***Official Houston Astros 2023-24 Offseason Thread*** [Staff Warning - OP]

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BadAggie
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9:03p, 10/25/23
AG
Dusty set a tone for the team that not just very game mattered, just get to the playoffs and turn it on. He seemed checked out most of the season, turning in daily lineups that seemed more random than having any inherent logic.

His media interviews indicated he was still fighting battles with the previous GM while needling the current one.

For a fatigued championship team that might've used a prod or a kick in the ass at times, Dusty was the wrong man at the wrong time, offering a sense of non-urgency and catering to the natural human desire to not continue to push.

I think the home struggles were directly connected to this mindset Dusty enabled. This team needed rest, desired rest and found it at home.

When we think of championship, legendary coaches, the very antithesis of what they do is what Dusty did.

So the next manager should be the anti-Dusty in this regard.

Espada makes some sense, would want to know how he would change the team mindset or was he egging it along?

I see Crane and Bagwell are gonna decide who the next manager is. Ugh. Do not need another player's manager or whatever.

Walt Weiss has come up given Brown's connections. Hiring a manager from a winning team makes sense on the surface. This would be Wei' second manager job. Can't say I'm enthused. It that's probably more a function of not caring for the A's teams he played on.

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Beat40
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In reply to AggiEE • 9:21p, 10/25/23
AggiEE said:
bearkatag15 said:


Maldonado showed poor leadership when he failed to mentor Diaz into the season in a starting role

He preferred to put himself over the team. We should move on.


That's a bull**** take.

https://www.mlb.com/news/yainer-diaz-martin-maldonado-s-teacher-student-bond?partnerID=web_article-share
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Wabs
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9:29p, 10/25/23
AG
Dana should just call Altuve, Breggy and JV and ask if they're good with Espada. If they are, no brainer. Announce it tomorrow.
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BadAggie
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In reply to Wabs • 9:34p, 10/25/23
AG
Wabs said:
Dana should just call Altuve, Breggy and JV and ask if they're good with Espada. If they are, no brainer. Announce it tomorrow.


Sounds like it's going to be Crane and Bagwell's call.

After B**** finishes smoking a bowl at the Rice Hotel or wherever he lives

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bigjag19
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In reply to BadAggie • 9:37p, 10/25/23
AG
BadAggie said:
Wabs said:
Dana should just call Altuve, Breggy and JV and ask if they're good with Espada. If they are, no brainer. Announce it tomorrow.


Sounds like it's going to be Crane and Bagwell's call.

After Baggy finishes smoking a bowl at the Rice Hotel or wherever he lives



This sounds like an amazing time.
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n_touch
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In reply to bigjag19 • 9:46p, 10/25/23
bigjag19 said:
BadAggie said:
Wabs said:
Dana should just call Altuve, Breggy and JV and ask if they're good with Espada. If they are, no brainer. Announce it tomorrow.


Sounds like it's going to be Crane and Bagwell's call.

After Baggy finishes smoking a bowl at the Rice Hotel or wherever he lives



This sounds like an amazing time.
Glad I am not the only one that was thinking that.
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Chrundle the Great
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In reply to Beat40 • 10:19p, 10/25/23
AG
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
bearkatag15 said:


Maldonado showed poor leadership when he failed to mentor Diaz into the season in a starting role

He preferred to put himself over the team. We should move on.


That's a bull**** take.

https://www.mlb.com/news/yainer-diaz-martin-maldonado-s-teacher-student-bond?partnerID=web_article-share

Also am I the only one who remembers a critical late game AB when Maldy was standing in the on deck circle looking back at the dugout like "Really, you want me to hit here?" And then shrugged and proceeded to K.
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AggiEE
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In reply to Beat40 • 10:23p, 10/25/23
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
bearkatag15 said:


Maldonado showed poor leadership when he failed to mentor Diaz into the season in a starting role

He preferred to put himself over the team. We should move on.


That's a bull**** take.

https://www.mlb.com/news/yainer-diaz-martin-maldonado-s-teacher-student-bond?partnerID=web_article-share

No, what's a bull**** take is not looking at what actually happened.

Yeah, I'm sure Maldy did mentor Diaz. That's not what I am arguing. Clearly, he did not step aside, realize that the kid had way more talent than him, and speak up to the front office and Dusty so that Diaz got regular playing time with all of our top starters throughout the season, eventually taking a backseat role if things ended up going well (which they had even in very limited playing time).

Maldy is a selfish prima donna and put ego over the team.

