Looks like his day is done...impressive AF. Gonna have to baby him through most of this season, but the tools were certainly locking up the Astros today
Pretty sure he was on a 60 pitch limit. They may keep him there for awhile given his injury history. I’d be really surprised if he throws more than 120 innings this season, so if they want to have him as an option in the big leagues past August they will really have to limit him.
As impressive as Whitley was, Paredes has come in and gotten lit up. Running out of time for him to put it back together.
Dinger by Chas. Hoping he can hit 20-25 hrs this year. With a full year as the primary starter, should be doable for him.
Whitley cannot be serious right now (but i pray it is)...just when I shy away, he pulls me back. Dammit.
Younger, cheap and a good future. If that is your definition of better than I agree. But this year Cole and JV will pitch more innings and get more MLB wins.
His arm is up and down, depending on his mechanics and focus. When he has his pop time low with a smooth release, he is good at catching guys. When his balance is off and release is slow, he can be repeatedly ran on.
I get a sense that Sanchez is the backup catcher and Diaz will DH quite a bit, in addition to a game or so behind the plate each week. With Dusty likely to use Dubon as the regular 2B, Brown knows we need Diaz bat.
Whitley averaged around 95/2350 on both his 4S and 2S but the 2S had more sink and double the amount of run as the 4S. Gives him some different ways to attack hitters with his fastball.
Diaz should be fine out there. While he isn’t a burner by any means, he isn’t a bad athlete and capable in LF.
I think they just believe he is the better player. His bat talent should translate well. Im sure Lee will get another shot, and if the power carries over, his lower contact rate won’t matter so much.
Hate seeing Dubon still on the team and starting no less. Is Paredes done? @Nook you always raved about him being huge upside/potentially untouchable—can you elaborate or has your opinion changed? Curious to hear your thoughts!
Opening day roster by GM: Luhnow (16): Salazar, Pena, Bregman, Hensley, Tucker, Meyers, McCormick, Alvarez, Julks, Framber, Javier, Garcia, Urquidy, Brown, Blanco, B Abreu Click (8): Maldonado*, Diaz, Dubon, Martinez, Maton, Stanek, Neris, Pressly* Crane (2): J Abreu, Montero*
You weren't asking me, but Enoli Paredes is going to end up being the pitcher version of JD Martinez. He will rightfully be sent to another team because he is unable to get it figured out here. Then he will be a multiple time all star closert after a tweak here or there.
