Chandler Rome:
“More work is needed on his defense at third base and more exposure is needed in the corner outfield spots — an introduction to a new position that will begin in spring training,” he reports.
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Yeah, he was just getting by on being an athlete at 3b….crazy, I teach proper footwork in the infield when my guys are 9-10, by the time they are in HS it is close to perfect.
But Cam said he never even knew about proper footwork until he played in the minors….just goes to show there are bad coaches everywhere.
Anyway, if he was some defensive whiz in the OF they might take a serious look this spring….but he could hit .500 this spring and he is still starting in the minors….
You never want a guy learning a new position as a rookie….dont think they’d do that.
I’m not going to give my “Yainer” seal of approval (lol) but I think Cam is going to be a stud.
Coogman91, it also means they may like Matthews in the infield more than Cam…we’ll see.
Nice problem to have.
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This was my thought, at least in the short term. The quickest path to MLB ABs with the Astros is through the OF right now, so it make sense to give him a look there. I’m sure he’s played OF at some level.
I think if the Astros end up making zero upgrades to the outfield, Cam goes on the fast track for development there. He might not be ready defensively, but his bat is gonna be plenty good enough to have a great shot at a call-up this season. Once that happens, he may not go back down.
Their best bet is to be patient.
Sign an OF for the next couple of years….Let Cam be the 3b of the future and Matthews the SS.
Then you have your left side for years to come.
You rush him up while trying to learn a new position and his hitting will suffer some….and that’s not even considering that he’s a rookie at 21 facing big league pitching.
You are talking about a kid that has FIVE double A games to his credit.
If you do what you suggest Jay, and he really struggles you could ruin the kid….unless he has an incredible mental makeup….just saying.
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Well, I’ve seen the kid…and I’m not questioning his mental makeup to his face!
He’s a monster and one I would not like to meet in a dark alley!
LOL…but I’m all for taking as much time as it takes as well. I just think he could put himself in a position where he’s called up quickly this season. I think he’s that good. And he doesn’t have to play a bunch in the outfield to get a decent amount of at-bats, either.
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I agree, I’m bullish on the kid….but he needs some AA time to see the really good pitching….the guys with the electric stuff….lots of wildness in AA still….lets see him use that hit to and see how close he can let to a 1:1 k:bb .
If he does well then move him straight up and bypass AAA.
If we get say, Profar ……and it’s not dire in the OF then let him cook a while longer in the minors.
But if we sign no one and only have the M&M boys then your method may be needed.
Personally, I think more moves are happening….we are not going into season a few million over the luxury tax….if you can’t find a trade partner for Pressly then you might as well get an OF as well.
Oh, yes…I should clarify. I would only support a fast track for Cam if no other upgrades are made. I’d be good with Profar…hell, at this point, I might even be good with a Pressly-Suzuki straight-up swap to the Cubs!
CAM could be on the fast track like Bregman. He was only in minors a year and half.
I agree with Pollard. Last thing you want to do is destroy the kids confidence. Hitting college pitchers and minor league pitchers is one thing. Major league pitchers is another level. One thing about the Astros, they have a history of not rushing players through the minors. If he’s going to be learning a new position that adds to the thought process of not rushing him. Athletic skills is one thing but the mental makeup is a HUGE part of not just making it to the show but staying there.
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Profar is about to sign with the Braves.
I think the Astros are kind of hamstrung by continuing to keep the door open for Bregman.
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Oh Lord….if that’s the case then fire Dana now….dude signed with the devil.
Let him reap what it sows.
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Can Pena play left field. Resign Bregman and move him to shortstop
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From CBS Sportsline:
Re-signing Bregman could push Isaac Paredes to second base and Jose Altuve out to left field.
Yikes, that would be a crazy move!
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Biggio style!
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There’s really only one way to get seriously hurt at 2b. There are a dozen playing in the outfield. I wouldn’t want Altuve crashing into walls at his age.
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I wouldn’t either….i would move Paredes to the OF….leave the future HOF alone.
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Exactly.
Now, Altuve is the kind of dude who would totally do it. That doesn’t make it a good idea.
Paredes has to be better than Carlos Lee was out there. 
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Also kind of defeats the purpose….we need a guy with the arm to play RF.
Altuve going to LF does what? Alvarez and Dubon can play LF.
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