April 4, 2025 • 29 mins
As the Astros offense has been slow to get going, the pitching has been more consistent as Houston sits at 3-4 on the young season. In this edition of the Crawford Boxcast presented by Karbach Brewing, Chris Gordy and Ross Villarreal discuss all the latest with the Astros including Jose Altuve playing left field, the contribution of Bryan King out of the bullpen and much more!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Astros fans, cheers, Wacky Lackey, Welcome to the Crawford Box Casts.
Crowd lead Ford for you by Crawford Bach from Carbach Brewing.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
You're getting bear Oh my godness.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
The Crawford Box cast starts now here we go. Here's
Chris Gordy and Ross via Reel.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
It is an all new addition to the Crawford Box Cast,
presented by Crawford Bach and the Carbox Brewing. And of
course it was nice to be out at dyke In
Park for the first week of games and enjoy a
Crawford box. See all the folks enjoying an ice caled
Crawford box still all over the concourse and the coolers.
You see those big the tequila Sunrise stripes. They get
(00:58):
the big inflatable can over there, kind of like by
the escalators behind home plate on the concourse. I always
love seeing that. But it was good to be out
there at dyke And Park as the Astros out of
the gates three and four to start the twenty twenty
five season. So make sure you guys are loaded up
on playing at Crawford Bach from Carback Brewing of course
(01:19):
for the start of the Astro season. I'm Chris Cordy.
Joining me as always for the Crawford box cast is
Ross Viial. As the Astros a rare off day on
a Friday, they will never be off again on a
Friday for the rest of this regular season. So as
we have an off day on a Friday, I said,
it might be a good day to catch up and
kind of drop a Crawford box cast and talk all
(01:40):
the latest happenings. Ross, welcome in.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
How are you hey? Good to be here seven games in?
At least the Astros won yesterday, so we don't have
to talk about how everyone's all in a panic.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Yeah, some up, some downs, some good, some bad, A
lot of things to dissect. I'll put it to you.
You won't start with the offense of the pitching first.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Let's let's start with the good. Let's start with the pitching.
Let's start with how impressive they've been, especially from a
starting standpoint.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
The pitching has been good. They have been in the
top ten in many statistical categories through the first week.
I think team Era somewhere around tenth or eleventh right now.
They've just been very good. One turn through the starting
rotation serviceable, if not very good. I think you could say,
you know, really from er Valdez, his start on Believe
(02:25):
that was Wednesday, was the first one where a pitcher
gave up five runs, but all the other ones were
three runs or less, which you know many times is
considered quality starting. You tip your cap, you say they
did enough. The offense do enough, and that's another story.
But overall, I think, you know, for any concerns we
had about this rotation, remember where were a year ago
this time it was like, oh my god, all the
(02:46):
injuries Luis Garcia and Christian Javier and so on. It's
overall all the injured names you want to throw out there.
Right now, you feel pretty good about this rotation one
through five.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Yeah, I think so. Of course, from we're giving up
the five runs against a giant, it's not ideal. But
before that, I mean, he's seven innings shutout. I mean,
how how often we've seen that from fromber for one
start to another. I don't want to say you never
know what you're gonna get. He did settle in nicely
after giving up those big runs early on in that game.
I still think he's going to be fine. Hunter Brown
is emerging, you know, preseason and we're just two starts in.
(03:18):
We're talking about him being the co ace of this
staff and hoping that he can emerge and blossom into that.
Right now he's looking like the ace of this staff.
But again we say very very very very early Spencer Righetty,
impressive renew Blanco. I thought he was really sharp early
in his start, but then kind of, I want to say,
the wheels completely came off. But five innings, three run ball,
(03:38):
and then I was impressed with Tayden Wesnsky, especially in
his start, giving up a couple of walks in the
top of the third of his start to the eighth
and ninth place hitters, but using his fastball is forcing
fastball a lot, getting some whits with that. Like what
I saw from him. Overall, I think he's going to
be good. We're talking about a solid, very solid one
through five rotation. Of course, after that, if there is
(04:02):
a blister, a shoulder, stiffness, whatever, that's when the question
marks come in. But right now one through five, feeling
really good about the astros rotation.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Yeah, I think even Steve Sparks said it about was
Nesky with the two walks to the had nine whole hitter.
He's like, that's just early season jitterus, Like he's gonna
work that out. It's gonna be fine. They'll settle in
after him. There have been some some studs so far,
and I got to show some love to Brian king Man.
He has been money so far. An e Aray of zero,
he had a nice spring and he has had some
(04:33):
nice appearances so far. That the lefty from you know
McNeice that that has really turned out to be a
nice piece. And then you know Brian and Bray who's
been pretty solid so far, Steven Okert, you know, the
list goes on and on. Of course, Ralphiel Montero has
not been great, but he's also pitched in games where
you were losing anyway, so it was just kind of, hey, dude,
(04:55):
go eat up some innings. That was kind of the
role for him. Louis Contrera's kind of I know, it's
a mixed bag so far. I think Ryan Gusto, you know,
a couple of relief appearances, granted in games you were losing,
but he's pitched pretty well and I like that and
he's kind of wanted to keep it on it too.
If they do, you need a spot starter. Do they
go you know, both times out he's pitched I think
(05:16):
two innings each. Is that the guy you would turn
two to be your spot's starter or would you go
to triple A where I think aj blue Ball just
said a really nice start the other night, so something
to keep it on. If they need a.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Spot, probably did's probably Gusto first up. But if you've
just been used, depending on the situations, and you might
have to go somewhere else depending on the timing and
where blue Ball is in the rotation, stuff like that.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Yeah, but overall yeah, I mean the biggest question to
me was Hunter Brown and Spencer Urgetty. Those are the
two catalysts. Those have to be the guys because we
know what the writing is on the hall from Berveldez
is a free agent, he's probably moving on after this year.
So as much you want to say he's the acs,
the number one, yes for now, which he is, but
what's the future look like And the future looks like
(05:57):
Hannord Brown slide into that number one slot next year
and moving forward? How do they respond after their rough
starts last year where they really settled down and became
so good, so far, so good, they have carried over
how good they were down the stretch and last season
into twenty twenty five so far.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Yeah, absolutely, and I think that's going to continue. I
think for both rag Getty and brown Blanco. Maybe you
know you look at the I know you how much
you love the advanced numbers, Gordy, but some of the
things that the fly ball rate versus home run rates,
some batting average balls and plays type of stuff. He's
due for a little bit of regression. But even if
he regresses from that two point eight oeer he had
(06:34):
last year, he's still going to be really, really good.