Stop smoking the crack and spouting bull**** when the results speak louder than a simple headline from an article.
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linkdude
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10:26p, 10/25/23
AG
Re: Ortega, the new waiver claim
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jja79
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In reply to AgLA06 • 10:28p, 10/25/23
AG
AgLA06 said:
cone said:
Corbin Carroll is low key just completely badass
I haven't watched him much this year. Game seven was a lot of putting balls in play on the ground and using his speed to pressure the defense and covering a lot of ground in the outfield. I don't know if that was standard for him this year, but his play last night reminded me of Ichiro.


23 years old. First rookie in MLB history with 25+ HR and 50+ SB.
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Beat40
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In reply to AggiEE • 10:38p, 10/25/23
AggiEE said:
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
bearkatag15 said:


Maldonado showed poor leadership when he failed to mentor Diaz into the season in a starting role

He preferred to put himself over the team. We should move on.


That's a bull**** take.

https://www.mlb.com/news/yainer-diaz-martin-maldonado-s-teacher-student-bond?partnerID=web_article-share

No, what's a bull**** take is not looking at what actually happened.

Yeah, I'm sure Maldy did mentor Diaz. That's not what I am arguing. Clearly, he did not step aside, realize that the kid had way more talent than him, and speak up to the front office and Dusty so that Diaz got regular playing time with all of our top starters throughout the season, eventually taking a backseat role if things ended up going well (which they had even in very limited playing time).

Maldy is a selfish prima donna and put ego over the team.

Stop smoking the crack and spouting bull**** when the results speak louder than a simple headline from an article.


Dana Brown didn't even think Diaz was going to be a realistic catcher for the Astros ever until Diaz decided to take it seriously and Maldy mentored him. The plan wasn't for him to be the catcher of the future! He was initially on the team to hit, and Dusty didn't even let him hit when he had no Brantley and no Altuve!

Maldy didn't have to mentor Yainer at all. It's not on Maldy to make sure Yanier gets playing time.

Its the most ridiculous thing I've read that for someone to expect a competitor to step aside because to don't like him. That's what this really is. You don't like Maldy and assume the worst of him. You have no clue what conversations he had with Dusty and if he suggested to Dusty that Yanier should get more playing time than him. You'd rather assume he didn't and then sit there and assassinate his character.

I didn't see you call Jake not a leader and putting himself above the team when he was struggling and not going to Dusty to suggest he play Chas.

I didn't see you call Tucker not a leader and putting himself above the team when he struggled in September and the playoffs and not going to Dusty to make sure MB or Chas/Dubon were in the lineup over him.

Your angst about Maldy not playing is directed at the wrong person. You judged a guy's character that unless you are a part of the organization, you have no clue what he actually did.
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Marvin
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In reply to Chrundle the Great • 10:45p, 10/25/23
AG
Chrundle the Great said:
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
bearkatag15 said:


Maldonado showed poor leadership when he failed to mentor Diaz into the season in a starting role

He preferred to put himself over the team. We should move on.


That's a bull**** take.

https://www.mlb.com/news/yainer-diaz-martin-maldonado-s-teacher-student-bond?partnerID=web_article-share

Also am I the only one who remembers a critical late game AB when Maldy was standing in the on deck circle looking back at the dugout like "Really, you want me to hit here?" And then shrugged and proceeded to K.


I remember the glance back and hesitation. Not sure on the motivation, though. He may have just expected it like we all did. I doubt he wanted to be pulled.
I love Texas Aggie sports, but I love Texas A&M more.
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AggiEE
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In reply to Beat40 • 10:48p, 10/25/23
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
bearkatag15 said:


Maldonado showed poor leadership when he failed to mentor Diaz into the season in a starting role

He preferred to put himself over the team. We should move on.


That's a bull**** take.

https://www.mlb.com/news/yainer-diaz-martin-maldonado-s-teacher-student-bond?partnerID=web_article-share

No, what's a bull**** take is not looking at what actually happened.

Yeah, I'm sure Maldy did mentor Diaz. That's not what I am arguing. Clearly, he did not step aside, realize that the kid had way more talent than him, and speak up to the front office and Dusty so that Diaz got regular playing time with all of our top starters throughout the season, eventually taking a backseat role if things ended up going well (which they had even in very limited playing time).

Maldy is a selfish prima donna and put ego over the team.

Stop smoking the crack and spouting bull**** when the results speak louder than a simple headline from an article.


