Hitting

[MusicMan]

I couldn't believe my eyes seeing this as I wrote the recap, but it's true.  Let's not debate the merits of OPS, but just use it as a shorthand for what we're all seeing:

It's no surprise that Altuve is leading the team.  That his OPS is now over 1.100 shocked me.
Rasmus, Springer, and Correa are all bunched around .850.  Pretty good, although you might hope for slightly higher from the latter two.

Want to guess who's next on the team?

Jason Castro.  At .747.  The guy who was hitting sub-.150 two weeks ago.

[Jacksonian]

Jason Castro.  At .747.  The guy who was hitting sub-.150 two weeks ago.

That's what a 2 week hot streak will do when you have less than 100 total at-bats.

[MusicMan]

Yes, but it's not like .747 is anything to write home about.


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[Jacksonian]

Yes, but it's not like .747 is anything to write home about.


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Perspective, my friend. Perspective.

[mrpink]

The AL average is .712 and the past two years Castro averaged about .650.  I think I'll write home about it right now...or not...I'm out of stamps.

[Reuben]

The AL average is .712 and the past two years Castro averaged about .650.  I think I'll write home about it right now...or not...I'm out of stamps.

Exactly. While .747 probably isn't what you'd like out of your #5 hitter, it's plenty good for a catcher.

[Fredia]

you have stamps?

[MusicMan]

Exactly. While .747 probably isn't what you'd like out of your #5 hitter, it's plenty good for a catcher.

Yes, but I'm pointing out that the catcher is effectively the #5 hitter right now.

[HudsonHawk]

Since April 21st, Tyler White's OPS is .239

[juliogotay]

Gattis back to Corpus to work on catching. Sipp back from leave.

[MusicMan]

Gattis back to Corpus to work on catching. Sipp back from leave.

Doesn't that give us 14 pitchers?

[BizidyDizidy]

Doesn't that give us 14 pitchers?

Didnt Marisnick replace Feliz?

[MusicMan]

Ok, he's still here.


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[Fredia]

altuve is hot why hold him out tonight

[Mr. Happy]

altuve is hot why hold him out tonight

Scheduled day off. Want to keep him fresh in September.

[Nate Colbert]

Scheduled day off. Want to keep him fresh in September.

May have been part of it but a sore left index finger is also being mentioned.

[Arky Vaughan]

Yes, but it's not like .747 is anything to write home about.

For a catcher? Major League catchers cumulatively have a .670 OPS. I would gladly take a catcher who could maintain a .747 OPS on a regular basis.

[MusicMan]

For a catcher? Major League catchers cumulatively have a .670 OPS. I would gladly take a catcher who could maintain a .747 OPS on a regular basis.

Again, my point is not that the catcher is posting that. My point is that the team's 5th best hitter is posting that.

[Reuben]

Again, my point is not that the catcher is posting that. My point is that the team's 5th best hitter is posting that.

Jason Castro posts on this board? That's pretty cool.

[Fredia]

wow can i get a autograph for my daughter?/

[Nate Colbert]

Castro to paternity list, Stassi called up from Fresno, Kratz in lineup tonight.

[Mr. Happy]

Castro to paternity list, Stassi called up from Fresno, Kratz in lineup tonight.

The bottom third of our lineup tonight is brutal.

[Fredia]

so many babies when is altuves daughter due?

[jaklewein]

Jason Castro posts on this board? That's pretty cool.

If my daughter was a member she'd be posting about him all the time.  That's her favorite player.  We made the trip down to Kissimmee for the team's last season there and she was lucky enough to get Jason's autograph.  For my daughter's sake I need to ask the question...what's Castro's future with the team?  Is he gone after this season or will they try and resign him? 

[juliogotay]

If my daughter was a member she'd be posting about him all the time.  That's her favorite player.  We made the trip down to Kissimmee for the team's last season there and she was lucky enough to get Jason's autograph.  For my daughter's sake I need to ask the question...what's Castro's future with the team?  Is he gone after this season or will they try and resign him?

I have wondered that myself but it seems like they would have tried to do that in this past off-season if it were a priority to them rather than let him get to free-agency. I don't see a ready replacement in the minors unless this Gattis thing is in answering the question for them if he could become an everyday guy. Not sure who is available in the free agent market but that doesn't seem to fit to me. There is always the possibility of Luhnow overpaying for a catcher in a trade. Trading out of desperation is not a good idea. I'm in the camp of wanting Castro back.

[bubba]

Castro's defense wins him a spot, IMHO.

[doyce7]

I've always been willing to forgive a catcher who doesn't hit. Play great defense and handle the pitching staff well. Castro would have a spot on the team if I made decisions.

[MusicMan]

Could we upgrade at catcher? Maybe.

Are there other spots (CF, 3b, 1B, SP 3-5) in greater need of upgrade? Absolutely.


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[austro]

It's not clear to me who has the upper hand. Catching overall seems a little thin, and it might be the case the Castro could decide to walk because he can get a better deal elsewhere. It would be kind of weird to find themselves in a bidding war for Castro.