So yeah, we're feeling good about the rotation. As you mentioned,
Brian King has stepped up. That's kind of one of
the early storylines to me of this season. We talked
about it a lot. Okay, A brave's your eighth inning guy.
Hater's your ninth inning guy who's coming on in that
seventh inning. And we've seen Brian King do it. We've
seen I think Taylor Scott did as well. So but
(06:58):
I'm with you that I've really been in press with
Brian King and his ability to get out. So I
think right now, if you had to ask me who
this in a role with there's flexibility there depending on
what part of the lineup, all that type of stuff.
He is a lefty right now. Your third best reliever,
I would say, is branking at this moment.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Yeah, and we should mention Josh Hater with three saves
already on the ear. He's off to a great start.
I know opening day it was a little shaky, but
all the results are all that matter. Does he put
that stay that number in the save column. Yeah, to
get the jump again, and he's getting the job done.
So that's encouraging as well. When you compare where he
was at this time a year ago, we're all freaking
(07:35):
out going, oh my god, they just get a lemon
with paying the most money for the top closer on
the market and had been the best closer available. And
it was a little bit of a disaster to start
last season. Then he ended up settling down it was
just fine. So I feel good about Josh Hater as well,
who also had a shaky spring training. He wasn't great
in spring training. Give some homers and all that, but
(07:56):
it's like we always say, sometimes the guys are working
on new pitches, sometimes they just miss. It's like, so
you can't take a ton of stock away from spring training,
but so far, so good in the regular season.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Yeah, feeling pretty good about Josh Hater and Brian A.
Brady there at the back end of the bullpen, who
has not surrendered a run yet, and we're gonna we're
gonna be okay. I think, Yeah, it was funny because
it was opening Day. Both of them were shaky, but
they still got to win. I always work in the postgame,
guys called this bullpen is trash. It's like they saved
the game. Guys like they still won it. It is
(08:26):
what it is. Relievers, you do your job ninety nine times,
at one hundred time you give up a couple runs,
everybody's freaking out.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Yeah, I think we get Soca customed to those days
of like you know, the Yankees in their prime when
Mariano Rivera and her Samman would play and he would
come out and one, two, three, he gets all three
guys out, Like that's just not the reality. Like, say,
a closer can give up a hit, He can give
up a run as long as you have more runs
than the other team at the end of the day,
and he gets to say if it's all that matters.
(08:53):
Like all the other stuff, it doesn't matter. Just get
the result and that's where results matter, and that's where
we switch gears from the good to the bad. The offense, yeah,
has been slow out of the gates thus far. Now
I'll say this Ross, if we were recording this podcast
about twenty four to thirty six hours previous to this,
I think way more down on them. Yeah, But fortunately
(09:15):
they went up to Minnesota, they got their groove back.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
A little bit, sploded for five runs.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Back to back home runs. They had two home runs
in the first five game or six games. Yeah, with
Al two ve hit a solo and Jeremy Opinion hit
a solo. They go up to Minnesota and back to back,
Christian Walker connects. Christian Walker had a terrible start of
the season, but on Thursday at Minnesota, he connects for
his first home run in Astro's uniform. Jeremy Penya immediately
(09:40):
follows with a home run of his own, and then
as a game goes along, Brendan Rodgers getting an opportunity
at second base. We know they signed him in spring
training as an opportunity with how twove moving the left,
and he made the most of his opportunity. So I'm
a little bit more positive about the offense coming off Thursday,
but yes, ross the first six games of the season,
we're not very goo. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Funny enough that it was jose Al Tuve carrying the
offense early and then the day that he goes oh
for five first time in his career five strikeouts, everybody
else kind of picks up the pieces. It's just it's
just tells you that that that's kind of we always
use the phrase that's baseball. Everybody is their own individual case.
It was just unfortunate that everybody was slumping at the
(10:23):
wrong time and something in different ways. To me, like
Christian Walker was just having it was a hard luck slump.
You look at his exit vlos and all the time
he is he was scolding the ball and ha having
nothing to show for it. So it was nice to
see him get the home run.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
And what's this say about Tuve to go oh for
five with five strikeouts and he's still betting three twenty one.
He's still one of your best hitters.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Yeah, I mean, the dude is just an ageless wonder
at this point. If he can continue to keep this
up of the season of course, when we talk about
somebody coming on in age, he'll be turning thirty five
this year. At the early part of the season is
where you're supposed to thrive. Now, once you get to
one hundred hundred plus games on hundred twenty games played,
if he can still keep it up, there will be
the impressive stuff. I expect him to do that. It's
just as we say with the bat it's early, but
(11:05):
we'll say with the good it's early as well.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
With ose al Tuve, Yeah, it look the numbers I
think will come up as we get more of a
sample size. But only two hitters above seven hundred ops
right now al Tuove and Brendan Rodgers. Only one other
hitter well, Victor Kartini. I guess we could throw in
there small uh, you know, small sample size on him,
but he has an no ps of eight seventy five.
(11:28):
He's your leading batting average, got three seventy five. These
seems like three for eight or something at the plate.
But Jaz McCormick as well, he's he's hitting a little
bit in small sample size, but everybody else isak parates
one thirty yard on Alvarez one twenty five. Christian Walker
one eighty five, Jan er Diez one eleven. These are
(11:49):
all guys who are expected to be some of your
bigger bats, and ye they're not carrying the load yet.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Yeah again, case by case basis. In the case of
jannar Diez, I'm a little bit more worried than the
others because he's not getting on bay. He's not drawing walks.
He's not that kind of guy. He needs to spray
the ball everywhere. And the nature of baseball is that
when you have somebody that's a free swinger like him,
you are going to have those big peaks and valleys.
That's just how it is. Esak Paratus, I still like
(12:15):
his at bats. He's drawing a lot of walks. He's
taken a lot of pitches. Same thing for cam Smith.
But on the cam Smith side, I would like him
to see him swing it strikes a little bit more.
He kind of looks like he First of all, he
does have a really good eye of the strike zone.