Dana Brown didn't even think Diaz was going to be a realistic catcher for the Astros ever until Diaz decided to take it seriously and Maldy mentored him. The plan wasn't for him to be the catcher of the future! He was initially on the team to hit, and Dusty didn't even let him hit when he had no Brantley and no Altuve!

Maldy didn't have to mentor Yainer at all. It's not on Maldy to make sure Yanier gets playing time.

Its the most ridiculous thing I've read that for someone to expect a competitor to step aside because to don't like him. That's what this really is. You don't like Maldy and assume the worst of him. You have no clue what conversations he had with Dusty and if he suggested to Dusty that Yanier should get more playing time than him. You'd rather assume he didn't and then sit there and assassinate his character.

I didn't see you call Jake not a leader and putting himself above the team when he was struggling and not going to Dusty to suggest he play Chas.

I didn't see you call Tucker not a leader and putting himself above the team when he struggled in September and the playoffs and not going to Dusty to make sure MB or Chas/Dubon were in the lineup over him.

Your angst about Maldy not playing is directed at the wrong person. You judged a guy's character that unless you are a part of the organization, you have no clue what he actually did.


What are you talking about? He was traded for specifically because he was a catcher

Everyone going into the season thought they would eventually split playing time with him taking over if he did well

Maldonado has a great competitive spirit, but he was unwilling to be backup to Vasquez, a proven catcher much better than he is.

He can piss off. He was a big reason why this season was a disappointment and probably why we aren't in the series right now

Trying to equate this situation to Jake is comical. Jake is a prospect that was perceived as having high potential. It's worth testing those waters throughout the season, he was never the "leader" of the clubhouse like is claimed of Maldy who is an aging veteran and been with the Astros for many seasons where you know what you're getting
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texasaggie2015
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In reply to AggiEE • 10:56p, 10/25/23
AG
Yainer was acquired for his bat. Cleveland gave him away for cheap because he had no interest in catching whatsoever and had butt heads with coaches at every level. He's grown up a lot.

And for everyone calling Maldy bad teammate. He's not only one of the most respected players in the clubhouse but also Major League Baseball. When he talks, people listen.

He's a lot of things. But he's not a bad teammate.
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BadAggie
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10:57p, 10/25/23
AG
Automatic improvements

1. Replace Dusty
2. Start Diaz and Chas
3. Rest for the pitching staff.

Beyond that we'll see what free agency holds. Can't argue if Hader is a target. Having a lethal bullpen is always an asset. Another is strong starting pitching. The latter the Astros will 'acquire' by Framber, Javier, and Urquidy getting some serious downtime this winter and spring. Timetable for Garcia and McCullers remains to be seen. Also will be interesting to see what next season holds for France and Hunter Brown.

Astros don't need to splurge in free agency but also don't need to be cheap.


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Beat40
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In reply to AggiEE • 11:03p, 10/25/23
AggiEE said:
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
bearkatag15 said:


Maldonado showed poor leadership when he failed to mentor Diaz into the season in a starting role

He preferred to put himself over the team. We should move on.


That's a bull**** take.

https://www.mlb.com/news/yainer-diaz-martin-maldonado-s-teacher-student-bond?partnerID=web_article-share

No, what's a bull**** take is not looking at what actually happened.

Yeah, I'm sure Maldy did mentor Diaz. That's not what I am arguing. Clearly, he did not step aside, realize that the kid had way more talent than him, and speak up to the front office and Dusty so that Diaz got regular playing time with all of our top starters throughout the season, eventually taking a backseat role if things ended up going well (which they had even in very limited playing time).

Maldy is a selfish prima donna and put ego over the team.

Stop smoking the crack and spouting bull**** when the results speak louder than a simple headline from an article.


Dana Brown didn't even think Diaz was going to be a realistic catcher for the Astros ever until Diaz decided to take it seriously and Maldy mentored him. The plan wasn't for him to be the catcher of the future! He was initially on the team to hit, and Dusty didn't even let him hit when he had no Brantley and no Altuve!

Maldy didn't have to mentor Yainer at all. It's not on Maldy to make sure Yanier gets playing time.

Its the most ridiculous thing I've read that for someone to expect a competitor to step aside because to don't like him. That's what this really is. You don't like Maldy and assume the worst of him. You have no clue what conversations he had with Dusty and if he suggested to Dusty that Yanier should get more playing time than him. You'd rather assume he didn't and then sit there and assassinate his character.

I didn't see you call Jake not a leader and putting himself above the team when he was struggling and not going to Dusty to suggest he play Chas.

