes 4.2 million this year, arbitration next year then free agency.
			 
			
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				As long as they're winning I can't imagine him being brought up.
			
 
			
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As long as they're winning I can't imagine him being brought up.
probably right
			 
			
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				i think pence was brought up as a diversion
			
 
			
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				i suspect he would come up and do fine.  Would like to see him get another 100 at bats or so in the minors and then get up here.
			
 
			
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				After Luhnow says "“There’s a good chance we’ll get him up (to Class AAA) this month”, Drellich has it all planned out (http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/05/05/carlos-correa-mark-appel-could-fill-astros-holes-but-one-is-closer-to-majors/#31998101=0):
Super Two player cutoffs move year to year, but if a player can miss the first 60 days of service time in a season, teams are expected to be safe come three seasons from now, when a player would become eligible for arbitration a year early if he is indeed Super Two eligible. If Correa, for example, spends about one month at Class AA — say, another week or so — and then another month at Class AAA or even a bit less, the timing could work perfectly for the Astros to have him avoid Super Two. 
			 
			
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After Luhnow says "“There’s a good chance we’ll get him up (to Class AAA) this month”, Drellich has it all planned out (http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/05/05/carlos-correa-mark-appel-could-fill-astros-holes-but-one-is-closer-to-majors/#31998101=0):
Fuck that troll.
			 
			
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				Speculation is growing that Correa is moving up to AAA soon. (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150506&content_id=122645240&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb&partnerId=ed-9190243-797778223) Doesn't look like the kid has much more to learn at AA right now. Not according to Dave Ronson.
			
 
			
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Speculation is growing that Correa is moving up to AAA soon. (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150506&content_id=122645240&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb&partnerId=ed-9190243-797778223) Doesn't look like the kid has much more to learn at AA right now. Not according to Dave Ronson.
The other guy that deserves a promotion is Chris Devenski.  Something clicked for him last year, and this year he's nearly unhittable.
			 
			
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The other guy that deserves a promotion is Chris Devenski.  Something clicked for him last year, and this year he's nearly unhittable.
Devenski's cumulative line for the year;    23/10/0/0/9/22.  WHIP = 0.81. 
McCullers has been dominant too.            20/12/3/2/8/28    WHIP= 1.00
			 
			
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				I'd say get Correa 100 ABs in AAA and then bring him up.
			
 
			
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				Jon heyman tweeted that he heard Correa could be in major in a few/couple of weeks 
			
 
			
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Jon heyman tweeted that he heard Correa could be in major in a few/couple of weeks
Heyman is typically full of shit. 
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Heyman is typically full of shit. 
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Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and again 
			 
			
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Jon heyman tweeted that he heard Correa could be in major in a few/couple of weeks 
According to McTaggert tweet, Luhnow said on the radio today Correa to AAA in 1-2 weeks.
			 
			
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According to McTaggert tweet, Luhnow said on the radio today Correa to AAA in 1-2 weeks.
Hear it straight from the Luhnow's mouth. (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2015_05_02_seamlb_houmlb_1&mode=box#gid=2015_05_02_seamlb_houmlb_1&mode=video) (Go to Video and find Luhnow's interview from Saturday)
			 
			
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Hear it straight from the Luhnow's mouth. (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2015_05_02_seamlb_houmlb_1&mode=box#gid=2015_05_02_seamlb_houmlb_1&mode=video) (Go to Video and find Luhnow's interview from Saturday)
luhnow interview (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2015_05_02_seamlb_houmlb_1&mode=video&content_id=98726483&tcid=vpp_copy_98726483)
			 
			
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luhnow interview (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2015_05_02_seamlb_houmlb_1&mode=video&content_id=98726483&tcid=vpp_copy_98726483)
Well, sure, if you want to do their work for them.
			 
			
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Well, sure, if you want to do their work for them.
I went looking for it so I shared it.  They still have to listen for it.   Thank you for sharing the interview though.
			 
			
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Heyman is typically full of shit. 
Oh c'mon, he never makes mistakes.
From his "Inside Baseball" column posted this afternoon (http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/25177627/inside-baseball-trade-possibilities-for-likely-seller-brewers-plus-more-mlb-news):
My pick of the Astros for last place was not a good one. They are 18-9, and in fact the only AL West team with a winning record.
Carlos Correa, perhaps MLB's best prospect, was just promoted to Triple-A after tearing up up at Double-A, and some are suggesting he could be in the bigs within two or three weeks, assuming all goes well.
			 
			
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				A double and a homer so far tonight.
			
