I agree some players could benefit from better conditioning but I’ve just seen too many dough balls that are really good baseball players
I’m looking at replays from Jon Singleton and the man is built like an ox. The dude is no slouch, it doesn’t look like he’s got a pork belly or is out of shape. His arms look massive and muscular, his shoulders look like solid steel. It’s obvious the man is extremely strong. The guy does not have the athletic lean build many associate with fitness. Singleton though of a stocky build looks quite fit; more so in mold of a powerlifter than a sprinter or soccer player. The reason Singleton is playing is because he’s playing within his strengths, he has a keen eye for the baseball, drawing the 4th most walks on the team (more walks than even Bregman, while playing less than 200 AB). Plus Singleton possesses so much power that he makes pitchers weary of his power; because you have to beat him to get him out, he’s not an easy out. I think Singleton is still trying to tap into his power, but he is not settling for an all or nothing approach - he will gladly work a walk or place a single in play (but the power is there and a bat flip away). He may not be an everyday player because of health reasons, but he can be a valuable asset that even at 33 years seems to be finally injecting his own style.
Good post. I think Singleton has a place on the roster for the next 2 years, even if Houston acquires an upgrade at 1B. He generally has good ABs no matter who he’s facing, has good overall production against righties, and has enormous power potential. Hes a really good option as a pinch hitter or insurance bat in that 12th or 13th roster spot. And he can be a solid option as the starter at 1B provided he is paired with somebody who crushes lefties and is part of an overall deep lineup.
Your message sounds almost as AI drinking song . "Raise a Glass to Jon Singleton" Verse 1 Oh, here’s to Jon Singleton, the mighty first base, Who once hit the gym, then vanished from the chase, He puffed a little herb, like many do today, But they cut his career short and took it all away! Chorus So raise up your mug, and let’s all take a swig, For the big bearded fella, who’s back and lookin’ big! He’s lefthanded thunder, but here’s the funny sight, He can’t hit a lefty, but righties take flight! Verse 2 With muscles like a mountain, and a beard of mighty fluff, He lifts all the weights, but hitting lefties? That's tough! But when a right-hander throws, he flips that bat so high, Even when it’s a flyout, we cheer as it flies by! Chorus So raise up your mug, and let’s all take a swig, For the big bearded fella, who’s back and lookin’ big! He’s lefthanded thunder, but here’s the funny sight, He can’t hit a lefty, but righties take flight! Verse 3 He was cast aside for smokin’ just a harmless little weed, But Jon kept on fightin’ to return and take the lead! Now he’s back with the Astros, a man of pure might, Against righties he’s a terror, a lefty’s delight! Chorus So raise up your mug, and let’s all take a swig, For the big bearded fella, who’s back and lookin’ big! He’s lefthanded thunder, but here’s the funny sight, He can’t hit a lefty, but righties take flight! Bridge Oh, Jon, with your muscles and beard so bold, You lift all our spirits, you’re worth more than gold! We’ll cheer you on through the highs and the lows, And we’ll laugh at those lefties, who just throw you blows! Final Chorus So raise up your mug, and let’s all take a swig, For the big bearded fella, who’s back and lookin’ big! He’s lefthanded thunder, but here’s the funny sight, He can’t hit a lefty, but righties take flight!
You would think finding a first base version of chas or Jake Meyers to platoon with Singleton would be easy.
I can actually see Chas playing first... especially if we have a glut of bodies in the corner outfield spots.
I just want Chas to play because when he was finally healthy, he was hitting the snot out of the ball. Hearing that his fractured finger isn't that bad and could start swinging a bat in the next few days. That would be awesome because his OPS was over 800 over the last month.
Chas will forever be a bottom of the order average player at best with a hot streak thrown in. Nothing really to see here. Should've traded him for some decent farm talent last off season. *And that's me being nice*
MLBTR came out with their Free Agent preview of first basement, and boy is it bleak. Since there is no way I think they sign Alonso, it is really Christian Walker, a 39/40 year old or keep what they have in Singleton. They project Walker to get a 3 or 4 year deal, carrying him through his age 38 season. Singleton not looking so bad right now
Astro fans that suck….. (No particular order) 1. Yainer haters 2. Chas haters 3. Dusty/Maldy lovers (one equals the other) 4. Big Jon haters If you are #3, you are most likely also #1 and #2. Big Jon haters are “fans” who talked so much trash about him in the past, but now are relegated to just making fun of his bat flip or his weight. You will see this from the same posters, even when Jon does something good. Dusty lovers will chime in and say that fans who complain about Dusty suck too. Those same people are still hoping Chas and Yainer fail. Many of them also hate Joe Espada and have been calling for his head since opening day.