I mean, he is taking pitches that are just mega
close right off the corner. Unfortunately, getting some hard look
(12:36):
calls here and there as well there. But he's got
to let it go when there are he is getting
favorable counts, and he is getting pitched right down the middle.
I think he is somewhat a little bit too tentative.
He's got to let that bat go. He's got a
lot of power when he does swing, so a little
bit scared to chase. But sometimes you gotta dare to
(12:57):
be great. Cam Smith, you got to swing, baby, you
gotta getting on base and drawing all these walks is nice,
but she's sending one over the fence would be nicer.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Yeah, and he'll connect for one.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Well, he will eventually not worried about it.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
I do want to push back a little bit on
the Astros players who were coming out and saying, hey man,
we faced a tough, tough pitching so far. And I
look at the list and it's like, you know McGill
from the Mets and Jordan Hicks, Logan webb by not
did he want to sign young yeah, or Logan Web
Logan Web is a really nice stretch. Yeah, But like
they there wasn't Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens on the
(13:31):
other side.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Jordan Hicks last year his VLO was around like ninety
two ninety three, and they talked about his offseason that
he had built up his strength, especially his lower body,
because when he was a reliever, when Jordan Hicks was
coming out of the bullpen, he was like one hundred
plus mile an hour guy. He lost that as a starter,
but it looks like with whatever he'd done in the
offseason he kind of gained that back. So early returns
(13:54):
on Jordan Hicks or like, maybe he is the real deal,
So I will forgive him them that. But yeah, everybody's
facing tough pitching and the four extra base hits, no
matter if you're facing uh prime Pedro Martinez for six
straight games. Four extra base hits in six games is
not acceptable.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
And look Joe Ryan they got after Minnesota on Wenjay,
he's been pretty good. Sarah and Sunday are gonna see
Bailey Ober and uh Chris, Chris Paddock. I know what's
coming after this. It's the West Coast road trip to Seattle, which, yes,
Seattle's not going off to the best start, but it's
Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo and those dominant arms, Like
(14:32):
just know it's gonna get tougher. So you know, if
you're gonna use that excuse for me, if I'm foreshadowing
a year a week under. We just faced some really
good hitters or pitchers. Well, you better get after these twins, guys,
Get after Over, get after Paddock, because you know it's.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
It's a marinerse coming.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
It is what it is.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
And other good thing is you have your pitching and
and that's you know how the the Astros hashtag is
built for. This is the Mariner's hashtag. Play the under
that's what he should be. I mean, god, well, the
Rangers have been played under two lately. They've had a
couple won nothing games. Their offense is slow to get going,
but their pitching has been dominant. Jack Lder being the
real deal would not be good for us here in Houston.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Keep loving so in my fantasy league he's available, and
I keep looking at it, and I keep looking at the
guys on my table, like I like my pictures I have.
But I'm like, I don't know if I you pick
him up because it feels like fools gold. It feels
like he was bad for them last year. But granted,
you know, going through the rookie struggles and all that,
he's just somebody.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
He's still twenty four. He was one of the top
prospects in baseball. And they had him and Kumar Rocker
who got was getting rocked in spring. Yeah, Kumar Rocker
was getting rocked in spring and then he had a
bad first start. So we'll see what happens there. But yeah,
if Jack Lyder turns out to be the real deal
and Nathan Valdi's already got a shut out and de
(15:47):
Grom somehow stays healthy, I think even a week ago,
I was like, I'm scared about their Rangers. Whatever. The
Grom's old, of all these old's, like, so far, they're
looking pretty good.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
The thing I didn't realize you don't see them until
May fifteenth. I mean we get almost two months into
the season before you finally see the Rangers.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
Well, hopefully one of their old pitchers in the Valde
or Debram will be hurt by then.
Speaker 2 (16:10):
Yeah, it was for two of this. I guess you
did avoid seeing Justin Verlander in that Giant series was cool.
You know they give him Yeah, I mean, you know
it is what it is. But next up, like I said,
you'll finish off this Minnesota series where it's been very
cold up there in Minnesota, You're gonna go up to
Seattle where it's not exactly you know, ninety eight degrees
(16:31):
up there, and then you're gonna come home for a
quick three game against the Angels, and it's back on
the road again. You go play three up at Saint
Louis against the Cardinals, and then you come home for
the red hot Padres, who have got start off on
the right foot so far, and then you get Toronto
and Kansas City and Detroit and the White Sox, so
on and so forth. So, uh, point being, you just
don't want to have the same disaster April that you
(16:53):
had last year. Way you had to dig yourself out
of that hole. I mean it was a trench. You
had dug yourself such a big We're all saying, like people,
I tend to die. State it's over, You're not gonna
make the playoffs, forget what in the aos all that? Yeah,
And they dug themselves out of it.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
And the Mariners also collapsed too.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
I did, it was part of it. But they still
had to play good baseball to dig out of it.
And so the key is I just keep saying, like
get the rape at five hundred or better, like that's
what you want to be. You know, we overreact to
what teams do in April every year. But you know,
it's hard not to look around and say, ROSSI, the
Asters have four home runs so far through seven games,
and the Yankees have twenty two. You know, the Dodgers
(17:33):
have like eighteen like torpedo bats. These other teams are
crushing it. And that has been brought up. These torpedo bats.
Joe Aspata said, they have some on order. They're on
their way in. They're gonna test them out, see if
it works. It's like a bowling pin at the end
of your bat, and hey, whatever you got to do. Man,
if the league is gonna say these are league and
now here's the problem. Rob Banffer in the office are
(17:55):
letting it slide because it's the Yankees that are real. Well,
if everyone starts getting these and they start crushing, you
know what they're gonna do. Yeah, they're gonna get rid
of it.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
We'll see. I don't know. I don't even actually have
any clue. Does the union have to get involved in this?
How does that even work? It's it's all built to
the specifications to where it is legal right now. So
whether it helps or not.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Maybe it gets sent out a memo to everybody saying
no more torpedo bats and then somebody still keeps doing Oh.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
No, there we go. Yeah, and then there will be
a whole controversy and then the Ashleys will take all
the blame. Again, We've been there before.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
So the moral is story of today's Crawford box cast.