 
			
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				Another stolen base also. 14/14.  Is he supposed to be that great of a baserunner?
			
 
			
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Another stolen base also. 14/14.  Is he supposed to be that great of a baserunner?
Not a burner but instincts are very, very good. 
			 
			
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Another stolen base also. 14/14.  Is he supposed to be that great of a baserunner?
From what I've read, he seems like Bagwell - not so much speedy as tremendously aware on the bases. 
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				Interesting. That made me look up Bagwell's minor league stats (not that he was there long) and oddly enough he only had 6 steals and was caught 8 times according to b-r. :o
			
 
			
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				this was probably before bagwells beard. they seem to improve all baseball stats
			
 
			
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Interesting. That made me look up Bagwell's minor league stats (not that he was there long) and oddly enough he only had 6 steals and was caught 8 times according to b-r. :o
A lot about Bagwell was late blooming.  Likely the only reason he wasn't a Red Sox.
About the closest player I can think to compare Correa to is Griffey Jr.   (And Junior had all of 68 at bats at AA making his major league debut at 19).  Seriously don't see any reason why they are holding Correa back at this point.  Just call him up and get it started already.
			 
			
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				He's leading the Texas League in every offensive category except triples.
			
 
			
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He's leading the Texas League in every offensive category except triples.
slacker
			 
			
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Oh c'mon, he never makes mistakes.
From his "Inside Baseball" column posted this afternoon (http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/25177627/inside-baseball-trade-possibilities-for-likely-seller-brewers-plus-more-mlb-news):
Has anybody confirmed that Correa's been promoted? 
			 
			
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Has anybody confirmed that Correa's been promoted?
As far as any reported source other than Heyman, it hasn't happened.  Luhnow said earlier this week that Correa will probably be promoted to AAA "this month."
			 
			
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He's leading the Texas League in every offensive category except triples.
"That's because he purposely wants to capture the doubles record for a season and he stops at second all the time!" - Craig Biggio
			 
			
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As far as any reported source other than Heyman, it hasn't happened.  Luhnow said earlier this week that Correa will probably be promoted to AAA "this month."
Hope it doesn't happen until after next weekend so I can catch him in Frisco.
			 
			
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slacker
Lollygagger
			 
			
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				throws bats on floor
			
 
			
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				He's not in the lineup today.  Hopefully because he's on the way to wherever Fresno is playing.
			
 
			
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He's not in the lineup today.  Hopefully because he's on the way to wherever Fresno is playing.
He's played for 16 consecutive days including a double header on the first of those 16 games.  Now a morning game after a night game.  Could just be a day off.
			 
			
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				I'm guessing it was just an off day if we still haven't heard anything about a promotion.
			
 
			
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				McTaggart just tweeted Correa has been promoted to Fresno. 
			
 
			
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McTaggart just tweeted Correa has been promoted to Fresno.
According to the Astros twitter account, he'll join the Grizzlies for the game tomorrow in Albuquerque.
			 
			
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				according to Drellich he is promoted (https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/597840469314433029)
			
 
			
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				Can someone explain in simple terms a physicist can understand what this Super 2 timing stuff is about? 
			
 
			
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Can someone explain in simple terms a physicist can understand what this Super 2 timing stuff is about?
Certain number of players end up being arbitration eligible a year early by their total service time alone (regardless of quality once they are there)
The exact terms:
● If they have less than three years of service time, but more than two.
● If they rank within the top 22% of all 2-year players in terms of service time.
			 
			
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				So if they delay Correa some more, then he won't have enough service time to be in that top 22%?
			
 
			
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				Right, they have to wait until enough other guys get called up this season so that he's outside of that top 22% of service time accrued. 
			
 
			
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So if they delay Correa some more, then he won't have enough service time to be in that top 22%?
Yes.  Just a money savings.  Same number of years of control.  
The silly 11 days in April thing is for an extra year of control
			 
			
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				Ok, thanks.
			
 
			
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Right, they have to wait until enough other guys get called up this season so that he's outside of the top 22% of service time among players brought up to the majors this season.
yeah but then you have to hope they don't get sent back down.
			 
			
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				Right and you have no way of knowing exactly how many guys are going to get promoted this year.  It's just a little bit tricky.  It's really nice to have lots of guys who like crunching numbers in situations like this.
			
 
			
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				Was he at the game today at all?  I find it very hard to believe that he wouldn't be in warm ups or in the dugout and his absence not be noticed.
			
 
			
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				From a pure development perspective (not considering money/contract considerations, the team's position in the standings, the loss of Lowrie and inability of Marwin/Villar to be an average MLB SS) do you think Correa should be in the big leagues?
			
