This is exactly what is wrong……most of our veterans do not get near enough AB’s in the spring……Dusty is old school….he doesn’t make these guys go on any roadies, then doesn’t start them everyday even at home……some guys need more AB’s to get ready….it’s not a one size fits all but Dusty treats it that way.
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Well, my theory is that they have been in the last two World Series and ALCS for the last six years, so the shorter offseason compared to other teams, has the manager ease them back into the start of the season.
It is a valid viewpoint. I guess where I get frustrated is that Bregman’s numbers would be at MVP levels if he didn’t give up the the first month and a half.
If you don’t want to play him in the field during spring training. I get that.
The Astros did what they’ve done since forever, which is to use spring training to look at their prospects, which is what they should do.
The Astros had a slow start last year and in 2021 when they were 11-11 before kicking it into gear. I’m going to reserve criticism until game 23.
Good news…Brantley is due back the first week in May. If he has a fast start, the Astros will be more than fine.
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Don’t look now, but Dubon is one of the team leaders in OPS and batting average. 
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The umpire tonight is the new Angel Hernandez……he is absolutely brutal.
I have seen at least 5 or 6 pitches called strikes that were more than 6 inches out of the zone….not even close.
Plenty of games for them to look at prospects….basically every road game and split squad.
Once you hit midway through the spring the starters should be starting the home games at a minimum.
Just my opinion.
@Pollardsvision Dubon looking for ya! 
. Good to see him hitting some. 2 hits yesterday, 3 more today.
On Fire 
!!
Good time to trade him - he looks like a leadoff hitter at this minute.
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Haha. We need him for few more weeks.
Funny….you and I both know the 1 for 30 is coming soon.
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Stop 
All we want from Dubon is to make a positive contribution, which he is doing.
If he goes 1-30, but has 5 walks, scores 5 runs, HBP, etc. and plays good 2nd base until Altuve returns, then he did his job.
I give him credit for his current .357 BA, 7-13 over the past 3 games, scoring 4 runs and 2 RBI.
He’s playing better. No doubt about it.
When Bregman and Peña join Abreu and Alvarez in the hit parade, the Astros will have (what Wall Street calls) a bull market.
Well that’s two games that Pressly has lost already….did does not have closer stuff right now……91 FB ain’t gonna cut it……if he rushes it up 95-97 his off speed will play….but it’s not near good enough when guys know he can’t throw a FB by you….they can hunt the off speed.
I don’t know if he’s hurt or has arm fatigue but Abreu should be closing right now….but stubborn Dusty will let him blow several more games before the front office makes him change.
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It is interesting, it will be great to get Brantley and Altuve back but their replacements have more ore or less replicated their production (not Altuve’s power). Right now four guys are off to awful starts, Pressley, Bregman, Garcia and Pena. Bregman hasn’t been the same player since the sign stealing scandal broke in 2020. I know injuries have played a big part of that but at some point you start to wonder if the first few years of Bregman’s career was a mirage.
No. Bregman is a legit badass. But he is prone to have extended slumps. Its like a station wagon that cuts out in the winter time but gets us to a great vacation at the Grand Canyon for 10 straight years.
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Bregman showed signs yesterday of getting right….gotta believe he will get it going strong at some point.
Pena is disappointing because I had hoped his post season success would carry over……he is still not recognizing spin at all….still fooled badly by the the slider away.
Garcia, velo down a bit….location not great….how much has the wind up change really affected him? Heand pitching coach had all winter to work on.
And Pressly may be cooked….although I thought the same thing last year and he righted the ship….however, it seems worse this year.
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When closers are “cooked” it happens fast. One minute you are invincible the next minute you are very “vincible”.
I hope you are right about Bregman.
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If the Astros crater this year we can call them “The Vincibles”
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I’m in the same boat, but when I look back at each of his appearances this year, the results don’t seem to tell the same story. The first game of the season and last night were both terrible outings, but the other 2 losses came from giving up the free runner in extra innings. The losses all count the same, though, and his job is to keep those guys from scoring.
The velo is what’s concerning. Without that, he’s just a middle reliever.
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