Yep. Utility players need to field. White is a RHB off the bench and does have a chance to replace Gattis (except as a backup catcher).
This post made me look up Happ's stats. He's been a pretty solid pitcher over the last few years. In the last 3, he's 41-23 with a 3.43 era and a era+ of 123 and a decent FIP of 3.72. Not making any statements about obtaining him or Duffy. I knew he had been doing ok but I was surprised to see that he's actually been a better than average starter over the last 3 years. I had no idea he was a 20 game winner in 2016.
We discussed this a few days back, Bregman can play 2B/SS. So we really just need a backup 1B/3B, which could be a guy like Colin Moran. Being 3 deep at 3B and SS is a nice luxury, but it is a luxury. Obviously if he posts a .900 OPS again, that sure as hell can't be replaced.
It's not just a numbers thing. It's the confidence that you know you have a guy that can go out and play 7 positions capably and contribute at the plate, too. We had that on the 90's division winning teams in Billy Spiers. Having that guy willing to do what Marwin does (while doing it very well) is one of those unsung things that wins you championships. I also think it's being overlooked that he's only going into his age 29 season and it could very well be that he's getting to his peak.
White I'd agree this is his last chance since he is 27 now. He did have a MLB OPS of .853 last year on a sample size of 61 AB's. He is close. Reed is 24, rumored to have learned to work out and dropped some of that 275lbs gut keeping him from being able to hit. I think he gets another season after this one as an Astro. I wouldn't be to quick to move off this guy remember Judge now 25 didn't look all that special in the minors or his first season in the majors. Not saying Reed is 2nd in the MVP in waiting but guys do develop and 2 years ago Reed was considered a top prospect. Moran 25 is in the same boat as these other 2. I'd like to see him tear up spring training and make the team. JD Davis still has a chance too, but it looks slim at the moment. I'm sure the front office can spin them for lower class A prospects that the scouts like at the very least.
I like it. Good to be on that side of the equation. eta: Spring Training is going to be fun watching the youngsters Moran/Reed/White/Tucker/Martes/Whitley/Davis/Ferrell/whoever fighting for that last spot, and the first spot when someone gets hurt.
Right now there are 2 spots open on the position player side, with Stassi (out of options) and Fisher as the front runners, with Moran, White, Kemp, Davis, and Reed (in that order) in the mix. There’s really only one spot open on the pitching staff (assuming they’re not ready to cut Sipp loose and give up on $6M), with Gose (who can’t be optioned) as the front runner and Musgrove, Martes, Hoyt, Feliz, Gustave, Guduan, Paulino, Rodgers, Deetz, and C Perez (in that order) in the mix. It will be incredibly hard for any NRI to crack the roster this season, but I agree I think a lot of them (Stubbs, Tucker, Kemmer, Mayfield, Alvarez, Martin, Ferrell, Whitley, etc.) will get significant time in ST and it’ll be neat to see how they hang.
Musgrove staring down the barrel at starting in the minors after the season he had out of the pen has to be a bit frustrating for him.
Don’t believe you’d ever see it happen, but an interesting thought based on you all pointing out both Morton and McCullers being max effort guys for usually five innings would be using them in tandem. Rotate who starts and throws the first five with the other finishing the game. They could still go max effort and keep innings down over the season. Plus, it essentially gives the bullpen a day off every fifth game. If they add another starter like Cole, they’d have Verlander, Keuchel, Cole, McHugh or Peacock, and then McCullers and Morton. After seeing starters used in all sorts of roles during the playoffs and Astros willingness to try unconventional ideas, it would be interesting. Again, can’t imagine it ever happening but just an outside the box thought.
I don't think Gose is the front runner, I'd say Musgrove is. Gose seems like a longshot to make the final roster, and his inclusion would likely mean Sipp was DFA'd.
This franchise is an absolute blast right now. How lucky are we to get to live through this time....particularly if you were around for a lot darker times.
The Astros have eliminated the Yankees the last two times the Yankees have been in the playoffs. What's the official term for the Yankees in relation to the Astros when the Astros eliminate them this year?
