If you ever hit Altuve 8th again, I, along with every other Astros fan, will personally take a switch to your hide. Sincerely, Astros Nation
Someone with magical powers who can turn a bunch of Triple-A talent plus a whale into a contender. Possibly Lou Brown?
I would not bet against Brad Mills. Luhnow had a chance to get rid of him and did not. BTW you guys do know that the Astros are not going to the World Series this year, right? So lighten up already. BTW2 Mills moving Altuve down to 8th might have something to do with Altuve going a bunch of games without a walk. Plausible?
I doubt any of them will be the manager, but I'd like any of the 3. Biggio's youngest son will be a senior next year, so I don't see him leaving the St. Thomas gig until after he graduates.
They were saying on the radio that the reason Mills likes Lowrie in the 2 hole is because he bats left handed in front of the right handed Martinez. Unless either Altuve or JD falls flat on their face, they should be #2 and #3 in the order for the next decade. Wonder if Mills will ever consider Altuve leading off with Lowrie/Schaefer #2.
Not plausible. Altuve was walking just fine in the 2nd spot (5). He was not drawing walks in the 8th spot (1).
The fact that we are not world series contenders is actually an argument for the reasoning to keep him on for 2012. My thinking is, about the time they were deciding about who will coach, they had scores of other things to sort out at the time. Perhaps no candidates as well. They may view Mills as an adequate rebuilding type coach, but not necessarily as a division contending one. Yes, I know, next year is perhaps a bit optimistic to consider us division contenders. But I would argue that you insert the system (coaches) before your quite there. Give the players a year or two of familiarizing themselves with a new coaching staff before you are actually contending. I think it would be a mistake to make a coaching change when you are already in the heat of a race.
Just a theory. Altuve did not draw a walk for 9 straight games after the first three. Then he drew a single walk in each of the first two Dodger series games and Mills made the switch down to 8th. Eff it. I have no clue why Mills did what he did. Jose Altuve stats.
The top four OBP Astros are: Martinez, Altuve, Lowrie and Schaefer. I would not mind: 1. Schaefer 2. Altuve 3. Lowrie 4. Martinez 5. El Buffalito
Did you really just suggested, based on a few months worth of data, that we have a #2 and #3 hitter for a decade? Two things: 1. This is insane. Pitchers and hitters constantly adjust, and we have no idea how good these guys will be 2 months from now, let alone a few years from now. 2. If the scouts DO identify them as stars in the making, the team should seriously consider - before they become stars - signing them to 10 year deals to cover their entire club control period and several years of free agency. It's the brilliance of the Tampa Bay way as well as what Milwaukee did with Ryan Braun. They better be right, but it gives you reasonably priced high-end players to build a franchise around.
Yes, let's hope so. Both of them have been consistently great through all levels of minors and have carried it over into the big leagues very well considering their age. Not to mention that they are already showing signs of being able to adjust. Example: Altuve NEVER walked last season. In fact, he had only 5 in 221 AB. That's an insanely low number... This season he has show better patience at the plate and has already drawn 7 walks in 69 AB.
How about we give Mills a chance next year since he's more familiar with AL style coaching since he was in Boston for so many years.
Which is why I said as long as they don't fall flat. Both of these guys have done nothing but hit for a good average for their minor league careers and limited major league careers. Altuve hitting .370? I don't expect him to keep that up. But if he can keep close to .300 on BA with an OPB close to .365/.375 I don't see why you wouldn't want a guy like that in your #2 hole. I definitely see JD putting up .300/30 HRS/100+ RBIs, provided he stays healthy and continues to progress. I think there is a reason Mills has stuck him in the #3 slot from Day 1.