 
			
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Was he at the game today at all?  I find it very hard to believe that he wouldn't be in warm ups or in the dugout and his absence not be noticed.
Article on the Astros.com site now (http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/123728732/astros-promote-top-prospect-correa-to-triple-a)
...was hoping to see him in Frisco this weekend - oh well.
			 
			
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				any news either way
			 
			
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any news either way
Promoted. Fresno. 
			 
			
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Was he at the game today at all?  I find it very hard to believe that he wouldn't be in warm ups or in the dugout and his absence not be noticed.
I was at the game.  Got there late, but I thought I saw him in the dugout.
			 
			
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I was at the game.  Got there late, but I thought I saw him in the dugout.
Hence announcement timing basically after the game.
			 
			
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				If Carter and Gattis continue to struggle into July, I wonder if we see a lineup post AS break with Lowrie at 1B and Correa at SS?  
2B - Altuve
SS - Correa
1B - Lowrie
RF - Springer
3B - Valbuena
CF - Maris
LF - Rasmus
DH - Carter/Gattis/Tucker
C - Castro
That's attractive.
			 
			
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				agreed from your mouth to managements ears
			
 
			
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If Carter and Gattis continue to struggle into July, I wonder if we see a lineup post AS break with Lowrie at 1B and Correa at SS?  
2B - Altuve
SS - Correa
1B - Lowrie
RF - Springer
3B - Valbuena
CF - Maris
LF - Rasmus
DH - Carter/Gattis/Tucker
C - Castro
That's attractive.
It may come down to Valbuena vs. Singleton vs. Carter, in terms of playing time - I've loved Val's defense so far, and the 7 dingers are nice, but he's only hitting .202 himself, and Lowrie is probably as good or better with the glove at 3B. 
Singleton is having a weird season at Fresno - he's murdering RHP (.338/.458/.779), but pathetic vs. LHP (.098/.191/.171). Last year, though, he actually hit lefties better then righties while he was in Houston. I wonder if he made some adjustment with his swing that's causing the huge splits - granted, it's only 41 ABs vs. lefties this year. But if he can remember how to hit the southpaws, or maybe platoon with Carter, there'd be less need for Lowrie to play 1B - and let's face it, he doesn't usually hit like a 1Bman.
I'm assuming Gattis has a longer leash than Carter at this point, based on how long Luhnow was after him.
By the way, I hope that's the '61-era Roger Maris in CF.
			 
			
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				Why is the assumption that Lowrie would be good at 3b?  From what I've seen he has next to no arm. 
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Why is the assumption that Lowrie would be good at 3b?  From what I've seen he has next to no arm. 
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Duh. Because he hit well until the injury. 
			 
			
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Why is the assumption that Lowrie would be good at 3b?  From what I've seen he has next to no arm. 
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If you have the arm for SS you should be able to handle 3rd I would think. 
			 
			
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Why is the assumption that Lowrie would be good at 3b?  From what I've seen he has next to no arm.
With the team's exaggerated use of the shift he'd be playing shortstop most of the time anyway.
			 
			
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With the team's exaggerated use of the shift he'd be playing shortstop most of the time anyway.
Good point. 
			 
			
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				Actually, I thought the throw from shortstop to first was usually about the same as the throw from 3rd to 1st.
			
 
			
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Actually, I thought the throw from shortstop to first was usually about the same as the throw from 3rd to 1st.
need a stronger arm at SS because of going in the hole. a strong chest is more important at 3B than a strong arm.
			 
			
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				I dont get the fascination with Lowrie. He's a handy guy to have around, but he's really a utility player. He should not really be a consideration of anything.  
			
 
			
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				I think the fascination is that he had been hitting the ball consistently prior to his injury.  Not a lot of the other players in the line-up can say the same.
			
 
			
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I think the fascination is that he had been hitting the ball consistently prior to his injury.  Not a lot of the other players in the line-up can say the same.
I bet most of the guys would say that Lowrie had been hitting the ball.
			 
			
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				what was working when lowrie and springer were in the line up  mojo hope it comes back
			
 
			
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need a stronger arm at SS because of going in the hole. a strong chest is more important at 3B than a strong arm.
Is a strong chest a euphemism for being too dull-witted to duck the ball?
			 
			
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I dont get the fascination with Lowrie. He's a handy guy to have around, but he's really a utility player. He should not really be a consideration of anything. 
I am not fascinated with him, but I think he is a really good player.
			 
			
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Is a strong chest a euphemism for being too dull-witted to duck the ball?
no.
			 
