texasaggie2015 said:

---

I will say, I did have a conversation with one of my people last night. They mentioned complacency- which is what some of you mentioned on this thread already. I think there's a lot of truth to that.

---

That stinks. I hate hearing that. But not surprised.

Ag_07 said:

---

I don't have an issue with Espada and his lineup and game management.

I think his demeanor and passiveness are a big issue. There's no fire.

Even Hinch ans Johnny B who were pretty laid back could get fired up and slam a fist, jaw a little at umps and opposing players.

Espada looks lethargic and maybe it's a deer in the headlights deal with the way they've started but man it bothers me.

---

Yes. It's tone setting.

W said:

---

Bregman's line out to left field was interesting

97 mph off the bat and 25 degree launch angle and pulled

but it only traveled 330 ft

this is a case where he didn't hit the ball hard enough -- he got the launch angle right

---

And that is 10 mph more than his average. That is probably about as hard as he is going to strike a ball at this point. Hence his 1 HR.

I remember when he was hired I was told that he's a baseball genius and fantastic coach but there was some level of concern with his ability to be a leader of men. Perhaps that's why he hadn't been poached by another club. Who knows.

Crane wanted someone more proven but nothing ever came to fruition. Espada was sort of the "safe fallback" option, though Dana Brown was his biggest advocate.

This season isn't entirely on Espada, but whether it's fair or not, I would be surprised if he's still the manager if this team doesn't turn things around by mid-June or so.

Quote:

---

Using the White Sox current pitching staff as a reason that Maldonado isn't a good catcher is pretty myopic. The White Sox are tanking for draft picks, and have already started Lee more than Maldy. If anything, they signed him in order to trade him to team that needs help with pitching inconsistency come July/August

---

That's because he's a better player. In fact he's also been better than Diaz and Caratini, so far, if only slightly.

If you think Maldonado brought nothing to the table in terms of clubhouse leadership and game planning behind the scenes, you couldn't be more wrong.

He was also horrendous defensively and at the plate. Both things are true.

His absence isn't the reason the Astros are 11 games below .500, but he left a void in some areas that wasn't (well, couldn't) be filled.

I mentioned this a while back but I know not everyone saw it- the Astros offered him a role on the coaching staff shortly after the season ended. I don't know what kind of role it was, but it was on the table. That should tell you that he provided something of value.

Definitely understand.

FWIW- and this is more of a sidenote- I've gotten to know that tweeter fairly well over the last couple years. I'm shocked with how connected he is. He has good sources.. assuming we're thinking of the same guy. Just dropping that note for when he has scoop.

EastCoastAgNc said:

---

MaxPower said:

---

Nope. He still has a 2 year old at home. If you think that isn't a distraction then you've never had kids. Thus your original argument that having a kid was a good distraction is invalid.

---

I don't have kids, but I assume the first child being born was something that diverted his attention from obsessing over baseball 24-7 just enough to remove some of the pressure he was experiencing. Maybe some of that slips back in over time and he's back where he started. Who knows.

---

Everyone can be different, so you can't say exactly how anyone will respond. But as a father of 2, I don't think your suggestion holds up. I don't know anyone who's attention dropped just because their kids went from infant to 2 year old. If anything, once they start to develop a little personality, start communicating, and become much more interactive (basically this timeframe), you want to be around them even more.

texasaggie2015 said:

---

I mentioned this a while back but I know not everyone saw it- the Astros offered him a role on the coaching staff shortly after the season ended. I don't know what kind of role it was, but it was on the table. That should tell you that he provided something of value.

---

Hitting Coach.

I still have to believe a correction is coming for the team...for now. At least offensively.

Lowest K rate in the majors, as a team
8th in weighted On Base average
8th in slugging
Tied 7th in wRC+
...but...
19th in babip
tied 13th in isolated power

another but...tied for 17th in hard hit %.

Pitching has been a little more bleak, but I choose to remain optimistic with the starters coming back, and the bullpen eventually holding leads.

"In 2017, we all know what happened with the Astros...that's the one that causes him the most frustration"@ByMcCullough on the true story of "Playoff Kershaw"
▶️ https://t.co/QEeYosgSf6 pic.twitter.com/I1fQIC7OmB

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 8, 2024

Boo freaking hoo, your guys were cheating too. Let it go.

Hey guys can we stop with the baby talk except Tjacks rally baby of course. I just got some news about my wife's pregnancy and I'm a nervous wreck right now! (btw im just kidding I don't mind baby talk at all lol)

EastCoastAgNc said:

---

"In 2017, we all know what happened with the Astros...that's the one that causes him the most frustration"@ByMcCullough on the true story of "Playoff Kershaw"
▶️ https://t.co/QEeYosgSf6 pic.twitter.com/I1fQIC7OmB

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 8, 2024

Boo freaking hoo, your guys were cheating too. Let it go.

---

Imagine thinking that a trash can could be heard in a World Series crowd juice box

Is anyone watching the Cleveland game? It's in extras and Cleveland just bunted the free runner over to 3rd. Next batter wins it.

Beau Holder said:

---

Just watched the Guardians bunt the runner to third in the 10th inning. Who would do such a thing.

Edit: They won.

---

You beat me to it!