I didn't see you call Tucker not a leader and putting himself above the team when he struggled in September and the playoffs and not going to Dusty to make sure MB or Chas/Dubon were in the lineup over him.

Your angst about Maldy not playing is directed at the wrong person. You judged a guy's character that unless you are a part of the organization, you have no clue what he actually did.


What are you talking about? He was traded for specifically because he was a catcher

Everyone going into the season thought they would eventually split playing time with him taking over if he did well

Maldonado has a great competitive spirit, but he was unwilling to be backup to Vasquez, a proven catcher much better than he is.

He can piss off. He was a big reason why this season was a disappointment and probably why we aren't in the series right now



If you take anything texasaggie2015 has relayed from his source inside the Astros, up until spring training, Yainer hadn't shown much desire to learn the prep for the catching position at the MLB level and Click traded more for his bat than his catching.

Again, you have no idea if Maldy ever went to Dusty and asked to have Yanier start over him.

Dana has publicly placed the blame on Dusty for the lack of Yanier's playing time and stunted development, and instead of blaming Dusty, you'd rather **** on Maldando's character without knowing any conversations he had with Dusty.
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agdaddy04
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In reply to Beat40 • 11:09p, 10/25/23
AG
You said this much better than I was trying to.
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AggiEE
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In reply to Beat40 • 11:10p, 10/25/23
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
Beat40 said:
AggiEE said:
bearkatag15 said:


Maldonado showed poor leadership when he failed to mentor Diaz into the season in a starting role

He preferred to put himself over the team. We should move on.


That's a bull**** take.

https://www.mlb.com/news/yainer-diaz-martin-maldonado-s-teacher-student-bond?partnerID=web_article-share

No, what's a bull**** take is not looking at what actually happened.

Yeah, I'm sure Maldy did mentor Diaz. That's not what I am arguing. Clearly, he did not step aside, realize that the kid had way more talent than him, and speak up to the front office and Dusty so that Diaz got regular playing time with all of our top starters throughout the season, eventually taking a backseat role if things ended up going well (which they had even in very limited playing time).

Maldy is a selfish prima donna and put ego over the team.

Stop smoking the crack and spouting bull**** when the results speak louder than a simple headline from an article.


Dana Brown didn't even think Diaz was going to be a realistic catcher for the Astros ever until Diaz decided to take it seriously and Maldy mentored him. The plan wasn't for him to be the catcher of the future! He was initially on the team to hit, and Dusty didn't even let him hit when he had no Brantley and no Altuve!

Maldy didn't have to mentor Yainer at all. It's not on Maldy to make sure Yanier gets playing time.

Its the most ridiculous thing I've read that for someone to expect a competitor to step aside because to don't like him. That's what this really is. You don't like Maldy and assume the worst of him. You have no clue what conversations he had with Dusty and if he suggested to Dusty that Yanier should get more playing time than him. You'd rather assume he didn't and then sit there and assassinate his character.

I didn't see you call Jake not a leader and putting himself above the team when he was struggling and not going to Dusty to suggest he play Chas.

I didn't see you call Tucker not a leader and putting himself above the team when he struggled in September and the playoffs and not going to Dusty to make sure MB or Chas/Dubon were in the lineup over him.

Your angst about Maldy not playing is directed at the wrong person. You judged a guy's character that unless you are a part of the organization, you have no clue what he actually did.


What are you talking about? He was traded for specifically because he was a catcher

Everyone going into the season thought they would eventually split playing time with him taking over if he did well

Maldonado has a great competitive spirit, but he was unwilling to be backup to Vasquez, a proven catcher much better than he is.

He can piss off. He was a big reason why this season was a disappointment and probably why we aren't in the series right now



If you take anything texasaggie2015 has relayed from his source inside the Astros, up until spring training, Yainer hadn't shown much desire to learn the prep for the catching position at the MLB level and Click traded more for his bat than his catching.

Again, you have no idea if Maldy ever went to Dusty and asked to have Yanier start over him.

And your last paragraph is exactly why you are saying the **** about him you are. Dana has publically placed the blame on Dusty for the lack of Yanier's playing time and stunted development, and instead of blaming Dusty, you'd rather **** on Maldando's character without knowing any conversations he had with Dusty.


If you think Maldy has no say in this decision and couldn't talk to Dusty about doing what's best for the team, you are extremely naive.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the reason Dusty went to Maldy is because he knew if he didn't, that it would greatly upset the team leader. And Dusty is a "player's manager". Didn't want to upset the veteran leaders and disrupt team chemistry.