			
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I am not fascinated with him, but I think he is a really good player.
I like Lowrie; he impresses me as being a tough out who battles every st-bat. I respect that.
			 
			
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I dont get the fascination with Lowrie. He's a handy guy to have around, but he's really a utility player. He should not really be a consideration of anything. 
I thought the fascination with him is that he hits better than the other shortstop and third base options.
			 
			
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I bet most of the guys would say that Lowrie had been hitting the ball.
You said it.
			 
			
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I thought the fascination with him is that he hits better than the other shortstop and third base options.
bingo
			 
			
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				He is providing veteran leadership on this team and that is best done from the field rather than the dugout. 
			
 
			
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need a stronger arm at SS because of going in the hole. a strong chest is more important at 3B than a strong arm.
So I've been mulling this all day, trying to figure out the strong chest.  Is that for upper body strength?  For batting?  I always think of the perfect third baseman as a bigger guy than the SS or 2B, with good reflexes and some power but maybe not so much speed.  
Or do you mean for the ball to bounce off of when it takes a bad hop?
			 
			
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So I've been mulling this all day, trying to figure out the strong chest.  Is that for upper body strength?  For batting?  I always think of the perfect third baseman as a bigger guy than the SS or 2B, with good reflexes and some power but maybe not so much speed.  
Or do you mean for the ball to bounce off of when it takes a bad hop?
I believe the latter. 
			 
			
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I am not fascinated with him, but I think he is a really good player.
I thing he's a good player too, but I don't get the talk as if he's somehow a lynchpin, or that they have to find a spot for him, or that he should be displacing anyone other than Jonathon Villar.
			 
			
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I thought the fascination with him is that he hits better than the other shortstop and third base options.
He's Marwin Gonzalez with a more pop and less speed. 
			 
			
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I thing he's a good player too, but I don't get the talk as if he's somehow a lynchpin, or that they have to find a spot for him, or that he should be displacing anyone other than Jonathon Villar.
You don't think he should displace, say, Valbuena, if Val is still hitting .202 whenever Lowrie comes back? 
			 
			
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He's Marwin Gonzalez with a more pop and less speed.
Lowrie is an all around better hitter than marwin 
			 
			
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You don't think he should displace, say, Valbuena, if Val is still hitting .202 whenever Lowrie comes back?
No.  If Valbuena is still hitting .200 when Lowrie returns, they have much bigger problems. 
			 
			
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No.  If Valbuena is still hitting .200 when Lowrie returns, they have much bigger problems.
Well that makes perfect sense.
			 
			
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No.  If Valbuena is still hitting .200 when Lowrie returns, they have much bigger problems.
And lowrie could be a solution to that problem, no? What would you do with lowrie when he returns, assuming correa is up? Lowrie is a great super utility guy but Altuve doesn't take days off, your not gonna take ABs away from correa and apparently you don't want him at 3rd. He's not gonna DH and won't be at 1st full time. He's a good hitter and is one of if not the highest paid player on the team, he's gonna have a spot. 
			 
			
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And lowrie could be a solution to that problem, no? What would you do with lowrie when he returns, assuming correa is up? Lowrie is a great super utility guy but Altuve doesn't take days off, your not gonna take ABs away from correa and apparently you don't want him at 3rd. He's not gonna DH and won't be at 1st full time. He's a good hitter and is one of if not the highest paid player on the team, he's gonna have a spot.
If you bring up Correa, Lowrie is simply another utility guy.  He's a placeholder for Correa.  That's it.  That's all he's ever been. He should not be taking at bats from anyone you see as part of your future.   
			 
			
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If you bring up Correa, Lowrie is simply another utility guy.  He's a placeholder for Correa.  That's it.  That's all he's ever been. He should not be taking at bats from anyone you see as part of your future. 
So valbuena is apart of the future? Putting lowrie at 3rd is taking valbuenas ABs. Lowrie is signed for the next 3 years, so he is apart of the future for the next 3 years anyway. If Moran was ready to take his spot at 3rd I'd agree, lowrie would probably be a utility guy but at this point he is not.
 
ETA - you don't sign a guy to a 3 year deal for him to be a placeholder for a player who is at most a year away. 
			 
			
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So valbuena is apart of the future? Putting lowrie at 3rd is taking valbuenas ABs. Lowrie is signed for the next 3 years, so he is apart of the future for the next 3 years anyway. If Moran was ready to take his spot at 3rd I'd agree, lowrie would probably be a utility guy but at this point he is not.
 
