I think there is real risk with simply bringing everyone back just because there were injuries. We’re talking about a lineup that had 5 everyday players with an OPS under .730 in Walker, Diaz, Meyers, Smith, and Sanchez. Urias and Dubon with an OPS in the .600s. Altuve will be a year older — will he continue to show more decline? Can Yordan stay healthy? Will Paredes take conditioning seriously and get into shape? Can Pena repeat this season’s production? That’s a lot of question marks for a lineup that most people on here feel comfortable bringing back. I’d argue it’s more likely that most of these questions go against the Astros’ favor, and for that reason, acquiring a position player or two that can slug should be just as high of a priority as getting starting pitching is.
It’s an interesting question but I disagree with your analysis. Pena is really the only guy who played a lot who looks like he had a career year and should be expected to regress. Altuve might regress because of age, but he also was apparently nursing a foot injury most of the 2nd half, so there’s hope he’s healthier and thus more productive. Walker, Diaz, Smith, and Melton should all be expected to have more upside vs 2025 than downside (especially Diaz and Smith). Walker’s 2nd half shows he’s not washed. Diaz, Smith, and Melton are all young players who are unlikely to have already had their best year. Correa and Dubon would be expected to be about the same, with Correa producing more since he’ll be in Houston for the full season. Paredes and Alvarez should both be expected to improve vs 2025 since they’ll be healthier. Sanchez and Urias, if kept around, should be expected to dramatically outperform their 2025 numbers with Houston. Context matters. If a guy was seriously injured, his performance will be affected, and so he can expected to perform better when healthy. I think there’s a LOT more upside than downside in next years offense relative to 2025.
I do look forward to the new staff teaching them all how to run the bases without suffering catastrophic high ankle sprains.
Hader's misuse by Espada is probably the single most compelling reason for me that he shouldn't be brought back as our manager.
What they were doing prior in the 3 runs or less scored games was not sustainable. Neither was the 1-run record. The issue remains the offense. Also conveniently left out is that Hader had to pitch multiple innings in some of those other close games, which contributed to his eventual overuse injury. Along with a basic stat as to how many 9th run games did the Astros actually blow after Hader went out... I believe it was one, and there was also an epic extra inning one, but it wasn't necessarily excessive. But obviously when missing the playoffs by a small margin, even that one blown save game matters. Losing Souza mattered too. Okert and King are quality bullpen pieces... but not necessarily the high leverage ones. And once the starting pitching started crapping the bed, the bullpen was going to get taxed regardless... Hader or no Hader.
Alvarez was trying to steal bases after he came back from injury. Batters not being instructed to take pitches when it was in the best interest of the team. Some of the best hitters bunting with people in scoring position when we were behind. There are many reasons to fire this manager. It was apparent right from the beginning that he was over his head and obviously had lost the clubhouse in the latter part of the year. I think the fans will be very vocal and will show their disappointment at the gate if he is not fired.
I haven’t heard really anything as far as coaches- I am not sure they know yet. I do know that Crane had discussed with Brown bringing an outsider to look at everything and give opinions. Brown stated the obvious - but they want to deal for a good starting pitcher. There is a risk with bringing back the exact same line up. There can potential issues with injuries if nothing else. Having said that - I think that is what they will largely do unless they deal Pena. Walker had an OPS of 800 in the second half, and his track record shows that he has been a pretty consistent 800 OPS guy the last handful of years. Even with that being the case, his first 90 games this year counted... so there is some concerns there. As for Diaz - they aren't getting a better hitting catcher. Smith was a rookie and should improve -- I don't think Sanchez is starting and Meyers may be dealt anyway. They still will have: Yordan/Paredes/Altuve/Pena/Correa in the heart of their line up. I would love to add another solid bat, but I think starting pitching is a far bigger problem.
I think that the Astros make the playoffs if either Sousa or Hader had stayed healthy. It isn't just losing games in the 9th - the entire bullpen pecking order was thrown off with 2 of the 3 best relievers out. I agree on the overuse issue - and some of the things I have heard about communication between the pen and Espada are concerning.
Interesting tidbit on Meyers, I didn't think he would be dealt/a possiblity. Would Melton/Cole get a chance in CF?
Sure... backing in and winning just one of the Mariners games probably gets them there... but doesn't change the fact that the starting pitching was basically smoke/mirrors since the Correa acquisition (largely due to Framber), and that by itself catches up with any bullpen no matter how used or unused they are. This was actually a fear I mentioned way earlier in the year... little did we know that Hunter/Framber winning every start and the back end of the bullpen (pitching multiple leverage innings per) could hide a lot of deficiencies.
I mainly just want Houston to follow the market. They have a deep roster which gives them a lot of flexibility. Dana Brown has a big opportunity but he’s gotta read the market properly and execute on the scouting/evaluation side.
Moving Walker to clear up money to add 2 SP would be very smart IMHO. I would also look for Dana to trade some young pitching for Nationals young switch hitting OF Lile. Or a young prospect like this.
Jose Altuve is still the MVP of this team... is kinda a no surprise. He's the heart, the grit, the grind, the producer (when he's on), and one of (if not THE) most important players in the clubhouse. If I'm Dana Brown, I'm having discussions with STL ASAP... Pick off Sonny Gray & Wilson Contreras from STL (that they're willing to waive their NTC)... send STL some OF help.
Also remember Seattle had won 16 of 17 on the night they clinched. Extremely unlikely, but that was a factor too.
Altuve led the team in BB? yea.....that's no bueno. i guess it's not fair since paredes was injured but oh well
