Outfield/1B/DH

[pots]

This one just is not going to be easy I think (which is a good thing).  Grossman had a nice 3 out of 4 on-base effort Saturday to break a mini slump.  Marisnick has been quite steady at the plate as well.  Singleton has been solid.  Rasmus has done well also.

Gattis/Carter/Springer are all guaranteed full time positions somewhere.

Srping stats of the others (Plate Appearances/OPS)
Grossman  23/1110
Singleton  24/1077
Marisnick  29/1099
Rasmus   14/1167

Carry 5 outfielders? 

[Duman]

One of the young guys with options will be sent down so they can play everyday instead of sitting on the bench. 

[geezerdonk]

You would have to think that either Grossman or Marisnick is the odd man out. If Marisnick is not going to play full time in Houston, shouldn't he be in AAA?

[HudsonHawk]

Carry 5 outfielders? 

Why would you not?

[Jacksonian]

Why would you not?

I thought they carried 4 outfielders last year.

[juliogotay]

Gattis isn't an OFer. He just plays one on t.v.

[HudsonHawk]

I thought they carried 4 outfielders last year.

Well, three of them have to start each game, plus a DH.  That leaves no one else should one of them get hurt, tossed or you want to give one a day off. 

[subnuclear]

Locks : Altuve, Lowrie, Carter, Gattis, Springer, Rasmus, Valbuena, Gonzalez, Dominguez, Castro, Conger

That leaves two slots for: Singleton, Marisnick, Grossman, Villar, Presley

[jbm]

If Valbuena wins the job at third, is Dominguez really a lock?  Does he really offer much off the bench?

[Jacksonian]

Well, three of them have to start each game, plus a DH.  That leaves no one else should one of them get hurt, tossed or you want to give one a day off. 

That's not accurate.  Carter only played 6 games in left field last year.

[pots]

Locks : Altuve, Lowrie, Carter, Gattis, Springer, Rasmus, Valbuena, Gonzalez, Dominguez, Castro, Conger

That leaves two slots for: Singleton, Marisnick, Grossman, Villar, Presley

can't see Presley making the team and villar is a long shot.  But where did you hear Gonzalez and Dominguez are locks?

[subnuclear]

can't see Presley making the team and villar is a long shot.  But where did you hear Gonzalez and Dominguez are locks?

It's just me trying to get things straight. Aren't they both out of option years?

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

It's just me trying to get things straight. Aren't they both out of option years?

Yes, but it might make more sense to trade/DFA one or both of them.  I agree that whoever gets sent to AAA will be up and down a lot.  Between Rasmus and Gattis' injury history, and the possibility that Singleton struggles again, the Fresno-Houston connection will be strong.

[HudsonHawk]

That's not accurate.  Carter only played 6 games in left field last year.

I'm still counting him as an infielder/outfielder.  "DH" really isn't a position.

[pots]

It's just me trying to get things straight. Aren't they both out of option years?

No option needed.   I can't see any team picking up Dominguez.  Out of all 3rd baseman that qualified last year, Dominguez's was last in OPS.  67 points less than the next player.  He had a historically bad year.  And he is showing no signs of improving this spring.   I don't see how they can keep him.  


ETA.
Even though he isn't on the 40-man, you have to wonder if Petit hasn't jumped Dominguez on the utility depth chart.  Both he and Gonzalez can play all positions.  If they go with 4 outfielders, my current money is on Petit and Gonzalez.

ETA2
I don't know.  Maybe I'm wrong. I was just under the impression that they were done losing.  I see nothing that says Dominguez is fighting to stay on the team.  Perhaps a partial platoon has always been the plan.  He had a whole one plate appearance as a substitute last year, so no one really knows if he could be any good at it.  Think I'd prefer a Petit that is a little more used to not getting playing time every day. 

[Bench]

I'm still counting him as an infielder/outfielder.  "DH" really isn't a position.

Which makes Gattis a catcher/infielder/outfielder?

[juliogotay]

No option needed.   I can't see any team picking up Dominguez.  Out of all 3rd baseman that qualified last year, Dominguez's was last in OPS.  67 points less than the next player.  He had a historically bad year.  And he is showing no signs of improving this spring.   I don't see how they can keep him.  


ETA.
Even though he isn't on the 40-man, you have to wonder if Petit hasn't jumped Dominguez on the utility depth chart.  Both he and Gonzalez can play all positions.  If they go with 4 outfielders, my current money is on Petit and Gonzalez.

Someone would pick up Dominguez if he was released. Someone picked up JD Martinez and that turned out pretty good for them.

[hostros7]

@jaysonst: Teams looking for bats are watching #Astros closely. If Jon Singleton wins 1B job & Evan Gattis is healthy, Chris Carter could be available

[pots]

Someone would pick up Dominguez if he was released. Someone picked up JD Martinez and that turned out pretty good for them.

So not that same thing.  Did Dominguez spend the winter reinventing his swing?

ETA.

That's one reason why I'm worried about losing Grossman.   He spent the winter reinventing himself as well.  And has had some good early results.

[juliogotay]

Yes, but it might make more sense to trade/DFA one or both of them.  I agree that whoever gets sent to AAA will be up and down a lot.  Between Rasmus and Gattis' injury history, and the possibility that Singleton struggles again, the Fresno-Houston connection will be strong.

I think Singleton is the key piece of this riddle.

