I had to go look, because I remembered Abreu actually being exactly what we would want him to be in Spring Training. And yep, he was really good. I just don't get it. It's not like he's missing 99 MPH fastballs, he's getting a steady diet of 93-95 and just can't hit it. Not even good fastballs a lot of the time
Probably high on the Montero deal. Compared to other reliever deals it really wasn't bad.
And probably "I understand why" on Abreu. Let's not forget pretty much everyone thought it was a good deal, maybe a year too long. Also Abreu has started his seasons like this in his career, just like Bregman. He's the one guy I've been okay with Dusty letting keep go out there, unlike Maldonado and Hensley.
I don't know what the actual stats are specifically, and I think I've said it before but...
It seems like every game Maldonado has called this year, the starter does really well (maybe save an Urquidy start) but has that one little league inning where the pitch sequencing is absolute garbage, gives up runs when they were previously cruising AND Maldy whiffs on a catchable pitch to move runners up. I know for sure it's happened 4 times.
He just doesn't have whatever he used to have behind the plate. He's not as athletic, he's even slower, pitch sequencing goes in and out and his hand eye coordination with the glove is utter garbage (for an MLBer). I just do not understand how this team isn't having it's player leadership tell Dusty it's time.
And I have zero sympathy for Seattle on that Tucker pitch. Seems like those "bad call then a big hit" has gone against us a lot more than for us over the last 5 years. Luckily the team has been outstanding over that time.
Pic makes me sad about Ken. Should have had multiple GGs as an Astro. Finally got some with SD because back then you had to be a great hitter to get one. I think it's one of the reasons that he started roiding. Of course the crack use was great either
Utterly ridiculous that Maldanado keeps catching. Every game he catches our starters get one inning of bad pitch sequence.
And that would be fine if he could hit his weight
If someone told you before the season that Maton, Dubon and Hunter Brown were absolutely killing this season, what would you have predicted the season record to be right now?
He did the exact same thing last season in the middle, then made a big time big league adjustment. He's probably not Playoff MVP at the norm, but I think he very well may be September Pena. We'll see if he makes the adjustment, he simply just stop swinging at those pitches for most of 3+ months last year, I think he can again
Chisos finally had stock again so I grabbed them. These boots are absolutely fantastic. They feel like they are made better and are more comfortable than my old hand made Luccheses
I believe that is correct. I also believe that is the norm across the league for a starting catcher but could just be the more elite defensive guys. I know Molina and Realmulto have been said to do that
Not disagreeing with that at all. But that's more on Dusty not playing anyone over him. Did anyone else notice how much that conversation went down as Vazquez started to prove himself? He's a very solid defensive catcher, and he is very involved with the pitching coaches on the game plan. My sincere believe is that's where this myth comes from. Nevermind that the pitchers stats haven't really changed when he's not the catcher
I'm still firmly in the: Brantley is going to still be able to hit camp
I'm also still firmly in the : I like Maldy as a person and as a teammate but don't think he had a damn thing to do with how good the pitching staff is.
Catching is more about having a good conversation and game plan for players. And at the MLB level a catcher being super involved is great, but the pitching coaches and the analytics team in 2023 have way more to do with the game plan. He has way too many pitches that have been getting away from him lately as well. Stuff he used to catch. I will say his arm strength and pop time are still up there.
Diaz has a lower pop time and just as strong an arm. And he has double the upside as a hitter.
Having a rapport with someone is why the guys love Maldy. But it's not possible to create a rapport if Dusty doesn't play someone else. I'm still dumbfounded we chose Maldonado over Vazquez. And even more so over Contreras