[juliogotay]

It's not clear to me who has the upper hand. Catching overall seems a little thin, and it might be the case the Castro could decide to walk because he can get a better deal elsewhere. It would be kind of weird to find themselves in a bidding war for Castro.

 There will be some unhappy pitchers on this team if Castro is not back next year. Keuchel at the top of the list.
If Luhnow has a better idea than Castro....great. It is a short list to choose from but this is very puzzling, really.

[VirtualBob]

It's not clear to me who has the upper hand. Catching overall seems a little thin, and it might be the case the Castro could decide to walk because he can get a better deal elsewhere. It would be kind of weird to find themselves in a bidding war for Castro.

The arbitration this year may affect the Astros chances too.

[Duman]

The arbitration this year may affect the Astros chances too.

Yep. I think the Astros give an offer but he walks and the Astros get a draft pick for him.  It was odd to go to arbitration of 250K

[jbm]

The arbitration this year may affect the Astros chances too.

It did look like a clear signal that he wasn't in their long-term plans.

[Mr. Happy]

It did look like a clear signal that he wasn't in their long-term plans.

The problem with that theory is that there's really no Plan B option. I think that we have to re-sign him.

[pots]

Yep. I think the Astros give an offer but he walks and the Astros get a draft pick for him.  It was odd to go to arbitration of 250K

I don't see them offering a qualifying offer.  10 million per is the best Castro could expect. 

[pots]

Could we upgrade at catcher? Maybe.

Are there other spots (CF, 3b, 1B, SP 3-5) in greater need of upgrade? Absolutely.


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I'd put catcher above first and third.  Bregman, Moran, Reed and there is still the possibility of White righting the ship.  Though White is probably best for DH. 

They'll need one outfielder, catcher(unless they resign Castro) and another starter. 

[HudsonHawk]

Though White is probably best for DH. 

He'll need to learn to hit first.

[Jacksonian]

He'll need to learn to hit first.

Ouch.  Though he's 5 for his last 15 with 3 doubles.

[mrpink]

Ouch.  Though he's 5 for his last 15 with 3 doubles.

I don't get to watch every day, but it looks like he's made some adjustments.  Someone mentioned the other day that he had a very honest self-assessment and thinks he might have gotten caught up in his early home run success. 

I was just clamoring the other day for Worth to take his roster spot, now I'm changing my tune (I'd still like to see Worth called up somehow).

[astrosfan76]

It did look like a clear signal that he wasn't in their long-term plans.

I don't know how far apart they were, but there were attempts to keep him past this season:

At multiple points, the Astros and Castro have talked long-term deals, including earlier this winter before arbitration filings. A two-year deal came up, as well a three-year deal plus an option, a person familiar with the offers said.

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/Future-looks-bright-for-Astros-but-what-s-the-6829687.php?t=59871226dd438d9cbb&cmpid=twitter-premium

[jbm]

Thanks, I didn't realize long term deals had been discussed.

[Mr. Happy]

Thanks, I didn't realize long term deals had been discussed.

As exasperated as I get with his bat, he handles the pitchers and throws out a lot of would-be base stealers. I'd sign him long-term.

[Nate Colbert]

Between the hitting woes and reduced velocity on his throws, some guy at Fangraphs thinks Gomez is suffering from "one or more" injuries and needs to go to the DL.

Link

[jbm]

Well, besides more infrequent contact, he doesn't have much power when he actually squares it up.  Many times, off the bat, I'm thinking "he got it," but it barely makes the track. 

Could be an injury, could be he just passed his peak, but these days, one must consider if that peak period in those graphs was legit.

We heard the injury excuse last year; it's more dubious two years in a row.

[homer]

We heard the injury excuse last year; it's more dubious two years in a row.

I'm not sure how you reach this conclusion. The 'dubious' injury or his overall health was enough to scare the Mets off.

[jbm]

Well, the Astros cleared him, and played him the remainder of the year.  Sure, he probably wasn't at full strength, but he had a whole off-season to heal, and this writer concludes that he must still be injured.  Maybe he is, but the longer I hear that a player (who is playing) is really injured, the more dubious the claim seems.  If he is, what is it, will it ever heal, and/or will it permanently diminish his skill?

If the Mets saw it, and this writer sees it, and it is true, it seems the Astros would both let it out to tamp the criticism and give him time to recover.  More than anyone, they want they guy they paid dearly for.

[pots]

Between the hitting woes and reduced velocity on his throws, some guy at Fangraphs thinks Gomez is suffering from "one or more" injuries and needs to go to the DL.

Link

Astros Country drops the stats on Gomez

[juliogotay]

Astros Country drops the stats on Gomez

One of them is between the ears but that is not a recent development. 

[mrpink]

Maybe he's hurt, maybe he's not, but he's got to go.  You could use the opportunity to get Marisnick or Tucker regular at bats and call up Worth or Kemp.  Although Worth has missed the last few games and I can't find a reason why.

[juliogotay]

Maybe he's hurt, maybe he's not, but he's got to go.  You could use the opportunity to get Marisnick or Tucker regular at bats and call up Worth or Kemp.  Although Worth has missed the last few games and I can't find a reason why.