[HudsonHawk]

Which makes Gattis a catcher/infielder/outfielder?

I'm counting him as an outfielder, as I assume both Castro and Conger make the club. But the Astros have the luxury, if you can call it that, of having several "outfielders" whose best position is "batter's box". 

[HudsonHawk]

Someone would pick up Dominguez if he was released. Someone picked up JD Martinez and that turned out pretty good for them.

The difference being Martinez could hit. 

[juliogotay]

So not that same thing

Let's look at 2013 which was the last season in which they both got significant ABs together. One had a .403 SLG and .690 OPS in 152 games. The other had a .378 SLG and a .650 OPS in 86 games. Care to match the player with the stats? Dominguez is two  years younger and a good defensive player. JD was as big a flyer as Dominguez would be.

[juliogotay]

The difference being Martinez could hit. 

Really? His best year in Houston was 2012. 113 games, .241BA, .311 OBP, .375 SLG and .685 OPS. For a corner OFer. Those numbers are very similar to Robbie Grossman's season last year.

[pots]

Let's look at 2013 which was the last season in which they both got significant ABs together. One had a .403 SLG and .690 OPS in 152 games. The other had a .378 SLG and a .650 OPS in 86 games. Care to match the player with the stats? Dominguez is two  years younger and a good defensive player. JD was as big a flyer as Dominguez would be.

You are choosing to ignore the 607 plate appearances that Dominguez had last year.  Not to mention the defensive fall off he had last year.  You've compared 2 players who had similar statistics in 2013 and have concluded that both of J.D.'s expected 2014 production and Dominguez's 2015 production are equal.  Not to mention that J.D. made a huge adjustment in his swing and proved in the winter leagues that he may have made a change that could turn around his career.

[HudsonHawk]

Really? His best year in Houston was 2012. 113 games, .241BA, .311 OBP, .375 SLG and .685 OPS. For a corner OFer. Those numbers are very similar to Robbie Grossman's season last year.

Numbers aren't the be all to end all in evaluating skill. 

[Dark Star]

Why would you not?

Because you need to carry, like 14-15 pitchers?

[juliogotay]

Numbers aren't the be all to end all in evaluating skill. 

Exactly. He has a power tool and a good glove. He was drafted by Miami in the first round (12 overall) of the 2007 draft. He is still just 25 and some team will pick him up if the Astros release him. And frankly, I'm ok with releasing him if he doesn't turn a corner this Spring. But to think that no other ML club will pick him up if released is far-fetched. Someone will take a flyer on him and hope that a mechanical change, or a change in approach or just a clearing of his head will turn him around.

[juliogotay]

You are choosing to ignore the 607 plate appearances that Dominguez had last year.  Not to mention the defensive fall off he had last year.  You've compared 2 players who had similar statistics in 2013 and have concluded that both of J.D.'s expected 2014 production and Dominguez's 2015 production are equal.  Not to mention that J.D. made a huge adjustment in his swing and proved in the winter leagues that he may have made a change that could turn around his career.

Bullshit. I am not ignoring anything. Dominguez was brutal last year. Who is to say that Dominguez can't make an adjustment in his swing that will help him out. Are you sure he isn't working on something new this year? Martinez did not set the world on fire in Astros camp last year when he was working on his swing.  I'm not comparing the two players...I'm comparing the fact that they are at a similar career path when J.D. was released. Except that Dominguez is two years younger and plays a premium position. If you think no other team would pick him up, ok with me.

[HudsonHawk]

Exactly. He has a power tool and a good glove. He was drafted by Miami in the first round (12 overall) of the 2007 draft. He is still just 25 and some team will pick him up if the Astros release him. And frankly, I'm ok with releasing him if he doesn't turn a corner this Spring. But to think that no other ML club will pick him up if released is far-fetched. Someone will take a flyer on him and hope that a mechanical change, or a change in approach or just a clearing of his head will turn him around.

You completely missed the point. Martinez has skills that Dominguez doesn't. It isn't fair to say they are the same.

[Mr. Happy]

You completely missed the point. Martinez has skills that Dominguez doesn't. It isn't fair to say they are the same.

Exactly. Dominguez has a slow bat and a long swing in my opinion, which will limit his ability to hit. I'm not saying that he couldn't change his swing or that he should be released. I just think that Valbuena should man the hot corner more often than not.

[Reuben]

Did JD Martinez have a better likelihood of becoming a good hitter a year ago than Dominguez does at this point? Yes, but with his great 3B glove Dominguez doesn't have to hit .290 to be a valuable, starting-caliber player. If he hits .250 with 20+ HR, as he's shown he's capable of doing, he'll be quite useful. That's why some team will pick him up if the Astros cut him loose.

[Mr. Happy]

Did JD Martinez have a better likelihood of becoming a good hitter a year ago than Dominguez does at this point? Yes, but with his great 3B glove Dominguez doesn't have to hit .290 to be a valuable, starting-caliber player. If he hits .250 with 20+ HR, as he's shown he's capable of doing, he'll be quite useful. That's why some team will pick him up if the Astros cut him loose.

I don't disagree with you. However, unless he's going to turn it around and quickly, giving him at-bats seems to be a waste of time.

[juliogotay]

You completely missed the point. Martinez has skills that Dominguez doesn't. It isn't fair to say they are the same.

