Today is my first time seeing Johnson/Wallace/Castro. All 3 look like baseball players. CJ is bigger than I thought he was. I'm excited to have them.
Before the moves at the trade deadline, I was probably more down on the Astros more than I ever have been. I was maybe watching part of one or two games a week. I find my self watching more and more lately. I just enjoy this much more. Winning more often doesn't hurt, but it's not the reason why. Outside of the fat horse in left field, this is the most excited I've been about watching Astros baseball since the stretch run in 2008. GO ASTROS
me, too. nothing against Roy O and Lance, but it's so good to see them at least attempting to build for the future.
Yeah, even though you guys plowed our asses with no Vaseline tonight. I kinda expected it with it being Minor's debut and all. But to answer your question, yes. It makes me absolutely livid when teams don't sign and groom their homegrown talent. That is certainly something ATL does right. Especially when it comes to pitching. Good game from your boys tonight. The offense surprised me quite a bit. If they do that against Jurrjens tomorrow, I will be completely impressed. A little pissy, sure. But impressed.
Went to the game tonight, it was awesome. The crowd was so alive! I was not expecting that at all. ESPECIALLY on a Monday.
Things to consider about Castro (and I was one of those who was skeptical about calling him up this season): He's the youngest player on the team. He plays the most physically demanding position. He has a tall, lanky build. From what I recall, he lost a ton of weight by the end of last season – somewhere around 20 lbs. Because of his body type, it may take him a little longer than typical shorter, stockier catchers to make the physical adjustment, i.e., build strength and endurance. The most important part of a catcher’s job is how he handles a pitching staff and performs behind the plate. He seems to be doing very well, if not great, in that regard. As far as hitting, I wouldn’t worry much about his numbers at this point given the aforementioned factors. He’s shown good plate discipline and seems to have a pretty fluid swing. Once his body gets used to playing this much baseball (which may take another year or more), I think he will make a lot of progress as a hitter. I can see him eventually becoming a .275-.300/.340-.360/.400-.450 type, which combined with his catching skills will make him a great all-around catcher.
B. Wallace's physique and swing remind me of D. Ward. Lucky for Bret, he's not coming into a veteran team, and looks like a guy playing with no pressure.
Alright, which one of you bastards is this guy: http://deadspin.com/5609094/chivalry-is-dead-man-ducks-foul-ball-before-it-hits-girlfriend
Happ looks outstanding so far, I think we might see him go through ups and downs due to the injury but actually I can see him become a Jimmy Deshaies type pitcher over the long run.
Lyles is looking good at RR, 4 innings 1 run 5 hits and 4 Ks 61 pitches - 45 STRIKES...most impressive.
Happ has been crazy good tonight considering the ump has squeezed him all night long. Lyles hit a wall in the 5th giving up a 3 run blast to Dallas McPherson but overall not a bad evening looking at control and strikeouts. Chipper with a great play, hope he is okay.
WOW, Jordan wasn't done! He came back out to pitch the 6th and STRUCK OUT THE SIDE. Overall, it was a very nice evening for Lyles with the exception of the homerun ball. At 96 pitches I can't see him going out there for the 7th so... 6 innings 4 ER 9 Ks 8 hits and the best part of his evening 96 pitches and 70 STRIKES!!!
