Start you weekend off or happy hour early with Larry as we review the Astros week
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!! WELCOME TO ASTROS LATE LUNCH WITH LARRY (aka "A Triple L")
Review Astros News
Astros signed Bligh Madris - what does it mean for Yuli?
I think the Astros are stacking multiple additional options to the existing roster.
We will explore more about this as we see it develop during Spring Training.
In short, I think Madris and Matijevic compete to be the first option to be called up from the minors at 1B/LF in case of injury.
Hensley is the likely the first MLB roster backup option at 1B but if he struggles perhaps Madris gets the call.
The younger OFers in the Astros system are likely to pass Madris in 2023 and be the first option to be called up if an OF is needed. At the start of the season Madris may be the preferred choice,
Given what the Astros have done to stack multiple backup options at 1B, I would be shocked if they signed Gurriel. Therefore, perhaps the Madris signing does unofficially close that chapter in Astros history.
Review LGM Article Key Points
Focus on the 12 Risks - what it could mean to the Astros Season
So, will the after Christmas weeks bring some unexpected gift to the Astros? Can the team pull off a move that would significantly improve their odds in the postseason.? Do they even need that move?
Let's see what happens in the New Year. At this point, I am not expecting ANY big moves by the Astros until the trade deadline. Let me be clear about something else before people drag me for being negative. I care about this team and am just as big as a fan as you are. Just because I think the Astros have too many risks and that they are gambling with the 2023 season does NOT mean I don't think they CAN win another World Series. These things are not black or white, but at this point in the off-season it is about putting the team in the best position to meet the goals. I hope it works as much as you do.
Discuss Rumors and Ideas
Yuli Rumors- Boston or not?- weird walking back of posts- failed medical? wait for more news here
Correa Rumors- where will he end up?
Why not bring back Will Smith?
Why does Social Media doubt McCormick SO MUCH? My Twitter Take
People do understand that McCormick has a career wRC+ better than these other CFs right?
Mullins
Buxton
Blackmon
Carlson
Garcia
Varsho
Grichuk
Grisham
Bader
Kiermaier
Similarly, Why has the Astros fan base completely dismissed Meyers?
Here is a fun blast form the past
In September of 2021, Social Media and popular media/ podcaster types SWORE that Meyers was FAR better than McCormick.
His owner made the GM bet his career on him
Then he got injured.
As soon as he showed the first signs of being able to swing, he was pushed to the MLB and finished rehab there to prove the owner wrong
It did not work- it had little chance of working
Now seemingly EVERYONE is out on Meyers.
I will stick with what I said in 9/21
Article Previews
Astros vs. ____- Position by Position- What do you all think? When should we do it?
Catcher Options NOW- Perez or Sanchez?
Perez, 34, is probably the catcher most Astros fans THINK Maldonado is
Sanchez, 30, is probably better defensively than you think and could be a sneaky good add in timeshare with Maldy
Astros Football Style Depth Chart- the Five Deep
Dynasty Talk
Q&A (YouTube only)