I think you changed the point. I was not making an argument for Dominguez being better than Martinez...just that he would be picked up by another team if he was cut loose and I used Martinez as an example of that.

[VirtualBob]

I think you changed the point. I was not making an argument for Dominguez being better than Martinez...just that he would be picked up by another team if he was cut loose and I used Martinez as an example of that.

I've lost count ... which step is this?

[HudsonHawk]

I think you changed the point. I was not making an argument for Dominguez being better than Martinez...just that he would be picked up by another team if he was cut loose and I used Martinez as an example of that.

And I was making the point that you can't really use Martinez as an example because he has skills that Dominguez doesn't. Martinez is a poor analogy.

[chuck]

I've lost count ... which step is this?

There's no trolling happening here. He's making the suddenly unpopular point that most players play defense, too.

[HudsonHawk]

There's no trolling happening here. He's making the suddenly unpopular point that most players play defense, too.

No one is commenting on either one's defense.

[chuck]

No one is commenting on either one's defense.

Dominguez is two years younger and a good defensive player.

You are choosing to ignore the 607 plate appearances that Dominguez had last year.  Not to mention the defensive fall off he had last year.

Exactly. He has a power tool and a good glove.

Except that Dominguez is two years younger and plays a premium position.

Yes, but with his great 3B glove Dominguez doesn't have to hit .290 to be a valuable, starting-caliber player.

[VirtualBob]

There's no trolling happening here. He's making the suddenly unpopular point that most players play defense, too.

Let's look at 2013 which was the last season in which they both got significant ABs together. One had a .403 SLG and .690 OPS in 152 games. The other had a .378 SLG and a .650 OPS in 86 games. Care to match the player with the stats?

[HudsonHawk]

Yes, juliogotay keeps bringing it up. Everyone else keeps saying its not what we're talking about. I refuse to believe you don't get this.

[Mr. Happy]

Yes, juliogotay keeps bringing it up. Everyone else keeps saying its not what we're talking about. I refuse to believe you don't get this.

I'm with you. Chuckles gets this well, but he just delights in gigging you at any opportunity.

[juliogotay]

Yes, juliogotay keeps bringing it up. Everyone else keeps saying its not what we're talking about. I refuse to believe you don't get this.

After I wrote this yesterday at 3:18

Bullshit. I am not ignoring anything. Dominguez was brutal last year. Who is to say that Dominguez can't make an adjustment in his swing that will help him out. Are you sure he isn't working on something new this year? Martinez did not set the world on fire in Astros camp last year when he was working on his swing.  I'm not comparing the two players...I'm comparing the fact that they are at a similar career path when J.D. was released. Except that Dominguez is two years younger and plays a premium position. If you think no other team would pick him up, ok with me.

You wrote this at 5:01 responding to a post of mine at 3:11

You completely missed the point. Martinez has skills that Dominguez doesn't. It isn't fair to say they are the same.

 
 
 


 
 
 

[pots]

Dominguez's defense was league average last year

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Dominguez's defense was league average last year

Yeah.  Despite his reputation, Dominguez wasn't outstanding in the field last year.  And definitely not enough to offset his hitting.  I'm hoping a trade for DSL/low-A lottery ticket happens around the time the team breaks camp.

[juliogotay]

Dominguez's defense was league average last year

OH, the Horrors!

[pots]

It should also be noted that except for in 2008 at low-A he has never ever dominated at the plate at any level.  Dominguez reminds me of Jiovanni Mier with some power.  

[Bench]

I love discussions that center around discussing what is being discussed.

[mrpink]

Dominguez's defense was league average last year

By what metric?

[juliogotay]

I love discussions that center around discussing what is being discussed.

Or, in some cases, what wasn't discussed.

[HudsonHawk]

After I wrote this yesterday at 3:18

Bullshit. I am not ignoring anything. Dominguez was brutal last year. Who is to say that Dominguez can't make an adjustment in his swing that will help him out. Are you sure he isn't working on something new this year? Martinez did not set the world on fire in Astros camp last year when he was working on his swing.  I'm not comparing the two players...I'm comparing the fact that they are at a similar career path when J.D. was released. Except that Dominguez is two years younger and plays a premium position. If you think no other team would pick him up, ok with me.

You wrote this at 5:01 responding to a post of mine at 3:11

You completely missed the point. Martinez has skills that Dominguez doesn't. It isn't fair to say they are the same.

Do you have a point?

[jbm]

Dominguez's defense was league average last year

I don't know if this is from one of those advanced stats, but I don't buy it at all.  The guy is still a plus glove; just a bad bat and one of the slowest runners in the league.

[subnuclear]

Dominguez throws to first about as well as anyone I've ever seen, but his range isn't particularly good. The relative weighting of those two skills is anyone's guess I imagine.

[juliogotay]

Do you have a point?

Yes, that you have a habit of changing the narrative to fit your needs.

[HudsonHawk]

Yes, that you have a habit of changing the narrative to fit your needs.

Did you or did you not cite J.D. Martinez and his offensive turnournd as a comparison for the potential of Dominguez to do the same?

[pots]

By what metric?

I was using dWar.

...and things I've read and heard about his defensive regression.  Wonder if the shift screws with the numbers though?

[juliogotay]

Do you have a point?

BTW, what are these additional skills that Martinez has? Scouts look for skill sets and there is quite a difference in a 20th and 1st round draft pick. It seems unlikely to me that Martinez has more skills than Dominguez although he is certainly making better use now of his talents.

