Two Steps Forward Two Steps Back
by Timothy De Block on Jul 23, 2011 3:39 PM CDT
in Houston Astros News
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PrintAstros lose another one to the Cubs this time 5-1.
Wandy Rodriguez pitched well, the bullpen didn't and the offense well it picked up right where it left off yesterday. Instead of giving you another boring recap of a loss I've decided to put my thoughts on this game in bullet format:
Warning these thoughts are negative and cynical if you want something positive might I suggest pictures of puppies.
- Remember all those games lost by the pitching, now that the pitching has figured it out the offense has decided it's scored enough runs for the season.
- My heart breaks for Rodriguez, Bud Norris and Jordan Lyles.
- I'm pretty sure the only time Michael Bourn has been thrown out is either via the pickoff or a bad call by the umpire.
- Angel Sanchez is on pace to get 400+ plate appearances. This team will not be good as long as Sanchez is getting more than 200 plate appearances. I'm not saying he's a bad player, I like his versatility and him coming off the bench as a pinch hitter, but using him anymore than that is putting the Astros at a disadvantage.
- Sanchez has hit in the two hole in 42 games and has a .293 OBP. The next player is Clint Barmes with 24 games and a .284 OBP. The two hole has been a problem for Mills partly due to players struggling but mostly of his own doing.
- Chris Johnson is playing not because he's young but because his dad is buddies with the coaches. See Brett Wallace, J.R. Towles and Felipe Paulino on how the Astros typically handle struggling young players.
- I wonder how Mills' favoritism of Sanchez and Johnson plays in the clubhouse.
- Remember when Mills said he was going to give his new look lineup more than a few games. It took him 6 games to ditch it, and the Astros played .500 ball in that stretch.
- Jose Altuve got yet another hit given time he'll be fine. When Sanchez plays expect him to be batting down in the lineup.
- The wOBA for the lineup today in order was: Bourn .351, Sanchez .278, Pence .370, Lee .325, Johnson .295, Wallace .331, Altuve .279, Corporan .210
- There was another outfield collusion today, my guess is frustration.
- Now that people are figuring out the bullpen has been decent recently the bullpen has decide expectations may get to high.
- A brand new day is tomorrow. Kiss your loved ones and if you get to down find some pictures of puppies.
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I wouldnt mind seeing Altuvè
Batting down in the lineup. Get him acquainted and get him comfortable then let him loose
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 3:52 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Astros last 27 hits have all been tomato. Facepalm...
Self-acclaimed José Altuve s̶t̶a̶l̶k̶e̶r̶ fan.
Jason Chowning was tweeting me
What amazes me is why he isn’t at Double-A.
Self-acclaimed José Altuve s̶t̶a̶l̶k̶e̶r̶ fan.
The favoritism of Johnson and Sanchez is ridiculous...
All of this while Matt Downs rots on the bench with .371 wOBA
Downs should be 2nd baseman
Altuve should be AA/AAA. What do we have in Downs??!!!!!!!
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 4:05 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
If Barmes is traded, we probably will see a lot more of Sanchez at shortstop.
by clack on Jul 23, 2011 4:05 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Id take Downs at SS
I don’t care how bad his defense would be there. In fact, his one game there that I saw, I don’t remember any real mistakes he made? I think 2nd is very similar to SS, as with a LHB 2nd then becomes SS but you don’t see the players swap so it can’t be that important eh?
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 4:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I may be in the minority here
But I still think Downs is a better defender, whether at shortstop, second base, or third, than Angel Sanchez. He was better than Keppinger as well, and obviously better than CJ. I don’t see any reason aside from the favoritism that he isn’t playing every day.
CJ isn’t hitting that badly compared to NL third basemen (more because the state of NL 3B is so awful than because he’s actually hitting well), but his defense has been atrocious. I think it’s about time to give Downs a chance to play every day. I see no reason to think CJ has greater upside than Downs and they are almost the same age.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
Ya, I think his D is better than Sanchez’ but mostly due to range. I’m actually impressed with Angels defense as most balls he gets to he makes a nice play and a good throw to get the runner out. That being said I still think that Downs will be the better defender and if he can play a half ass SS, I hope we trade Barmes. Probably can’t afford Barmes on a $60 million anyways.