We already know that Maldy wouldn't allow us to sign Vasquez as our everyday starter, he caused all kinds of drama with that and we weren't able to sign him. That tells you everything. Maldy didn't want to be backup, he wanted to play.
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bearkatag15
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11:12p, 10/25/23
AG


Indians interviewing some names that have been linked to Houston
Fightin' Texas Aggie and Sam Houston State Bearkat
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Lonestar_Ag09
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In reply to AggiEE • 11:16p, 10/25/23
AG
Umm didn't Vasquez sign as a backup anyways and end up blowing this year? Seems like we dodged a bullet if so.
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AggiEE
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In reply to Lonestar_Ag09 • 11:20p, 10/25/23
Lonestar_Ag09 said:
Umm didn't Vasquez sign as a backup anyways and end up blowing this year? Seems like we dodged a bullet if so.


He hit poorly this year, an outlier in his career. That's not the point I was making on whether with 20/20 hindsight signing him would have been a good decision.

Just pointing out that Maldy not wanting to take a lesser role led to us not going after Vasquez.
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BadAggie
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11:21p, 10/25/23
AG
What's up with Pedro Leon, has that ship sailed?

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bearkatag15
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11:21p, 10/25/23
AG


This seems like a natural fit here
Fightin' Texas Aggie and Sam Houston State Bearkat
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Lonestar_Ag09
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In reply to AggiEE • 11:23p, 10/25/23
AG
I don't recall it being that big of a story. Just that we had expressed interest and Maldy had said he wanted to be the starter.

I don't think we were ever seriously considering signing a backup with Diaz and Lee. Just like I don't think we will sign one this year.
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bearkatag15
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In reply to BadAggie • 11:23p, 10/25/23
AG
BadAggie said:
What's up with Pedro Leon, has that ship sailed?



Hit 21 HRs and stole 21 bags in SL.

.244 BA and .778 OPS

160 Ks to 63 BBs in 128 games.

I don't think he would do well in the MLB
Fightin' Texas Aggie and Sam Houston State Bearkat
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AggiEE
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In reply to Lonestar_Ag09 • 11:25p, 10/25/23
Lonestar_Ag09 said:
I don't recall it being that big of a story. Just that we had expressed interest and Maldy had said he wanted to be the starter.

I don't think we were ever seriously considering signing a backup with Diaz and Lee. Just like I don't think we will sign one this year.


I don't think anyone seriously expected Maldy to make the vast majority of starts and every single start in the playoffs, but there we were.

Clearly Maldy could have spoken up for the team (as their fabled leader) by asserting himself less with discussions to the FO and Dusty, knowing just how good Diaz turned out to be.

Didn't happen.
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BadAggie
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11:26p, 10/25/23
AG
Jose Abreu, if you didn't watch the regular season you wouldn't have been surprised by his performance in the playoffs. If his play has some reversion to his career mean next season that would be a bigger acquisition than whatever is to be had in free agency.
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bearkatag15
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In reply to linkdude • 11:34p, 10/25/23
AG
Fightin' Texas Aggie and Sam Houston State Bearkat
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irish pete ag06
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In reply to BadAggie • 11:36p, 10/25/23
AG
BadAggie said:
Jose Abreu, if you didn't watch the regular season you wouldn't have been surprised by his performance in the playoffs. If his play has some reversion to his career mean next season that would be a bigger acquisition than whatever is to be had in free agency.
Absolutely... I am hoping it was the back thing that lingered all year and maybe a full offseason he will get it going again.



Just an extreme outlier of a year for Jose.
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BadAggie
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11:41p, 10/25/23
AG
2026.

Houston Astros' ace Forrest Whitley finishes a complete game shut out as the Astros defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates in…

The organization is still indulging that guy. When are they going to recognize the loss?
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W
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In reply to irish pete ag06 • 12:45a, 10/26/23
AG
except he will be another year older

37 years old for the 2024 season

which is why Dana needs to have a backup plan

the old guys can fall off quickly
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W
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3:48a, 10/26/23
AG
and thinking about the 3 old guys / hitters on the team...

Brantley, Maldonado, and Abreu...

the Astros got very little good baseball from them in 2023
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The Porkchop Express
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7:46a, 10/26/23
AG
Let me start with the caveat that Diaz absolutely should have played more. If not at catcher, then certainly at DH before Brantley returned or at 1B when Abreu was scuffling so badly in the first several months of the season.

That said, there are two really frustrating parts of this discussion.

