Everett

[Randy Watson]

Anyone think there is a decent chance he shows improvement as he progresses in his career a la Ozzie Smith or Omar Vizquel (two guys who made it for their gloves but turned into effective hitters during the second halves of their career)?  Everett is a great athlete and coordinated, so I would think it is possible.

He was also hitting pretty well in 2003 and 2004 (before he broke his hand) -- especially from an RBI standpoint I remember thinking he was clutch.

I would not be surprised to see improvement. 

I still know a few Astros insiders, and from what they tell me fans who bitch about his hitting will have to continue to bitch for years (and post assinine replacement suggestions like Burke or Loretta).  He ain't going anywhere because his teammates and coaches love the guy (they know he is the best defensive shortstop in the majors).  And I was surprised to learn that he is probably the team leader.  Moreso than Lance or Roy.

[Froback]

Anyone think there is a decent chance he shows improvement as he progresses in his career a la Ozzie Smith or Omar Vizquel (two guys who made it for their gloves but turned into effective hitters during the second halves of their career)?  Everett is a great athlete and coordinated, so I would think it is possible.

He was also hitting pretty well in 2003 and 2004 (before he broke his hand) -- especially from an RBI standpoint I remember thinking he was clutch.

I would not be surprised to see improvement. 

I still know a few Astros insiders, and from what they tell me fans who bitch about his hitting will have to continue to bitch for years (and post assinine replacement suggestions like Burke or Loretta).  He ain't going anywhere because his teammates and coaches love the guy (they know he is the best defensive shortstop in the majors).  And I was surprised to learn that he is probably the team leader.  Moreso than Lance or Roy.

You will get lots of support for this opinion around here.  Everett is going to be the Astros SS for a long time.

[Limey]

As long as baseball minds hold the reigns, Everett will be at shortstop.  I don't think it would be a stretch to say that, if you added RBIs and Runs Saved, Everett is the most productive player on the roster.

[MikeyBoy]

Anyone think there is a decent chance he shows improvement as he progresses in his career a la Ozzie Smith or Omar Vizquel (two guys who made it for their gloves but turned into effective hitters during the second halves of their career)?  Everett is a great athlete and coordinated, so I would think it is possible.

He was also hitting pretty well in 2003 and 2004 (before he broke his hand) -- especially from an RBI standpoint I remember thinking he was clutch.

I would not be surprised to see improvement. 

I still know a few Astros insiders, and from what they tell me fans who bitch about his hitting will have to continue to bitch for years (and post assinine replacement suggestions like Burke or Loretta).  He ain't going anywhere because his teammates and coaches love the guy (they know he is the best defensive shortstop in the majors).  And I was surprised to learn that he is probably the team leader.  Moreso than Lance or Roy.

The Clark comes through with a RBI triple to Tal's Hill. (I would have scored it a HR, if you would have mentioned AE batting 2nd)

[Gizzmonic]

I've heard that Everett has a chronic back condition, that might be why he's been hitting so poorly this year.  I doubt he'll ever be a great hitter, but I'm sure he could hit around .260 with some gap power and drive in some runs at the 7 spot.

I don't think he should be batting second unless the Astros want to go back to Jimahball and heavy use of the sac bunt.  I wouldn't want him running in front of Berkman, and he's not going to draw too many walks.  Best to keep him down in the lineup and let him swing away.  You may not have noticed, but the offense is actually starting to jibe as of late...why change?

Anyone think there is a decent chance he shows improvement as he progresses in his career a la Ozzie Smith or Omar Vizquel (two guys who made it for their gloves but turned into effective hitters during the second halves of their career)?  Everett is a great athlete and coordinated, so I would think it is possible.

He was also hitting pretty well in 2003 and 2004 (before he broke his hand) -- especially from an RBI standpoint I remember thinking he was clutch.

I would not be surprised to see improvement. 

I still know a few Astros insiders, and from what they tell me fans who bitch about his hitting will have to continue to bitch for years (and post assinine replacement suggestions like Burke or Loretta).  He ain't going anywhere because his teammates and coaches love the guy (they know he is the best defensive shortstop in the majors).  And I was surprised to learn that he is probably the team leader.  Moreso than Lance or Roy.

[Jacksonian]

You will get lots of support for this opinion around here.  Everett is going to be the Astros SS for a long time.

I don't know the specific medical diagnosis, but Everett's recurring back problems are worrisome longterm.

[Fredia]

I don't know the specific medical diagnosis, but Everett's recurring back problems are worrisome longterm.

to see him throw himself around the field and know he has a problem shows his is truly of high caliber. anyone have a link on the specific problem

[Mr. Happy]

I don't know the specific medical diagnosis, but Everett's recurring back problems are worrisome longterm.

You're right. The back is a strange animal. I've suffered with upper and lower back problems for years. But the same back that hurt can get better with therapy or with nothing seemingly happening. Does anyone know if AE's back problems are upper, lower or middle?

[Limey]

Does anyone know if AE's back problems are upper, lower or middle?

All of the above, as he is carrying the bulk of the infield defensive responsibilities on it.

[Noe]

And I was surprised to learn that he is probably the team leader.  Moreso than Lance or Roy.

Yes, this is very much the truth.  He had some rough personal times there for a couple of years.  All the guys would've understood had AE just decided to let it get him down and grumble and feel defeated.  But he didn't, he did the opposite.  He showed everyone how positive he could be, how to cherish the opportunity he had to provide for his family this way, to focus on the good things in life regardless of the media and fan negative comments.

