Huge playoff roster implications. Astros have carried 3 catchers in the playoffs. And having a defensive catcher is a better alternative than having Gattis behind the plate. Non-one game playoff roster -- assuming everyone is healthy... SP: Verlander, Keuchel, McCullers, Cole RP: Morton, Devenski, McHugh, Rondon, Harris, Peacock, Sipp, Smith C: McCann, Maldonado, Stassi IF: Bregman, Altuve, Correa, Gurriel, Gonzalez OF: Reddick, Springer, Marisnick, Tucker, Kemp
CERA is a pretty flawed stat, but I thought I'd look it up anyway Stassi: 3.18 McCann: 2.47 Fedo: 4.61 Maldonado: 4.00 Rivera: 3.02 Briceno: 3.58 Interesting read on CERA: https://www.fangraphs.com/tht/classic-tht-annual/do-catchers-have-an-era/
Three catchers throughout the playoffs last year... it really comes down to Kemp/Tucker/Fisher/Marisnick. I think Marisnick is the most safe because of defense actually if everyone is healthy.
I wouldn't think so. Last year they carried 11 pitchers for the ALDS, 12 after that. Hopefully they get to make that decision for the ALCS and beyond again this year.
Luhnow sold high on Sandoval who had been on a hell of a scoreless streak for a while. Bleh trade. Hopefully Maldonado throws out a few guys in the playoffs and has good rapport with our pitchers, maybe gets a big hit here or there.
Keep in mind that Gattis was one of those 3 catchers despite being the DH throughout the playoffs. So that would be 4 catchers this year by that logic.
Who's the one game playoff roster? Please let it not happen, but what's your take on a one-game playoff roster?
I think this will be a move that's looked at as "Meh, not a big deal" now to the casual fan, but will be a big factor come late September/October baseball. In a perfect world we could just trade to get Martin for a bag of peanuts but sadly it isn't, and Sandoval is playing a position where our depth is pretty insane at the moment. It sucks seeing players you follow go (I remember feeling this way when Trop was traded, but I love the move!
All this tells me is that we didn't want any part of Federowicz on the postseason roster. This gives us 3 MLB options. If McCann returns and shows results and Stassi rebounds then Maldonado will be left off the roster. If McCann isn't back in time, or Stassi continues to slump, he's on. We traded a fringe top 30 prospect with a realistic upside that is pretty low.
Fedo would have been DFA’d when McCann came off the DL as he’s out of options and Astros can’t keep 5 catchers. Was never a possibility of being on the postseason roster. Stassi, McCann & Maldonado will all be on the postseason roster. All bring something unique. Stassi is the best bat and framer (among all catchers) in baseball, McCann has the postseason experience and is still great behind the plate, Maldonado is a gold glove catcher who throws out 40+% of baserunners (the Indians and Red Sox are 1-2 in SB’s)
Sounds his arm shuts down the rungame, but his receiving shuts it back on. Plus his hitting is below average.
His stuff is too meh. I also have alot more trust in the people who see him play on a weekly basis over raw numbers against amateur opposition. Don't have an issue with Sandoval being traded for a specialist who can contribute in 2018. Maldonado is the Jake Marisnick of catchers, you can use him!
I would've guessed that Sandoval could have netted us two months' worth of Wilson Ramos. I would've preferred his bat, but perhaps his injury scared us off? Maybe it should have? A Wilson Ramos on the mend who should theoretically provide more offense, or go the defense and pitching route with Maldonado? Who would y'all have preferred, assuming acquisition cost is either identical, or even close?
Maldonado is one for the future, you resign him for cheap and he provides a specialized skillset the Astros need with elite SP. McCan is aging fast. Being a defensive catcher is a premium over being an above average hitter at catcher. I can't see the Astros paying the money required to resign Ramos this offseason who never strings together 2 good seasons.
You are thinking that Maldonado can be our starting catcher for the next few years? If signing either Ramos or Maldonado for 2-3 years this offseason is a consideration, wouldn't you prefer Ramos then? Ramos, at his ceiling, can be a productive starting catcher. Aren't we all hoping Maldonado is a good second or third string catcher? If you want this audition to extend for 2-3 years, then my answer is more definitively Ramos.
