The defense has been subpar for both pitchers. Kershaw just pitched around the mistakes better and Wandy has had worse luck.
Still putting together some quality ABs, working counts and hitting some balls well - drove one deep to center tonight that Kemp grabbed over his shoulder. You didn't expect him to hit HRs every other game? He's gonna have lots of struggles ahead of him. Nature of the game, esp. for younger players. Far from proven despite his success early on and in the minors. He could end up being anywhere from a solid everyday player to a guy that can't stick at this level. Way too soon to tell.
What is Corporan's defensive rep for anybody that might know? From the sample size I've seen, he has a lousy arm and struggles to block balls in addition to being a poor hitter. I've seen at least 4 bad to dreadful throws by him in his relatively brief time here - one sailing about 15 feet wide of second base and dribbling into the outfield. Also seen him struggle blocking balls from both pitchers and position players throwing home. Either it's just the small sample size or his sole purpose for being here is to help Lyles transition. If the latter is the case, I assume we'll see somebody else here next season and it's a non-issue. He's been painful to watch for me at least.
Does not matter how old he is. If the guy could be winning games and he's stuck with one of the worst teams in MLB history then he's a waste. And plus 3 years from now they could still suck. Hope im wrong but this team will be just like the Royals and O's just with a higher payroll. If the over/under on the next Astros winning season was at 7 years I would take the over.
Don't agree with your initial point but as far as the timeline and being cynical, in general, no need to convince me.
I didn't expect him to hit HRs every other game, I actually thought that his high average and lack of reputation as a power hitter in the minors would mean that he could get knocks even without putting them over the fence every time. I was surprised when he came out on a tear, but I didn't expect him to continue it. Just expected that he would regress to high average, low power instead of low average, low power. But I agree, early in the game, needs experience, all that stuff. Just hope he can find a way to deal and stay with the club.
Barmes has had a tremendous game defensively. The most highlight-reel worthy play was aided by a slow runner but it was still great. The Dodgers' SS made a similar play but Barmes was the runner in that case and beat out the throw. I thought the play Barmes made when Wandy kind of handcuffed him and threw late to 2nd on the DP was harder than it looked.
Odds are that he will do something like that but don't expect him to hit mid-.300s at this level. High average may end up being .280s or .290s. Could be worse... could be better. Sample size still too small to see regression or who he is at this level. After 500-1000 PAs or more, we'll have a better picture.
What a nice piece of hitting by Martinez, example of why I think he will do well at this level. Caballo with the shades...nice.
The gun on TV showed 93 and 94 on Lyles' last 2 pitches. Hope he's not overthrowing but if those numbers are right, could be a good sign.