And by the way, grab a Crawford back and make
sure you can watch Astros Baseball seven ninety. Look, it's
it's easy to overreact. It's also easy to say these
seasons are a marathon, not a sprint. It is one
hundred and sixty two. There have been a lot of
things that, yes, don't look great, but you've also at least,
(18:49):
like I said, the Wednesday game is encouraging or the
Thursday game is encouraging, and you hope. Look if they
go and lose the next to a Minnesota, yeah I
won't be happy. We'll be coming out going there's something
wrong here. But when one of the next two or
maybe even sweep and we're sitting here going all right,
you're sitting a good spot. Go up to the Seattle
and see what happens.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
Yeah, I've got I feel I'm feeling pretty good, especially
for them being three and four. Christian Walker is going
to hit. Jordan Alvarez is going to hit. We talked
about this spring. You and I had the Jeremy Painna
home run. Bet you're looking good right now. He's got
two right now. He's been elevating the ball. We talked
about that in spring for him. Now the average hasn't
been there, and he's been scuffling a little here and there.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
But when he.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
Elevates the ball, the dude's got power. So if he's
going to continue to do that, he's our paradeus getting
on base, al Tuve, can he continue to drink from
the fountain of youth as he turns thirty five next month.
So far, so good there. So I think this as
long as you get enough from the offense and this
pitching stabilizes and and not stabilized, it is stable right now,
continues to be as good as they are and stay healthy.
(19:53):
I'm feeling pretty good for a team that's three and
four with how bad the offense has been.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
Where are you on? We didn't really mention it. Al
two Van left. So far, so good, so far.
Speaker 1 (20:03):
I mean, there was that ball at the wall that
he probably should have jumped up and got a six
foot probably catches that. Zach Dezenzo. Of course, that dude
is a freaking tree. He injured on would probably catch
that ball, Let's be honest. So, yes, it is and
can be an issue. He has played at second base,
he has played at DH. I think it's going to
be going to be a mix. And that's another thing.
(20:23):
Actually we can talk about that. How are you feeling
about you know, it's a little L two V at second,
a little at DH, a little in the left. You've
been having McCormick at center. Jake Myers hasn't played the
last three games. Has he already fallen out of favor quickly?
Basically one week end of the season? And is Dozenzo
gonna get more playing time? How is that all gonna
shake out?
Speaker 2 (20:41):
See? I think last Sunday a spot has said that
day he was getting Chazz and I think somebody else.
I think it was Dubon into the line because I
have to get them in because I got to get
them a look, right, Jake getting a few days off.
I think it's just matchups. I think it's based on
who's starting pitcher. Is historical numbers versus like I think
(21:03):
do they throw pitches?
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Yes, it's a bad matchup for jamag Jake Myers.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
But I think we overlooked that sometimes, like you know,
I mean it used to be how many times we
see tweets for people well is it all two way
play and like freaking out? Okay, just the day off, relax.
But they really do look at matchups. They really do
look historically. Oh Jordan sees this guy, well, okay, he's
he's gonna he's definitely in you know or whoever, Like
they figure out, oh, this guy Brendan Rodgers playing throws,
(21:27):
he may have more statistically better matchups he gets these pitchers.
So yeah, I think we're gonna see it as the
season goes along. But look, right now, I'm encouraged by
the Brendan Rodgers signing for a guy that it was
a Gold Glove winner just a couple of years ago.
And you know his bat. I know, we made a
big deal about how it was very good in Colorado
and not so much on the road. But so far
(21:50):
he's had a couple of hits. If he keeps hitting,
they're gonna play it more. Second.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
Yeah, I think I think that's what their plan is.
Their plan is if everything goes to the way they
want it. Brendan Rodgers will hit it enough to win
that everyday second base job. You can use Dubon everywhere
and then you can figure it out with the other guys.
The problem, to an extent is that Dubon, McCormick, and
Myers are all better against lefties, So then you have
to break it down. I guess you know against what
(22:14):
types of pitches the lefties are throwing. So then that's
when things can get a little jumbled.
Speaker 2 (22:17):
And a catcher, look yan Er, if Carotene's gonna keep hitting.
I said it before the season. I thought it should
be more fifty to fifty. I think we should see
more Victor Carotini. I just think we do. He gives
you better at bats. Is he not as good as
behind the play?
Speaker 1 (22:33):
I think they're probably a washy kartin. He has the edge,
he's certainly a better framer, and then everything else kind
of equal. I would say, as far as the better.
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Hitter, and he's the better framer, yeah, no offense, I
mean I think.
Speaker 1 (22:45):
Overall Yiner is the better hitter. It's it's not even
going to be particularly close, but yeah, Kat in this moment,
why do you find him the right matchups. What Joe
spot is going to do it If it's about putting
them in the right position to thrive, right, we can't
just extrapolate and say, hey, Carotene's been in the lineup
three games and he's hitting whatever in those games. Well,
those are also the perfect matchups for him in those scenarios.
(23:07):
So he is gonna thrive. That doesn't mean you put
him in every day he's gonna have the same results.
Speaker 2 (23:11):
Can I bring up something that also kind of concerned me?
I think this was on last Saturday the Astros one
of one run game, Josh Hater was coming in to
close it out. I think that's right, right? Or is
two to one? Yeah, you're beating the Mets two to one.
Josh Hater's coming in. They made a defensive sub chas
McCormick came in, he went to left. Jose l TV
(23:34):
came out of the game. I was just this scenario
throughout the season. What happens when Hater gives up the
dinger and you're now going to extra innings and your
best hitter is no longer in the lineup. Yeah, and
you're sacrificing offense for defense. But again, it's just it's
one of those things that just came down my mind.
The sacrifice you're making without two v playing left. If
(23:58):
you're in a tight game and you're bringing in Josh
Hari close it out and he doesn't get it done,
you had the exter innings without your best hair. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Also, I mean, I guess we'd have to go back
and look and see at what place in the lineup
was al tuove? Was he like seventh eighth to where
you were going to have to get to two extra innings?
