I do too, and I think it will be at SS, which is one of the reasons I like Ramirez. He's a stop gap guy who shouldn't take too much to acquire, yet would give us a very stable and productive SS next season. I expect to see Colin Moran or Rio Ruiz at 3rd long term, Moran should be ready next season at some point.
I think the starting rotation is going to be strong. And I would expect that some of the young talent be moved in trades as well. I think that Obie and Peacock still have very high trade value, and could be moved if Folty and Tropeano start to shine. Very soon there is going to be a log jam on the starting rotation. And Lunhow is going to have to earn his money and select the cream of the crop from the pitchers. Crane better know that Lunhow is going to be directly responsible for the future of this franchise for the next 10 to 15 years regardless if Lunhow is fired within the next 2 or 3 years. Keutchel McHugh Feldman Obie Peacock Folty Tropeano Appel
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jim Crane arrived at Astros charity golf tournament. Said spring training $ negotiations will continue.</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/519196777921388544">October 6, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Crane talked about first and third base as areas team could use better production. Roger Clemens said he thinks the team needs a top arm</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/519196939083321344">October 6, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Will Astros ever get back to 100 mil? Crane: "Well eventually, depending on attendance and you know where the TV deal ends up… (cont’d)</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/519199966862909440">October 6, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>cont’d: “… you could certainly get to that number at some point along the line” — Jim Crane on Astros eventually reaching 100 mil</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/519200062245576704">October 6, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Is minimum increase this year around 20 mil, i.e. roughly the amount you increased from ’13-'14? Jim Crane: "I think somewhere around that"</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/519200269456781313">October 6, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clemens says Astros eventually will need “to go out & get a frontline, pretty big name starter … to really anchor down our pitching staff."</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/519203727987593216">October 6, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clemens: "They're not kids anymore and the learning process is over, it's time to win. And we're ready for it here in Houston."</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/519205095838203904">October 6, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clemens: "It's time for these guys to win. They should beat Pittsburgh or Kansas City, we have that much talent."</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/519205369696899072">October 6, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I know it may not be much, but I like seeing the 20 mil thoughts. I wonder if the Astros move Scott Feldman if that means 30 mil... That being said, I am curious how the Clemens/Crane saga will play out with Clemens thinking we need an arm and Crane sounding like 3B may be the answer.
Getting our payroll up to 75 million, we would still be among the bottom 3 or 4. That would be about 25 million in additional salary. A payroll of 100 million wouldn't even put us in the top half of the league, that's not a big number anymore. Even with a less than ideal TV deal, there is no reason the Astros shouldn't be at least 10 to 15th payroll eventually.
http://www.fangraphs.com/projection...at&type=steamer600&team=0&players=0&sort=22,d Fangraphs 2015 Steamer projections for SS. Check out Joe Sclafani.
Not sure what you're pointing out here.. that they project him to be our SS? That he projects to be one of the worst regular SS's in the majors? Doesn't look too appealing
That page is only displaying 30 players. There are many, many more on subsequent pages. A projected 1.8 WAR over a full season is what I'm pointing out. That's very, very nice for a late-round pick from the 2012 draft.
I didn't watch any Dodgers baseball this season does Beckett have anything left? He's only 34 and he's been solid his entire career. He says he's retiring but I can't help but think about what happened with Kazmir. Anyone think he could be a good rotation guy, maybe our #2 and if not maybe a reliever?
He said he's going to retire, nothing has happened yet. He was 6-6 with a 2.8 era in a hitters park. I think he can be productive for at least four more years, unless he's burned out and doesn't love it anymore
Dodger stadium is most certainly not a hitters park. I know a lot of you don't buy into FIP, but his FIP was 4.33 last season. His .257 BABIP was 34 points below his career average, and a very high strand rate to boot. Don't get me wrong, he would certainly be worth a flier if he came relatively cheap, but he could still command a really good salary if he wants to play, and IMO his performance doesn't warrant it. He's been injury prone and for a team still pinching pennies the money could be better spent.