[HudsonHawk]

It seems unlikely to me that Martinez has more skills than Dominguez...

I think we've pinpointed the problem. 

[mrpink]

I was using dWar

Thanks.  That's the only metric I've seen that had him near average last year.  I saw four others that put him significantly below that.  Of course, we still have a long way to go before I explicitly trust any defensive stat.

[juliogotay]

I think we've pinpointed the problem. 

I will stand by that.

[pots]

I will stand by that.

I actually agree with this.  Dominguez does have more talent.  But J.D. has all those intangibles.  The guy has just refused his entire career to be held back by talent.  Where as say DDS Jr is oozing a trail of talent all the way to obscurity.

[juliogotay]

Did you or did you not cite J.D. Martinez and his offensive turnournd as a comparison for the potential of Dominguez to do the same?

I cited that the two were at similar career paths when Martinez was picked up by the Tigers. My point being Dominguez was worth a shot for some club to pick him up if available. I did  not predict that Dominguez could or would do the same just because Martinez did. This should have been clear.


Bullshit. I am not ignoring anything. Dominguez was brutal last year. Who is to say that Dominguez can't make an adjustment in his swing that will help him out. Are you sure he isn't working on something new this year? Martinez did not set the world on fire in Astros camp last year when he was working on his swing.  I'm not comparing the two players...I'm comparing the fact that they are at a similar career path when J.D. was released. Except that Dominguez is two years younger and plays a premium position. If you think no other team would pick him up, ok with me.
 

 
 

[HudsonHawk]

I cited that the two were at similar career paths when Martinez was picked up by the Tigers. My point being Dominguez was worth a shot for some club to pick him up if available. I did  not predict that Dominguez could or would do the same just because Martinez did. This should have been clear.

So you admit that Martinez was simply a red herring meant to obfuscate things.  Noted.   

[Reuben]

Please. Stop.

[HudsonHawk]

Please. Stop.

You know, in addition to whining about what other people are discussing, you're free to stay out of it. 

[NeilT]

They haven't told me whether I need to draft Dominguez for my fantasy team yet. 

[HudsonHawk]

They haven't told me whether I need to draft Dominguez for my fantasy team yet. 

Only if you value his possibly average defense. 

[mrpink]

Only if you value his possibly average defense. 

Which scoresheet values at 0.4% above average.

[Bench]

They haven't told me whether I need to draft Dominguez for my fantasy team yet. 

You need to draft him so you can drop and then we will see what happens. 

[Reuben]

You know, in addition to whining about what other people are discussing, you're free to stay out of it. 

Oh... "Please. Stop." is whining? And here I thought I was just making a helpful suggestion.

[HudsonHawk]

Oh... "Please. Stop." is whining? And here I thought I was just making a helpful suggestion.

Well, maybe if you weren't crying in a "leave Brittany alone!" kind of way...

[Reuben]

Well, maybe if you weren't crying in a "leave Brittany alone!" kind of way...

IT'S BRITNEY, you BASTARD!!!

...unless you were referring to the French province, in which case, my apologies.

[Mr. Happy]

IT'S BRITNEY, you BASTARD!!!

...unless you were referring to the French province, in which case, my apologies.

Au contraire. I know twp Brittany's, who both spell it this way.

[NeilT]

Au contraire. I know twp Brittany's, who both spell it this way.

But only one Britney, bitch.

[pots]

Off day Wednesday, DNP Thursday, out of the starting lineup today.  Grossman starting to not get at bats.  Is he dinged up?  Or is the fact that he has options determined his destination.  Certainly not his performance.

[Bench]

Off day Wednesday, DNP Thursday, out of the starting lineup today.  Grossman starting to not get at bats.  Is he dinged up?  Or is the fact that he has options determined his destination.  Certainly not his performance.

Hinch has said that the lineup is starting to solidify and each day we are seeing more and more what the opening day lineup will look like.

[Nate Colbert]

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS  4 hours ago
jake marisnick looks so good in CF, one scout said, "if he hits.260 he'll be a star."

[Nate Colbert]

After the loss to the Yankees today, Singleton is now 1-14 with 8 strikeouts in his last 5 games.

[Bench]

Hinch said today that Dominguez Singleton Villar and Pressley are competing for one job.

[jbm]

If that means Grossman is in, then I suspect Pressley might be out.  Dominguez seems very unlikely to stick as a backup, IMO.  My guess would be Villar out of those four.

[juliogotay]

If that means Grossman is in, then I suspect Pressley might be out.  Dominguez seems very unlikely to stick as a backup, IMO.  My guess would be Villar out of those four.

So Gonzalez has a seat at the table. Not sure why they would need Villar. I think Singleton.

[Mr. Happy]

If that means Grossman is in, then I suspect Pressley might be out.  Dominguez seems very unlikely to stick as a backup, IMO.  My guess would be Villar out of those four.

Villar's expansion to play outfield makes him more valuable.

[Reuben]

Hinch said today that Dominguez Singleton Villar and Pressley are competing for one job.

One of these things is not like the other... oh waitasec, actually none of these things is remotely like any of the others, at all. How the fuck are a 3B, a 1B, a SS, and an OF all competing for one job?

