I wonder if Julks keeps playing well, they'll have Brantley down for 20 days. Speaking of, let's say Julks is still playing well and the 20 days are up, who does Brantley replace? Because Diaz isn't playing much, send Salazar down? And does Julks remain above Brantley in the depth chart or will Baker favor the vet over the rookie?
The Astros may have a bigger log jam in the outfield than they did in the starting rotation last year due to actual Quality Performance.
Knowing Dusty, he's going to favor experience (Brantley). Dusty is an old school marine. I like Julks -- he has given us a spark. Really helps to have new 1-2 contributors per year who keep the energy up.
The High Leverage man is a rather new development as a separate reliever. It has been a convenient explanation for using set-up men or closers early, but not often as a predetermined role for a reliever which is how Dusty is using B Abreu.
I think it sorts itself out on it's own. I think Meyers and Julks will fall off when they're not getting regular playing time.
I know you're a little older, but define "new development". The fireman role was re-popularized in the mid-2010's with Andrew Miller on the Indians but still existed beforehand.
Think it's understood Montero is in a bit of a funk to start the season and Abreu is more reliable right now. Remains to be seen if that stays the same way all season. Something to keep in mind though... Montero faced the 3-4-5 hitters and Abreu got the 6-7-8 hitters. Dusty didn't have Abreu face the harder slate of batters. That's showing some faith in Montero.
So we get an encouraging update on McCullers 3 weeks ago and now radio silence. That situation is beyond exasperating. Brantley - early May Altuve - mid May McCullers - ????
I think Abreu and Pressly are 1A and 1B and have been since last season - not much separation between them. Then Montero and Neris, although I could see Maton leapfrogging both of them if he can maintain what he has working so far this year with his curve and sweeper.
More reliable? That's akin to saying Framber Valdez is fairly consistent. 3 runs given up in his last 51 innings. He's the best relief pitcher in all of baseball. It's not smoke and mirrors. This is legit and it's here to stay.
It's not gonna be a light switch flip but Julks is going to get less playing time Brantley and Chaz come back; that's just numbers. I also expect some regression as the league makes adjustments and furthermore as he loses consistent playing time. I'm thrilled with how he's doing right but he ain't a true talent 122 wRC+ player (this year). Brantley is. Chazzy Fizz I think is too.
He is excellent, no doubt about that. Not questioning his talent level or performance. My point is more that relievers are volatile and can "lose it" for periods... like Montero.