Indians mailbag Hey, Hoynsie: In the off-season would the Indians be able to pick up Chris Carter from the Astros? – Leonard Dwenger, Leipsic. Hey, Leonard: I don't see that happening. Carter, 27, is just finishing what amounts to his third season in the big leagues and provides the one thing all teams want – right-handed power. He'll be eligible for arbitration this winter, but the Astros still control him through 2018. Carter hit .227 (115-for-507) with 37 homers and 88 RBI. He's a strikeout machine (182), but he has a .799 OPS. It would probably cost the Indians one of their top young starters – Danny Salazar? – and another player to get him. Mostly, I just don't see why the Astros would trade him unless they're clearing a spot at first base/DH for a major acquisition. The Indians would have to clear space as well at first base or DH to make room for Carter. It would not be an easy deal to make. Olney on V-Mart Some teams for which Martinez could be a fit: 1. Detroit Tigers: One rival official said recently that considering the Tigers' win-at-all-costs approach and Martinez's importance in the Detroit lineup, he cannot see them being outbid for the DH. They'll give him a qualifying offer, and beyond that, the official said, they'll give him what it takes. However, there is this X factor: Would Martinez prefer to play in a more hitter-friendly ballpark? 2. Chicago White Sox: The White Sox have a lot of payroll flexibility and could bat Martinez right behind Jose Abreu, providing the same sort of stability that he did for Miguel Cabrera. In addition, U.S. Cellular Field is definitely a much more hitter-friendly park. 3. Seattle Mariners: They desperately need a hitter to support Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager, and despite trying an army of different guys at the DH spot this summer, they still haven't found anyone consistent. Martinez could be a perfect addition at a perfect time (although Cano might lobby for his good friend Nelson Cruz instead). 4. Houston Astros: Rival execs view the Astros as a sleeper in this winter's market because the team has a lot of payroll flexibility, a protected first-round draft pick, and a need, at this stage, to bring in veterans. Chris Carter had a good season, with 37 homers, helping to make up for his .308 on-base percentage and Houston could always continue with him as a cheaper option. Alternatively, the Astros could pursue Martinez aggressively, as they did Scott Feldman last year, and sell him on the idea of being an agent of change. 5. Cleveland Indians: The need is there, but the payroll flexibility is not, in all likelihood, considering Cleveland is saddled with the last contractual years of Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn. 6. Minnesota Twins: This team needs an offensive makeover, but could that include the addition of an older DH to a lineup that already has Joe Mauer? It would seem unlikely. I'm including them here because of their surprising signing of Kendrys Morales over the summer; the Twins see the need, obviously. For those wondering about the Yankees, it's hard to imagine they would invest heavily in another older DH-type of player, given the presence of Carlos Beltran, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez on their roster.
I would love to add V-Mart. Our 1B is a clear hole, but I don't see us signing him with Singleton penciled in. Singleton has struggled massively, but you've got to wonder how long his leash will be. I don't think we go after a 1B this offseason, even though I see it as a clear need.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Astros decline option on Matt Albers; Jesus Guzman, Rudy Owens off 40-man roster <a href="http://t.co/Rk8XMoBPXW">http://t.co/Rk8XMoBPXW</a></p>— Reid Laymance (@ReidLaymance) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReidLaymance/status/520300868415930369">October 9, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Jeff Luhnow Twitter Q&A Spoiler <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q1 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonHITS">@HoustonHITS</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a> Can we get an update on Carlos Correa's rehab?</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522462463682289664">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q1 Carlos progressing well... doing baseball activity, running, taking grounders, etc. Should be full recovered and ready for ST <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/askluhnow?src=hash">#askluhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522462837294514177">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q2 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/CRPerry13">@CRPerry13</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a> What players in the entire org impressed or surprised you most in 2014?</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522462917078163456">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q2: So many choices! Have to include the big three bats from the 2014 draft - Davis, Fisher, Reed... all three could move fast! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522463307467595776">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q2 (cont) on the ML side, 'tuve, Keuchel and McHugh impressed everyone! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522463625613967361">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q3 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachDevil">@ZachDevil</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/askluhnow?src=hash">#askluhnow</a> Can you give specifics as to why Hinch is the right guy to manage the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a>?</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522463684958773248">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q3: Main reason, he will lead us to the playoffs and to a WS - has intangibles, experience and knowledge to be a great manager <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522464010235834368">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q4 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/TLyman23">@TLyman23</a>: Projected payroll in 2015? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522464345247084544">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q4: Evan, I told you I can't share that info! jk... we will have resources to go after free agents and pay arb raises. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522464655961518081">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q5 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonHITS">@HoustonHITS</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a> Does the org. have anyone watching the AFL? Reaction to Appel so far?</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522464769521901568">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q5: Jayne(WTHB) keeps us posted! Yes, AJ going, I'm going, Brent is nearby so we cover it well. Appel lighting it up as expected! