game 1 was the reason why game 2 went extra innings and game 3 L today. astros loaded the bases twice and score 0 runs kept game 1 close which cause espada to use King, Abreu, and Hader. 3 of which have already pitched 2 or 3 days in a row.
No it doesn't it was a routine throw, there is no excuse for tossing the ball into your own dugout on that, professionals make that play every time. DD
Even the best professionals make bad errors. I guarantee you can’t find a single big leaguer that hasn’t. So yes, it happens. Now mental errors like Altuve has regularly running the bases…that **** is inexcusable
Also pitchers boot way more routine throws to the bag all the time. I think it’s something about basically always throwing from the same spot 60’6# to a specific target on your time schedule that renders them incapable of normal run of the mill defensive plays.
If you read the article that’s not far off from how I came down. If he keeps his k’s low, maintains strike zone discipline etc he’s going to be fine. Above average player even if he keeps running more and stealing bases bc of the defense. you can’t get lucky if you don’t make contact after all. he’s not hitting the ball particularly hard though, so, yeah, who knows. He was going pretty good through May last year too and it all fell apart.
Maybe its not. But who ever said life is fair. 1) Ask him if he would rather start twice per week vs the toughest pitchers or sit on the bench? 2) That is a completely secondary objective. The primary objective is to reduce the opportunities Walker has, especially vs nasty pitchers. Maybe fewer Ks and failures helps his confidence and turns his season around. If Shay produces, SWEET ! If not, its not any worse than we have watched from the first baseman so far.
Yeah, guess it couldn’t hurt. Don’t think Shay is a good enough prospect that you need to worry about his confidence anyway. Edit: If we are really thinking about sitting his ass down for two games a week though, Ryan O’Hearn needs to be the top trade candidate. He’s great against RHP and his contract keeps us under the threshold, assuming we plan to stay under.
I think O'Hearn needs to be #1 hitter target. A BOR SP still needs to be #1 though. 3 rookies in the rotation right now and 1 of the veterans needs handled with kid gloves? Arrighetti at least 30 days away. This rotation needs a BOR innings eating veteran as much as a bat.
Know there hasn't been a lot of power from Jake yet but for now I'm fine with the guy playing great defense, getting on base with the occasional steal.
Walker keeps hitting the ball hard right at guys. I think his hitting is coming around, but man he looked frustrated yesterday. I hope he stays at it and eventually the luck part of his struggles go away.
At this point in the season, it is not bad luck. Christian Walker has been completely subpar as a hitter. Yes, he has had a couple of flashes and makes hard contact, but that contact is no good if it is right at the opposing player. Walker is also chasing more pitches due to his frustration. Maybe he needs to sacrifice a live chicken or give Jobu some new rum... either way he's been a bust from an offensive standpoint. It may hurt his ego, but it is far past time to drop him down in the order. I will say it is not all on Walker as the whole team (save Jeremy Pena and Jake Meyers) are underperforming at the plate. If it is a case of bad luck, I hope you're right and it ends sooner rather than later.
Paredes should be included with Jake and Pena. As for Walker, he's had some bad luck but even his expected numbers aren't good. His K rate is up while his walk rate is significantly down. Last year had an xwOBA of .351, which is borderline elite, and this year he has dropped to .315, which is borderline bad. His defense has dropped off as well from last year. Just an all around **** signing so far.