Just trying to get things straight here. We have the "givens", more or less:

Castro C
Conger backup C

Altuve 2B
Lowrie SS
Valbuena 3B

Carter DH/1B
Gattis DH/1B/C/LF

Springer RF
Rasmus CF/LF
Marisnick CF or 4th OF

That leaves 3 spots. You need a backup SS. Let's say Marwin has that job. So you still have two spots left: could be an OF (Grossman or Presley) and an IF, or, if Gattis really is gonna play LF, could be two IF, one being Singleton and the other being Villar or Dominguez... in this scenario Marwin or Carter are your emergency 5th OF, and the fact that Springer, Rasmus, and Marisnick can all play CF helps a lot.

Dominguez actually might have a shot at making this club. He's helped by the fact that Valbuena has played a lot of 2B. And by the fact that Valbuena probably needs a platoon partner.

[juliogotay]

One of these things is not like the other... oh waitasec, actually none of these things is remotely like any of the others, at all. How the fuck are a 3B, a 1B, a SS, and an OF all competing for one job?

Just trying to get things straight here. We have the "givens", more or less:

Castro C
Conger backup C

Altuve 2B
Lowrie SS
Valbuena 3B

Carter DH/1B
Gattis DH/1B/C/LF

Springer RF
Rasmus CF/LF
Marisnick CF or 4th OF

That leaves 3 spots. You need a backup SS. Let's say Marwin has that job. So you still have two spots left: could be an OF (Grossman or Presley) and an IF, or, if Gattis really is gonna play LF, could be two IF, one being Singleton and the other being Villar or Dominguez... in this scenario Marwin or Carter are your emergency 5th OF, and the fact that Springer, Rasmus, and Marisnick can all play CF helps a lot.

Dominguez actually might have a shot at making this club. He's helped by the fact that Valbuena has played a lot of 2B. And by the fact that Valbuena probably needs a platoon partner.

Based on the names voluntarily fighting for a job I have to assume Grossman and Gonzalez are on the squad. If Singleton makes the squad, and I'm thinking he will, you have only one spare OFer (Grossman) and one spare mid-IFer (Gonzo). I think the interesting dynamics are how Carter and Gattis are going to co-exist with them being basically the same guy.

So, who is in the bullpen? Hoyt has been outstanding.

[Jacksonian]

Based on the names voluntarily fighting for a job I have to assume Grossman and Gonzalez are on the squad. If Singleton makes the squad, and I'm thinking he will, you have only one spare OFer (Grossman) and one spare mid-IFer (Gonzo). I think the interesting dynamics are how Carter and Gattis are going to co-exist with them being basically the same guy.

So, who is in the bullpen? Hoyt has been outstanding.

I don't think it's Singleton.  I'm betting on Villar or Dominguez.  3 of the 4 on that list are going to act, at least 1/2 the time, as a reserve.  Singleton wouldn't.  He's 2 for his last 16 with 8 K's.  That lack of contact at the plate can't be helping his cause.

[Reuben]

Based on the names voluntarily fighting for a job I have to assume Grossman and Gonzalez are on the squad. If Singleton makes the squad, and I'm thinking he will, you have only one spare OFer (Grossman) and one spare mid-IFer (Gonzo). I think the interesting dynamics are how Carter and Gattis are going to co-exist with them being basically the same guy.

So, who is in the bullpen? Hoyt has been outstanding.

Grossman would not be the only spare OF. Like it or not, they appear to be counting Gattis as an OF.

[BudGirl]

Grossman would not be the only spare OF. Like it or not, they appear to be counting Gattis as an OF.

According to Sparks yesterday, he's been working on the backfields in left.

[jbm]

Just read a Drellich article which implied it was down to Pressley, Grossman, Villar or Dominguez.  Who knows?  Basically, this scenario is different from one reported a few says ago in that it replaces Singleton with Grossman. 

I guess the encouraging thing is the choices have improved over the last few years.  Close to having real depth with the position players.

[pots]

Boy the difference 9 days can make.  On Mar. 14th, first base seemed to be all Singleton's.  Only 3Ks in 18 ABs with 3 walks.  444/524/722 slash line.    But 2 for 19 with 10Ks has changed that.  Singleton to AAA easily clears the picture.  Gattis DH, Carter 1B, Rasmus LF, Mrasnick/Grossman center and Springer right.  Now you just need to pick 2 of Gonzalez, Dominguez, Villar and Petit. 

[Jacksonian]

Boy the difference 9 days can make.  On Mar. 14th, first base seemed to be all Singleton's.  Only 3Ks in 18 ABs with 3 walks.  444/524/722 slash line.    But 2 for 19 with 10Ks has changed that.  Singleton to AAA easily clears the picture.  Gattis DH, Carter 1B, Rasmus LF, Mrasnick/Grossman center and Springer right.  Now you just need to pick 2 of Gonzalez, Dominguez, Villar and Petit. 

I think less Grossman but agree with the rest.

[Uncle Charlie]

For me its:

Hitters (13)
C: Castro, Conger (2)
CI: Gattis, Valbuena, Carter (3)
MI: Altuve, Lowrie (2)
OF: Springer, Rasmus, Grossman, Marisnick (4)
UTIL: Villar, Gonzalez (2)

Pitchers (12)
SP: Keuchel, Feldman, McHugh, Oberholtzer, Wojo (5)
RP: Qualls, Neshek, Gregerson, Sipp, Fields, Hoyt, Hernandez (7)

DL (1)
Peacock

Singleton in AAA, expose Deduno and Presley to waivers and outright them if possible.  The OF seems to be in an okay position with Gattis, Carter able to play LF, Villar is doing okay in center.  We have sufficient pitching depth and Deduno hasn't really impressed. 