ETA - you don't sign a guy to a 3 year deal for him to be a placeholder for a player who is at most a year away.
Lowrie is a utility guy. If you see him as the grease in the wheel, fine. I don't. 
			 
			
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				I don't really care one way or the other but the last two years Lowrie was Oakland's everyday shortstop. And given the relatively rich contract the Astros gave him I doubt they see him as a utility player.
			
 
			
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I don't really care one way or the other but the last two years Lowrie was Oakland's everyday shortstop. And given the relatively rich contract the Astros gave him I doubt they see him as a utility player.
They very well could see him that way. He provides a lot of roster flexibility, and he's pretty tradeable if they decide to go the Fowler route with him (frontloaded contract).
Rasmus is making 8 mil to be a part timer, so it seems like they're okay with paying for versatile depth.
			 
			
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They very well could see him that way. He provides a lot of roster flexibility, and he's pretty tradeable if they decide to go the Fowler route with him (frontloaded contract).
Rasmus is making 8 mil to be a part timer, so it seems like they're okay with paying for versatile depth.
Utility player = bench player. 
Rasmus = lefty platoon bat who plays 70+% of the time - not a bench player. 
It's possible they view Lowrie as a Zobrist or Tony Phillips-type "super-utility" player, maybe. But I really doubt they view him as a bench player, a la Marwin Gonzalez. 
			 
			
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I don't really care one way or the other but the last two years Lowrie was Oakland's everyday shortstop. And given the relatively rich contract the Astros gave him I doubt they see him as a utility player.
totally agree. he has been an everyday player to now. not sure where HH is coming from.
			 
			
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totally agree. he has been an everyday player to now. not sure where HH is coming from.
The ranch?
			 
			
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				the one in la grange?
			
 
			
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totally agree. he has been an everyday player to now. not sure where HH is coming from.
Sure he's been an everyday player. I just think his hot start is an anomaly, and he'll come back to being a .250-.260 hitter with a little power.  He's a solid glove but not spectacular.  Over the long haul, I don't think he's meaningfully better than Marwin, and actually provides less flexibility. 
Then again, I probably like Marwin more than most folks.  
			 
			
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				Interesting take.  To me, Marwin looks really good in spot starts or coming off the bench to pinch hit.  So good, I think "why doesn't he play regularly."  Once he starts playing regularly, his limitations emerge and I change back to "He's damn good coming off the bench."
			
 
			
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				And Rosenthal joins in the "Promote Now" drumbeat (http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/houston-astros-carlos-correa-shortstop-promotion-ken-rosenthal-051315).
			
 
			
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And Rosenthal joins in the "Promote Now" drumbeat (http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/houston-astros-carlos-correa-shortstop-promotion-ken-rosenthal-051315).
Wonder if he's noticed the last 10 days?  If so, he's being sheepish about talking about it.  Correa of course will be fine, but sometimes it's good to get some seasoning.  The guy is 20.
			 
			
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				Now 4-33 over last 9 games.
			
 
			
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Now 4-33 over last 9 games.
Taking a little time to adjust to the junk ballers.
			 
			
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				A good sign is that he's not striking out much even though he's slumping.
			
 
			
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				pulled from game yesterday no reason?
			
 
			
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pulled from game yesterday no reason?
There was a reason, but as there's been no announcement about a promotion it probably has to do with last night's game.  From the Grizzlies recap:
"Down 3-0 heading to the top of the sixth, Carlos Correa attempted to lead a rally with a leadoff triple. However, Scott Baker induced a fly out from Alex Presley and then Correa missed home plate on his attempt to score and was tagged out on his way back to touch the plate."
He played defense in the bottom of the 6th but was pulled for the bottom of the 7th.
			 
			
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There was a reason, but as there's been no announcement about a promotion it probably has to do with last night's game.  From the Grizzlies recap:
"Down 3-0 heading to the top of the sixth, Carlos Correa attempted to lead a rally with a leadoff triple. However, Scott Baker induced a fly out from Alex Presley and then Correa missed home plate on his attempt to score and was tagged out on his way back to touch the plate."
He played defense in the bottom of the 6th but was pulled for the bottom of the 7th.
The bonehead penalty?
			 
			
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The bonehead penalty?
Or a nick when trying to get back to the plate that didn't bother him until after he went to his position for the 6th.
			 
			
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Or a nick when trying to get back to the plate that didn't bother him until after he went to his position for the 6th.
This is far more likely the reason.  You don't penalize your top prospect that way, as if he somehow cost you something.  It's not about winning at AAA.
			 
