His skills have diminished - but it is pretty clear that they value him primarily for his handling of the staff and pitch calling. I was not happy that Diaz sat so often, including in these playoffs.. and I am still not really happy about it. However, the fact that the pitchers are so adamant about wanting Maldonado and the Astros are performing well on the mound with him when it matters cannot be overlooked.
I agree -- He's a potential game changer bat. I wish Dusty would look to get Diaz a few more ABs -- he's not a guy who's used to being a bench bat who sits for a week and then magically can be expected to have a good AB. If I have one gripe about last night, I wish Dusty would've given Diaz the Maldonado AB in the top of the 9th last night, just to get him another playoff AB.
Pressly is, he said as much in a press conference The media mainly played what he was saying about Maldy though
By every objective measure, Martin has gotten worse (except hitting LHP). He may still be great at preparation and he has the staff's trust because of it, but it feels like he could provide most of that value as a coach.
The Astros aren't in the postseason without Diaz's play as a catcher in the regular season (i.e., those games mattered).
same lineup. Lets finish the job stros! road sweet road! Chas got on the board last night. King Tuck is the last one. It happens today
With a lefty on the mound, that is a mighty fine lineup. I'd have Dubon lower. Part of me wishes Chas would bat after Alvarez, because a LH reliever is being brought in to face Alvarez at least once tonight. Abreu has been so good healthy, though.
I feel the same. There's things I like about Dusty and a few things that I would certainly do differently. From what I've been told if they win the WS it will be up to Dusty if he wants to come back next season. If they don't there's a good chance they move on and hire someone else. So from my perspective if Dusty coming back means they won the WS then I say bring it on.
He is terrible w/ passed balls. However, he is still above average throwing. The problem is, by the stats, runners when stealing are closer to 2nd base when he gets the ball than any other catcher. Diaz is also among the lowest there. Pitchers simply don't give him a chance
This is a must win but simply because going down 3-2 is not good, and having to win both remains games at home isn't good. I look at 2021 ALCS Framber. Very similar to this year and he finished with a gem. My predation-he pitches a quality start and the Rangers are eliminated with a wimper.
Framber has everything he needs to dominate in that start. He just needs better batted ball luck and to quit throwing the sinker so damn much.
