You must be getting sick a lot this year.... if it wasn't for the Pirates, Hampton would be having an awful season.
In 72 PAs, Q is hitting .239 with 0 HRs, 15 SOs and 0 BBs. His OPS is around .550. Despite his awful stint with the Astros last season, Towles' career OPS is .600 and he has proven himself at AAA. He can't possibly do any worse than he did last season. Is Q's defense/game calling good enough to outweigh his offensive ineptitude, even though he doesn't play much? It's not like Pudge is hitting well, either. His OPS is .669 while the NL average for catchers is about .730. Is it time to give Towles another shot? He should at least be an upgrade over Q, offensively, and if all goes well, he could possibly even take some starts away from an aging Pudge. I'm not sure if Q has any options left but I'm not sure losing his services would be a big deal either way.
By the way, here are some of J.R.'s numbers at RR: 108 ABs, .296 AVG, .412 OBP, .894 OPS, 9 2B, 3 HR, 18 BB, 20 SO He leads the team by a wide margin in AVG, OBP and SLG.
There are 2 players on this team in which I believe the Astros could improve production from with players in the minors. Quintero could easily be replaced by Towles. Michaels could easily be replaced with any one of Abercrombie, Ramirez, or Bogusevic. Unfortunately, I wouldn't expect either of those things to happen. Barring injuries, I won't be surprised if any of those players doesn't see the majors until Sept. 8th (the day after RR's season ends).
I wonder why they wont give him a chance in the majors again?? Maybe its cause he'd be only getting Q's minutes, and be on the bench the rest of the time while in AAA, he gets to bat every day....
Quintero may get replaced by Towles, as I think we still have some options for Q. Michaels however, I doubt we have any options for him. If we replaced him, we'd have to just release him outright, I think. Usually, teams are reluctant to do so.
fun im between me and the sweetie today. her: want to go to the game tonight? chron friends have two extras. me: eh, have to go home first to let the dog out then drive back in...probably not. five minutes later her: it's a free ticket btw me: eh, tempting, but really shouldn't. need to get caught up on work and take it easy. five minutes later her: oh, they just said it was in a suite...free food. me: dammit, i really don't want to make the drive twice, but i wish i didn't know that part. five minutes later her: free beer! me: done!
5 pitches, 3 outs for Maholm in the 1st. That bunt attempt by Bourn was heinous. It seems like he's popped up quite a few of those.
hmm hope Brian doesn't implode here. 8 straight balls....and the walk stole 2nd. ugh. please get us a DP here....or...
