Starting to think maybe Houston thinks there is a larger than expected benefit to lineup balance in the playoffs. That’s really the only scenario where it makes sense to have adding a (lefty) bat as a priority; basically backfilling Brantley. I also think they may value rested players more than other teams, hence the less than ideal lineup constructions.
You're most likely correct. But I think the lineup thing is more of a Dusty thing. Brown and Alvarez injury basically forced Dusty into playing Diaz.
Cardinals getting smoked 7-1.. Goldschmidt looks disinterested and not happy. What do you all think it would take to nab him? Man I would love him
You get Goldy and that makes Yordan an everyday LF. I'm not sure that's a good thing considering Yordan's health issues. Goldy's a difference making bat though and would make this the best lineup in MLB even with Maldy.
He's miised a month and Bagwell/Dusty said they only wanted him playing 100 or so games in the field. So I guess Yordan's injury helped in this regard. Although I dont think that's what Bagwell/Dusty meant. Nothing dramatic about it.
Not so long ago we all thought a LH reliever was a must. Our experience has taught us that is not the case. The Astros have played relievers that get outs and not worried about handedness to great success before Dusty showed up. His insistence on lefty relievers has seemed a little quaint to those of us who learned otherwise under Hinch and Luhnow. Now comes Brown insisting on a LH bat and what we all know is suddenly forgotten. What we need is a batter that gets hits. Left handed or right handed matters not at all. Getting on base matters. Batting in runs matters. If someone tries to tell you otherwise you can be sure that they do not know what the hell they are talking about.
This may also have to do with the deep postseason runs every year. Their guys play nearly a month longer than most other players every year.
I don't think Yordan's health is that much of a problem with regards to playing in the field. He played LF for most of the playoffs last year. If it came down to having him play LF for the majority of starts after the ASB I don't think that's too terrible.
Verdugo is the ticket. If your looking for hits and getting on base plus a LHB. We need an Infielder aswell I believe. BP guy and a SP. Verdugo Paxton wouldn't be bad. As a duo
This has likely had a big affect on our pitching staff more than anything. And this year our guys who played in the WBC has very little time off of highly competitive baseball
Astros should have an extra 4 million to add payroll with at the deadline because Michael Brantley isn't reaching any of his incentives that START at 400 Plate Appearances.
Because he’s happy in Colorado. If he really cared a lot about winning he never would have signed an extension there.
This team needs a SP and preferably a leverage bullpen arm as well. A bat would help especially with Brantley news today. I have heard him compared to Bagwell which is bad bad bad Bielak was a hero today but this team can not expect to overtake the Rangers with 3/5 or 4/6 of the rotation using smoke and mirrors, duct tape and chewing gum. 1) get a legitimate SP who can start a playoff game and pitch 6 innings per start. When Urquidy returns then almost the entire rotation can pitch 6 innings in most starts and the bullpen will start getting less use and become playoff ready. 2) another leverage bullpen arm will accelerate this process and limit the reliance on guys like Mushinski, Gage, Dubin, and Blanco. 3) a bat that is productive vs RHH will complete a lineup that now looks formidable with Chas and Diaz proving they are better than MLB average if Yordan and Altuve are healthy. And even more important if they aren't. This market is going to be crazy. Each trade is going to hurt. Bad. Imagine the most you could possibly expect, or be willing to give up in a deal then add 1 more legitimate prospect to get a contributor.
Hunter Brown + 2-3 mid level prospects would be the only deal I think St.Louis considers for him. Maybe Jeremy Pena + 3 of their top 4 or 5 pitching prospects. The Cardinals have no interest in outfielders and the Astros top 6 non-OF prospects would not be enough. The Cardinals will want pitching, pitching, pitching, and maybe a SS in any trade.
