And a few years before that it was Berkman. I'm not for bringing up position players to the majors straight from AA (outside of rare occasions), but I'm not a fan of this type of argument because there are always players that justify getting called up and others that do not. Pence is his own man. Spring Training is not a good barometer...especially this early. If Pence were to force his way onto the team, it should probably be at Biggio's expense (Not that I expect this would ever happen). I do expect Pence to get his shot in September or earlier if their are injuries. On Burke and Scott, I expect both to have good years despite their poor showing so far in ST. Scott may end up in a platoon situation if Lane has a good year.
Wow, he is really showing that he deserves a roster spot on the big club. I hope they are taking notice and do the right thing. Guys like Jason Lane for example have had their chances and disappointed over and over agains so this is the perfect opportunity to give Hunter a shot.
If Hunter isn't starting full time, I rather have him at AAA getting AB's daily...I think he's gonna start there anyway and play some CF....He'll be playing there and Hildago will be in right and prob Jimerson in left.... leaving our OF with Lee, Burke, Scott, Lane, Anderson and Palmiero.
(photo from an article) Hunter Pence turns 24 next month. He'd be right on schedule if he made the club now.
Jason Lane is fighting for a bench spot... Pence shouldn't be even considered for a bench spot. Its Pence vs. Luke Scott and Chris Burke. The latter two have the inside track, but I wouldn't rule out a move being made during the first month of the season if they both get off to a slow start (along with the rest of the offense).
You either get Pence up with 300 at bats at the major league level this season, or let him start in AAA. I think it would hurt him to bring him up and have him ride the pine. So if you think he's good enough, he's out there every other day at least at the major league level...no half measures.
Very true..., I want to see this kid out there smashing the ball...And if not, next year at the latest.
Being as I have season tickets to the Round Rock Express, I want to see Pence at AAA this year...... He needs to play....if he continues to smoke it...bring him up after Biggio gets his record. Burke should be the regular 2bman anyway. DD
Pence is insurance. Knowing he is a 45 minute plane ride away should motivate Burke, Scott and Lane. tha is not a bad thing and is kind of like a quarterback controversy waiting to happen for us fickle fans.
Please don't try to let Spring Training statistics be THE measurements of how a person really is. Of course, the power and that stuff is a good measurement, but you also have to know that pitchers normally only throw fastballs early in spring training. We don't know how Pence does with pitches vary and how he times the breaking pitches. He's getting mostly straight fastballs in different locations so his timing was never really challenged. In all likelihood, Pence starts in AAA and everyone prays for Biggio to get a fast start.... However, if Biggio gets hot early, which he always seem to do, then there's no way that the Astros replaces him unless he gets on a huge slump. At any rate, I want Scott to play well and I want Burke to play well. There will be a place for Pence and he needs to work on becoming at least an average center fielder.
If Jason Lane is anything more than a spot starter the team will have made a monster mistake. Luke Scott is the man, he hits with power and is a left handed bat in the lineup. Lane should be the 4th outfielder...Hidalgo should go down to AAA with Pence and be called up if Scott or Burke struggles too much. DD
Just out of curiosity, what would you say if they brought him up and he did what Luke Scott did the first time up in the bigs? I would anticipate that sometime during the season he will be called up especially if his numbers at RR even somewhat mimic spring training. Relax, it's ALL good!
No doubt, if they bring him up after May, his arbetration status starts a whole year later....it is very prudent to do so. I am hoping that Biggio gets his hit quickly and we can move Burke back to 2b.... DD
Lane and Hildalgo being in the mix while Pence is not is ridiculous. Lane was utter crap last year and Hildalgo's been out of the league.
I don't think anyone is really in the mix other than Scott. I think Lane will resume his role as the 4th outfielder, and that Hidalgo and Pence will both be sent down. Luke Scott's torrid 2nd half has earned him the starting RF job, IMHO. DD
