Im more concerned how Astos will be handled than favoring Mariners. If we keep winning all these tight games and we are looking like the 2nd bye after Detroit be ready for open hunting season for Astros pitching. Balks, strike zone, umpires having sticky stuff relevations allthough data would't support it. The rule "just too sticky is the limit" leaves lot to hope for. Then the league and media will start new story how it was a miracle that Astros kept winning when they should't anymore and again cheating. Just stupid to be paranoid when should be happy about the win. Yordan news bummed me out.
The line up was a big concern entering the season and now that line up is missing two of its most important pieces for extended periods (Yordan/Pena). We are still winning for now but what was already a concern is now IMO close to a full blown crisis. This bubble gum/paper clip/duck tape line up can’t hold up forever (I don’t suspect). We needed a bat even with Pena and Yordan. Now it appears downright critical.
Agreed, we have had our fair share of luck and breaks so far but at some point karma will do a 180, we need Pena and Yordan back and then get Spaghetti and one more starter. I LOVE the CLUTCH gene we`ve had all year and hope it continues
You have me sold on avoiding Mullins like the plague! just kidding- he would be an upgrade in LF. But, is he any better than Melton (and I say that not being high on Melton)?
Mullins is fine, he isn't really a great bat but he can get hot for half a season, he does have some decent splits and the numbers show that he has had a lot of bad luck this season. He isn't a middle of the order guy though. He is someone that is no longer a great center fielder but still a very good corner outfielder (Gold Glove caliber on the corner) and can hit towards the bottom of the line up. He would allow the Astros to play Altuve at second and have an exceptional outfield defensively.... I am hoping for a better bat, especially if Alvarez is out.
Are they looking to try to add 1 or 2 bats currently? If Yordan is out for the rest of the season, maybe best to have Altuve play DH most of the time?
A week ago, they wanted two bats. I have to think that is still the case. They were looking ideally at a starting pitcher and two bats. Doesn't mean they get two, but I have to think they at least get one. With how this team is playing, I think that they may be more willing to spend the prospects to get closer to what they want - this pitching staff is the best in baseball and if they get a guy like Mullins for the outfield, they will arguably have the best defense in baseball.
As long as the pitching is lights out and the lineup is banged up you can expect more 1 run wins. Great/Good SP and a lights out bullpen makes most games 6 inning games.
I'm hoping Dana can find a big bat to play LF and Lux to play 2B. This will allow Altuve to DH if Alvarez is out for the year. I talked to my Dr. friend who told me healing will happen within a month to 6 weeks. But pain will be in Alvarez hand for 3-6 months. Possibly even up to a year on the long side of healing.
SIAA @Nook do you think Yordan has a hamate injury? I know Astros have said it's not the hamate bone.
They will end up with Mullins if the Orioles are reasonable. Brown really wants Mullins and I don't know if that is because of the cost or if he just thinks he fits well with the Astros. So there is a good chance he is one of the guys the Astros end up with. There is like a 25% chance, that is my guess but his name has come up for several years now and the Astros are again linked to him. Astros had some scouts watching the Orioles as well. If you want a big bat - then that will likely be someone like Marcel Ozuna. He has been up and down this season and for his career, but he is capable of destroying pitching, he is like a less selective or disciplined Yordan. He would be my top choice - especially if Yordan is out. Let Ozuna DH, move Altuve to DH and then get Mullins and put him in left field. That would be the best "cheap" option. As for Alvarez, hands are tricky. I was a pitcher, but when I did hit at the higher levels I would hurt my hands sometimes - so lets just hope he needs some rehab to strengthen his hands.
I hope not - Gurriel had that injury and said he never had the same power as before. It would just be me speculating. I am hoping that when Alvarez let his hand heal that he lost some strength in his hands and he will just need PT and rest.
I'd rather ride with Melton in LF and save the prospect capital to acquire O'Hearn or Ozuna. Even Melton acquired 0.3 WAR in only 11 games played. He will play at least as good on defense as Mullins (if not better) and offers more upside at the plate. Sure, Mullins has 12 homers, but only a .701 OPS while having reverse splits at the plate?? The last thing we need is a lefty who doesn't hit righties. How is his WAR -0.5? Did his defense fall off a cliff?
Why look for a SP unless they think that Garcia, Javier, Arrighetti, LMJ are all doomed to be out...? Oh.
I think his defense would be good for LF. He's not a CF anymore. Reminds me of Bryan Reynolds who shifted over from CF to LF
Donovan or B.Lowe could likely fill enough position/hitting needs aline, but as they are likely not available, I think it is going to take 2 bats. 1 LH hitting 2B who is an upgrade over Dubon/Rodgers/Guillorme offensively, but reasonable to bench when Altuve plays 2B. 1 LH corner OF/1B who can play LF when Altuve doesn't and can reduce the reliance on Walker at 1B. Lux and O'Hearn. Both should be reasonably cheap. I wouldn't trade him for either of them, but Matthews can be used in a deal, maybe for a controllable TOR SP, because Lux is controllable next year. Peralta? Matthews may end up being a star, but having another RH everyday starter is a big disadvantage as well. And there are the K concerns. Ok, my wheels are turning.
