I don't want him taking AB's from Tucker or Toro, and I don't think he a noticeably better player than Reddick who we're already paying. Straw is simply a role player if we're healthy, and Puig wouldn't replace him. We're gonna have to get young or rebuild, and you cant get young if you pull the rip cord every time a young player struggles. This mess of a season if the perfect chance to let them take the lumps.
Diaz should be back soon which can help with the depth at OF, DH and infield. I recall Diaz playing some LF last season but can’t recall if he is any good there? Either way he is good veteran depth if he can stay healthy...big IF.
Diaz is an underrated player. He’s a league average bat who is a good defender everywhere except CF and C. Getting him back will help. Same for Brantley. But I want Toro getting all the ABs at 3B. Tucker, Toro, and Jones need as much run as possible to see which of them can be counted on in the everyday lineup next season.
The thing is, the Astros can do that AND not throw this season away. They need to get into the playoffs and (especially this year) anything can happen. the playoffs are expanded. The league anticipates going to a bubble in the playoffs. Pitchers are getting hurt because of the unusual circumstances. Some Hall of Fame type players are struggling as well. It is all a crap shoot...... some of the best players so far are guys who hadn't accomplished much coming into this season. I doubt we will see many guys going 7-8 innings either, which means blowing through more arms in the bullpen. We have no idea how busy the trade deadline will be (I suspect it won't). The Astros need to let their younger players get at bats and innings....... We have a glut of quality guys in the minors that did not get opportunities the last 3-4 years because we have been the best team in baseball. Few of them will likely be stars, but there are some really solid potential starting pitchers, relievers and a few bats that could be above average....... those types of players do not cost Gerrit Cole money, but they are still really expensive and the Astros will need to develop those types of players to have any shot at keeping their core together beyond 2021.
I’d welcome Puig. Hell, I’d take him in a heartbeat for the right contract! Especially if it was only for the rest of the season.