Luhnow insists Gomez is not hurt. http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2016/5/13/11669600/jeff-luhnow-discusses-carlos-gomez-in-interview

[hostros7]

Maybe he's hurt, maybe he's not, but he's got to go.  You could use the opportunity to get Marisnick or Tucker regular at bats and call up Worth or Kemp.  Although Worth has missed the last few games and I can't find a reason why.

Whatever your personal feelings on Gomez may be he's not going anywhere, except for perhaps a stint on the DL. I agree he may need some time on the bench or DL to clear his head and/or heal his body. Many had him ranked as the projected #1 position FA on the market this summer. Gomez no doubt feels like he's losing money day after day as he sets new personal records for baseball futility.

The team has too much invested in him to cut him loose. Luhnow may have to take the heat for making a shitty trade, but Gomez is going to be on the team and given chances all year long.

[juliogotay]

Whatever your personal feelings on Gomez may be he's not going anywhere, except for perhaps a stint on the DL. I agree he may need some time on the bench or DL to clear his head and/or heal his body. Many had him ranked as the projected #1 position FA on the market this summer. Gomez no doubt feels like he's losing money day after day as he sets new personal records for baseball futility.

The team has too much invested in him to cut him loose. Luhnow may have to take the heat for making a shitty trade, but Gomez is going to be on the team and given chances all year long.

Did you read Luhnow's quote from the article I posted? It does not appear that he is a lock to stay on the team if he doesn't step up. Although I am not sure where he could go?

[jbm]

The team has too much invested in him to cut him loose. Luhnow may have to take the heat for making a shitty trade, but Gomez is going to be on the team and given chances all year long.

All year long?  What if the word "contention" seems plausible, and he is still doing little? 

[homer]

Did you read Luhnow's quote from the article I posted? It does not appear that he is a lock to stay on the team if he doesn't step up. Although I am not sure where he could go?

I've read it a couple of times now, and all I can tell is Lunhow thinks that GoGo just needs 'to get it going.' I see nothing to suggest he isn't going to be the everyday CFer until his contract runs out.

Also, it's going to be awesome when he finishes this season with a bunch of garbage time homeruns off September call ups and Lunhow gives him a big contract.

[bubba]

He reminds me of Operation Shutdown.

[MusicMan]

Also, it's going to be awesome when he finishes this season with a bunch of garbage time homeruns off September call ups and Lunhow gives him a big contract.

What in Luhnow's history makes you think he would do that?

[homer]

What in Luhnow's history makes you think he would do that?

What is Lunhow's history would make me think he'd make the shitty trade in the first place? He's obviously got some irrational love for the guy and the bad decisions will follow.

[hostros7]

Did you read Luhnow's quote from the article I posted? It does not appear that he is a lock to stay on the team if he doesn't step up. Although I am not sure where he could go?

Yes, I read the article and nothing in it seems to suggest that Luhnow has any plans to give up on him. The only realistic option that result in diminished playing time for Gomez is if one of Marisnick, Tucker, or (maybe in the event of a call up) Kemp gets and stays hot and Gomez is relegated to a 4th OF role. Does that seem likely? No. Given his professional track record, the organization will give him every chance to revert towards his historical mean and perform better.

Gomez sucking this year is really a kick to the junk from a couple angles. First and foremost, it seriously dilutes the bottom half of the order and contributes to this team's current ineptitude. Second, if the season continues down the path it looks to be headed down, Gomez has no trade value at the trade deadline. I'm sure it was discussed at the time of the trade (or some other point along the road) that the team could recoup another good prospect or two for Gomez this year if the team underperformed, which is not going to happen at this rate.

[David in Jackson]

Whatever Luhnow may really think of the pile of garbage that is Carlos Gomez, he can't say anything other than what is he saying if he wants to deal him later (if we are out of it, and any team wants him).

[Waldo]

I've read it a couple of times now, and all I can tell is Lunhow thinks that GoGo just needs 'to get it going.' I see nothing to suggest he isn't going to be the everyday CFer until his contract runs out.

Also, it's going to be awesome when he finishes this season with a bunch of garbage time homeruns off September call ups and Lunhow gives him a big contract.

By that logic, Chris Carter would still be an Astro.

[Fredia]

gomez is dh tonight. can someone give me a logical explanation

[juliogotay]

Yes, I read the article and nothing in it seems to suggest that Luhnow has any plans to give up on him. The only realistic option that result in diminished playing time for Gomez is if one of Marisnick, Tucker, or (maybe in the event of a call up) Kemp gets and stays hot and Gomez is relegated to a 4th OF role. Does that seem likely? No. Given his professional track record, the organization will give him every chance to revert towards his historical mean and perform better.

Gomez sucking this year is really a kick to the junk from a couple angles. First and foremost, it seriously dilutes the bottom half of the order and contributes to this team's current ineptitude. Second, if the season continues down the path it looks to be headed down, Gomez has no trade value at the trade deadline. I'm sure it was discussed at the time of the trade (or some other point along the road) that the team could recoup another good prospect or two for Gomez this year if the team underperformed, which is not going to happen at this rate.