He showed them leadership under adversity.  And to a man, each and every one of them appreciated the guy for that.  Playing baseball can cause some to stress under the pressure of the failure that is inherent to the game.  AE proved that when adversity comes your way, you can overcome with his personal life and the character he showed.  Baseball is just a game, life is much more precious... and they all saw a man rise up amongst them to prove he could face adversity in life and continue to overcome.

He has their profound respect.

[Arky Vaughan]

As long as baseball minds hold the reigns, Everett will be at shortstop.  I don't think it would be a stretch to say that, if you added RBIs and Runs Saved, Everett is the most productive player on the roster.

I totally agree. That's why they have to pay him like Berkman to keep him.

[Mr. Happy]

Yes, this is very much the truth.  He had some rough personal times there for a couple of years.  All the guys would've understood had AE just decided to let it get him down and grumble and feel defeated.  But he didn't, he did the opposite.  He showed everyone how positive he could be, how to cherish the opportunity he had to provide for his family this way, to focus on the good things in life regardless of the media and fan negative comments.

He showed them leadership under adversity.  And to a man, each and every one of them appreciated the guy for that.  Playing baseball can cause some to stress under the pressure of the failure that is inherent to the game.  AE proved that when adversity comes your way, you can overcome with his personal life and the character he showed.  Baseball is just a game, life is much more precious... and they all saw a man rise up amongst them to prove he could face adversity in life and continue to overcome.

He has their profound respect.

And remember how close he came to not making it. See Lugo, Julio. I remember taking in a Zephyrs series with Michael Nash in NO, when AE was in NO. He'd been sent back down after having been overmatched at the plate. Michael never gave up hope in AE making it, but I must admit that at the time I was concerned about it.

[Noe]

I totally agree. That's why they have to pay him like Berkman to keep him.

Is that what Bean Stringfellow is saying?

[Andyzipp]

And I was surprised to learn that he is probably the team leader.  Moreso than Lance or Roy.

Lance leads the line to the buffet table, and all excursions to New Braunfels.  Not much else.

And pitchers can't be leaders.  It would interfere with their ability to be self-absorbed assholes.

[Phil_in_CS]

IIRC, two things really helped Ozzie Smith. One was really learning the strike zone, and how to work the count. That helped his OBP. Second was moving him to 2nd, behind Vince Coleman. With Coleman on, Ozzie got lots of fastballs.

[pravata]

I don't know the specific medical diagnosis, but Everett's recurring back problems are worrisome longterm.

(June 06) Astros shortstop Adam Everett, diagnosed with a piece of torn cartilage in a joint in his lower back, had an anti-inflammatory shot in the back Monday, which is the same procedure he had during spring training.

"(Doctors) wanted me to rest (Monday) because I had to get a little sedation, but I'm ready to go after (Monday)," said Everett, who hasn't started since last Tuesday. "They said it won't get worse unless I get in some kind of collision. They think that's how I hurt it last year is in a collision in the outfield."
http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/3940916.html

(in March 07) Everett is experiencing the same discomfort he had last spring, but while last year's ailment required a cortisone shot,
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070315&content_id=1844541&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[HurricaneDavid]

In Footer's latest mailbag, someone asks about sending Everett down due to poor hitting, and she replies "Everett, as I'm sure many of you have heard me say before, is the best defensive shortstop in baseball, so I doubt we'll be seeing him shipped out to Triple-A anytime soon. If he can get his average up to around .240, that'll be enough."

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070514&content_id=1964215&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

...and if he doesn't?

That line sounded strange to me.

[Noe]

In Footer's latest mailbag, someone asks about sending Everett down due to poor hitting, and she replies "Everett, as I'm sure many of you have heard me say before, is the best defensive shortstop in baseball, so I doubt we'll be seeing him shipped out to Triple-A anytime soon. If he can get his average up to around .240, that'll be enough."

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070514&content_id=1964215&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

...and if he doesn't?

That line sounded strange to me.

If he doesn't, he doesn't.  I'm sure the need for a #7 to hit *above* or *around* .240 is great on this team.

[Randy Watson]

If he doesn't, he doesn't.  I'm sure the need for a #7 to hit *above* or *around* .240 is great on this team.

I agree.  I also think he is a better hitter than he is showing right now.  I sure would love to have the 2003 and 2004 version of Everett back as a hitter.  He was an above-average bottom of the lineup hitter.  And, although a lot of people don't believe in "clutchness", he sure seemed to get a lot of big hits.  He certainly drove in a lot of runs for a #7 hitter (of course, we had a lot of guys who would get on base).

[Noe]

I agree.  I also think he is a better hitter than he is showing right now.  I sure would love to have the 2003 and 2004 version of Everett back as a hitter.  He was an above-average bottom of the lineup hitter.  And, although a lot of people don't believe in "clutchness", he sure seemed to get a lot of big hits.  He certainly drove in a lot of runs for a #7 hitter (of course, we had a lot of guys who would get on base).

Yup.  The 2006 version was the version who had to pick up the slack of Lane, Wilson and Ensberg going in the tank as run producers.  You change the role of a lineup and you're asking for trouble.  Is it any wonder that Everett had a much better time hitting the ball late in the season once they inserted both Scott and Huff into the lineup?