Ok, let me get this straight. Ausmus is basically on the team to catch Oswalt who is having the worst start to a season in his career. Forget the veteran leadership/mentor crap. We have plenty of vets on this team. I'd say it's time to do a Woody W with Ausmus' contract and bring up Quintero. Let Towles and Quintero split time until one of the two steps up. No more Ausmus!
Lance now has taken over the lead for RBI's in the NL and is 2nd in the majors in BA, HR, and RBI's. Bourn has taken over the lead for stolen bases in the MLB.
I think the difference between Quintero and Ausmus at the plate is so negligible, it's not worth it. And I trust Ausmus defensively more than I do Quintero. I don't think anyone thinks Quintero is the catcher of the future.
i can't believe how well he pitched. that curveball was nasty. i didn't get to watch the whole thing, but i saw him confusing hitters.
But he is wearing out the other team's shortstop with all those mediocre ground balls. By the end of the year those guys legs are going to be shot. DD
Watch this : http://houston.astros.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200805102673225 The LA commentator : "Boy, that's SOME 3,4,5 hitters."
that was sweet to hear that....i think we will be hearing many more opposing announcers say this!!! i love our lineup!!!! GO STROS!!!!
Ha ha!! I know Ausmus is a good guy and I would be more than happy to have him stay with the team in some kind of coaching role. His best asset is his play calling but he is not getting enough starts to where he is making much of a difference in that area. It would be one thing if Oswalt was having a terrific start to the season, but he is not. I don't think Quintero is our future catcher. For now, that honor belongs to Towles. I just think that having Towles and Quintero will benefit this team more than Towles and Ausmus. In other words, my guess is that Quintero's bat would outweigh Ausmus' play calling at this point if Quintero took over Ausmus' backup role. Quintero for Ausmus likely won't happen so it's probably a moot discussion.