			
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This is far more likely the reason.  You don't penalize your top prospect that way, as if he somehow cost you something.  It's not about winning at AAA.
+ a million
			 
			
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This is far more likely the reason.  You don't penalize your top prospect that way, as if he somehow cost you something.  It's not about winning at AAA.
Plus, knowing Correa, I highly doubt his miss of home plate was a "boneheaded" play; more likely he was just trying hard to avoid the tag and had a catcher's foot or something prevent him from touching it on the way in.
			 
			
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				In any case, Drellich reports it was a minor injury and they are sitting him today as a precautionary measure,
			
 
			
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In any case, Drellich reports it was a minor injury and they are sitting him today as a precautionary measure,
Sore ankle.
			 
			
			- 
				great detective work mystery solved and learned not to listen to online chatter not directly related to the great orange can
			
 
			
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				Kris Bryant vs Carlos Correa: which one would high-ranking front office executives choose?
Slight majority says Correa, per SI.com poll (http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/06/03/kris-bryant-or-carlos-correa-which-would-you-choose).
			 
			
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Kris Bryant vs Carlos Correa: which one would high-ranking front office executives choose?
Slight majority says Correa, per SI.com poll (http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/06/03/kris-bryant-or-carlos-correa-which-would-you-choose).
How many took Mark Appel?
			 
			
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How many took Mark Appel?
Luhnow. 
			 
			
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Luhnow.
and Huntington
			 
			
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Plus, knowing Correa, I highly doubt his miss of home plate was a "boneheaded" play; more likely he was just trying hard to avoid the tag and had a catcher's foot or something prevent him from touching it on the way in.
This was the case.  I was at this game.  The play at the plate was going to be very close and he tried to slide around the catcher.  I question if he actually missed home plate.  He swung the bat quite well in the game.  No doubt he will be on this team soon.
			 
			
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This was the case.  I was at this game.  The play at the plate was going to be very close and he tried to slide around the catcher.  I question if he actually missed home plate.  He swung the bat quite well in the game.  No doubt he will be on this team soon.
Ow. My brain.
This post makes too much sense.
			 
			
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Ow. My brain.
This post makes too much sense.
I know. Quick, somebody say something foolish!
			 
			
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				never fear underdog is here
			
 
			
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This was the case.  I was at this game.  The play at the plate was going to be very close and he tried to slide around the catcher.  I question if he actually missed home plate.  He swung the bat quite well in the game.  No doubt he will be on this team soon.
U...HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE?!?
			 
			
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				He has been promoted. Will join team in Chicago
			
 
			
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He has been promoted. Will join team in Chicago
Who?
			 
			
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Who?
Correa. Posted this before I saw the dedicated thread 
			 
			
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Correa. Posted this before I saw the dedicated thread
I was just talking nonsense.
			 
			
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I was just talking nonsense.
how can we tell?
			 
			
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how can we tell?
My mouth is open.
			 
			
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He has been promoted. Will join team in Chicago
See:  Cabrera/Braves
			 
			
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				Matt Dominguez designated for assignment to make room. 
			
 
			
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Matt Dominguez designated for assignment to make room.
7 RBI in yesterday's game not enough to keep his spot. 
			 
			
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Matt Dominguez designated for assignment to make room.
I guess we'll find out if anyone really wants Dominguez, as has been alleged.  
			 
			
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				This doesn't clear up the active roster picture.  We have 2 in, 1 out so far on the 25 man.
			
 
			
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This doesn't clear up the active roster picture.  We have 2 in, 1 out so far on the 25 man.
More to come, gumshoe.
			 
			
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This doesn't clear up the active roster picture.  We have 2 in, 1 out so far on the 25 man.
The 25-man decision doesn't need to be done till Wednesday.  What it does clear up is who.  Villar has options, Marwin does not.  Therefore by DFA'ing Dominguez you can assume they are just sending Villar down.  
Edit:
Ummm, maybe I'm wrong with Marwin's options.  Need an attorney to read this one:
Options (http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2006/08/death_taxes_and_1.php)
			 
			
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The 25-man decision doesn't need to be done till Wednesday.  What it does clear up is who.  Villar has options, Marwin does not.  Therefore by DFA'ing Dominguez you can assume they are just sending Villar down. 
I think that you are right.
			 
