That video has to nowadays be deleted. There is a culturally appropriated Indigenous Amarican on the field. If you want to laugh. Watch this.
I want less Yordan in left field. This is a case of less is more for his health and production at the plate.
OK, so Yordan will be plahing left more. To me, that means we need an additional big bat. Chaz in center. Tucker in right. Who in the world will be DH? Cabbage, Myers, Singleton, etc. GROAN. I hope there's another signing out there.
I’d expect Diaz to DH atleast 30 times in 2024. Dubon will bounce around and give guys days off from playing the field.
I think it’s easy to overvalue Espada’s comment. Alvarez will play the field primarily as a way to get other guys time at DH. He played 40 games in left last season (out of 114), and I seriously doubt he’ll play more than 60 games in left this season. my current projected starts: C: Diaz 100, Caratini 60, Salazar 2 1B: Abreu 120, Cabbage 30, Caratini 10, Kessinger 2 2B: Altuve 110, Dubon 40, Kessinger 20, Hensley 2 SS: Pena 130, Kessinger 20, Dubon 12 3B: Bregman 150, Kessinger 12 RF: Tucker 140, McCormick 20, Cabbage 2 CF: Meyers 110, Dubon 30, McCormick 20, Cabbage 2 LF: McCormick 100, Alvarez 50, Cabbage 10, Julks 2 DH: Alvarez 90, Altuve 20, Diaz 20, Tucker 10, Abreu 10, Julks 5, Cabbage 5, Caratini 2
My biggest takeaways from Brown’s comments today: They are still engaged in the pitching market, both relievers and starters. It could be something as big as Snell or something as small as waiting until a lesser arm like Velasquez is ready to sign for nothing. Brown is the 3rd straight GM to be overwhelmingly positive on Jake Meyers. Hard to believe they’re all 3 wrong.
He batted so much better when he played in the field by getting into rhythm of the game. 144 point difference in OPS when playing LF vs DH
I get it, it's not a popular idea. I am taking into account Tuckers playoff performance last few years. While I think he absolutely helps in reg season, he has been a negative in the playoffs. I am simply suggesting if you have a decent replacement you evaluate where you are at the time of the trade deadline and decide. I don't think trading him should be off the table under any circumstance especially considering we are going to lose him for nothing when we could basically restock our farmhouse with his trade.
This article says the Astros have a spot open on the 40 man. So they could add someone without having to make a cut. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023...he-60-day-il-once-spring-training-begins.html
So, are we off to another year of playing the manager against the GM? I am afraid Espada is going to emulate Dusty to a fault.
No - I really don’t think so. Espada has a history of working well with his superiors and he and Brown get along well.
I'd expect Diaz to play at least 40 games not behind the plate. I think there is a good chance Diaz is going to have a monster year at the plate this season. As players for whatever reason typically don't hit as well at DH, I'd rather the DH penalty be on Abreu's bat more often than on Diaz's. Also, many years from now, DIaz will probably need to play 1B more and I'd rather he gets reps to improve his defense there.
In the postseason, I'd like to see Yordan in LF for any games without a large LF unless there is a LHP on the mound. Astros would need a bat though for DH.
It’ll be interesting to see how they play Diaz. Your points are valid, but I also wonder how much importance they’ll place on getting him regular catching duty to get him in sync with the pitchers. I also wonder how much importance they’ll put on keeping him rested. That’s why I’m thinking his time at 1B will have to wait until next season.
Considering he caught Framber for a grand total of 0 innings the last two years... spring training is going to be crucial.
We have to also keep in mind that Caratini is probably the 8th best hitter on the roster. Getting him into games will double as an opportunity to get Diaz reps at other positions and saving him from the physical hardships of catching.
I believe that Diaz has worked out with Valdez in the off season. Valdez is a guy that really needs routine, or he can find himself in a situation where his problems snow ball. I would not be at all surprised if Verlander avoids Diaz and Valdez rolls with whomever is behind the plate when he is pitching well. Javier has also spent some time with Diaz as well. Our configuration is weird - because Diaz will play 1st when he isn't behind the plate or a DH. However, we have Alvarez who really should DH 100+ games this year. Then their is Singleton that can only play 1st.... and if Abreu is hitting, he will be at 1st and DHing some. We really have 1st base and DH clogged at this point. I do think there is an opportunity for someone to step up and hit and show that he can play left field and 1st and hit well enough. When Meyers is sitting for batting split issues, McCormick can come into center and Yordan can DH some.
If possible, I'd rather have the backup catcher play somewhere other than DH so the Astros don't lose the DH if they have to bring in the backup catcher. It may never affect a game directly, but it preserves options which might reduce options for an opponent.
Singleton's lack of versatility is really an issue with this particular roster. That's why I think Cabbage has a legitimate chance to make this team.
