I'm not saying I expect Kessinger to be a player. He gives me a Jack Mayfield vibe actually. Maybe hang around multiple teams for 3-5 years until get gets too expensive and manage a 1-2 WAR career. Better than 99.9% of most players. But I figure as long as he's in the lineup- why not?
Has anyone taken a moment to realize how absurd it is that we routinely get 3/4 level production from our 6/7/8 starters? If we had even a league average offensive year we’d probably be tied w the Rangers. Abreu finding any semblance of his former self would go a long way. As would Tucker finding some level of consistency. And obviously glueing Maldonado’s ass to the bench 50+% of the time.
Yesterday, TV crew: "Bielak is pulling for France right now because he really wants to start tomorrow." Bielak today: "Why the F*** didn't I pitch yesterday! Damn you JP!"
Three DPs helped France finagle his way to almost 7 innings. We needed that after extra innings the previous game and a worn bullpen. He's doing well overall this season. Abreu is squaring up fast balls and making solid contact (some HRs) instead of his slappy seeing-eye singles he's been doing all season. Friday's game was the first time since May 2nd he finished a game with a SLG higher than his OBP. Seems he should continue the trend and never look back for the remainder of the year. Stros still doing stupid nonfundamental things in the field. Altuve's out OTB and Bregman's error looked Jose's fault. But hey, that's only TWO f*** ups instead of FIVE per game like the previous few games. Baby steps. We don't have room for error with all the injuries, Dusty's 'throw a dart in the dark' lineup decisions, and the Rangers playing well. Abreu is the biggest single factor/player that will propel this team forward. His garbage OPS has the team's OPS 30 points lower than it should be. Montero could've f*** up and we still win 2-3 of those games, plus other games he never pitched. Keep the money man from high leverage until he's proven otherwise.
Wait ! Pena and Altuve day off again? There’s seriously something wrong with Dusty it’s like tanking MLB style.
I agree that the Astros AAAA 4-6 starters are getting by with smoke, mirrors, guts and guile. But none of them are playoff options. But good for them. That's what is needed over a 162 game season. This team drastically needs another MLB starter who is #4 level or better. Especially if Urquidy can't come back AND regain his prior seasons effectiveness. That is what these starts from France, Bielak, and Blanco have shown me. As for Abreu, I agree he is very important and may be the difference between the team finishing as a top 10 offense or bottom half of the league. However, I would say Yordan's health is more important.
First hack at a slider 3 feet off the plate First hack at a FB 12 inches up and out of the zone First popup ...
Bielak and staff...... WE NEED A SHUTOUT !!!! Seriously though, wouldn't be surprised if we score 4+ Let's play fundamentally and errors-free. That would help
Baffling line-up. They're going to barely get on base and when they do, they're going to be stranded with auto-outs in Kessinger and Salazar. Tomorrow a rest day anyway, why rest 2 position players? Dusty did that against the Blue-Jays and it didn't turn it out well.
We all know Yordan is our best and most important hitter My comment was based on underperforming players. Abreu's surge means the most because of the low valley he's coming from
Pena and Altuve had off days against the Blue-Jays. With Yordan out, they should never rest 2 of the other core players together. Especially when series isn’t won and you have Bielak on the mound. Montero is a lock for the 7th too. We might get blown out today.
I agree with this. 4 of - Abreu, Altuve, Bregman, Pena, and Tucker should play everyday until Yordan returns. Then 5 of those 6 should. And why give both middle infielders the same day off? Staggering them allows Dubon to start for both and keeps a clearly inferior player on the bench.
AL Central captolized from the pandemic Bieber CYA and Abreu MVP ____ Today it's BIE vs BIE Bieber vs Bielak
