FWIW, Altuve as a lead off hitter: 380 GA, 1723 PA, 1581 AB, 237 R, 498 H, 108 BB, 189 SO, .315 BA, .363 OB, .464 SLG, . 827 OPS.
I tend to agree. He referenced the business side of the game on an infrequent but regular basis. He learned the “Astros way“ at a very impressionable part of his career when they manipulated his service time, costing him millions personally. All within the rules, of course but then so is him signing with another team.
I suspect it’s not so much Altuve’s stats in the leadoff spot that are a turnoff, but rather his swing-at-literally-anything approach. Probably also best to let him return to pre-2020 form elsewhere in the batting order before expecting .315/.363/.464 at the leadoff spot out of the gate in 2021.
1 Like
A little deflating to realize he’s got a better shot at another ring in Toronto than in Houston. He’ll have fun hitting with that group of youngsters behind him.
Back to the fact that we need outfield help, the Mets are expected to really go hard after Jackie Bradley Jr now that they missed out on Springer. Our CF options barring trade are dwindling and we don’t have a lead off hitter either. I think the next 24-48 hours could be active all over the industry. Will we be a part of it is the question. With the 40 man roster full, something has to give unless we are going to do nothing. Spring training is what, 30 days or so away?
Yes it is, and you are right, George will have a lot of fun. The Jays, even without a move for more starting pitching, are going to be a fun team to watch and I will enjoy watching them whip the Yankees.
On the flip side, will be interesting to see how, in year 3 or 4 of this deal, George physically handles playing 81 games a year on artificial turf.
When the Cardinals got dinged over the Chris Correa incident they went and signed Dexter Fowler (IIRC) because they’d lost their first round draft pick anyway. I thought we might try and sign someone in the same way. But if George’s QO was only good for a 4th round supplemental (when in normal times it should’ve been a supplemental first or second rounder, surely) does that imply they altered the FA signing rule for us as well?
ie, would we lose our third round pick if we signed someone?
Of course. Putting a swing at anything/everything guy in the leadoff spot is a horrible idea.
Bregman
Brantley (if)
Altuve
Yordan
Correa
Tucker
Yuli
Reddick
Maldonado
I don’t know who plays center there but…
Reddick is gone. Are you assuming we resign him?
Nope. Just forgot.
The Astros should either sign Jackie Bradley or trade a low-level prospect for Kevin Kiermaier. Both are excellent defensive center fielders. I’d prefer Kiermaier because he’s a human vacuum cleaner in center field.
I like Kiermaier’s defense, but he’s Jake Marisnick Lite at four times the cost. He’s in no way, shape, or form a replacement for Springer.
2 Likes
Yep. If you can’t get Bradley, Straw would make more sense as the everyday CF than giving up anything to get Kiermaier and pay his salary.
2 Likes
I wouldn’t mind having Keirmaier around, if someone else paid 80% of his salary. He’s as good as they get defensively, but the more pressing issue is replacing Springer’s offense, not his defense, and Kiermaier just isn’t in the same league.
I completely agree that neither Bradley or Kiermaier are viable replacements for an elite player like Springer. There isn’t another center fielder available in free agency or on the trade market that can come close to providing the offense and defense Springer did.
The Astros are going to have to probably settle for a defensive-minded center fielder with a weak bat for now. I’d be fine with bringing Marisnick back on a cheap deal and using the money saved to upgrade other areas of the team.
I’d rather sign Marisnick to a cheap deal for his defense than play Straw in center field. He’s just not good enough in any specific area to be a starter at the MLB level. At least, Marisnick’s defense is elite.
1 Like
Now you gotta replace Springer’s and Brantley’s bats.
Brantley now reportedly heading to Toronto on a three year deal.
This just keeps getting worse. James Click better prove he’s ready for the job, starting now.
1 Like