Saw/heard an interview with Straw on At Bat which sounded promising if he converts his words into an approach. He talked about “being a pest” at the plate and getting on base for the run-producers behind him. I agree with his belief he will improve with regular playing time. I think he can play and can become an asset offensively. That does not mean he will. We’ll see.
If Abreu is healthy, he could take the last bull pen spot.
In an interview Friday on MLB Radio, Straw said his goal is to steal 50-60 bases and he believes he can do it. Let’s just say that if that happens, it would be a really good sign…
Would love to see Daniel Norris in an Astros uniform. Don’t think that would qualify as a minor move, though.
MLB’s health and safety protocols released today specifically indicates the limit on the number of pitchers allowed on a roster has been waived for 2021. Given the concerns about overuse and injury regarding the limited number of innings thrown in 2020, I think it’s pretty reasonable to assume the Astros (along with many other clubs) will carry 14 pitchers. With position players limited to just 12, I assume that significantly decreases the odds of the Astros adding another outfielder to the mix prior to opening day. So I have adjusted the opening day roster projections accordingly…
If an outfielder does get added to the mix prior to the start of the season (or Souza makes the opening day roster), then presumably Abraham Toro is the odd man out.
Edit:
I’ve added the Steve Cishek signing (see below) to the chart. I don’t currently have him projected for the opening day roster but it certainly seems possible as of right now that he does indeed break camp with the club (if for no other reason than the inevitable ST injuries affecting various hurlers).
Former Marlins/Cardinals/Mariners/Rays/Cubs/White Sox reliever Steve Cishek signed to a minor league deal w/invite to ST.
Tags says it will be $2.25M plus incentives if he makes the team
SI report on last season’s baseballs;
Alan Nathan, quoted in the article, has a lab set-up to test bat and ball response and Meredith Wills is just cutting them open and looking at them.
JV with a strong take on the subject.
Chandler Rome says that Jose Siri and Jake Meyers could “push” Myles Straw for the starting CF spot. Both players do have excellent defensive reputations. But tapping the brakes a bit…neither Siri nor Meyers (particularly the latter) have extensive experience in the upper levels of the minors. Meyers has played just 24 games above A-ball (yes, A-ball) while Siri has played just 30 games above AA. And both come with serious questions about the bat.
As documented over in the Bus Ride, Siri did have an excellent winter playing in LIDOM but in his most recent minor league season in '19 struck out at a 32% clip while posting just a .656 OPS. He did get a lot of love early in his career for his potential (he was ranked as the Reds #7 prospect back in 2018) but the Astros now represent his 4th organization in the span of less than a year. And FWIW Meyers has (for the most part) never shown up on any Astros prospect lists during his 4 years in the org. Again due to questions about the bat (career OPS is .733).
Wow – Is he just trying to be the first to identify a crazy option just so he can take credit if the 100-to-1 long shot comes in? As you point out, it is WAY too early to peg Meyers as a future major leaguer, much less a 2021 starter in CF. Siri is closer, but with far more questions than Straw presents. I would be very surprised to see Siri make the roster out of ST and absolutely flabbergasted to see Meyers do so.
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Is he sure he didn’t mean McCormick?
In the “i’m not holding my breath waiting for it to happen” department re this comment from McTaggart:
I’m not so sure the Astros won’t still try to acquire a closer, and they’ve shown strong interest in Trevor Rosenthal, who remains on the market.
Call me crazy, but I think the rotation lacks depth. Injuries always happen and we can’t count on Javier or Whitley…there are good SPs still out there.
Paxton
Odorizzi
Maybe even Taijuan Walker - maybe Strom can work some magic?
We need to go get one IMO.
Can’t count on Javier?
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Sorry, meant Garcia.
Presumably Siri always has up-to-date information and takes optimum routes to the baseball.
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Updated the depth charts to reflect the non-roster invites as reflected in today’s announcement from the Astros…
Yeah, but you have to be careful about signs. Give the bunt sign and Siri may start hanging the bunting for the postseason.