And that doesn't really happen a whole lot, especially with
the free runner now going into the tenth inning. But
I would say my concern on that is minimal. Defensive
replacement outfielder has been a thing for however long. I mean,
you can go back to Jake Morisnik being that guy,
(24:27):
Cameron maybe and Derek Fisher, Beith Myers.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
It was exacerbated because he was batting like three fifty
and nobody else has been. Yeah, so that was the
fear is like, oh God, I'd.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
Be curious we could go back and see like where
they were at the lineup at that time. Yeah, but
I would imagine I would get I would just just
a flat guess that that al Tuove wasn't gonna come up,
at least immediately up in.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
The next and Hater got the job done.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
So if it goes to playing Josh, Hader's supposed to
go out there and get the job done.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
Anyway, it just triggered our radarm my head, like what
if this happens down the stretch of the season. This
is the sacrifice you make and playing not a great left,
you know, defensive player and now two van left, but
he's your best bat. That's the whole reason he's playing
there is because you had to keep him in the
lineup somehow, some way. So I don't know, maybe they'll
get creative with some of the defensive switches again, like
you don't want to move him the second light because
(25:14):
he's not a good second basement anybody either, So.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
Okay, I just pulled it up. So it was Dubond
that came in and left. You're talking about the two
to one game. Yeah, Dubon came in and left. Walker
had just gotten the last out.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
Okay, you're you would Yeah, it would have been probably
the eleventh yeah, ning before al two came up. So
no arm, no fall. But the Astros three and four
in to start this very very young season. I don't
know how many times roster you could. You know, you
and Matt always debate is when is too late to
keep saying Happy New Year? It's how many times could
Joe a Spot and everybody say it's early, it's early.
Speaker 1 (25:45):
I'm gonna it's early month?
Speaker 2 (25:46):
First month, you can still say it's early.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
Yes, So well, they were twelve and twenty four, we
weren't saying it was early. Really. I was like, they're
not making the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
They technically started on March twenty seventh, Okay, so on
April twenty eighth, can I still say it early? Okay?
Speaker 1 (26:01):
It's over now. It's like it's kind of early now.
It's like it's we're getting in the middle stages.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Suddenly you're in two. It's it's it's some.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
People will tell you, yeah, some people will say Memorial Day. Yeah,
struggling that you can lose this season by Memorial Day.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
That you've had Alex Bregman seasons where he's been abysmal,
and May, June, July, August he turns it on. So
I get it.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
But it's crazy how you can have I mean being
a deep funk for two months and then two weeks
of like really hot hitting can are completely eracent numbers wise.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
As we wrap up here, as your opinion changed it
all on this team so far.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
No, I said, eighty eight wins Aos Champs. I'm sticking
with that right now. The Rangers pitching is holding it
together better than I thought they would so far, but
again it's early. If Jack Glider is the real deal,
then then I think maybe that the scales do tip
to the Rangers if he is, and then the rest
of that pitching holds up as well.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Yeah, and Nathan's been all so far too, Like dude,
he's beast that's got to come back down to earth hopefully.
I'll say this. We talked about Christian Walker eastac Paratus
has put up some good at bats. I know the
average doesn't show, but he's hit some balls that have
just gone fight like there. Even there was one game
where Todd cals like, oh, this one's hit a ton
Blummer and it just bend's foul. Those balls are eventually
(27:19):
gonna find the Crawford boxes and he's gonna hit home
runs if he and Walker both start to heat up,
and God forbid, Jordon finds his stride. Yep, this offense.
I mean we could start talking four game win streak,
five game wins, like they could really start to string.
So that's where I say, like, yeah, they're probably where
we thought they'd be right now, but the potential is
still there for them to really get hot and exceed
(27:41):
our expectations a little bit. It's there. I'd say it's
gonna happen, but the potential is there. It's certainly with
some of the opponents coming up. Look agreed, gonna be
fun to get out there at the ballpark again. Real
soon to be out there next weekend with the Angels
in town and enjoy Crawford Boch from Carbock Brewing and
also in to remind us Carbos got a great event
going on on April was at the twelfth Saturday, April
(28:05):
twelfth out there in the Beer Garden, fun family friendly event,
their annual Love Street and Arts Festival where they're gonna
have tons of art vendors, little boutique shops, food trucks
and all this. My wife and I had been out
there before and they've it's fun. They got live bands
playing all this stuff. You'll find some like some really
like crafty earrings or something, you know, a cool book. Yeah,
(28:28):
it's all that kind of stuff, and it's really cool. Again.
The weather is right about right this time of year,
so get on out there. You get tickets at Carbockbrewing
dot com and bring a whole family out. Some great
bands gonna be out there as well, performing all day
into the evening. So it should be a fun event
for all. But if you're watching as baseball, if you're
listening to on sports talks eveny night, you make sure
(28:49):
you're doing it with the Crawford Bach from Carbock Brewing.
And of course you can still try and limited the
edition out there, the Pale Ale from Crawford back, which
I've enjoyed as well. My fridge upstairs for us I
got it's split. There's waters, then there's Crawford Box, and
then there's some pale aisles. That's what I got upstairs. Okay,
I think there's a loan truly kind of there.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
So you got a starter, you got the middle relief,
and then you got the closer.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
I had some Carbox ranchwaters, but I drank them. What
was that during the Yeah there, Their wrenchwaters are pretty
damn good too, so don't underrate that. But the Crawford
bock goes perfect with Astros baseball and baseball season. That's
gonna do it for this issue of the Crawford Box
Box Cast. We will talk to you next week right
here on all new dishes of the Box Cast, presented
(29:33):
by Carbock Bery
Astros fans, cheers, Wacky Lackey, Welcome to the Crawford Box Casts.
Crowd lead Ford for you by Crawford Bach from Carbach Brewing.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
You're getting bear Oh my godness.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
The Crawford Box cast starts now here we go. Here's
Chris Gordy and Ross via Reel.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
It is an all new addition to the Crawford Box Cast,
presented by Crawford Bach and the Carbox Brewing. And of
course it was nice to be out at dyke In
Park for the first week of games and enjoy a
Crawford box. See all the folks enjoying an ice caled
Crawford box still all over the concourse and the coolers.
You see those big the tequila Sunrise stripes. They get
(00:58):
the big inflatable can over there, kind of like by
the escalators behind home plate on the concourse. I always
love seeing that. But it was good to be out
there at dyke And Park as the Astros out of
the gates three and four to start the twenty twenty
five season. So make sure you guys are loaded up
on playing at Crawford Bach from Carback Brewing of course
(01:19):
for the start of the Astro season. I'm Chris Cordy.
Joining me as always for the Crawford box cast is
Ross Viial. As the Astros a rare off day on
a Friday, they will never be off again on a
Friday for the rest of this regular season. So as
we have an off day on a Friday, I said,
it might be a good day to catch up and
kind of drop a Crawford box cast and talk all
(01:40):
the latest happenings. Ross, welcome in.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
How are you hey? Good to be here seven games in?
