Astros 5 1/2 games ahead of the Central division leader Cleveland. So winning the division very very likely means the all important first round bye, needing to win only 1 series to get to a MLB record 7th straight LCS (sorry Braves 1994 is calling and cancelled your faux record).
Absolutely, he's playing hurt, won't take himself out, hurting the team, and resentments are building. Now is the time.
With Dusty? It's probably serious. Never seen a manager move players around as much in the batting order.
I also remember he had MUCH better numbers batting 2nd last year (not Diaz at C instead of DH splits, but close).. With Altuve out, I don’t see why we don’t throw him at the 2-hole for a while and see if he regains it. Since everyone is writing off his good parts last year apparently. Let’s at least put him in the same position as he was when successful.
Let me clarify, I was wondering if people really think Dusty factors an individual player's performance on a particular day in a particular batting order spot when making his lineup decisions. (and/or wondering if people are actually bothered by something when they clearly know it to be the case; i.e. everyone knows how dusty does his lineups, are people still bothered by this). [soapbox] just seems like people are out to be malcontent this year. Astros win? Complain about Dusty's lineup the next day. Maldy homers to win? talk **** about Maldy's prior 10 games. Am I crazy or are people just not even enjoying the good moments this year. [/soapbox]
Other than Maldy must play 135 games, the only thing clear about Dusty is there is no rhyme or reason to what he does.
Pretend for a minute I agreed with your premise (I don't). If I told you that any one manager in a 4 year span with 3 playoffs has a .591 winning percentage, 2 pennants and a WS ring... would you think he was a good manager?
Maldonado projected for 25 RBIs. Not sure I've ever seen a player get 360 ABs and generate only 25 RBIs, but that's his pace.
They may expect too much after dominating in the playoffs last year. So many parts either missing or gone it's a different team.
