[Official] Astros @Pirates

I’m not sure how the weight gain helps bat speed, discipline, seeing the ball better or going the other way but I’m for it if it works

 

Added strength can certainly increase bat speed. The problem is a lot of guys go to the Richard Hidalgo school of strength training and just do heavy weights and non core exercises… the key is to do it the way Jeremy Pena has done it, he has increased strength and agility and flexibility and the 5-10 lbs he put on over the last 18 months is all muscle and in the right areas…. Dubon looks like he put on the right type of weight and looks and hits harder than in the past… I’m not saying he is suddenly a good hitter, but he is barreling the ball more.

 

At some point you just don't give a ****, and let the ball play.

 

It do or it don't.

 

If Dubon turns out to be Mickey Mantle, I am OK with it. Thought he was AWFUL, I would be ecstatic to be completely wrong.

 

That name thing is a joke from Houston sports radio ****

 

I would think so.

 

Have you seen the Reggie Jackson documentary yet? It's fantastic.

I think it's on Hulu or something, called "Reggie", just in case you couldn't figure out how to find it.

 

I really haven't liked a lot of the pitch calling/sequencing in the games Maldy has played. The pitching staff has given a lot of runs under his watch.

 

Yes, questions.

 

Games don't matter, long time to go, and the samples are way small

Look at this, look at the catcher

https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2023-fielding.shtml

 

Speaking of The Samples, btw....

 

Unfortunately, "weight gain" depends on how the weight was gained. If it's lean muscle, it implies strengthening which implies additional power. If is also accompanied with flexibility work, it won't come at the expense of agility and twitch or muscle injury issues.

I hope whatever it is is an indication of a lasting improvement rather than a statistical anomaly. If so, my opinion of Dubon improves DRAMATICALLY. Now streaks will continue, so a few days cold can be forgiven, but the base-line improving for any play on the Astro is a good thing, regardless of the past.

 

Meanwhile tigers are 2-9 and their only 2 wins were against us haha

 

Yeah. We're playing about as badly as we can with Altuve, Brantley and McCullers out and Bregman and Pena cold. And we're still near 500.

I believe we have always had a bad team or two we struggle against each year which is even more infuriating when we dominate the better opponents.

~The Astros should just give up because they have no chance.~

 

I suspect the Astros are bored with bad opponents - and spring/summer baseball in general. It isn’t a surprise - there is a reason many champions don’t roll through the next regular season.

I predict they do better in the next 4 series against Rangers, Braves, Jays and Rays than they did in the first four. Just to prove a point to the league.

I’m calling 8-4.

 

Dubon's current line drive percentage would be the best in MLB history if he hits like that for the entire season.

 

FYI

NOVEMBER Baseball Teams

Astros 6-7
Phillies 4-8

Tampa Bay Last Played OCTOBER 8
Tampa Bay 12-0

The hangover is REAL.

 

Unfortunately, water always finds it's level.

 

He hit .698 OPS over 522 PAs for the Giants which is very close to MLB average.

For context, Pena hit .715 last year which was exactly MLB average.

I fully expect Dubon to come back to Earth, but his floor is much higher than last year which we will call an adjustment to new team and routine.

With his defensive versatility, arm, and contact ability even if he settles back to his career averages prior to last year he is a valuable bench player who makes this team better