At least the Astros won yesterday, so we don't have
to talk about how everyone's all in a panic.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Yeah, some up, some downs, some good, some bad, A
lot of things to dissect. I'll put it to you.
You won't start with the offense of the pitching first.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Let's let's start with the good. Let's start with the pitching.
Let's start with how impressive they've been, especially from a
starting standpoint.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
The pitching has been good. They have been in the
top ten in many statistical categories through the first week.
I think team Era somewhere around tenth or eleventh right now.
They've just been very good. One turn through the starting
rotation serviceable, if not very good. I think you could say,
you know, really from er Valdez, his start on Believe
(02:25):
that was Wednesday, was the first one where a pitcher
gave up five runs, but all the other ones were
three runs or less, which you know many times is
considered quality starting. You tip your cap, you say they
did enough. The offense do enough, and that's another story.
But overall, I think, you know, for any concerns we
had about this rotation, remember where were a year ago
this time it was like, oh my god, all the
(02:46):
injuries Luis Garcia and Christian Javier and so on. It's
overall all the injured names you want to throw out there.
Right now, you feel pretty good about this rotation one
through five.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Yeah, I think so. Of course, from we're giving up
the five runs against a giant, it's not ideal. But
before that, I mean, he's seven innings shutout. I mean,
how how often we've seen that from fromber for one
start to another. I don't want to say you never
know what you're gonna get. He did settle in nicely
after giving up those big runs early on in that game.
I still think he's going to be fine. Hunter Brown
is emerging, you know, preseason and we're just two starts in.
(03:18):
We're talking about him being the co ace of this
staff and hoping that he can emerge and blossom into that.
Right now he's looking like the ace of this staff.
But again we say very very very very early Spencer Righetty,
impressive renew Blanco. I thought he was really sharp early
in his start, but then kind of, I want to say,
the wheels completely came off. But five innings, three run ball,
(03:38):
and then I was impressed with Tayden Wesnsky, especially in
his start, giving up a couple of walks in the
top of the third of his start to the eighth
and ninth place hitters, but using his fastball is forcing
fastball a lot, getting some whits with that. Like what
I saw from him. Overall, I think he's going to
be good. We're talking about a solid, very solid one
through five rotation. Of course, after that, if there is
(04:02):
a blister, a shoulder, stiffness, whatever, that's when the question
marks come in. But right now one through five, feeling
really good about the astros rotation.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Yeah, I think even Steve Sparks said it about was
Nesky with the two walks to the had nine whole hitter.
He's like, that's just early season jitterus, Like he's gonna
work that out. It's gonna be fine. They'll settle in
after him. There have been some some studs so far,
and I got to show some love to Brian king Man.
He has been money so far. An e Aray of zero,
he had a nice spring and he has had some
(04:33):
nice appearances so far. That the lefty from you know
McNeice that that has really turned out to be a
nice piece. And then you know Brian and Bray who's
been pretty solid so far, Steven Okert, you know, the
list goes on and on. Of course, Ralphiel Montero has
not been great, but he's also pitched in games where
you were losing anyway, so it was just kind of, hey, dude,
(04:55):
go eat up some innings. That was kind of the
role for him. Louis Contrera's kind of I know, it's
a mixed bag so far. I think Ryan Gusto, you know,
a couple of relief appearances, granted in games you were losing,
but he's pitched pretty well and I like that and
he's kind of wanted to keep it on it too.
If they do, you need a spot starter. Do they
go you know, both times out he's pitched I think
(05:16):
two innings each. Is that the guy you would turn
two to be your spot's starter or would you go
to triple A where I think aj blue Ball just
said a really nice start the other night, so something
to keep it on. If they need a.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Spot, probably did's probably Gusto first up. But if you've
just been used, depending on the situations, and you might
have to go somewhere else depending on the timing and
where blue Ball is in the rotation, stuff like that.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Yeah, but overall yeah, I mean the biggest question to
me was Hunter Brown and Spencer Urgetty. Those are the
two catalysts. Those have to be the guys because we
know what the writing is on the hall from Berveldez
is a free agent, he's probably moving on after this year.
So as much you want to say he's the acs,
the number one, yes for now, which he is, but
what's the future look like And the future looks like
(05:57):
Hannord Brown slide into that number one slot next year
and moving forward? How do they respond after their rough
starts last year where they really settled down and became
so good, so far, so good, they have carried over
how good they were down the stretch and last season
into twenty twenty five so far.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Yeah, absolutely, and I think that's going to continue. I
think for both rag Getty and brown Blanco. Maybe you
know you look at the I know you how much
you love the advanced numbers, Gordy, but some of the
things that the fly ball rate versus home run rates,
some batting average balls and plays type of stuff. He's
due for a little bit of regression. But even if
he regresses from that two point eight oeer he had
(06:34):
last year, he's still going to be really, really good.
So yeah, we're feeling good about the rotation. As you mentioned,
Brian King has stepped up. That's kind of one of
the early storylines to me of this season. We talked
about it a lot. Okay, A brave's your eighth inning guy.
Hater's your ninth inning guy who's coming on in that
seventh inning. And we've seen Brian King do it. We've
seen I think Taylor Scott did as well. So but
(06:58):
I'm with you that I've really been in press with
Brian King and his ability to get out. So I
think right now, if you had to ask me who
this in a role with there's flexibility there depending on
what part of the lineup, all that type of stuff.
He is a lefty right now. Your third best reliever,
I would say, is branking at this moment.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Yeah, and we should mention Josh Hater with three saves
already on the ear. He's off to a great start.
I know opening day it was a little shaky, but
all the results are all that matter. Does he put
that stay that number in the save column. Yeah, to
get the jump again, and he's getting the job done.
So that's encouraging as well. When you compare where he
was at this time a year ago, we're all freaking
(07:35):
out going, oh my god, they just get a lemon
with paying the most money for the top closer on
the market and had been the best closer available. And
it was a little bit of a disaster to start
last season. Then he ended up settling down it was
just fine. So I feel good about Josh Hater as well,
who also had a shaky spring training. He wasn't great
in spring training. Give some homers and all that, but
(07:56):
it's like we always say, sometimes the guys are working
on new pitches, sometimes they just miss. It's like, so
you can't take a ton of stock away from spring training,
but so far, so good in the regular season.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Yeah, feeling pretty good about Josh Hater and Brian A.
