In 2024 Cam Smith played in 98 games between college and the minors. Cam's first 82 games with the Astros he had a .765 OPS. Of course after the All-Star break Cam had a .489 OPS. I think Cam just wasn't used to playing that many games.
He is young and still developing if not growing. It's interesting that Correa said that players having what they need to remain healthy and strong over a 162 game season was lacking when he returned after the trade. He is most welcome back.
Definitely the same Correa. Still not afraid to say whats on his mind. Calling **** oit when he doesn't like something. Nice to have him back.
There will be plenty of at bats for Cam who will start in RF and Cole to establish themselves. Don't get me wrong. I'm not against trading Meyers if its a decent return. I just don't think there is a rush. He will become more valuable as contenders deal with injuries and that includes us.
So you are thinking Cam may end up in AAA to start the season? Where else would Cam play if Cole is in RF. My hope is Cam and Cole show enough that they cement themselves in the outfield. An outfield of Cole, Cam and Meyers would have a lot of range. In that scenario, I would put Meyers in left because of his noodle arm.
I don't think that they are going to lock in 3 guys and have them make all the starts in the outfield. I think that they are more likely to give guys playing time and see who emerges. What would be nice is an outfield of Cam/Meyers/Cole if they hit well enough. That would be an amazing defensive outfield, Cam and Cole have strong arms - Cam and Cole both have power to off set Meyers there.... and then Alvarez is DHing 130 games and Altuve is left alone at Second, and only plays like 130 games with Paredes spelling him for 30 games.
The "league" likely made adjustments for Cam and then Cam made adjustments and then the league made other adjustments ... This is to be expected for most rookies. Cam may need time in AAA to work on the league's "book" on how to pitch to him. IIRC both Tucker and Yordan had boomerang trips back to AAA. Again, not unexpected.
I don't think they will lock in guys that young unless they go gang busters to start the year. I would say Cam is a lock if he even gets back to where he was in the first half of last season. You know my infatuation with Cole and his loud tools. If his short stint wasn't a fluke.
I know that there is a split in the organization over handling Cam this Spring. There are some that want to push a transition to CF. Their argument is that he will likely be there long term, that it lets the Astros play different line ups and it also buys him more time for his bat to catch up. There are others that do not want to overwhelm him, keep him on the corner and let him focus on being ready to play a full season.
He did so well as a first year RF, I would give him time in centerfield. I think he should focus on hitting and lifting the ball.
Meyers is a middle of the road CF due to a sub-par bat with no power, but exceptional range and glove in the field. Meyers would be a candidate for the worst LF in baseball because that position minimizes the need for his strengths.
I would take the latter approach. Simplify things for Cam Smith and get his bat to consistently play at the big-league level. Once he settles in as a hitter, then start transitioning him to center field. You also don’t want him carrying defensive struggles with him when he comes to the plate.
If this happens where is Paredes playing? How many games is he sitting? In this scenario, they have to move Walker, correct?
Tucker yes...but Yordan got called up for the first time in June 2019, won Rookie of the Year, and was never sent down again (except for rehab assignments).
Paredes would get time at 3rd, second, 1st and DH. That is realistically probably 20-25 starts at each of those spots...... and that is before any injuries are figured in.... and Altuve and Alvarez playing no outfield, which they will likely play at least some.
I think it’s pretty easy to find Paredes four starts a week when the Astros have six or more games. Alvarez in LF one game, Paredes at DH. Alvarez day off, Paredes at DH. Correa day off, Paredes at 3B. Walker day off, Paredes at 1B. This doesn’t account for testing his range at 2B on days Altuve needs to sit.