I can think of another reason why Gomez sucking is a kick in the junk. There was some serious talent given up for him, I thought Luhnow overpaid from day one, including a young CFer that may be the regular in Milwaukee soon and will probably put up better numbers.

"...and we have just got to get Carlos Gomez going.  He's a good baseball player who's not producing offensively right now the way that he should be, or the way that we need him to even stay on this team. "  That tells me that if doesn't produce more than now he won't have a spot on the team. What am I missing?

[hostros7]

You're clinging to one clause and not putting it in the context of the entire quote.


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[juliogotay]

You're clinging to one clause and not putting it in the context of the entire quote.


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What can I tell ya. Words mean something.

[austro]

Gomez hasn't performed at a major-league level since last July when the Astros acquired him. He's not young anymore, and at some point you have to ask if he has peaked and will never return to previous levels. If you believe that's the case, you have to cut your losses, eat the sunk costs, and move on.

[Mr. Happy]

Gomez hasn't performed at a major-league level since last July when the Astros acquired him. He's not young anymore, and at some point you have to ask if he has peaked and will never return to previous levels. If you believe that's the case, you have to cut your losses, eat the sunk costs, and move on.

I agree. At some point, Luhnow has to cut his losses.

[Fredia]

3 strike outs and your out. not in the line up for today

[hostros7]

from Jeff Passan's free agent tracker:

Gomez, meanwhile, is a complete mess. He has struck out 46 times in 121 at-bats. Bartolo Colon has outhomered him. Here’s the list of players with a lower OPS than him: Erick Aybar. That’s it. Gomez’s .486 OPS is 191st of 192 qualified players. It’s gotten so bad the Astros might not even tender him a qualifying offer because of the fear he would accept it and they would be on the hook for more than $16 million. Granted, it happened this offseason with …

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/10-degrees--meet-the-worst-baseball-free-agent-class-in-decades-011008112-mlb.html

[astrosfan76]

Tony Kemp appears set to get the next crack: 

The Astros have promoted outfielder/second baseman Tony Kemp from Class AAA Fresno to take the roster spot vacated Sunday when they optioned Preston Tucker, according to sources familiar with the decision.

The team has yet to announce the move.

I don't know what to expect of him, or what role he steps into, but at least the club's trying something.

http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-to-call-up-Tony-Kemp-from-Class-AAA-Fresno-7478581.php?cmpid=twitter-mobile

[Jacksonian]

Tony Kemp appears set to get the next crack: 
 

I don't know what to expect of him, or what role he steps into, but at least the club's trying something.

http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-to-call-up-Tony-Kemp-from-Class-AAA-Fresno-7478581.php?cmpid=twitter-mobile

It only makes sense if 1) this really is the Gomez benching move and 2) the Astros really have no confidence in Marisnick as a starter.

[MusicMan]

It only makes sense if 1) this really is the Gomez benching move and 2) the Astros really have no confidence in Marisnick as a starter.

Marisnick has shown nothing to give you confidence in him as a starter.

[hostros7]

Marisnick has shown nothing to give you confidence in him as a starter.

His hair is 2.5 WAR.

[Mr. Happy]

I don't think that Marisnick is a big league hitter. But, then again, neither is Gomez, at least during his stay with the Astros.

[HudsonHawk]

I don't think that Marisnick is a big league hitter. But, then again, neither is Gomez, at least during his stay with the Astros.

I may have completely lost my marbles, but I like having Marisnick on the field. 

[moriartp]

I may have completely lost my marbles, but I like having Marisnick on the field.

He's a star everywhere but the batter's box.

[MusicMan]

His hair is 2.5 WAR.

With hair like that, he could command the Night's Watch.

[juliogotay]

I may have completely lost my marbles, but I like having Marisnick on the field.

I do too. I believe that if they put him out there for the rest of the season, told him to relax that the job is yours', he could hit about .240 with 15 SBs and 10 HRs. That's not great but its' not awful for the value you get defensively and running the bases. He won't kill you with knucklehead plays. Someday, somewhere it will click for him.

[Jacksonian]

I do too. I believe that if they put him out there for the rest of the season, told him to relax that the job is yours', he could hit about .240 with 15 SBs and 10 HRs. That's not great but its' not awful for the value you get defensively and running the bases. He won't kill you with knucklehead plays. Someday, somewhere it will click for him.

He did that for the first half of last year.  It wasn't good enough for the brass.

[pots]

He did that for the first half of last year.  It wasn't good enough for the brass.

Not exactly.  He earned a full time job during the month of April last year.  After a hot start in a limited role, by the 3rd week he was a full time starter.  Then shortly into May just completely became lost at the plate.  The few good weeks in April where he earned a starting role where offset by 6 really bad weeks in a starting role (ended due to injury)

April OPS 1043 over 58 ABs
May OPS 510 over 84 ABs (29Ks)
June OPS 487 over 42 ABs (13 Ks) 

So he earned a starting role then got much worse with regular playing time.  I don't get the point that regular playing time will make him good at the plate when it hasn't worked in the past.   That's not to say he won't eventually figure it out.  I think if you want him to figure it out though, he should at least try in AAA first.  He was not doing well there earlier.

