Depends on the pitcher as well. Keuchel is impossible to run on, McHugh has a decent move and is not terribly slow to the plate but his curve can be tough to handle, same with McCullers. Velasquez and Feldman are glacially slow. Where Conger can kill you is late innings of close games against some of our relievers, esp Gregerson/Qualls/Harris/Fields.
I like Conger over Castro in most every situation. Sure his arm is not as good, but our team seems to have more fire under it when he is at the plate. Pitchers throw well, and that escapade with Odor really served as a rallying point for this team. Look at how we've played in the three games since. And remember, Conger was the guy who hit the 2run homer in the 9th after Odor caused all that fuss.
Lind has been solid for the last 3 years and had one great year 6-7 years ago if I remember right. Part of his issue is that he crushes right handed pitching and is bad against lefties. However I would point out that is is less of an issue against left handed starters and more of an issue for specialists. You can neutralize him in the 7th or later if you have a lefty specialist that dominates lefties. He also hits better at home. Lind isn't perfect, but he has very good extra base power, he makes very good contact draws walks. He is a massive upgrade over what we have and his ability to make solid/consistent contact is exactly what this team needs. With all of that in mind, he is more valuable to the Astros than most clubs that already have production from 1st base. Parra is not a special player. However his strengths are what the Astros need. He is a solid corner outfielder that can play center if needed. He doesn't strike out much, makes solid contact and gets a whole lot of doubles. He is hitting well over .300 and is just a good fit. He is a free agent at the end of the season.
I'm really disappointed that we let Nottingham go. I was so looking forward to celebrating The Sheriff for years to come in Houston. Oh well, maybe he'll suck anyway.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lefty discrimination no longer!! Welcome home AND welcome aboard <a href="https://twitter.com/scottkazmir19">@scottkazmir19</a> .. Looking forward to that ��������</p>— Dallas Keuchel (@kidkeuchy) <a href="https://twitter.com/kidkeuchy/status/624306800125292544">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'll start growing out the beard now! In the mean time, I can grow a mean stache. 1st dinner is on me <a href="https://t.co/3i8a7833pS">https://t.co/3i8a7833pS</a></p>— Scott Kazmir (@scottkazmir19) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottkazmir19/status/624312093370511361">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can't thank the <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> enough for the opportunity, it's time to start a new chapter with the <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics">@Athletics</a>!</p>— Jacob Nottingham (@JayNott) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayNott/status/624303954810159104">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I saw the list of possible moves the Astros couldve done...and thought Scott wouldve been awesome in Houston...great pick up!
Some fool on MLB Network said he's not sure if HOU is better than the Yankees, Royals or Angels. Our run-diff and record is ALREADY right there with all those teams, despite all our injuries AND we just added a beast #2. Commentators are paid to know what's going on, but they seem ignorant. Stros 'bout to teach, tough