Brady there at the back end of the bullpen, who
has not surrendered a run yet, and we're gonna we're
gonna be okay. I think, Yeah, it was funny because
it was opening Day. Both of them were shaky, but
they still got to win. I always work in the postgame,
guys called this bullpen is trash. It's like they saved
the game. Guys like they still won it. It is
(08:26):
what it is. Relievers, you do your job ninety nine times,
at one hundred time you give up a couple runs,
everybody's freaking out.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Yeah, I think we get Soca customed to those days
of like you know, the Yankees in their prime when
Mariano Rivera and her Samman would play and he would
come out and one, two, three, he gets all three
guys out, Like that's just not the reality. Like, say,
a closer can give up a hit, He can give
up a run as long as you have more runs
than the other team at the end of the day,
and he gets to say if it's all that matters.
(08:53):
Like all the other stuff, it doesn't matter. Just get
the result and that's where results matter, and that's where
we switch gears from the good to the bad. The offense, yeah,
has been slow out of the gates thus far. Now
I'll say this Ross, if we were recording this podcast
about twenty four to thirty six hours previous to this,
I think way more down on them. Yeah, But fortunately
(09:15):
they went up to Minnesota, they got their groove back.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
A little bit, sploded for five runs.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Back to back home runs. They had two home runs
in the first five game or six games. Yeah, with
Al two ve hit a solo and Jeremy Opinion hit
a solo. They go up to Minnesota and back to back,
Christian Walker connects. Christian Walker had a terrible start of
the season, but on Thursday at Minnesota, he connects for
his first home run in Astro's uniform. Jeremy Penya immediately
(09:40):
follows with a home run of his own, and then
as a game goes along, Brendan Rodgers getting an opportunity
at second base. We know they signed him in spring
training as an opportunity with how twove moving the left,
and he made the most of his opportunity. So I'm
a little bit more positive about the offense coming off Thursday,
but yes, ross the first six games of the season,
we're not very goo. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Funny enough that it was jose Al Tuve carrying the
offense early and then the day that he goes oh
for five first time in his career five strikeouts, everybody
else kind of picks up the pieces. It's just it's
just tells you that that that's kind of we always
use the phrase that's baseball. Everybody is their own individual case.
It was just unfortunate that everybody was slumping at the
(10:23):
wrong time and something in different ways. To me, like
Christian Walker was just having it was a hard luck slump.
You look at his exit vlos and all the time
he is he was scolding the ball and ha having
nothing to show for it. So it was nice to
see him get the home run.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
And what's this say about Tuve to go oh for
five with five strikeouts and he's still betting three twenty one.
He's still one of your best hitters.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Yeah, I mean, the dude is just an ageless wonder
at this point. If he can continue to keep this
up of the season of course, when we talk about
somebody coming on in age, he'll be turning thirty five
this year. At the early part of the season is
where you're supposed to thrive. Now, once you get to
one hundred hundred plus games on hundred twenty games played,
if he can still keep it up, there will be
the impressive stuff. I expect him to do that. It's
just as we say with the bat it's early, but
(11:05):
we'll say with the good it's early as well.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
With ose al Tuve, Yeah, it look the numbers I
think will come up as we get more of a
sample size. But only two hitters above seven hundred ops
right now al Tuove and Brendan Rodgers. Only one other
hitter well, Victor Kartini. I guess we could throw in
there small uh, you know, small sample size on him,
but he has an no ps of eight seventy five.
(11:28):
He's your leading batting average, got three seventy five. These
seems like three for eight or something at the plate.
But Jaz McCormick as well, he's he's hitting a little
bit in small sample size, but everybody else isak parates
one thirty yard on Alvarez one twenty five. Christian Walker
one eighty five, Jan er Diez one eleven. These are
(11:49):
all guys who are expected to be some of your
bigger bats, and ye they're not carrying the load yet.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Yeah again, case by case basis. In the case of
jannar Diez, I'm a little bit more worried than the
others because he's not getting on bay. He's not drawing walks.
He's not that kind of guy. He needs to spray
the ball everywhere. And the nature of baseball is that
when you have somebody that's a free swinger like him,
you are going to have those big peaks and valleys.
That's just how it is. Esak Paratus, I still like
(12:15):
his at bats. He's drawing a lot of walks. He's
taken a lot of pitches. Same thing for cam Smith.
But on the cam Smith side, I would like him
to see him swing it strikes a little bit more.
He kind of looks like he First of all, he
does have a really good eye of the strike zone.
I mean, he is taking pitches that are just mega
close right off the corner. Unfortunately, getting some hard look
(12:36):
calls here and there as well there. But he's got
to let it go when there are he is getting
favorable counts, and he is getting pitched right down the middle.
I think he is somewhat a little bit too tentative.
He's got to let that bat go. He's got a
lot of power when he does swing, so a little
bit scared to chase. But sometimes you gotta dare to
(12:57):
be great. Cam Smith, you got to swing, baby, you
gotta getting on base and drawing all these walks is nice,
but she's sending one over the fence would be nicer.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Yeah, and he'll connect for one.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Well, he will eventually not worried about it.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
I do want to push back a little bit on
the Astros players who were coming out and saying, hey man,
we faced a tough, tough pitching so far. And I
look at the list and it's like, you know McGill
from the Mets and Jordan Hicks, Logan webb by not
did he want to sign young yeah, or Logan Web
Logan Web is a really nice stretch. Yeah, But like
they there wasn't Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens on the
(13:31):
other side.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Jordan Hicks last year his VLO was around like ninety
two ninety three, and they talked about his offseason that
he had built up his strength, especially his lower body,
because when he was a reliever, when Jordan Hicks was
coming out of the bullpen, he was like one hundred
plus mile an hour guy. He lost that as a starter,
but it looks like with whatever he'd done in the
offseason he kind of gained that back. So early returns
(13:54):
on Jordan Hicks or like, maybe he is the real deal,
So I will forgive him them that. But yeah, everybody's
facing tough pitching and the four extra base hits, no
matter if you're facing uh prime Pedro Martinez for six
straight games. Four extra base hits in six games is
not acceptable.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
And look Joe Ryan they got after Minnesota on Wenjay,
he's been pretty good. Sarah and Sunday are gonna see
Bailey Ober and uh Chris, Chris Paddock. I know what's
coming after this. It's the West Coast road trip to Seattle, which, yes,
Seattle's not going off to the best start, but it's
Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo and those dominant arms, Like
(14:32):
just know it's gonna get tougher. So you know, if
you're gonna use that excuse for me, if I'm foreshadowing
a year a week under. We just faced some really
good hitters or pitchers. Well, you better get after these twins, guys,
Get after Over, get after Paddock, because you know it's.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
It's a marinerse coming.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
It is what it is.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
And other good thing is you have your pitching and
and that's you know how the the Astros hashtag is
built for. This is the Mariner's hashtag. Play the under
that's what he should be. I mean, god, well, the
Rangers have been played under two lately. They've had a
couple won nothing games. Their offense is slow to get going,
but their pitching has been dominant. Jack Lder being the
real deal would not be good for us here in Houston.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Keep loving so in my fantasy league he's available, and
I keep looking at it, and I keep looking at the
guys on my table, like I like my pictures I have.