[doyce7]

I like Jake and what he brings, but he's a 4th outfielder on a good team. He just doesn't hit well enough. We've seen what he is at the plate.

[VirtualBob]

It only makes sense if 1) this really is the Gomez benching move and 2) the Astros really have no confidence in Marisnick as a starter.

And 3, MarGo can't walk and they need insurance in the infield.

[VirtualBob]

I may have completely lost my marbles, but I like having Marisnick on the field.

Absolutely.  And he might still hit someday ... Gomez is a complete loss at the plate and unlikely to get much better the way he swings.  He makes Springer look like he is taking casual swings.

[VirtualBob]

I do too. I believe that if they put him out there for the rest of the season, told him to relax that the job is yours', he could hit about .240 with 15 SBs and 10 HRs. That's not great but its' not awful for the value you get defensively and running the bases. He won't kill you with knucklehead plays. Someday, somewhere it will click for him.

This!

+1

[Jacksonian]

Gammons just tweeted that Moran joins the Astros today.

[austro]

Gammons just tweeted that Moran joins the Astros today.

Please check my arithmetic:

Joining: Gattis, Kemp, Moran
Leaving: Kratz, Tucker

Seems that somebody else gets an unpleasant conversation this morning. Or have I forgotten another departure?

[juliogotay]

Please check my arithmetic:

Joining: Gattis, Kemp, Moran
Leaving: Kratz, Tucker

Seems that somebody else gets an unpleasant conversation this morning. Or have I forgotten another departure?

Possibly Gonzalez to DL? It was posted above that he can't walk? I know he fouled a ball off of his foot or instep in Boston.

[jaklewein]

Gammons just tweeted that Moran joins the Astros today.

Plus I see Bregman played his 2nd game at 3B yesterday.  Wonder if he'll get called up to AAA to man hot corner in Moran's absence?

[MusicMan]

Is Moran on the 40 man?


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[Jacksonian]

Of course it's Whitey so he could have meant Kemp and been late to the reporting party.

[Reuben]

Possibly Gonzalez to DL? It was posted above that he can't walk? I know he fouled a ball off of his foot or instep in Boston.

If Marwin goes on the DL, I'd think Fontana would get the call-up. They need a backup SS on the roster, plus he's on the 40-man (or they DFA Fontana and add Worth).

[Navin R Johnson]

If Marwin goes on the DL, I'd think Fontana would get the call-up. They need a backup SS on the roster, plus he's on the 40-man (or they DFA Fontana and add Worth).

That's a good point. 

[Lefty]

Is Moran on the 40 man?

No, but DFAing Kratz opens up a spot, right?

ETA:  Or I guess Kemp took that spot?

[MusicMan]

No, but DFAing Kratz opens up a spot, right?

ETA:  Or I guess Kemp took that spot?

Correct - Kemp took the spot.

[Navin R Johnson]

It is either a pitcher or Tyler white that is going down.

[Lefty]

Of course it's Whitey so he could have meant Kemp and been late to the reporting party.

Kaplan just confirmed that Moran will be in Chicago tonight.

[MusicMan]

It is either a pitcher or Tyler white that is going down.

If it's White, I suppose the idea is that Marwin and Valbuena handle 1b?

[jbm]

Here's a thought:  what if it is Gomez?

I mean, a lot of reasonable people think he should go.

[MusicMan]

Hinch just "confirmed" this - "right now I can only confirm Tony, but Peter is a long time Moran family friend."


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[doyce7]

Looks like Marwin is not going to DL per tweets

[MusicMan]

Hinch just said he thinks Marwin should be available tonight.


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[hostros7]

Here's a thought:  what if it is Gomez?

I mean, a lot of reasonable people think he should go.

Wishful thinking.

[moriartp]

Gomez sounds possible to me.

[juliogotay]

Gomez sounds possible to me.

Luhnow on Gomez: "I think he’s going to have to turn it around at some point otherwise we’re not going to be able to continue to play him."

1:00 PM - 16 May 2016

Tweet from McTaggart yesterday

[Jacksonian]

They'll need to make a 40-man move, but there's probably 5 or so players they could remove and not miss much or at all.

[MusicMan]

Hinch just said he thinks Marwin should be available tonight.


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[VirtualBob]

Here's a thought:  what if it is Gomez?

I mean, a lot of reasonable people think he should go.

Hope springs eternal ...

[Reuben]

Hinch just said he thinks Marwin should be available tonight.


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You Cabrera'd yourself. That might be a first...

[Fredia]

maybe they should call up my daughter to manage she thought that long ago ...

[Navin R Johnson]

I thought for sure it would be White, or maybe a pitcher.  But if that was the case what the hell is taking so long?  I am leaning that something is going on with Gomez.

Could they make up an injury so he could do a rehab stint in AAA and maybe get his confidence back?