Keppinger was underrated defensively IMO
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 4:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Sanchez actually is a fairly decent fielder at 2d base. Sanchez’s deficiencies, arm and range, aren’t as important at 2d base, and it allows Sanchez to do some things he does well, like turning the double play. He isn’t a good fielder at third base or shortstop. It’s hard to judge Downs because he gets so little consistent time at one position. However, I have been unimpressed with his fielding in recent games, though it may be because he is rusty. I doubt that Downs is better than Sanchez at shortstop, if for no other reason that he has so little experience at the position. I think Downs could be a decent fielding 3d baseman, and he likely would make fewer mistakes than CJ. I think it would a good idea to give Downs more time at 3d base to find out what he does with more consistent playing time. He hasn’t exactly been turning on the offense when he has started lately, but he still needs to get more consistent PAs.
by clack on Jul 23, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He simply has more range than any of those players
I would expect with more regular playing time the inconsistencies in his defense would smooth out a bit. The important thing is that he isn’t held back physically like CJ or Sanchez —he actually has solid range and footspeed. Not a burner, but not a below average runner like those players.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
Actually CJ has pretty good foot speed. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is faster than Downs. But that doesn’t make him a better defender. CJ has to the tools to be at least an average third baseman, but he can’t avoid mistakes.
by clack on Jul 23, 2011 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
CJ is +4 for baserunning in his ML career. (Bill James baserunning analysis) That’s somewhat surprising for a 3d baseman.
by clack on Jul 23, 2011 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I just noticed that. I haven’t analyzed the differences in the methods. But I think James’ analysis is the only one that takes into account GIDP as % of opportunities. JD mentioned on the broadcast that CJ has one of the lowest GIDP rates in the majors. (James has him 2 for 62 in 2011, which is quite low.) JD said it was due to his fly ball rate, but I don’t think that’s true—-CJ’s fly ball rate is fairly average. CJ also has pretty good rates for going first to third and first to home, though the samples are pretty small.
by clack on Jul 23, 2011 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wouldn’t be surprised if his speed is solid-average or so once he’s underway, but I feel like his range is very limited because he can’t get a good jump. That’s mostly speculation though. It would make sense given his size and long legs however.
Downs is a thinner guy in a more typical baseball mold, so I feel like he would have a lot more range than either CJ or Sanchez on the infield.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
CJ is actually a sneaky fast runner
He could probably go 10/15 SB a year if he went for it but we can’t afford to sacrifice any runs this year. Clack is right though, he does have quite a few first to third runs in there.
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 5:21 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That may be true. Downs may well be quicker. Since I started looking at this, here’s a surprise: Angel Sanchez is a plus baserunner in 2011 on both the Fangraphs and Bill James metrics. He is a negative baserunner in prior years, though. As I think about it, I can recall some smart base running efforts by Sanchez (more smart than fast) this year.
by clack on Jul 23, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Mills is still trying to win games.
But, hes going about it the wrong way. Sanchez is a AAA starter, nothing more, and he continues to let him hit in the 2 hole and play SS? WHY??? I really, really, really ,really, really ,really, really don’t like Mills.
UNLESS his orders are coming from FO. BUt I doubt ti.
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 4:10 PM CDT reply actions
BUSTER OLNEY IS REPORTING PENCE TO PHILS FOR DOM BROWN AND VANCE WORLEY.
OR its a joke. On side tab!!!
I AM EXCIITIE !!!!if true…
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 4:19 PM CDT reply actions
I haven't seen this report
I’m currently assuming the guy who posted it made it up. I’m seeing nothing on Twitter.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
Ya thats SUPOSSEDLY a big return for Pence
I’m still skeptical on Brown
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 4:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Don't be
Doesn’t matter anyway, we’re not getting Brown. (Maybe if I say it enough times I’ll reverse-jinx us into somehow actually getting him.)
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
Dont worry...we're not getting him
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 5:08 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh,,,,,..... :(
Got my hopes up.
Dammit…
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 4:22 PM CDT reply actions
Put money on Mills being gone next season
He doesn’t handle youngsters very well IMO, and you speak of favoritism….and then the whole Wallace not hitting against lefties, which really gets me PO’ed. Also getting the impression Crane wants his own people in charge.
