Hatcher didn't muff the ball. He probably should have caught it, but it was not "routine". The biggest mistake in that game was the attempted squeeze by Ashby when the Astros were knocking Ojeda around in the first inning.
It's so weird that Lanier never got a sniff at managing again elsewhere after that hugely successful rookie season. Was it personality, or was he just generally a bad skipper that got lucky? Also, LOL at the 86 Astros being an "offensive juggernaut".
Because as much as managers may want to, you can't do this: In 1988, the Astros lost a home game to the San Francisco Giants. As the team prepared to eat the post-game meal, take showers, and go home, they received word they were wanted back on the field. Lanier brought out the batting cage and ordered the team to take batting practice again. Lanier was fired at the end of the season.
My bad. That Hatcher fly ball he misplayed happened in the top of 16th, not 9th. Senor smoke blew it in the 16th. That guy was the biggest joke throwing batting practice. I read Lanier was criticized for not playing Deshailes in 16th. Hatcher believed his HR in 14th to tie game was an out of body experience as he overheard a girl predict his HR while on deck. It was Hatcher's greatest baseball moment as the crowd noise was so loud while rounding the bases it was deafening. The 16th inning replay starts at 1:39 mark here:
I remember Lanier being kind of old for a rookie manager. But i was only 13 and all adults looked old. Ok just looked it up. He was 44. Thats my age now lol.
We've been playing really well since I brought out of the closet my vintage pennant. I really think the team could consistently produce more runs in the 1st inning if Springer and Altuve flipped in the batting order. Altuve would be a better lead off man since he's averaging 325 with none on, but only 250 with runners on. Springer would be more productive batting 3rd since he's averaging 313 with runners on, but only 220 with none on. They're two opposites... http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/32078/george-springer http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/31662/jose-altuve
Still wanting to juggle that lineup? Where do you have Correa now? Back to the lower 3rd since he didn't get a hit last night? Fortunately Hinch has not listened to your suggestions (apparently unlike Garner). Astros are averaging 6 runs a game since your initial post chastising the lineups and Hinch has continued to manage the way he managed in April. #billgatesmoney #imakethingshappen #amistadconsultingftw
Hinch was very smart calling the grand slam lineups in the last 2 games. I think the next grand slam opportunity will come for the #8 hitter, so Hinch should probably move Gattis or McCann to the 8 spot..
Yes. Altuve failed to get his grand slam when given the opportunity last night. Just a paltry 2 run single. That being said, Gattis failed in his audition for the grand slam spot by hitting into a DP last night.
Also, the 3 year splits for Springer are virtually identical (.259 vs. .258 and an OPS of .816 vs. .815) while Altuve's are .329 vs .334 and .848 vs .879. (first number is with none on). #amistadconsultingcountsPhilGarnerasaclient #billgatesmoney #imakethingshappen
So sorry you lack the intellect and logic to understand my post--it's probably well beyond you, child.
Good thing he did listen to me and put his best hitter in the 8 spot last night. Fun facts -- Marwin and Jake are now 1 and 2 in OPS for the Astros. We should have them bat 3rd and 4th.
jokes aside, so many improved astros..peacock, hoyt, jake and marwin all taking leaps to their games, jake with his swing, marwin with his discipline. No such thing as an easy out anymore, unless the pitcher is hitting.pshh the NL league.