[pots]

I thought for sure it would be White, or maybe a pitcher.  But if that was the case what the hell is taking so long?  I am leaning that something is going on with Gomez.

Could they make up an injury so he could do a rehab stint in AAA and maybe get his confidence back?

Injury of the head

[Navin R Johnson]

Why not, it seems like a legitimate ailment.

[pots]

Amazing to me that Worth wasn't in this call up.  300 points more OPS than Moran.  Not the future, but likely more helpful now

[pots]

This whole thing has been really peculiar.  First Tucker is going down and they don't say who is coming up.  The Moran is coming up and they don't say who is replacing.  And the one guy that has been tearing it up in AAA gets to stay

[mrpink]

Amazing to me that Worth wasn't in this call up.  300 points more OPS than Moran.  Not the future, but likely more helpful now

Exactly what I was thinking.

[Jacksonian]

This whole thing has been really peculiar.  First Tucker is going down and they don't say who is coming up.  The Moran is coming up and they don't say who is replacing.  And the one guy that has been tearing it up in AAA gets to stay

I guess a 30 year old journeyman infielder with a very limited record of success doesn't inspire that much confidence.

[mrpink]

I guess a 30 year old journeyman infielder with a very limited record of success doesn't inspire that much confidence.

I assume that's their reasoning, but I'm willing to bet he made a late career adjustment since he also killed it at AAA last year and Spring Training this year.

[astrosfan76]

I guess a 30 year old journeyman infielder with a very limited record of success doesn't inspire that much confidence.

My thoughts, exactly.  They've wanted Moran at this level all along, so it's been a matter of him proving himself, moreso than him competing against someone else.  Moran is expected to play 3B/DH and get regular AB with the club.  Knowing that, I don't think it's safe to assume that it's not Valbuena who is being moved off the 25-man.  This would explain why they're taking a little longer making the announcement (like they did with Fields). 

[Navin R Johnson]

Gomez to the 15 day.  I nailed it.

[moriartp]

Gomez to the 15 day.  I nailed it.

Bruised ribcage, presumably caused by Hinch attacking him with a fungo.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Gomez to the 15-day DL doesn't clear up a spot on the 40-man for Moran, right?

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Ah, I see, it's Wojo, DFA.

[JJxvi]

I dont know about this roster composition. Sending out an outfielder leaves only 4, right?

So with 4 outfielders basically Springer must play every day. Rasmus must play every day. Gattis DHing on days where he is not catching is semi-risky if Castro has to leave a game early.

And we have Altuve, Correa, Marwin, Valbuena, Moran, and White, of which only 3 at best can hit plus 2 rookies, and of which 5 out of 6 might have to be in the lineup if Gattis is catching, or 5 even plus Castro if Gattis isnt going to DH? 

[Navin R Johnson]

Marwin, when healthy can play the OF.  So, Jake, George, Colby, Kemp, Marwin.

[Jacksonian]

I assume that's their reasoning, but I'm willing to bet he made a late career adjustment since he also killed it at AAA last year and Spring Training this year.

All 30 teams passed on giving him a major league contract after his good AAA season last year.

[Navin R Johnson]

Can anyone clear up the rules on DL/Rehab?   When is Gomex eligible to start rehab and how many games is he allowed to play down there before he is recalled.

[Reuben]

Marwin, when healthy can play the OF.  So, Jake, George, Colby, Kemp, Marwin.

You somehow forgot Evan Gattis' ability to play OF.

[doyce7]

Can anyone clear up the rules on DL/Rehab?   When is Gomex eligible to start rehab and how many games is he allowed to play down there before he is recalled.

Not sure how long before he can start but I believe he can rehab up to 30 days starting from the first rehab game.

[JimR]

You somehow forgot Evan Gattis' ability to play OF.

easy to do. I think he stands in the OF.

[juliogotay]

Bruised ribcage, presumably caused by Hinch attacking him with a fungo.

Damn Hinch should have broken a couple of them.

[mrpink]

All 30 teams passed on giving him a major league contract after his good AAA season last year.

Of course they did, he was hitting in Reno.  Then he goes and hits .326/.408/.581 in Kissimmee and .358/.442/.606 in Fresno.  I bet all 30 teams wouldn't pass on him now given the chance.

[HudsonHawk]

Can anyone clear up the rules on DL/Rehab?   When is Gomex eligible to start rehab and how many games is he allowed to play down there before he is recalled.

He can start rehabbing whenever he's able.  There's no timetable.  A Major League player can play in the minors on rehab assignment up to 20 days for position players, 30 days for pitchers. 

[Navin R Johnson]

He can start rehabbing whenever he's able.  There's no timetable.  A Major League player can play in the minors on rehab assignment up to 20 days for position players, 30 days for pitchers. 

Thanks.  So if you use the full 15 days as healing time, you get 5 days (or games) in the minors.  Or you could take the weekend off, then start playing Monday with Fresno and stay there until June 1st.

