Framber and Javier request maldy as their catcher. There is no reason kessinger should be leading off and Diaz not dh tonight.
The only one i've ever heard from the actual Astros organization speak on pitchers requesting Maldanado was Verlander I know we have CF posters who say they have inside information that the pitchers request him, but i've never heard anything from anyone connected to the organization say that, other than for Verlander
Who would you like to have as a leadoff man? If we put our best lineup out there right now Diaz over Maldanado would be the only obvious change from the guys who are playing tonight. I have no problem with Dubon sitting for a game. So it's either Kessinger or Hensley so yea sign me up for Kessinger right now Then, if those are our 9 hitters, who should lead off? The only ones with good on base % are Bregman, Tucker and Chas. Without Yordan we certainly aren't moving Bregman or Tucker, easily your top two run producers, up there. I would be fine with Chas leading off, but honestly as much as it seems crazy at first look, giving Kessinger a shot there probably isn't a terrible idea And i'm on the record over and over and over as not liking much of what Dusty doesn't lineup wise, but the only problem I see tonight is Maldy over Diaz, which is just an awful decision. And if Javier really does request Maldy, he should have a mental evaluation
Why would any pitcher request a catcher who can't hit, can't throw runners out, leads the league in passed balls, and can't frame? Someone explain that to me.
Except if you look at the numbers he has been excellent in front of Tucker also Sorry but that’s just a fact Now if you want to argue the sample size of him in front of Tucker is too small to mean anything go ahead, but he has been very good there, and as I said scores 3 runs the last two nights there
I guess it’s a little tiny sample size “fact” so it’s not really something to hang your hat on yet. Tucker is white hot now so it probably makes a difference. Pena is not typically a 2 spot hitter. I like him 8th or 9th right now. Between Altuve and Yordan, he obviously sees some meatballs. we will see what happens tonight. Although its just one game.
I believe they are close friends and they feel they owe him for his veteran leadership. I really don’t care what the pitchers want in this regard. What’s good for the team is good for the pitchers. They will adjust. It is past time for Brown to step in and stop this crap. The only excuse is if Diaz is injured.
I think Kessinger has a chance to be a player and have no issue with him getting 2-3 starts per month. That said, no chance he should be leading off. Chas should lead off and Grae hits 8th (since Maldy is catching again) If Javier gives up more than 4 runs he can no longer throw to Maldy. Diaz becomes his personal catcher ( along with Brown's, France's, Bielaks's, and anyone brought in in a trade)
