This Astros team can still make a run. They are a few pieces/injury recoveries away from being “average” and “average” can make run in this division. And as far as a rebuild, I’d make at least one more run in 2027 around Alvarez, Brown, Pena, Altuve, etc…. That’s quality talent.
Not the ending to the season the Stros wanted but at the end of the day injuries (and lack of depth) were too much to overcome. If a change is sought by the FO I’d be more inclined to start by looking at the baseball ops team as opposed to the dugout, but both deserve scrutiny
@BenOndaTop Just wish Joe would mix it up a little more with the prolonged offensive struggles - assuming Pena is still out tomorrow would love to take a shot with:
Altuve
Caratini
Paredes
Correa
Diaz
Meyers
Urias
Walker
Cole/Smith
@RooshWilliams@BenOndaTop Play him somewhere - either 1B or C but Caratini should absolutely be in there. Need to add depth to this lineup. Don’t understand Joe just running the same thing (meaning Walker / Diaz middle
of order) out there time after time.
@DANMATHEWSHOU does your team have any data on the Astros record with Caratini in the lineup vs without him? Lineup seems so much deeper with him in it (and with Walker not in the 4 spot).
@michaelschwab13 It would be a different look but I like the below based on Altuve’s success in the three spot - obviously if Alvarez takes off I’d revisit.
1) Pena - SS
2) Correa - 3B
3) Altuve - LF
4) Alvarez - DH
5) Walker - 1B
6) Diaz - C
7) Sanchez - RF
8) Dubon / Urias - 2B
9) Melton - CF
@DeBronc03@AstrosFuture Yes, he’s hitting about .275 the last 50 games or so - glad to see it. Diaz has performed well lately too. Deep lineup is a good problem to have.
@Dylan_Delgatto_ Id make a few tweaks (especially if Cam gets hot again) but a big fan of the Altuve / Alvarez 3/4 combo. One of Smith or Correa would likely be my 2 (but a .300 hitting Jake ain’t bad!)
@AriA1exander We have about 5.5 million tied up in him this year so would love to have him back assuming he’d be okay with whatever role we need him in