Finally, things have calmed down enough to let the mailbag return. Thanks to a busy few weeks of AikenWatch, we've taken a break with this feature. But, it's back with a vengeance now, as we answer the questions we couldn't get to on the podcast.
If you'd like to submit a question for the mailbag, drop by our live podcast show at 8 p.m. Sundays and leave a question in the podcast thread. You can also email us, ask us on Twitter or call our special phone number and ask us an audio question (that will likely get used on the podcast itself).
The Big Wojciechowski asks:
Is it possible that the ongoing narrative of high strikeout rates, from the media, management and coaches is getting into the players heads and just making things work?
Focusing on the Astros strikeout rate is so 2013. It seems like the Astros have an ungodly high strikeout rate, I know. They're last in the majors at 23.7 percent this season. Guys like Chris Carter, George Springer and Jon Singleton turn whiffing into an art form.
But, the Astros are only about three percent over the league strikeout rate, which is up to 20 percent. Since 2000, that rate has risen four percent and has gone up 12 percent in the past 50 or so years.
Teams are just striking out much, much more than they used to. So, guys who don't make great contact, like Carter and Springer and Singleton, are going to strike out more than they used to.
Pressing as a hitter is a thing. Baseball is as much a mental game as one of whip-like reflexes and timing. That's why Jonathan Villar should have been sent down. He was pressing too much at the plate.
Everyone else, though? They're just part of a larger trend in baseball. If the Astros were running away with the K crown, we'd be worried. But, right now, they're just going with the flow.
Sean Lewis asks:
When will Nicholas Tropeano, Mike Foltynewicz, Domingo Santana and Preston Tucker get called up?
Today. They're with us right now. In fact, look over your shoulder...
PuhlRules asks:
With the Cubs acquiring Addison Russell over the weekend, any thoughts on the Astros trying to acquire one of their shortstops? Seems like one if them, Castro or Baez, might be available?
The Cubs could concievably have the best infield in baseball in three years. The problem is that they've got one too many guys there. Anthony Rizzo is at first and will be for a while. Starlin Castro signed a seven-year, $60 million contract that began in 2013, with an option year in 2020.
Arismendy Alcantara could be the best pure shortstop the Cubs have, either in the majors or minors. Addison Russell is as complete a player as you'll find in the minors and Javy Baez just took out a restraining order against Professor Parks.
By 2017, you could easily see an infield of Baez at third, Alcantara at short and Russell at second, with Rizzo at first. That could be the best infield in the majors by far and the spiritual successor to Tinkers, Evers and Chance.
Again, though, that leaves out the commitment to Castro. He's the most likely Cub to be traded, but to who? Though his efense waxes and wanes in effectiveness, his offense has always been Altuve-esque. He's a pure contact guy who doesn't have much power and thrives off his BABiP.
Theoretically, the Cubs could move him to center field, but his offense would play worse there. That lack of a position isn't as important for one big reason.
Not all of the Cubs uber-prospects will work out. The law of prospect averages say that at least one of Baez, Russell and Alcantara will fail to become a centerpiece on this magical infield, meaning that there won't be an infield surplus after all.
That's why the Cubs won't move anyone until forced to by how the prospects are playing. They'll hold onto all their cards until the last minute, until forced to do otherwise and they'll be smart to do it. Prospects, after all, will break your heart.
Taylor Eaves asks:
Projected 2015 lineup/rotation. When are Carlos Correa and Mark Appel predicted to make it to Houston?
The only thing stopping Carlos Correa is a stupidly injured leg. Even with a broken appendage, Correa is still probably better than any non-Kike shortstop in the system.
As for Appel, didn't you hear? He's never going to make it to the majors. He's a bum, washed up already and will be working at California Denny's within the year. This is his future. It can not be changed. We feel bad, but rules are rules. If you can't pitch in the Cal League, you go to Denny's.
As for the 2015 lineup...it's hard to predict. I'm sure our graceful commenters can chime in with their own projected lineups, but instead of doing that, it's probably more useful to look at the current 25-man roster and categorize the different types of players.
Foundational pieces
Jose Altuve, George Springer
Solid starters
Jason Castro, Dexter Fowler, Matt Dominguez, Dallas Keuchel, Scott Feldman
Rookies needing more time
Kiké Hernandez, Jon Singleton, Collin McHugh
Cheap starters
Jarred Cosart, Brad Peacock, Brett Oberholtzer
Cheap power
Chris Carter
Bullpen guys worth keeping
Josh Fields, Chad Qualls, Matt Albers
Fungible bullpen guys
Tony Sipp, Jose Veras, Darin Downs
Replacement Players
Robbie Grossman, Marwin Gonzalez, Jesus Guzman, L.J. Hoes, Alex Presley
Only those last two groups really get moved right now. The cheap power and cheap starters sections are cheap; therefore, they're not getting moved until they get more expensive or lose effectiveness.
Of course, you might notice that there are still some big holes on this team. The three guys most likely to play left field are in the replacement player category. Also, the only shortstop on the list of keepers is Kiké, and he's not really a starting shortstop.
Some might question putting Jason Castro so highly. Since I'm contemplating an article later this week on him, I won't go into too much detail here, but for all his offensive failings this season, he's been very much improved defensively in multiple aspects of the position. He's still a very valuable player and could be a top-five defensive catcher in the league right now. Suffice it to say, I'm not trading him away just yet.
The only other guy included on the list above that could see an upgrade at his position is Matt Dominguez at third base. Matty D has been the epitome of the Astros rebuild. He's still young. He's still got loads of potential. His value lies in the places where it's harder to see.
By all accounts, Dominguez is a very good third baseman. Well, i say that, but by most defensive metrics, he's average to below average. That's because the shift still confounds plenty of these metrics, making it harder to judge his impact. It's safe to say, though, that his power/defense combination are a good fit at the position, unless someone much better comes along.
That leaves two positions unsettled as of right now heading into 2015. The bullpen may have some spots up for grabs and the back end of the rotation could be vulnerable, but both of those spots show depth in Triple-A that can easily fill in.
What all this means is that your 2015 roster is basically on the field right now, give or take the odd Preston Tucker in left and Correa at short (by July).