[Nate Colbert]

Amazing to me that Worth wasn't in this call up.  300 points more OPS than Moran.  Not the future, but likely more helpful now

I agree with you that Worth would probably have been of more immediate help. I wonder if Worth is perhaps not at 100% physically. After starting and playing in 28 of Fresno's first 29 games (all but one of those at 2B or SS), Worth then was held out for 3 straight games and has only played in 2 of the last 6 games and both of those were at DH. So the last game he played in the field was over a week ago. That all seems pretty odd given the way he's been playing and the way he was used the first 5+ weeks of the season.

I think even more telling is that Worth would have given the Astros more positional flexibility. Worth can play 3 positions (including SS) while Moran is limited to 3B.

Unless a permanent change is to be made at 3B, whoever got called up is not likely to see a whole lot of playing time. Again that would seem to argue for giving the job to the journeyman player and not to someone like Moran who it does no good to sit on the bench for a couple of weeks. So I find the decision a bit head-scratching unless the decision has also been made to bench Valbuena (or move him to 1B) and give the starting 3B job over to Moran and see how that plays out for a couple of weeks.

[jbm]

I thought I read that Moran would get some time at DH when he is not manning third. 

[Jacksonian]

Interesting McTag tweets.  He says Luhnow indicates Marisnick will get the most time in center.  Kemp will get a similar role to what Tucker had.  So Kemp is a fill in not getting a look as a possible regular.

[Nate Colbert]

I thought I read that Moran would get some time at DH when he is not manning third.

Well I did now see this:

Brian McTaggart ‏@brianmctaggart  2 hours ago
Against RHPs, expect to see Moran at third and Valbuena at first. Against LHPs, White at first and Valbuena at third, Moran in mix.

So presumably that could include DH as well.

[juliogotay]

Interesting McTag tweets.  He says Luhnow indicates Marisnick will get the most time in center.  Kemp will get a similar role to what Tucker had.  So Kemp is a fill in not getting a look as a possible regular.

I thought Hinch made out the lineup card? Maybe this was what Hinch told Luhnow. I've got some swamp land...

[VirtualBob]

Thanks.  So if you use the full 15 days as healing time, you get 5 days (or games) in the minors.  Or you could take the weekend off, then start playing Monday with Fresno and stay there until June 1st.

I think it is 20 days of rehab once rehab starts ... healing time before rehab does not count.

[juliogotay]

I thought I read that Moran would get some time at DH when he is not manning third.

I'm confident they are not bringing Moran up to sit. Luhnow has been talking about him coming up since Spring Training.

[Reuben]

Well I did now see this:

Brian McTaggart ‏@brianmctaggart  2 hours ago
Against RHPs, expect to see Moran at third and Valbuena at first. Against LHPs, White at first and Valbuena at third, Moran in mix.

So presumably that could include DH as well.

Marwin killed LHP last year and is killing them at .323/.400/.581 so far this year. He'll be in the field somewhere against lefties, unless Hinch has gone crazy.

[Jacksonian]

Marwin killed LHP last year and is killing them at .323/.400/.581 so far this year. He'll be in the field somewhere against lefties, unless Hinch has gone crazy.

There's also the DH.

[Nate Colbert]

There's also the DH.

Which means Moran will NOT be doing any DHing which I think was Reuben's point.

[pots]

I agree with you that Worth would probably have been of more immediate help. I wonder if Worth is perhaps not at 100% physically. After starting and playing in 28 of Fresno's first 29 games (all but one of those at 2B or SS), Worth then was held out for 3 straight games and has only played in 2 of the last 6 games and both of those were at DH. So the last game he played in the field was over a week ago. That all seems pretty odd given the way he's been playing and the way he was used the first 5+ weeks of the season.

I think even more telling is that Worth would have given the Astros more positional flexibility. Worth can play 3 positions (including SS) while Moran is limited to 3B.

Unless a permanent change is to be made at 3B, whoever got called up is not likely to see a whole lot of playing time. Again that would seem to argue for giving the job to the journeyman player and not to someone like Moran who it does no good to sit on the bench for a couple of weeks. So I find the decision a bit head-scratching unless the decision has also been made to bench Valbuena (or move him to 1B) and give the starting 3B job over to Moran and see how that plays out for a couple of weeks.

I think a lot of the decision came down to next year.  They are likely a long shot to get back into it this year and 4+ months of Moran and Kemp will give them a good idea what they have there.  Especially with Bregman about to pass Moran on the depth chart.  Gives them one more long look at Marisnick (who likely is getting his last look as a starter).  700 at bats as a major league at bats, multiple chances as a starter.  They love him but if he fails here I think his starting days are done. 

[Nate Colbert]

I think a lot of the decision came down to next year.  They are likely a long shot to get back into it this year and 4+ months of Moran and Kemp will give them a good idea what they have there.  Especially with Bregman about to pass Moran on the depth chart.  Gives them one more long look at Marisnick (who likely is getting his last look as a starter).  700 at bats as a major league at bats, multiple chances as a starter.  They love him but if he fails here I think his starting days are done.

So you're saying these moves in aggregate amount to a decision by the FO to write off this year?

[pots]

So you're saying these moves in aggregate amount to a decision by the FO to write off this year?

