If we truly sign Cruz as well, I’ve got to think that 1 of Kemp, Reddick, White, will be moved (2 of them if Tucker is going to make the OD roster).
Such a deep lineup. Given that Brantley isn’t a great defender, I don’t see any way they keep Kemp over Marisnick.
No reason Brantley should be behind the mashers IMO, he's a prototype 2 hitter. CF Springer LF Brantley 2B Altuve 3B Bregman SS Correa DH White 1B Yuli C Chirinos RF Tucker/Reddick
I know. I just don’t think they’ll use it. They need him on the big league roster for his defense. (He also will only have an option for a short time to start the season).
If by mashers, you are referring to Altuve, Bregman, and Correa, I'd call them being good (understatement) hitters a reason for them to bat higher in the order. Altuve, Bregman, and Correa are such good hitters that even against RHPs they are likely to fare as well if not better than Brantley provided that they are healthy. Altuve, Bregman, and Correa are to prototype number 2 hitters as Springer is to the prototype leadoff hitters. Bregman, specifically, will likely get on base more than Brantley, and he would probably be robbed of a couple homers if he was pushed back to cleanup due to fewer plate appearances. The more Bregman is up to the plate, the more the people behind him are up to the plate. That said, order doesn't matter much.
CF Springer 2B Altuve 3B Bregman DH Brantley SS Correa RF Reddick 1B Yuli C Chirinos LF Kemp BN White, Straw , Stassi
If we make a deal that sends Tucker to Mia for Realmuto, and sign Cruz: CF Springer LF Brantley 2B Altuve 3B Bregman DH Cruz SS Correa C Realmuto 1B Gurriel RF Reddick BN: Chirinos, Diaz, White
RF Springer LF Brantley 3B Bregman 2B Altuve DH Cruz SS Correa C Realmuto 1B Gurriel CF Marisnick Bench: Chirinos, Diaz, Kemp That lineup is stacked.
7 are elite hitters when healthy. 1 is a steady veteran league average bat who rarely strikes out and offers defensive versatility. 1 is a poor/inconsistent hitter who is one of the top 5 defensive CF in the league.
The Astros have the potential to have the best line up in baseball if they manage to add Realmuto and/or Cruz/Murphy.... The line up would be extremely deep and capable. Altuve Brantley Bregman Correa Springer Realmuto Cruz/Murphy Gurriel Reddick That line up would be at worst top 3 in baseball...... Having said that I think we are lucky to add Realmuto OR another bat.
Astros won’t give up Kemp or Reddick, need to add LH bats not subtract them. White or Marisnick would make more sense. Or Astros carry 13 position players. 1. Springer 2. Bregman 3. Altuve 4. Brantley 5. Correa 6. Gurriel 7. Reddick 8. Chirinos 9. Stassi 10. Diaz 11. Kemp 12. Cruz 13. White/Marisnick
If we really go crazy: CF Springer LF Brantley 3B Bregman 2B Altuve RF Harper DH Cruz C Realmuto SS Correa 1B Gurriel BN: Diaz, Chirinos, Marisnick
Yep. And the crazy part is that we are only one short term contract, one mega contract, and one huge trade away.