I think you mis-remember that your opinions aren't facts. The difference in how Moran looked from 2016 to 2017 was drastic, even in the small sample size. Previously he looked like a lightweight unable to pull or drive the ball with any authority. No mis-remembering involved.
6 AB’s? That’s not an opinion. Ok... whatever. His minor league numbers were much improved. Still has a ton to prove whether or not he will stick, let alone flourish, at the MLB level.
Pre-injury (when he apparently enamored everybody). Not sure who he was hitting against when he finally came back during callup season... and was mainly just glad his face was intact.
Gotcha. Moran had a small sample this year. He had a small sample when he was bad in majors. Neither was very conclusive. Minor league data was very interesting though in 2017 as he finally got ball in the air. I think he'll end up a sub or a second division starter. He could bust. He could also still be a good player (~Gurriel level) if he can keep get ball in the air against MLB pitches consistently. Very surprised Pirates wanted him.
What happens to your "ball in the air" fetish when the balls inevitably change again? Not talking much ****, just actually curious. Will there be a run on rangy OFers?
Agreed. After the 4th or 5th post lamenting the possible loss of Moran because he was really impressive with the Astros this year, I had to re-verify that I didn’t miss some 15-20 game stretch where he was featured. Perhaps opposing team GM’s are that easily swayed as well.
Even without flubber ball, doubles are still better than grounding into double plays. Flubber ball is just making it even more important to get ball in the air as homers are worth a lot more than doubles. Edit: One good thing about Astros being a progressive club is that they adapt to change quickly. Astros adapted very quickly to fly ball revolution.
Maybin’s hit and steal in game 2 helped set the stage for the Springer HR, which won that game, and spring boarded them to the title! He deserved at least one MVP vote... but Mr Taco will suffice.
Good answer. I've always loved doubles and always bristled at the term "only has gap power". What the **** is wrong if he hits 30-40 of them and mixes in a dozen or so HRs? As long as you can get on base at a good clip, not K like Rob Deer, and not be a slappy hitter.... This is admittedly coming from a 5'11" kid with HS gap power and good OB skills. Except there was that one...that one ball...when I was a frosh, bases loaded in the district tourney, against St PiuX, I went full Charlton Jimerson on that b!tch. Never hit a ball harder in my life, it was hard to run around the bases, my feet felt so heavy with disbelief.
If you hadn't put that at the bottom of the pic, nobody outside of his family or the Stros Org would have known the difference.
