If this Astros team were in the AL East or NL West, their record would be similar to Boston or San Francisco. The Astros, as currently constructed, are overrated. Only Yordan is consistently playing at a championship level. The most important thing that needs to be done ASAP is that Dusty needs to stop being stubborn and shake up the damn lineup. We all know about Bregman; he should be hitting no higher than 6th. I'm starting to agree with the folks who stated that his 40 HR year was an outlier...but still, he's better than his putrid performance this year. Mechanical flaws in a MLB player's swing should not be lasting for months and months...either there's something more going on with Bregman, or the Astros' hitting coach isn't earning his keep and if so the heat on his seat needs to be turned WAY up. We should also consider moving Altuve down a spot or two - with his aggressive approach, I want him at the plate with more opportunities with runners on base. Most of his HRs are solos because of the weak bottom of the lineup. Move Pena and/or Tucker up in the lineup. I really hope Meyers can get back soon and get back to form; that will help a lot. As for pitching, I hope McCullers can get back soon. Likewise for Odorizzi I guess, although I remain suspicious of him despite him pitching very well right before his injury. I know the pitching staff has a great team ERA, but stats can be deceiving...based on the eye test, there are issues both in the rotation and in the bullpen, including Pressly. I have little confidence in Maton or Montero. Still, the offense is a way bigger problem than the pitching, with Bregman being the #1 problem. The Astros will need to be active on the trade market before the deadline.
Have you given up on Bregman ever returning to where he was in 2018 and 2019? Think he can get back to 2017 production, at least?
It was admirable the humility Altuve showed a couple of years ago when he asked to be dropped in the lineup to help the team. Altuve is a freaking franchise icon. Bregman is not above being dropped but it appears Dusty is too stubborn and set in his ways and Bregman probably isn't going to suggest he be moved down in the lineup.
