Days, but not sure how that works with the start of the season. Does it start March 20th when the first official game is played in MLB or on March 28th which is the more traditional Opening Day?
Right now he is a fit on the bench as a highly valuable versatile bat playing at the two corner infield positions, all three outfield positions, as well as filling in as the DH. Next season he could fill any number of full time positions of need. I disagree with most in that I do not see a reason to keep him in the minors any longer. He should get plenty of at bats with the team off the bench and clear up the picture of his best role moving forward. Just my opinion of course but I see him as a more versatile player and better at the plate than any of the current bench player candidates.
None of the starting positions have been in question since before the 2024 Spring training camp opened. the only question is health. There is room for a little movement on the bench although even that will be tough to break in to.
He is going through his first experience as a general manager. He has a lot of lessons to learn. Not the least of which is, when you do not know the correct answer is "I have not decided". Do not just make shat up. Do not show your weaknesses when being confronted with a question you can't answer. Step back and take the time you need to make the right decision.
I think Daryl Morey is one of the best GMs in the NBA and he lies all the time. The roster is set for the next 3 years, we just need Brown to nail the draft.
Maybe Crane told Brown "Okay we are done. I am not spending any more money on Luxury Tax." Brown says we aren't looking for starting pitching. Tomorrow Crane says "Screw it." I doesn't mean Brown is talking out both sides of his mouth. It means the money man has changed his mind.
Unless the bats are slow to get going... I'm not too worried about the these teams SP's sans Braves. Yankees... It's the Jankees and the Astros own them. Blue Jays SP's have been lit up by these bats in the past. Astros have tape on them as well. Rangers and Royals rotations are not good at all. Ronel Blanco might be able to snag some W's. If anything, I expect some high-scoring affairs.
Last year, Verlander made his 1st start on May 4th in the team's ( Mets) 32nd game and still got 162 IP. The team has 2 almost equally important priorities: 1) Have him healthy and fresh for the post season. 2) get him 140+ innings. Having JV for $17.5M in 2025 makes that team that much better and makes the trade much better for the Astros. My bet is JV starts the 15th game of the year Friday April 12th home vs Texas.
Brown can say whatever he wants. What matters is if he can maintain the talent to keeps us in contention. That will be based drafting and trading for the right prospects, signing the right international prospects, building the farm system for development, and giving the right data and arguments to Crane for contract and trade negotiations. Crane has always been involved in contracts. That skill is what made him a billionaire, so he isn't going to give that up.
I wouldn’t mind Houston signing Adam Duvall, Robbie Grossman, Tommy Pham, or Jackie Bradley to a minimal 1 year deal to be the primary backup OF. That would give them a bench full of veterans (Dubon, Caratini, Singleton, OF) and allow them to option all their young players to get them regular playing time. I dont mind seeing Singleton rot on the bench, but I feel like that would be a real waste for Kessinger or Cabbage.
I am going to 2 spring training games at CACTI park in West Palm Beach. Any tips or things I should know so I get the most out of the experience for my wife and sons? I noticed there are tons of practice fields. Can we wander around looking and watching players to meet and take pics with? Obviously I won't hound anyone but I heard the players are used to signing auto's, etc. as they are walking between fields. Appreciate any advice y'all can give.
Astros and Angels have discussed a trade for Mickey Moniak. Various players from the Astros have been mentioned.
