It’s actually not harmful for him. It’s not costing him a year or anything like that, and with the bonus pool add ons from ROY it might sort of give him a shot at cashing in big next year if he kept his rookie status. His only financial harm would be the difference between MLB minimal and minor league pay for the time he’s down there. If it’s 2 weeks that’s something like 40 or 50k. the Astros could pay him 50K over minimum next year if they wanted to in order to make him whole. note- I do not advocate this at all nor do I think the Astros will do it. I’m just saying moving past rookie eligibility for Brice doesn’t have any upside in any practical sense.
James Click was told by Crane that he wanted a GM to work with the existing staff and build a competitive but more respectful culture. The conflict between Click and Crane was that Click - once he had the job wanted to fire a lot of people in the baseball side, and he did not get along with his own subordinates or manager. Dana Brown was known as a guy that was fair but demanding with the Braves especially, and to a lesser degree with the Blue Jays. He had a temper and could be fired up, but people really enjoyed working with him because he let them do their jobs without interference. Outside of a personality clash with one employee - Dana Brown has not had any issues with his staff or coaches as far as I can tell, and he hasn't been considered a harsh boss. Even Sarah Gelles leaving was more because of a promotion to assistant GM, and an opportunity to be close to her home in Pennsylvania.
If Brice Matthews is playing well - then he needs to stay in the big leagues and in the starting lineup. I still think he will struggle - he has some big holes in his swing, and he has needed time to adapt at every level. Right now the Astros and fans are getting to see how he is when he goes on one of his tears - he can be equally as cold as well. He is such an explosive and dynamic player when he makes contact -
Congratulations!! Been an amazing experience seeing my Dad as a Grandfather. Hope you're getting tons of time with your Grandkid!
Right now Brice is a Kyle Schwarber or Joey Gallo type player. Fortunately he has lots of time and opportunity to develop into something much more if he can make more contact. What surprised me is that he seems pretty patient at the plate. It's not like he is hacking at everything that is thrown at him. His K last night was on a full count where he fouled off some pitches well within the zone and finally missed on a really great breaking ball.
I caught his first 3 at bats last night, he could’ve had 2 more hits if not for a couple nice defensive plays. Right now I’m looking for him to consistently put the ball in play. He does a good job of not chasing and swinging at strikes, it’s also positive to see he’s hit home runs on both fastball and off speed.
I'm not saying they will or should. I'm merely putting it out there for discussion because all options should be considered and researched. No way they do any of that if they are still fielding AAAA players everyday. But if done correctly it could be a positive for everyone. You don't think Brice would choose 2 weeks in the minors in August of 2025 if it could get him a R.O.Y. award in 2026? Those are forever and the 2 weeks of MLB pay and meal money will be recouped in bonuses and higher arbitration salaries.
You guys are worried about the current arbitration/super 2 system…. When all bets are off after this season when the CBA expires and there is more than enough noise that there will be massive potential changes (along with the likely work stoppage) regarding all of this.
I don't think any major league baseball player ever wants to be demoted to the minor leagues for any reason, ever. That said, I was more focused on his role as an Astro. There's no scenario where Espada is going to consider his 2026 rookie eligibility when filling out his daily lineup. Matthews will play when and where needed in whatever lineup spot he fits best in to help the MLB team win games.
I agree. But I could see Dana Brown considers it. Like I said, I'm just saying its AN option, not the best option. And let's not forget if the the roster gets healthy and the Astros bring in a bat then maybe there aren't regular ABs for him and being in AAA is better for him. They have said " he isn't ready. He's only here because there is nobody else. We still wanted to him to accomplish xxxxx in AAA before bringing him up" And what if he has a week where he looks totally overmatched = 2 for 24 with 14 Ks. And it looks like teams have adjusted to exploit a hole they found in his swing.? Pena returning could free to Short to play some 2B. A new bat could cause Altuve to play more 2B. What if they want him to play LF for 2-3 weeks in AAA and decide to match him with Altuve everyday at 2B or LF depending on who is pitching and where they are? ( unlikely this late in the year of course) It's not out of the question for a demotion to be best for him AND the team.
Playing with service time only works when there isn't something to play for such as what we did with Springer. If Matthews can help us win a world series this year, Brown won't care about the extra year or draft pick. Matthews will play every chance he gets until there is another 2B that can perform better. If Brice keeps hitting homeruns, they will keep him up. When you only have a few more years of good Altuve, the last year of Framber, you do whatever it takes to win NOW.
I mean I love the kid - but he does need ABs to get better, he is inconsistent at the dish, right now......if he gets more ABs in the minors when everyone is back healthy send him down, and call him up in September. DD
I agree the Astros should be aggressive to get another bat this year, but no to doing everything at the cost of being able to compete the next several years. Luhow laid out the strategy of building a sustainable competitor over decades not re-building every 5-6 years. It was this stratagem that he brought over from St. Louis and the Astros have adhered to it ever since. If we are in the playoffs we have a chance. The team that wins the pennant each year is the team that gets hot at the right time, not the team that spends the most money or assets to build super teams (look at the Dodgers and Yankees). The Astros have to do it this way, because they do not have the financial resources to buy there way to pennants.
I agree with you. But we need to acknowledge that Matthews could just as easily be a negative player the rest of the season. He isn't established and the league hasn't adjusted to him yet. There are legitimate reasons he may not end up as the best option on this team moving forward. Or he could be amazing, get ROY votes despite playing less than 3 months, and be the 2nd Astros rookie to win World Series MVP.
Lance McCullers, Brendan Rodgers, Chas McCormick really could be moved. Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, Spencer Arrighetti, JP France are about to return Brandon Walter, Colton Gordon are pitching Great also. Brice Matthews, Zack Short are productive
I agree with all of that. My point is when you are contending, service time shouldn't be a consideration if he can help us and I assume he will be given the opportunity to show that he can.
