I don't think this regime has any plans of promoting for "need". They're still starting Harrell. That should say enough as to how they feel the need to put the "best" team out there right now is somewhat mitigated by still trying to figure out if cheap guys like Krause, Hoes, Presley, and Guzman could stick/succeed in the big leagues with increased playing time. Its almost like a reverse-pyramid situation. Guys who "deserve" to be promoted and get the increased playing time are shelved in favor of "reclamation projects" and "experiments" who haven't earned it, but get the chance on a team with no expectation or media/fan pressure (not in this soft market) to succeed right now. This sort of development plan has never been done before. I just hope they're "done" with the stashing/experimenting once guys like Correa deem themselves "ready".
I would say Hoes and Guzman have earned their chance on the MLB team even if it is in a part time role (Guzman in particular for part time). Springer has been held back at most half a season (it really seems like longer) so far. Are you saying no other team has ever held a guy back for 300 ABs? Prospects do appear to be moving up more slowly than before for Astros..but then that didn't really help the Astros out either. However, Santana is already at AAA, Correa and Ruiz are probably two of the top 10 youngest in the California League. Deshields is probably slightly on the young side for AA. Stassi is probably in AAA so he can get more ABs. Teoscar has moved up despite not performing up to skills until this year. Vasquez and Kemp are moving up relative to skills. At the beginning of last year, the Astros had 1 guy in the top 20 of youngest players at AAA (Villar), AA (Santana, Hernandez), A+ (Deshields), and A-(Correa, Ruiz). Springer seems to be the only one getting the shaft. Maybe Singleton, too, but he earned it.
So, guys.. I made a game that could be considered a blatant rip-off of MLB.com's Beat the Streak, only in this one, we're going to be using players in the Astros minor league system.
No, I'm saying that teams rarely give guys who are even "less" deserving this much "audition time" at the MLB level, when there are more talented prospects ready to go at the minor league level. There is absolutely nobody blocking Springer/Singleton at this point... and neither is a teenager. Its unprecedented to hold them back without any significant competition at the MLB level, on a team that is bad and could improve offensively at those positions. Its because in this market, the Astros have been allowed to use the MLB level largely for "evaluation" purposes, and not necessarily with the intent to win.
You're back to saying the same thing I am. That players will not be promoted for need, but more with salary arbitration years in mind. This was in response to you wondering if Singleton would get promoted before Springer due to our iffy 1B situation (which in my opinion, is just as iffy as the OF situation). And you'll never be able to say another MLB team has gotten away with what the Astros are doing now... historically bad performance at the MLB level in order to obtain a good number of high picks, along with dragging out the start of player's MLB careers as long as possible in order to obtain the most service time, and not really trying to win games by "design". I don't think this plan works in any other market (well, maybe Arlington...)
Springer with 2 hits including another HR, and 4 rbi . .early in the game! Up to .347 with the average now . . .Sweet
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Second game in a row wHR RT <a href="https://twitter.com/azfreedman">@azfreedman</a>: George Springer just hit a monster grand slam out to left field. Do what you will with that Twitter</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/statuses/456240098766360576">April 16, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Lol, you can be as negative as you want, you have that right Don't mean I have to waller in misery though
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MLB sources told FOX 26 Sports the Astros will call up outfielder George Springer tomorrow from Triple-A Oklahoma City.</p>— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/statuses/456280704473497600">April 16, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Springer!!!
id be happy if he turned out to be another wade miller. still remember watching him at the early days of enron
