I think the Maldy phase out will happen, just far more gradually than people want. Think there’s a lot of politics at play: -Dusty’s being the reigning World Series champion manager who’s known to prefer veterans -Dana Brown being a new GM who has to feel out his relationship with Dusty, as well as make his own determinations on Maldy, Diaz, Korey Lee -the pitching staff being extremely comfortable with Maldy -Yainer reportedly not putting the in the work off the field. -Maldy himself sacrificing his body last season and putting in the off season work to come back (though to terrible results)
We could see some significant turnover/change after this season, although they only have 4 pending free agents. I am assuming this is Baker’s last season, and once he’s gone I think it gets a lot easier to let Maldy go. Also, this season will serve as a ramp for Diaz. If he is regularly catching 2 of Houston’s SP by July with success then I’d say he’s on track to be the “everyday” C next season. Out: Brantley, Maldy, Maton, Stanek In: Gilbert, Lee, Whitley, Dubin
Too bad Maldy is so old/bad that he can't be Straw'd by Brown, although that would be pretty funny were it to happen.
He's cheap. you just freaking DFA him. It's no big deal. I mean, sure, ask around for a trade. Maybe someone has some extra rosin bags taking up space in their equipment shed they want to move. But, if that's not out there then just DFA him.
No way. For better or for worse Maldy is absolutely beloved in the clubhouse. The bad blood that would cause could completely ruin the season. I would hope professionals can act like it but Maldy is so well liked and respected by the players that there is no way the morale and emotions of the team were not severely damaged
I really dislike Maldy's sour attitude to the Astros chasing Contreras and Murphy in the off-season. If you want to keep your starting spot, perform better. Didn't Nook mention he was spending less time working with the pitching staff outside of games? It's no coincidence every singe loss has been with him catching. The sample size is getting bigger that he's not cut out to be main guy behind the plate anymore. Poor defense, poor framing, poor pitch-calling, poor hitting, etc. Christian Vasquez did just as well (even better according to the numbers) than Maldy did last season and he was only here for a few months. He can be still absolutely loved in the clubhouse as the back-up. Him being so defensive about being the starter from the start definitely scared off Vasquez from him wanting to stay here long-term. He probably had a "this is my team, not yours" mentality.
They are professionals making huge money and have to perform so they can continue to make huge money. They will get over it. In a hurry. That’s the business and they all know it.
Astros also have a team option on Neris. He could be gone as well. It can be converted to a player option based on appearances.
We should've signed Josh Bell for a lot cheaper. He at least already has 2 HRs and is 6 years younger.
So Jake Meyers was the CF of the future till he tore his shoulder and looked like a bum for a year. It seems as though he’s back to being a valuable player with his range in center and positive offense production and speed. Looks like his xBA is significantly lower than his actual average, but he’s playing his way into being the everyday guy.
So what do you do about it now other than whine a bunch? Do you think they would just jettison a vet in April? Abreu and/or Maldy? None of the youngsters have exactly shown themselves. Maldy...is Maldy Abreu is ...Abreu, but with some hope
The peripherals back up his improvement. Last year he struck out a third of the time and walked much less than the average major leaguer. His K% is down 8%, to slightly below average from terrible, and he walks a bit above the league average, at 9%. With his defense, even a slappy hitter with gap power is a 4 win player. PS: Don't look now, but Kyle Tucker is walking on nearly 1/6th of his plate appearances.
Yeah- Abreu gets 600 AB’s unless he’s hurt. There’s absolutely no backup option that’s attractive and you are paying him a shitload. Maldy is a self imposed tax and playing him 80% of the time at that age is crazy. I feel like there is a bottom that will lose him his job (he’s not even catching the ball and his ops might dip under 400 soon. Maybe there isn’t and he calls the shots for life. there is viable replacement internally for him.
Tucker has been a better hitter than Yordan this year. It’s wild his walk rate. Yordan has been the most valuable player in baseball I think with his timing of his hits and HR’s being super clutch, but he can be better than he’s been this far. they are both awesome.
Maldonado is like that kid in Twilight Zone the movie that has his whole family afraid of him and bending over backwards to not upset him. That kid could remove people's mouths and also transport them into the tv though, not sure what Maldonado can do that is causing the same level of fright in upsetting him.
They rolled with Yuli all last season, what makes you think they won't do it with Abreu? There is no "viable internal replacement" for him right now. Yet, he doesn't make so much monies that he can't be cut loose after this season or next. Again...they will not cut bait with this guy after a month, or 8, thinking otherwise is stupid.
Maldy is a cornerstone and the disrespect is too much. His game calling and framing shut down elite lineups year in and out in the postseason. And dude has had some huge postseason HR’s. Having a hitting catcher is a nice luxury in fantasy baseball but having a defensive catcher is always better when it comes to winning baseball. Giving up on an MVP after 20 games. Geez. Just dump Bregs and Pena while you’re at it, they are having worse years