1) That because Diaz hit 23 HR in 104 games, people think he's an automatic lock to hit 35+ HR in 135+ games.

2) That any professional athlete plays with the mindset of "Hey, that guy's better than me now, let me tell the coach I shouldn't play anymore."

The first part is the plague of a numbers-driven sport. Your stats are never going to wind up what the projections are because players aren't machines. Looking over Diaz's numbers in the minors reveals that he's never played more than 105 games total in any season at any level. He played 105 combined at Corpus, Sugarland, and Houston last year, and 104 games this year in Houston. Every other year in the minors, far less than that. Why is that? I can think of two reasons: Injuries or being a dick. And even more telling, before this year, you know what his max # of games caught in a single season was?

53

Yep. Not quite one-third of a major league season is the most he's caught. And coming into 2023, it was pretty much common knowledge that he was a guy who didn't want to put in hard work. If there's one position you can't afford to have an arrogant jerk on your team, it's catcher.

It's a little spooky how close this story is to Mitch Meluskey's. Drafted by the Indians, traded to the Astros, had an incredible rookie year in 2000 (117 games played, 14 HR, 69 RBi, .300 average, .888 OPS) but also a hot-head who is more famously known for punching Matt Mieske in the face during batting practice. Not that Diaz has done anything of the sort, but he's got a built-in reputation in the clubhouse for a not-positive thing.

So while Dusty is a hard-ass who wouldn't bend, let's call a spade and spade and admit that Diaz's past usage and attitude are the main culprits in him not getting more time.

The second part - even if you think Machete's the worst player ever, he definitely doesn't think that, and in my experience when an athlete stops thinking they are the best, that's when they retire. I think about Hunter Brown's little charming comments about being a young JV at the end of last year. The real JV played nice and complimented him to the media, but you know damn well in his head, JV was thinking "You think you're anywhere in my stratosphere, you little *****? I'll show you what a GD ace looks like."

Athletes, above all else, compete. You can be a good teammate without rolling over while the next guy up takes your job. Blaming Maldy for not coaching Diaz up to starting MLB catcher in the last calendar year is ridiculous. Diaz should be handling his own business and seeking to improve every day, not waiting for the guy who he competes for playing time with to ask him to come have a catch after practice so he can impart all the secrets of the pitcher-catcher relationship on him.








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Prosperdick
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In reply to texasaggie2015 • 7:50a, 10/26/23
AG
texasaggie2015 said:
Yainer was acquired for his bat. Cleveland gave him away for cheap because he had no interest in catching whatsoever and had butt heads with coaches at every level. He's grown up a lot.

And for everyone calling Maldy bad teammate. He's not only one of the most respected players in the clubhouse but also Major League Baseball. When he talks, people listen.

He's a lot of things. But he's not a bad teammate.
I agree all the above is true, I just wish he has enough self awareness to know we needed a bat in the lineup and approached Dusty about giving Diaz a shot earlier in game 7. That would be a true leader, taking himself out, or taking one for the team so to speak.

And before I hear all the talk about that's not how players are wired this is a different situation than an aging player who once was a good (or even great) hitter battling with father time and not accepting it.

Maldy has ALWAYS been a defensive catcher and a VERY poor hitter and a historically bad hitter this past season. We needed him to step up when Dusty obviously wasn't because he had to know he had no business at the plate down 6 runs with 2 men on...just criminally bad job by Dusty (but sadly expected).

There's nothing we can do about it now but hope he becomes an assistant coach and continues in helping Diaz and the pitching staff prepare for each game.
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In reply to AggiEE • 7:57a, 10/26/23
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AggiEE said:
Lonestar_Ag09 said:
I don't recall it being that big of a story. Just that we had expressed interest and Maldy had said he wanted to be the starter.

I don't think we were ever seriously considering signing a backup with Diaz and Lee. Just like I don't think we will sign one this year.


I don't think anyone seriously expected Maldy to make the vast majority of starts and every single start in the playoffs, but there we were.

Clearly Maldy could have spoken up for the team (as their fabled leader) by asserting himself less with discussions to the FO and Dusty, knowing just how good Diaz turned out to be.

Didn't happen.
My fear with Diaz is he FINALLY changed his attitude, took catching seriously, and started raking. Dusty rewards him by basically not playing him the last 3 weeks of the season and then hardly at all in the playoffs with ZERO starts at catcher.

I sure hope he doesn't regress based on how he was jerked around at the end of the season and post season. I guess that's another thing we need to thank Dusty for later.
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