uoftorange

Can we get Abreu a bat that weighs half as much??

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.

It was a weak sauce call in every way. But it's Phil "I like to be the center of attention" Cuzzi, so not surprising.

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

I don't believe you are serious...

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

First Home sweep of Atlanta since May 2021

Here's hoping that strike zone stays that big for this half of the inning

Thank God we aren't batting him here

I really like Maldonado the person, seems like a good dude, good family man, great teammate. But it's beyond absurd that Dusty keeps playing him

How many balls are they going to hit just past an outstretched glove???

414? My ass. I still think Stat Cast struggles with balls like that

Every year I ask the same thing, why is a guy that is such a piece of shit to the teams and such a bad umpire in Bucknor allowed to keep his job?

No such thing in soccer. It's all been done before. It's whether you have the personnel to achieve your goals with it now.

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?

In some cases they are below replacement level, so not really. I mean Brantley not playing means we have a replacement level player out there

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

Salazar part was definitely sarcasm lol. Should be Korey Lee and Diaz splitting time and Maldy "coaching" them

Hoping this is the funk ender for the guys. That and Dusty realizing Chas and Hensley need to be in the lineup. And he should see what Salazar and Diaz (mostly Diaz) can do

Fair, and would make a lot of long term sense too