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/askluhnow?src=hash">#askluhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522465219851735040">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q6 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/CRPerry13">@CRPerry13</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a> how do you determine who goes to AFL, who goes to instructs, and who needs time off?</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522465291331067905">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q6: Input from ML coaches, Q and his staff, and others. Starting pitchers who have had a full season typically need time off. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522465655728377857">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q7 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/smith3594">@smith3594</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OrbitAstros">@OrbitAstros</a> Orbit had a great year in the media. How do you rate his value to the organization ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522465759184695296">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q7: Orbit has been our MVP off the field... I can't even remember life before he arrived! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522466030686572544">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q8 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/dyslexicsports">@dyslexicsports</a>: Hummm so <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a> biggest need this offseason, is it still the Bullpen? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522466211158704128">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q8: Priorities are pen, infield options and depth... we will look at all avenues to get from 70 wins to 80 plus. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522466596347211777">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q9 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelJ36">@MichaelJ36</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> when are you, Nolan Ryan, Reid Ryan, and others coming out to check out Fresno? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522466683902902272">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q9: Reid is there this week! My wife's family has Fresno roots so I will come as soon as my four week old son allows me to! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522466964951007233">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q10 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/marcadamsimages">@marcadamsimages</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jluhnow">@jluhnow</a> Does it benefit Astros not signing last year's #1 overall, since now have 2 in top 5? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522467402127138816">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q10: We are excited about having two of the top five picks next June, plus the comp pick. Elias and co will do serious damage! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/askluhnow?src=hash">#askluhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522467758085525504">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q11 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/LarBear54">@LarBear54</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jluhnow">@jluhnow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a> When will the Astros Coaching Staff be finalized?</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522467864242970624">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q11: AJ and I are working on this non-stop. We hope to have everything in place by the end of the month. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522468076240265216">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q12 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/TravisRoeder_BU">@TravisRoeder_BU</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> Jeff, what is the most important principle you abide by in leading such a large organization? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522468372886196225">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q12: Wow. Gain every edge possible as we are in a zero sum industry... but be fair and ethical! Process, remember that word? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522468810667077632">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q13 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/marktheshark32">@marktheshark32</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a> Plans for Altuve? With him coming off a helluva year do you see him in an 'stros uni in a few yrs?</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522468861338075137">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q13: Altuve is the 'stros! Yes, that's why we signed him to a long term extension last year before his monster season! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522469096345337856">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q14 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/c_kelloggclarke">@c_kelloggclarke</a>: Rate Springer's upside given his tools, mentally and physically, with your assessment philosophy? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522469362410594304">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q14: Today's HBT article-best plate discipline in baseball! MVP caliber upside, power speed desire - fits any philosophy! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/askluhnow?src=hash">#askluhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522469793132445696">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q15 RT <a href="https://twitter.com/erniebreakfast">@erniebreakfast</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a> Are you busier during the season or during the offseason? Which is more exciting?</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522469825277607936">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Q15: Work never stops, but it doesn't feel like work.. we are blessed to work in this industry. Nothing beats having games daily! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLuhnow?src=hash">#AskLuhnow</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/522470181973819393">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
http://www.hardballtimes.com/improvements-in-plate-discipline-rare-but-effective/ You’d never guess it by looking at his strikeout numbers, but per Correct% at least, George Springer was actually the most disciplined hitter in baseball in 2014. The 24-year-old rookie attacked pitches in the zone to the tune of a 73 percent Z-Swing%, but chased pitches outside of it just 24 percent of the time. The issue for Springer, however, was making contact, as his 61 percent Contact% was the worst among all hitters who met the 250 PA threshold last year. This distinction between plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills also came up in Kiley McDaniel’s evaluation of Rangers prospect Nick Williams, who struggles with the exact opposite problem: excellent bat-to-ball skills, but abysmal plate discipline. Springer’s a fascinating player, and it’ll be interesting to see if he’s able to keep succeeding with such an unusual blend of plate discipline and (lack of) contact skills.
