I want Brantley back in the worst way, but I want him at 100%. I love all the Astros, but he is definitely one of my favorites. He IS a professional hitter.
I'm afraid he won't be back this year. With Castro already transferred to the 60-day list, I think Brantley to the 60-day will be the corresponding move to make room for McCullers on the 40 man.
If Yuli and Peña are going to keep slumping, then this is my October lineup: Altuve - 2B Diaz - SS Yordon - LF Tucker - RF Bregman - 3B Mancini - 1B Vazquez - DH (3rd catcher needed, Dubon is out) McCormick - CF Maldonado - C
Altuve 2b Pena (he hits great with protection) SS Alvarez DH Bregman 3b Tucker RF Mancini 1b Diaz LF McCormick cf Catcher of the day
This is the best option so definitely scratch it out. I like Jeremy batting second and that has been proven successful so scratch that one out too
2B - Altuve 3B - Bregman DH - Yordan 1B - Mancini RF - Tucker LF - Diaz SS - Pena C - Vazquez CF - Chaz Not sure if Bregman has even hit 2nd this entire year but I want those 3 at the top, we need baserunners to put pressure on pitchers and having Pena and Diaz in the two hole, guys who don't walk alot and are very aggressive at the plate may be a detriment at the top of the lineup. If anyone else hits second though, probably Diaz.
The problem right now is the 2 hole that Brantley was manning. You need someone who can get on base, hit in the gaps and not strike out a lot. Altuve Bregman Alvarez Tucker (pray he gets back to being clutch) Mancini Diaz Vasquez McCormick Pena
I didn't think of Vasquez in the 2 spot, I like that idea. I actually love this lineup. You get Vasquez' bat while allowing Maldy to catch (and hit the way he's been hitting lately).
I don’t know why Tucker hitting 2nd isn’t more popular. 2B Altuve RF Tucker 3B Bregman DH Alvarez LF/1B Mancini 1B/LF Gurriel/McCormick SS Pena/Diaz CF Meyers C Maldonado/Vazquez
2025 Lineup Gilbert (L) LF Altuve ( R) 2b Alvarez (L) DH Bregman ( R) 3B Tucker ( L) RF Leon ( R) CF Melton ( L) 1B Pena (R) SS some catcher. * yes I expect Altuve and Bregman to be extended and be life long Astros.
I see people putting yordan down as the everyday left fielder. He would never last. He would get hurt at the worst time. Same thing with Diaz being an everyday player, especially at SS. I think Yordan has to be a DH at least half the time. Diaz is a utility player good for about 2 maybe 3 starts a week and some pinch hitting duties. He usually still finds a way to get hurt even in that role.
3B- Bregman RF- Tucker 2B- Altuve DH- Alvarez 1B- Mancini CF- McCormick SS- Pena LF- Meyers/Diaz C- Maldy/ Vazquez when Yuli starts, once or twice a week, bat him 8th. Play Yordan in left once a week or so to keep him ready. Let Diaz and Meyers fight it out in left field to determine the starter. I do feel like Chas is a better defensive CF than Meyers right now. of course I know this lineup will never ever happen.
This is still our best possible lineup going forward. Bregman .450+ OBP last 20 games. The most perfect 2 hole hitter you can have. Getting on base for Alvarez, Tucker and Mancini to drive him and Altuve in.
Yet Bregman is the best run producer on the team since Yordan got hurt. Yordan-Bregman-Tucker-Mancini is not something I'd want to break up. Stros do not have a great option for the 2-hole since Brantley. Pena raked there earlier in the year. I dunno?
