That's what vets do... they're not as good as they once were, but they're as good once as they ever were. Exactly how an old team like the 97 Rockets can make it to the WCF.
As much as Stros fans hate him, Beltran might help our current roster a ton. Our DH this year: .184 AVG/ .277 OBP/ .325 SLG.
Evan Gattis batting splits: Caught Stealing % Evan Gattis - 47% Jason Castro - 19% League Average - 29%
Maybe its being in the flow of the game or what, but Gattis hits so much better when he's playing behind the plate. He should really only be in the lineup if he's catching that day. Even though he's better than Castro, I still don't think he should catch every day or else he'll start to break down.
Most players hit better when playing in field than as a DH. Granted, catchers tend to hit better when they aren't catchers.
Valbuena is day-to-day and will most likely avoid a stint on the DL. Gomez supposedly is not very serious, and was more precautionary than anything else.
About to go through our toughest stretch of schedule starting Friday through the end of August where we only have 3 off days totals and play a majority of our games against playoff contenders/leaders. The lone exception is a road trip to Minnesota.
Speaking of 3000, Hardball Times just had an Article on 3000th hits. http://www.hardballtimes.com/the-3000th-hit/ Craig Biggio, June 28, 2007, Houston Astros vs. Colorado Rockies Rafael Palmeiro was next to 3,000, and Biggio followed him with a big day. Entering the game three hits shy, the longtime Astro singled in the third and fifth innings to pull within one. The Astros were down 1-0 in the seventh, but they had the tying run at second with two out. Biggio lined a single to tie the game, but he was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. A strange way to get there, but it counted all the same. Biggio wasn’t finished, adding singles in the ninth and 11th frames. The fifth and final hit started a come-from-behind rally that was capped by Carlos Lee’s walk-off grand slam.
Astros are on the road for 14 out of 16 games starting August 8th. Good chance that stretch makes or breaks the season.
The Gattis split is pretty amazing. If only his knees could withstand the rigours of an 162 game seaon.
The Cards and Pitt are not the teams of yesteryear. One could argue Pitt is out of contention (8GB) or might be by Aug. 22nd. Those 7 games vs Toronto, 3 vs Texas and 3 vs Baltimore are key.
