The folks saying Bell can't play LF forgot what it was like in the old days when the Astros had guys playing out of position every day for the sake of the lineup. I saw Daryl Ward's fat butt play left field, I saw Lance Berkman's fat butt run around in center field, I saw Carlos Lee's fat butt fumble picks at first base.
Seeing how our pitching has performed, I don’t want Maldonado supplanted as primary C provided he’s healthy. And his bat has turned it around lately, if it stays well see but hopefully it does. Contreras is a great hitter but I think we’d get outbid and it’s not worth messing with what’s working with our pitching staff. Despite all the smoke on Twitter I think he ends up with either the Mets or Padres. Apparently the Brewers and Blue Jays are also in on Bell. Going to be an interesting 7 days. As of now if I had to guess, I think we trade away Odo to clear room for Lance, acquire Bell, and acquire Chafin. Maybe one more under the radar trade involving a blocked 40-man guy for a little known pitcher with peripherals as well but that’s my prediction.
Chas needs to learn to play 1B in winter ball. It’s not hard. That gives us flexibility between 1B and LF needing to fill spots.
If the Astros wanted to have flexibility with an OF learning 1B, the way Tucker moves suggests he would be a great defensive backup 1B provided he can actually field GBs and scoop throws out of the dirt.
This. I’m getting ‘98 vibes from this team. Astros have championship level pitching and a league average offense. I’d like to see two bats added with Yuli to the bench and Brantley in a PT role. Bell and Benintendi would be my dream. Let Yordan start taking games off and IF Brantley comes back he can platoon and play some RF with Tucker occasionally playing CF. Much prefer some solid depth veterans in case of injury or to platoon rather than Dubon, Siri, Meyers, McCormick, etc. If Dusty wants to keep giving guys days off then let’s add more firepower. We have better pitching then anyone else need to ensure we are not an offensive injury away from losing a series.
Counterpoint: Tucker is an all star and those guys typically eat first and play their favorite position.
They wouldn't move Tucker to 1B because he's too good an OF for that. The favorite position part gives me Bo Porter flashbacks.
If somebody moves to 1B from the OF, I could see Jacob Melton getting time there in the minors due to OF depth. And, he’s played there at Oregon State.
I’m fantasizing Melton as our long-term 1B with Tucker at RF, Gilbert in LF/CF, and Barber or Leon (wouldn’t be surprised if one is traded) in the 3rd OF spot.
If we are looking at a backup catcher, how about James McCann? He knows JV from their days in Detroit. Not sure how his health is but he’s pretty solid and dependable when healthy. The Mets are said to be in on Contreras and may move him to the Cubs, who could then flip him elsewhere. Just a thought. I have a feeling Castro is done for the year and will move to coaching after this year.
G Cooper going on the IL, wrist injury and same wrist he had surgery on a few years ago. If he was gonna be available, this probably takes him out of the mix