[Bench]

Villar was apparently making some great plays in center today.  With that versatility he might have the inside track.

[juliogotay]

For me its:

Hitters (13)
C: Castro, Conger (2)
CI: Gattis, Valbuena, Carter (3)
MI: Altuve, Lowrie (2)
OF: Springer, Rasmus, Grossman, Marisnick (4)
UTIL: Villar, Gonzalez (2)

Pitchers (12)
SP: Keuchel, Feldman, McHugh, Oberholtzer, Wojo (5)
RP: Qualls, Neshek, Gregerson, Sipp, Fields, Hoyt, Hernandez (7)

DL (1)
Peacock

Singleton in AAA, expose Deduno and Presley to waivers and outright them if possible.  The OF seems to be in an okay position with Gattis, Carter able to play LF, Villar is doing okay in center.  We have sufficient pitching depth and Deduno hasn't really impressed. 

Deduno hasn't been too bad. After a couple of innings today his ERA is 3.75 and that is with one really bad outing that most of them have at least one bad outing this spring. I think he's still in the picture.

[subnuclear]

RP: Qualls, Neshek, Gregerson, Sipp, Fields, Hoyt, Hernandez (7)

Radio guys were saying the Astros were thinking of a second LH relief pitcher besides Sipp. Joe Thatcher or Kevin Chapman would the options.

[subnuclear]

Villar was apparently making some great plays in center today.  With that versatility he might have the inside track.

I think they like him as a pinch-runner as well.

[Reuben]

Radio guys were saying the Astros were thinking of a second LH relief pitcher besides Sipp. Joe Thatcher or Kevin Chapman would the options.

I think you almost have to have the 2nd lefty these days; and it seems like there are lots of LH hitters in our division, too - hell, almost every starter on the M's hit lefty last year.

Is Hoyt even on the 40-man? Harris is, and might be another option for the 7th spot if he can pitch more than an inning at a time.

[juliogotay]

Radio guys were saying the Astros were thinking of a second LH relief pitcher besides Sipp. Joe Thatcher or Kevin Chapman would the options.

Thatcher has looked pretty good.

[Bench]

Deduno hasn't been too bad. After a couple of innings today his ERA is 3.75 and that is with one really bad outing that most of them have at least one bad outing this spring. I think he's still in the picture.

Hinch said today Deduno will start in long relief and its down to Wojo and Carmonandez. 

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Hinch said today Deduno will start in long relief and its down to Wojo and Carmonandez. 

I've elsewhere seen him referred to as "Fauxsto".  I propose we move forward with this.

[Nate Colbert]

Singleton now 2-26 with 14 strikeouts in last 9 games.

[pots]

Huh,  Dominguez gad an option.  well that was easy

[Mr. Happy]

Huh,  Dominguez gad an option.  well that was easy

He did, and it was.

[David in Jackson]

Boy the difference 9 days can make.  On Mar. 14th, first base seemed to be all Singleton's.  Only 3Ks in 18 ABs with 3 walks.  444/524/722 slash line.    But 2 for 19 with 10Ks has changed that.  Singleton to AAA easily clears the picture.  Gattis DH, Carter 1B, Rasmus LF, Mrasnick/Grossman center and Springer right.  Now you just need to pick 2 of Gonzalez, Dominguez, Villar and Petit. 

Agree. It seems clear to me that Singleton needs every day ABs at 1b in AAA.

Why the club signed Presley to a guaranteed deal is a puzzle.

[Nate Colbert]

Singleton now 2-26 with 14 strikeouts in last 9 games.

Make it 2-32 with 15 Ks in last 12 games.

Not to mention he made his 4th error in 19 spring games.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Make it 2-32 with 15 Ks in last 12 games.

Not to mention he made his 4th error in 19 spring games.

He was better when he smoked weed.

[VirtualBob]

Make it 2-32 with 15 Ks in last 12 games.

Not to mention he made his 4th error in 19 spring games.

Welcome to Fresno.

[juliogotay]

Make it 2-32 with 15 Ks in last 12 games.

Not to mention he made his 4th error in 19 spring games.

His defense is almost as concerning as his offense.

Remember when we thought the Astros were getting a ton of return for Pence to the Phils? Singleton, Cosart, Santana and Zeid. It can still work out very well but that was almost four years ago, July 2011, and the Astros have Marisnick to show for it to start this season.

[jbm]

I haven't seen his errors this spring, but I think he has gold glove potential there.  He covers a ton of ground for a first baseman, and that ability really helps given the amount of shifting the Astros do.

I'm still a believer in his bat, but I also didn't foresee all the troubles he has had so far.

[BudGirl]

I'm just wondering if he gets as long of a leash as Carter did.

[Mr. Happy]

I'm just wondering if he gets as long of a leash as Carter did.

Probably even longer.

[juliogotay]

I'm just wondering if he gets as long of a leash as Carter did.

A $10m leash.

[Reuben]

His defense is almost as concerning as his offense.

Remember when we thought the Astros were getting a ton of return for Pence to the Phils? Singleton, Cosart, Santana and Zeid. It can still work out very well but that was almost four years ago, July 2011, and the Astros have Marisnick to show for it to start this season.