			
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The 25-man decision doesn't need to be done till Wednesday.  What it does clear up is who.  Villar has options, Marwin does not.  Therefore by DFA'ing Dominguez you can assume they are just sending Villar down.  
Edit:
Ummm, maybe I'm wrong with Marwin's options.  Need an attorney to read this one:
Options (http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2006/08/death_taxes_and_1.php)
Okay now thinking Marwin has options left (http://www.purplerow.com/2014/3/18/5520036/options-baseball-explanation-mlb)
Chart from article (http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2110417/Options_medium.jpg)
			 
			
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The 25-man decision doesn't need to be done till Wednesday.  What it does clear up is who.  Villar has options, Marwin does not.  Therefore by DFA'ing Dominguez you can assume they are just sending Villar down.  
Edit:
Ummm, maybe I'm wrong with Marwin's options.  Need an attorney to read this one:
Options (http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2006/08/death_taxes_and_1.php)
Not an attorney, but I'm pretty sure Marwin has an option left.  He was added to the 40-man in 2012, spent the entire year on the big league roster.  Optioned in 2013, then spent all of last year in the Bigs.  He's only used one option, I believe.  
			 
			
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Not an attorney, but I'm pretty sure Marwin has an option left.  He was added to the 40-man in 2012, spent the entire year on the big league roster.  Optioned in 2013, then spent all of last year in the Bigs.  He's only used one option, I believe. 
Well in that case it still is either of them to be sent down
			 
			
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				In the Marwin vs Villar conversation it will be interesting to see who the club thinks is more versatile. I would keep Marwin without too much debate but I think that a good case for Villar's versatility could be made. Plus, he is certainly more exciting. 
			
 
			
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In the Marwin vs Villar conversation it will be interesting to see who the club thinks is more versatile. I would keep Marwin without too much debate but I think that a good case for Villar's versatility could be made. Plus, he is certainly more exciting.
Marwin is far more predictable and consistent. You know what you have with him. With Villar, you've got a mixed bag and one that is too mixed for my blood. He'll make a brilliant play in one inning and clank a run-of-the-mill grounder the next. And that's to say nothing of his poor decisions on the basepaths.  Marwin is a turtle, but he's got good baseball sense.
			 
			
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In the Marwin vs Villar conversation it will be interesting to see who the club thinks is more versatile. I would keep Marwin without too much debate but I think that a good case for Villar's versatility could be made. Plus, he is certainly more exciting.
No secret I'm a Marwin fan, at least as much as one can be of a utility infielder.  Villar is currently hitting a little better, but I think Marwin is pretty versatile in his own right, and is certainly more reliable/consistent in the field.  
			 
			
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No secret I'm a Marwin fan, at least as much as one can be of a utility infielder.  Villar is currently hitting a little better, but I think Marwin is pretty versatile in his own right, and is certainly more reliable/consistent in the field. 
+1 
			 
			
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				I just think that with Correa filling it at SS pretty much 100% of the time, Marwin's presence may not be needed.  Villar's speed might play more useful late in games along with his bat.  And his ability to play the outfield.  
			 
			
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I just think that with Correa filling it at SS pretty much 100% of the time, Marwin's presence may not be needed.  Villar's speed might play more useful late in games along with his bat.  And his ability to play the outfield. 
This is exactly what I mean. I like Marwin about about as much as Hudson does but my hunch is that the club will value Villar's speed more and live with his boneheadedness. 
			 
			
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I just think that with Correa filling it at SS pretty much 100% of the time, Marwin's presence may not be needed.  Villar's speed might play more useful late in games along with his bat.  And his ability to play the outfield. 
What about Marwin's ability to play 1B, 2B and 3B?  Also, if you can play SS, you can damn well play LF (not that Villar couldn't play 1B either).  Speed is certainly a skill that Villar has over Marwin, and the club may decide that's more valuable, but I don't think you can say one can play more positions than the other, and if were to come down to a utility player, I would go with reliability.  The Astros obviously may feel differently.  I hope not.  I think Marwin is the more useful to have around.
			 
			
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				I wonder how Marwin and  Villar stack up among their team mates. Who is the better guy in the dugout?
			
 
			
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I wonder how Marwin and  Villar stack up among their team mates. Who is the better guy in the dugout?
Villar looks like more of a prankster.  And probably a better dancer.  
			 
			
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Villar looks like more of a prankster.  And probably a better dancer. 
Did anyone see Marwin dancing around the first base bag during the Toronto rally yesterday? He has some dance moves too.
			 
			
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				Speed: Villar
Reliability: Marwin
Dancing: Inconclusive
			 
			
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Did anyone see Marwin dancing around the first base bag during the Toronto rally yesterday? He has some dance moves too.
If you are referring to his trying to dance with a disappearing bag, that play gets my vote as the worst of the year.  I cut him some slack as he is not experienced there, but a first baseman who sets up a foot off the bag to take the throw is at odds with his job.  He's had a bad habit all year on easy outs at first of catching the throw a couple of inches in front of the bag and then stepping on the bag.  That ugly play was an extension of that bad habit, IMO.
			 