"now you chunkin' in there.."
Okay..
So I been thinking about it, and heres what I think COULD/MIGHT happen. Ed Wade and Ruben Amaro have matched up on several trades before. You could say they are very comfortable with each other, and you could stretch that into an actual business friendship.
Amaro knows Wade is in trouble. He knows that he majority of Houston fans don’t believe Wade won the Oswalt trade or Berkman trades, and the teams record is abysmal. Amaro won the WS in large part because of Brad Lidge – true, we got Michael Bourn, but most fans would trade a WS win in for Bourn in a heartbeat – I would.
So would Amaro. Pence “could” put them over the top. He’s under control for 2 more seasons. He’s a very good piece to an already dynamic offense and he’s in his prime years.
I can see a situation where Amaro does Wade a solid and trades him Brown for Pence and maybe Biddle or May or something. I dont think its out of the question. He could help out his old friend and in turn Wade helps out his friend to get back to the WS and more than likely win it – plus he wins the trade.
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 4:50 PM CDT reply actions
There is no doubt that Amaro and Wade have a close friendship. That was mentioned quite a bit when they both applied for the Astros’ GM job. Wade hired Amaro and supposedly was his mentor. How that affects their deals, it’s hard to say. It probably allows them to talk more frankly about their situations with each other, which probably adds to the trust factor.
by clack on Jul 23, 2011 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s a nice thought but I doubt it happens. The only reason I see them making that deal is because the majority of their team is in the 28 to 31 prime range and they are in a win now mode because they only have 3 or 4 years left of being serious contenders especially with how young and talented the braves are.
by wdh001 on Jul 23, 2011 4:58 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah. thats essentially what I was saying.
A win now WS championship mode is definitely where they’re at. A WS championship does SOOOO much for a team finacially and I could see that factoring into Amaro’s decision.
I could also see Amaro doing Wade a solid. It’s really a win for both teams, as it should be.
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 5:07 PM CDT reply actions
I really hope it happens and it makes sense to us but does it make sense to Amaro and ed is the big question
by wdh001 on Jul 23, 2011 5:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Anybody else feel
The teams that have been really good are falling into the Astros hole of getting old and not knowing it? One day I looked up and Brocail Blum Michaels and Lee were sucking the youth from the roster. Is this what could be happening to the Phils?
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 5:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
brewers are dumb IMO. there not gunna win a world series or even make the world series let alone the playoffs
they just wrecked their farm system into threads
john 3:16
Yeah, but check this weeks BA Hotsheet.
They have 3 guys in the top 10. Already. That speaks to their scouting and player development.
In comparison, we’ve NEVER had 3 prospects in their hotsheet at one time.
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Take a look at the majority of comments form this article/
These are average Phils fans. They want Pence, even if it takes giving up Brown. They want a WS ring. So, I dont think there would be that much backlash to Amaro if he made the deal.
Im beginning to think this really could happen…
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 5:20 PM CDT reply actions
You know man, I’ve been noticing that myself. They seem totally down to give up Brown and Biddle or Singleton. I guess if I were in a position to where you need to get your series wins in the next 2 or 3 years you’d want the sure thing over the upside.
We NEED pitching though
So I might wait to see if Bourn can bring us back pitching from ATL or somewhere before I trade our biggest trade piece.
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 5:26 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
We need good players everywhere. Take the best prospect offered. We don’t have one kid in the minors that projects as an all star level talent right now.
by MadMartygan on Jul 23, 2011 5:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
but we also need true young hitting.
Firesale! Everyone must go!
by astrosfan1989 on Jul 23, 2011 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I saw that yesterday and it gave me a lot of hope that its gonna happen
by wdh001 on Jul 23, 2011 5:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I saw that yesterday and it gave me a lot of hope that its gonna happen
by wdh001 on Jul 23, 2011 5:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Headlines on the Phillies post mention three players (different stories)
All three are familiar names
Hunter Pence
Roy Oswalt
Brad Lidge
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 23, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I would.
Lets say we had a chance back in 06 to go to the WS, and probably win it. Would you give up Pence for say.. 2 years of Pence (NOW). I would. Id take the WS ring every time.
Id trade this whoie team, management and the farm for a WS ring. But, thats because Im 33 and have ben watching nearly my whole life, and they’ve never won it.
