Puma now 5th in the NL in walks despite missing 16 games. At the other end of the spectrum, the relatively impatient El Caballo ends the threat by swinging at the 1st pitch. Between that, Pence hit the all to deep, deep left center but not deep enough. Would've been a 3-run HR in a lot of other parks.
Castro unable to throw out Castro but it was a decent effort. Our Castro has looked very good behind the plate so far even if he hasn't been hitting well. I'm a cynic but I feel optimistic about him. There are some good signs just like you heard in all the scouting reports: good behind the plate, good arm, good athlete for his position, good eye at the plate, good attitude...
Per an ESPN Insider article (saw it on TCB): The Houston Astros are rumored to be shopping infielder Jeff Keppinger, who’s had a somewhat respectable season offensively and has played all over the infield this year. However, Keppinger’s defense has rated poorly at every infield position, totaling -17 Runs Saved between second, third and shortstop over the past year and a half. Even if he continues to hit around the league average, his glove negates much of his value.
The Twins have already scored 4 more runs against KC in the first 2 innings. That makes 34 over a little more than 2 games.
Another walk for Puma. 1 shy of tying Votto and Willingham for 3rd in the NL... despite missing 16 games of course.
But we can also just hold onto Myers and let him become a free agent this offseason, and potentially get a draft pick for him signing elsewhere after he denies the salary arbitration offer. He was on the cusp of the Type B rankings for Elias before his last start, and I think he could be a Type B Free agent if continues to pitch like he has especially with the number of <.500 teams the Astros face the rest of the year. While that pick may not help the team as soon, it would likely be a higher quality player than the Astros may get from the Dodgers.
Castro ripped a ball down the right field line that would've driven in 2 but it landed about a foot wide. He ended up striking out after a good AB. Norris hurt after Wells steps on his foot while Norris was receiving a throw from Puma at 1st. Norris got too far onto the bag, nothing Wells could do. He stays in the game and gives up a hit on the next pitch.
Doesn't Myers have a team option for 8 mil? Oswalt, Lee, and Berkman should take a paycut to sign Cliff Lee next year
The option is mutual. If the Astros do not exercise the option, they owe Myers an additional 2 million. If the Astros and Myers both exercise, the Astros owe Myers 8 million and Myers is an Astros for another year.
I was just watching Anderson Hernandez and got this weird thought for some reason that maybe he doesn't speak a word of English like one of those characters in a movie.