			
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Did anyone see Marwin dancing around the first base bag during the Toronto rally yesterday? He has some dance moves too.
Saturday
			 
			
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What about Marwin's ability to play 1B, 2B and 3B?  Also, if you can play SS, you can damn well play LF (not that Villar couldn't play 1B either).  Speed is certainly a skill that Villar has over Marwin, and the club may decide that's more valuable, but I don't think you can say one can play more positions than the other, and if were to come down to a utility player, I would go with reliability.  The Astros obviously may feel differently.  I hope not.  I think Marwin is the more useful to have around.
Marwin has logged OF time in previous years and been more than adequate defensively. He is a much better utility choice except for the lack of speed. 
			 
			
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I just think that with Correa filling it at SS pretty much 100% of the time, Marwin's presence may not be needed.  Villar's speed might play more useful late in games along with his bat.  And his ability to play the outfield. 
I disagree.  Gonzales' versatitility - his ability to play all four IF positions - gives him a distinct advantage.  I have a sneaking suspicion that he can also play LF if needed.
			 
			
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				Villar sent down.
			
 
			
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Villar sent down.
He certainly has the most to learn and improve on by going to AAA and playing every day.
			 
			
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I disagree.  Gonzales' versatitility - his ability to play all four IF positions - gives him a distinct advantage.  I have a sneaking suspicion that he can also play LF if needed.
U FOO!
			 
			
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				one word about correa . damn
			
 
			
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JJ Cooper @jjcoop36
By bWAR: Astros lead the league in SS WAR (1.2). Carlos Correa has 1.0 of that 1.2....in 8 games.
			 
			
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				Jed Lowrie's WAR is 0.9.  So...1.0 + 0.9 + X = 1.2.  Solve for X to get the WAR of Villar and Gonzalez at SS...
			
 
			
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				Most of the AL has negative WAR for SS, which makes me wonder about the stat since its relative to a AAA player. Also, if we had to trade a SS it seems like a good time. 
			
 
			
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				Can watch this one all day (http://m.mlb.com/video/v173651883/must-c-crushed-correa-hits-a-bullet-at-coors-field/?affiliateId=clubMEGAMENU)
Wasn't a mistake pitch.  Man did that get out in a hurry.
			 
			
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Can watch this one all day (http://m.mlb.com/video/v173651883/must-c-crushed-correa-hits-a-bullet-at-coors-field/?affiliateId=clubMEGAMENU)
Wasn't a mistake pitch.  Man did that get out in a hurry.
Sparks was commenting on how people have been pitching him inside. Maybe not such a great idea. 
			 
			
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				How many ML players could have jacked that one, regardless of their position? 
			
 
			
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				Saw MLB channel programming this morning talking about batted ball velocity.  I'll might be bricking the numbers here, but they basically said there are ____ players in MLB that have 10+ batted balls this season with a velocity of 100+MPH.  Miguel Cabrerra  and 3 or 4 other players, including Correa lead MLB with 13 of these 100+MPH batted balls. 
Kid is a beast!
			 
			
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Saw MLB channel programming this morning talking about batted ball velocity.  I'll might be bricking the numbers here, but they basically said there are ____ players in MLB that have 10+ batted balls this season with a velocity of 100+MPH.  Miguel Cabrerra  and 3 or 4 other players, including Correa lead MLB with 13 of these 100+MPH batted balls. 
Kid is a beast!
108 is what I read of this homerun
			 
			
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				A little more on that exit velocity here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/lets-watch-carlos-correa-do-something-amazing/
			
 
			
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A little more on that exit velocity here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/lets-watch-carlos-correa-do-something-amazing/
Really good. Thanks for passing along.
			 
			
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A little more on that exit velocity here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/lets-watch-carlos-correa-do-something-amazing/
Impressive.
In addition to Correa, if things continue as they have for the last week, a combination of Tucker-Springer-Santana in the OF....Correa and Altuve up the middle.  This is just going to be a lot of fun to watch over the next 5-6 years.
			 
			
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				I may have missed it, but what's the plan for Lowrie when he comes back?  I assume his SS days are done.
			
 
			
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				I wonder if they're gonna use him as a utility guy who plays every day.  There are enough streaky bats in the lineup to make it work I think.  He could do that until they settle on a hole for him to fill for the rest of year.  If Singleton doesn't stick and Carter continues to struggle, it might work itself out very quickly.