Don't forget Moran, and Martes, though of course Kiké and Wates were needed along with Cosart to round out that deal.

It's certainly possible that none of the players involved will end up being as good as PENCE!!!, but if even 2 or 3 turn out to be regulars, it will have been a great trade.

Besides, Singleton and Santana are both still quite young, and have time to figure things out.

I agree with jbm; I like Jon's potential with the glove too.

[Fynn]

An excerpt from a recent K. Law chat.   Seems to mirror my worries.

Rick (Encinitas, CA)



Is the high strike-out rate for both Jon Singleton and Javy Baez a bad sign that they will be busts?

Klaw
  (1:56 PM)



It's a very legitimate concern that they swing and miss so often *and* haven't shown the capacity to make adjustments. Baez in particular makes me nuts because he has the raw talent to be a superstar and refuses to change his approach.

[jbm]

Springer is the one who worries me the most, much more than Singleton.  It's been basically a year now, and it appears that like Baez, he is entirely unwilling or unable to change his approach.  Specifically, swing for the fences on just about every pitch.

[Fynn]

Springer is the one who worries me the most, much more than Singleton.  It's been basically a year now, and it appears that like Baez, he is entirely unwilling or unable to change his approach.  Specifically, swing for the fences on just about every pitch.

Problem is Hinch is encouraging bad behavior by placing him behind Altuve in the order.  Seems that several of these sluggers need to go down in the lineup until they prove otherwise.

[BudGirl]

Problem is Hinch is encouraging bad behavior by placing him behind Altuve in the order.  Seems that several of these sluggers need to go down in the lineup until they prove otherwise.

if all the sluggers are down in the line-up, who bats at the top?

[Fynn]

Of course-insoluble dilemma, isn't it?

[jbm]

Problem is Hinch is encouraging bad behavior by placing him behind Altuve in the order.  Seems that several of these sluggers need to go down in the lineup until they prove otherwise.

I'm not sure I buy this.  In theory, batting Springer second behind Altuve might be the wisest move, presumably encouraging a more contact oriented approach and also rewarding an opposite field approach to move Altuve along.  That approach would theoretically benefit someone like Springer, assuming he would embrace it. 

[doyce7]

I would like to see marisnick hit second and Springer move down to around 7 where there isn't as much pressure.

[BudGirl]

Springer second reminded me of Beltran batting second. 

I don't know that I'd put Marisnik second, he just doesn't seem like a two-hole hitter.

[homer]

he just doesn't seem like a two-hole hitter.

NTTAWWT

[NeilT]

I would like to see marisnick hit second and Springer move down to around 7 where there isn't as much pressure.

"ah," he says to himself as he approaches the plate, "I don't have to worry about my at-bat because I'm batting seventh!"  I doubt that place in the batting order ever affected the pressure any batter not named Derek Bell placed on himself.  I guess it would give them fewer at bats.

[juliogotay]

I think Altuve would be a great 2-hole hitter. Problem being there is no better option than he for leadoff.

[juliogotay]

Springer second reminded me of Beltran batting second. 

I don't know that I'd put Marisnik second, he just doesn't seem like a two-hole hitter.

I agree with you on Marisnick. He is hitting about where he should for the time being. Let him get more established at this level before moving him up but at best he probably won't ever hit higher than 6th.

[Fredia]

he did make one extremely great defensive play

[Reuben]

I agree with you on Marisnick. He is hitting about where he should for the time being. Let him get more established at this level before moving him up but at best he probably won't ever hit higher than 6th.

Exactly how I feel about Marisnick. I'd be extremely pleased if he progresses to the point where he makes you think "that guy's pretty good for a 6-hitter." He is not and likely never will be a high-OBP guy.

As for Springer, I've seen him hit the ball up the middle or to the right side several times already this season. Most of the swings-and-misses I've seen have just been poor zone judgement/pitch recognition; ie. the low and away slider. Last May he was missing pitches right over the plate because he was swinging for the Crawford Boxes every time.

[pots]

Springer is the one who worries me the most, much more than Singleton.  It's been basically a year now, and it appears that like Baez, he is entirely unwilling or unable to change his approach.  Specifically, swing for the fences on just about every pitch.

Bagwell used to swing for the fences on every pitch.  His theory was swing hard because you just might hit it

[geezerdonk]

Springer has hit a couple of line drives so hard that the outfielder almost didn't have time to react.

[juliogotay]

Springer has hit a couple of line drives so hard that the outfielder almost didn't have time to react.

When he connects good things can happen. 20HRs in 1/2  a season is pretty impressive. He started off slow last year when he was promoted, as you may expect, and then got really hot hitting HRs in bunches.

[jbm]

I must not be watching the same player. The one I see has 1 extra base hit in 34 at bats, with 16 Ks. Hitting below the Mendoza line, while routinely swinging as hard as he can. But hey, if it's working.......

[hostros7]

Bagwell used to swing for the fences on every pitch.  His theory was swing hard because you just might hit it

Certainly you don't really believe that do you?  He may have said that, but it wasn't representative of his approach at the plate.  And let's pump the breaks on even putting Springer and Bagwell in the same sentence .