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 5:26 PM CDT reply actions
You take the world series every time. You never know who gets hurt or who falls off. Or what happens with other teams. As long as you keep stocking your system in drafts and ifas you trade the farm to win.
by MadMartygan on Jul 23, 2011 5:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yep.
Thats what I say too.
Id trade the whole farm for a WS ring -and thats if Im the Rangers, Royals…
Though it be hard to part with Jurickson Profar – that kid is gonna be a an absolute star.
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s funny that year I called into Charlie pallilo show and asked about a trade of pence for kazmir when he was good
by wdh001 on Jul 23, 2011 5:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Meant ot say trade Pence (then) for Pence (now)
Though Dom Brown could be a better player.
Couldnt find anyone to compare him to….
Maybe Jeff Francouer at the time.
by YohannDookeyblue on Jul 23, 2011 5:27 PM CDT reply actions
he could be better overall. I think he has better speed and better power
also saw a video that says he prides himself on trying to throw out guys at home and 3rd and wants to make it known to players to not run on him. Very awsome attitude if you ask me
Firesale! Everyone must go!
by astrosfan1989 on Jul 23, 2011 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I have to say Im torn between the prospect with tremendous upside and the high level player
Mainly because for every player that makes it and has a solid ML career there are how many prospects that were supposed to be just as good if not better than that player that never put it together?
Yes when you trade for a prospect, you’re trading for the ceiling that that player is capable of reaching. But there is the risk (especially with pitchers and the injury risk in their arms) that the players get injured/can’t put it together/stop progressing. You’re trading these risks for a player that has already “figured it out” and is succeeding at the ML level.
by Its Gonna Happen on Jul 23, 2011 5:42 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Astros in the future need at least two power bats
Nobody should be forced to red a line like this one (courtesy of Brian MacTaggart)
The Astros’ last 27 hits — and all 19 thus far in the series against the Cubs — have been singles.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 23, 2011 6:15 PM CDT reply actions
We need an at-least 1-2 punch in the lineup in the future.
Pence’s power numbers down, Lee’s power numbers down. The LOB% for our offense is 2nd to last in the league. Astros need to learn from this.
Self-acclaimed José Altuve s̶t̶a̶l̶k̶e̶r̶ fan.
Murilo Gouvea has been move to the Valleycats from Lexington
I’m guessing they wanted to make him a starter & they didn’t want to move anyone at Lexington to the bullpen. Has some promising peripherals.
Self-acclaimed José Altuve s̶t̶a̶l̶k̶e̶r̶ fan.
Yeah, he was supposedly going up, that makes more sense. He has experience in the rotation, I feel like this is more of a temporary move.
ya that was my fault. waiting for someone to bring it up. with yordany getting release from lancaster, gouvea left lex. I couldnt confirm he went to lancaster. I assumed and was wrong.
by ShowStopper2011 on Jul 23, 2011 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm going to open a Minor League Thread.
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Jul 23, 2011 6:23 PM CDT reply actions
So the other day i saw someone comparing the numbers of Happ to Worely
alot of my friends that prob dont pay attention as much as i do to everything that is going on were really excited about he Worely rumors. I just cant get pumped up about this at all
Firesale! Everyone must go!
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3 game series vs Dodgers @ Dodger Stadium
| Fri 05/25 |
WP: Lucas Harrell (4 - 3)
SV: Brett Myers LP: Clayton Kershaw (4 - 2) |
3 - 1 win |
| Sat 05/26 |
WP: Kenley Jansen (4 - 0)
LP: Wesley Wright (0 - 1) |
3 - 6 loss |
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Houston Astros
Sunday, May 27, 2012, 3:10 PM CDT Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to right field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75. |
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NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati
|
26 | 20 | .565 | 0 | Won 1 |
|
St. Louis
|
25 | 22 | .531 | 1.5 | Lost 3 |
|
Houston
|
22 | 24 | .478 | 4 | Lost 1 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
22 | 24 | .478 | 4 | Won 2 |
|
Milwaukee
|
19 | 27 | .413 | 7 | Lost 1 |
|
Chicago
|
15 | 31 | .326 | 11 | Lost 11 |
(updated 5.27.2012 at 1:03 AM CDT)
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