Not exactly but changes with next year in mind

[WVastro]

So you're saying these moves in aggregate amount to a decision by the FO to write off this year?

I wouldn't object to that line of thinking at this point. Yes, they aren't that far out yet but damn they look shitty. FO will likely have more patience than my dumb ass.

I look forward to a series without the looming presence of Gomez. They might act like a team.

[HudsonHawk]

I think it is 20 days of rehab once rehab starts ... healing time before rehab does not count.

Exactly. He can go the minors at any point, or he doesn't have to at all. The 20-day clock starts once he goes to a minor league club. That could be tomorrow, it could be August.

[juliogotay]

I think a lot of the decision came down to next year.  They are likely a long shot to get back into it this year and 4+ months of Moran and Kemp will give them a good idea what they have there.  Especially with Bregman about to pass Moran on the depth chart.  Gives them one more long look at Marisnick (who likely is getting his last look as a starter).  700 at bats as a major league at bats, multiple chances as a starter.  They love him but if he fails here I think his starting days are done.

I had these same thoughts in that they are looking to the future and need to see what they got. Not necessarily writing off this year...they could have a better club with these guys and get hot.

[Navin R Johnson]

1 last minor league question.  Could Gomez refuse to go to a rehab assignment?

[austro]

1 last minor league question.  Could Gomez refuse to go to a rehab assignment?

And does he need a doctor's note certifying that he has a legitimate injury?

[Lefty]

And does he need a doctor's note certifying that he has a legitimate injury?

Do psychiatrists count?

[HudsonHawk]

1 last minor league question.  Could Gomez refuse to go to a rehab assignment?

 

Yes.  It happens from time to time.

[BizidyDizidy]

 

Yes.  It happens from time to time.

As annoying as he is, there's been nothing to indicate he's not a good team player and has only blamed himself.

[HudsonHawk]

As annoying as he is, there's been nothing to indicate he's not a good team player and has only blamed himself.

Agreed.  He may refuse, but there's no indication he would.  And I'm not sure why his rehabbing in the minors is a big topic right now. 

[Navin R Johnson]

Agree with both of you, was curious what his options are.  I fully expect him to comply with what is best for the team.

[MusicMan]

And I'm not sure why his rehabbing in the minors is a big topic right now. 

Because people are casting about for a way to straighten him out when he has no minor league options.

[HudsonHawk]

Because people are casting about for a way to straighten him out when he has no minor league options.

I thought people were looking for a way to get him out of the way.  Having him on the DL does that.  Sending to a rehab assignment starts a short clock for having to bring him back. 

[Fredia]

maybe he could get lost on  the way back?

[Navin R Johnson]

Because people are casting about for a way to straighten him out when he has no minor league options.

That was my angle.  Best case scenario is a couple weeks worth of ABs against AAA pitchers helps him regain his confidence and he can come back and contribute.   If he goes down to AAA and hits 210 with no power, I dont think there is any other choice but to cut him loose.

[pots]

That was my angle.  Best case scenario is a couple weeks worth of ABs against AAA pitchers helps him regain his confidence and he can come back and contribute.   If he goes down to AAA and hits 210 with no power, I dont think there is any other choice but to cut him loose.

I agree with this.  one year ago he was a prospect haul trade chip.  He comes back in July with a full month of him back to 2014 numbers and you might be able to get a sweet prospect for him.

[Jacksonian]

I agree with this.  one year ago he was a prospect haul trade chip.  He comes back in July with a full month of him back to 2014 numbers and you might be able to get a sweet prospect for him.

I think it's more likely they keep him all year then arb offer after if he has a quality rest of the year.  He's a Boras client so I can't see him taking the offer.

[austro]

I think it's more likely they keep him all year then arb offer after if he has a quality rest of the year.  He's a Boras client so I can't see him taking the offer.

If there's even a 1% chance of him accepting an arb offer, I wouldn't do it.

[bubba]

That was my angle.  Best case scenario is a couple weeks worth of ABs against AAA pitchers helps him regain his confidence and he can come back and contribute.   If he goes down to AAA and hits 210 with no power, I dont think there is any other choice but to cut him loose.

Are we talking about Singleton?

[hostros7]

From Twitter:

A.J. Hinch flipped the top two in his batting order for tonight's game. George Springer leads off, Jose Altuve bats second.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MikeyBoy]

 

A.J. Hinch flipped the top two in his batting order for tonight's game. George Springer leads off, Jose Altuve bats second.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I truly believe this is the missing link that will turn the season around!

[Fredia]

hey he is DOING SOMETHING to make the team better. yea of little faith

[Nate Colbert]

Ah, I see, it's Wojo, DFA.

Claimed by Marlins.

[MusicMan]

Claimed by Marlins.

Surprised they took a break from suing their fans for a baseball transaction.

[BizidyDizidy]

Maybe if we move all the deck chairs over here the iceberg will leave us be.

[Jacksonian]

Surprised they took a break from suing their fans for a baseball transaction.

They're hoping the fans will be distracted by trying to pronounce and spell his name.