Here's what Bagwell had done by the time he was the same age as Springer:

Year   Age   Tm   Lg   G   PA   AB   R   H   2B   3B   HR   RBI   SB   CS   BB   SO   BA   OBP   SLG   OPS   OPS+   TB   GDP   HBP   SH   SF   IBB   Pos   Awards
1991   23   HOU   NL   156   650   554   79   163   26   4   15   82   7   4   75   116   .294   .387   .437   .824   139   242   12   13   1   7   5   *3   RoY-1
1992   24   HOU   NL   162   697   586   87   160   34   6   18   96   10   6   84   97   .273   .368   .444   .812   135   260   17   12   2   13   13   *3   MVP-19
1993   25   HOU   NL   142   609   535   76   171   37   4   20   88   13   4   62   73   .320   .388   .516   .903   145   276   20   3   0   9   6   *3   MVP-20

Springer struck out 112 times in 78 games last year for the Astros at the age of 24.  Bagwell struck out 75 times in 156 games his rookie season (age 23).  Everyone here should remember '94. 
 

[doyce7]

This team doesn't have a good 2 hole guy. Maybe lowrie but he's been good at 3. All other would be 2 hitters strike out too much. I just think Springer needs to be hitting lower in the order, I think it would be better for his development.

[pots]

Certainly you don't really believe that do you? 

I do.   I don't remember a single swing by Bagwell where he didn't swing the at as hard as he could.  He did not get cheated.  0-2, runner at 3rd, it didn't matter.  Full swing, everything he had. 

Not talking results, I'm talking about philosophy of hitting

[VirtualBob]

Certainly you don't really believe that do you?  He may have said that, but it wasn't representative of his approach at the plate.  And let's pump the breaks on even putting Springer and Bagwell in the same sentence .

Here's what Bagwell had done by the time he was the same age as Springer:

Year   Age   Tm   Lg   G   PA   AB   R   H   2B   3B   HR   RBI   SB   CS   BB   SO   BA   OBP   SLG   OPS   OPS+   TB   GDP   HBP   SH   SF   IBB   Pos   Awards
1991   23   HOU   NL   156   650   554   79   163   26   4   15   82   7   4   75   116   .294   .387   .437   .824   139   242   12   13   1   7   5   *3   RoY-1
1992   24   HOU   NL   162   697   586   87   160   34   6   18   96   10   6   84   97   .273   .368   .444   .812   135   260   17   12   2   13   13   *3   MVP-19
1993   25   HOU   NL   142   609   535   76   171   37   4   20   88   13   4   62   73   .320   .388   .516   .903   145   276   20   3   0   9   6   *3   MVP-20

Springer struck out 112 times in 78 games last year for the Astros at the age of 24.  Bagwell struck out 75 times in 156 games his rookie season (age 23).  Everyone here should remember '94. 
 

Alignment fail ... that would be 116 K in 156 games ... still not Springeresque, but at least get the numbers right.

[roadrunner]

We are 9 games in and Springer started off slow last year, too.  I'm not worried yet.

[NeilT]

We are 9 games in and Springer started off slow last year, too.  I'm not worried yet.

You don't get it, do you.  We are already through 5.55% of the season.

[Reuben]

I must not be watching the same player. The one I see has 1 extra base hit in 34 at bats, with 16 Ks. Hitting below the Mendoza line, while routinely swinging as hard as he can. But hey, if it's working.......

"In 34 at-bats" is the key phrase to keep in mind here. But beyond that, I think there's some confusion about what kind of hitter Springer is, or should be. To me, the best-case (realistic) scenario for Springer is a .270/.350/.520 type hitter, who strikes out 160+ times each year, but hits 30+ homers, plenty of doubles, and 15-20 SBs. He is certainly not a prototypical #2 hitter, and he might have some years where he hits .250, and some where he hits .280, but if he's making great catches in the OF and hitting lots of homers I'm fine with that.

A future batting champ, he ain't.

[jbm]

I'm not confused about what he should be.  He should just make the most out of his talents, and he clearly won't do that without a better approach.  I think it's also pretty clear to his coaches who, just like last year are reportedly working with him on going the other way, and I suspect, to attack with a more balanced swing.

I don't think you are advocating this, but the idea that he is best served by swinging out of his shoes on just about every swing is absurd.  I suspect he will adjust long term  (he did last night) and have a good to great career, but if he doesn't, he'll be a solid everyday regular, but not an all star.

[pots]

Springer, Gattis and Carter. 

Who had Valbueana, Lowrie and Rasmus leading the Astros in homeruns?

[MusicMan]

How fast could Preston Tucker learn to play 1b?

[subnuclear]

How fast could Preston Tucker learn to play 1b?

Singleton already knows how to play 1B and is .310/.408/.619.

[roadrunner]

Singleton already knows how to play 1B and is .310/.408/.619.

and Tucker isn't on the 40 man

[Reuben]

Singleton already knows how to play 1B and is .310/.408/.619.

Singleton killed it in AAA last April, too.

[jbm]

For those who advocate Springer swinging out of his shoes all the time, the hitting coach disagrees.  Not that this should be a surprise.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/04/27/george-springer-working-on-swing-body-control/

[Reuben]

I don't have the time to go back through the whole thread; who exactly was advocating springer swinging out of his shoes all the time?

[NeilT]

I don't have the time to go back through the whole thread; who exactly was advocating springer swinging out of his shoes all the time?

I will.  I don't think it would be very effective, but I would like to see him pop out of his cleats.