But I'm like, I don't know if I you pick
him up because it feels like fools gold. It feels
like he was bad for them last year. But granted,
you know, going through the rookie struggles and all that,
he's just somebody.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
He's still twenty four. He was one of the top
prospects in baseball. And they had him and Kumar Rocker
who got was getting rocked in spring. Yeah, Kumar Rocker
was getting rocked in spring and then he had a
bad first start. So we'll see what happens there. But yeah,
if Jack Lyder turns out to be the real deal
and Nathan Valdi's already got a shut out and de
(15:47):
Grom somehow stays healthy, I think even a week ago,
I was like, I'm scared about their Rangers. Whatever. The
Grom's old, of all these old's, like, so far, they're
looking pretty good.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
The thing I didn't realize you don't see them until
May fifteenth. I mean we get almost two months into
the season before you finally see the Rangers.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
Well, hopefully one of their old pitchers in the Valde
or Debram will be hurt by then.
Speaker 2 (16:10):
Yeah, it was for two of this. I guess you
did avoid seeing Justin Verlander in that Giant series was cool.
You know they give him Yeah, I mean, you know
it is what it is. But next up, like I said,
you'll finish off this Minnesota series where it's been very
cold up there in Minnesota, You're gonna go up to
Seattle where it's not exactly you know, ninety eight degrees
(16:31):
up there, and then you're gonna come home for a
quick three game against the Angels, and it's back on
the road again. You go play three up at Saint
Louis against the Cardinals, and then you come home for
the red hot Padres, who have got start off on
the right foot so far, and then you get Toronto
and Kansas City and Detroit and the White Sox, so
on and so forth. So, uh, point being, you just
don't want to have the same disaster April that you
(16:53):
had last year. Way you had to dig yourself out
of that hole. I mean it was a trench. You
had dug yourself such a big We're all saying, like people,
I tend to die. State it's over, You're not gonna
make the playoffs, forget what in the aos all that? Yeah,
And they dug themselves out of it.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
And the Mariners also collapsed too.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
I did, it was part of it. But they still
had to play good baseball to dig out of it.
And so the key is I just keep saying, like
get the rape at five hundred or better, like that's
what you want to be. You know, we overreact to
what teams do in April every year. But you know,
it's hard not to look around and say, ROSSI, the
Asters have four home runs so far through seven games,
and the Yankees have twenty two. You know, the Dodgers
(17:33):
have like eighteen like torpedo bats. These other teams are
crushing it. And that has been brought up. These torpedo bats.
Joe Aspata said, they have some on order. They're on
their way in. They're gonna test them out, see if
it works. It's like a bowling pin at the end
of your bat, and hey, whatever you got to do. Man,
if the league is gonna say these are league and
now here's the problem. Rob Banffer in the office are
(17:55):
letting it slide because it's the Yankees that are real. Well,
if everyone starts getting these and they start crushing, you
know what they're gonna do. Yeah, they're gonna get rid
of it.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
We'll see. I don't know. I don't even actually have
any clue. Does the union have to get involved in this?
How does that even work? It's it's all built to
the specifications to where it is legal right now. So
whether it helps or not.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Maybe it gets sent out a memo to everybody saying
no more torpedo bats and then somebody still keeps doing Oh.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
No, there we go. Yeah, and then there will be
a whole controversy and then the Ashleys will take all
the blame. Again, We've been there before.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
So the moral is story of today's Crawford box cast.
And by the way, grab a Crawford back and make
sure you can watch Astros Baseball seven ninety. Look, it's
it's easy to overreact. It's also easy to say these
seasons are a marathon, not a sprint. It is one
hundred and sixty two. There have been a lot of
things that, yes, don't look great, but you've also at least,
(18:49):
like I said, the Wednesday game is encouraging or the
Thursday game is encouraging, and you hope. Look if they
go and lose the next to a Minnesota, yeah I
won't be happy. We'll be coming out going there's something
wrong here. But when one of the next two or
maybe even sweep and we're sitting here going all right,
you're sitting a good spot. Go up to the Seattle
and see what happens.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
Yeah, I've got I feel I'm feeling pretty good, especially
for them being three and four. Christian Walker is going
to hit. Jordan Alvarez is going to hit. We talked
about this spring. You and I had the Jeremy Painna
home run. Bet you're looking good right now. He's got
two right now. He's been elevating the ball. We talked
about that in spring for him. Now the average hasn't
been there, and he's been scuffling a little here and there.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
But when he.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
Elevates the ball, the dude's got power. So if he's
going to continue to do that, he's our paradeus getting
on base, al Tuve, can he continue to drink from
the fountain of youth as he turns thirty five next month.
So far, so good there. So I think this as
long as you get enough from the offense and this
pitching stabilizes and and not stabilized, it is stable right now,
continues to be as good as they are and stay healthy.
(19:53):
I'm feeling pretty good for a team that's three and
four with how bad the offense has been.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
Where are you on? We didn't really mention it. Al
two Van left. So far, so good, so far.
Speaker 1 (20:03):
I mean, there was that ball at the wall that
he probably should have jumped up and got a six
foot probably catches that. Zach Dezenzo. Of course, that dude
is a freaking tree. He injured on would probably catch
that ball, Let's be honest. So, yes, it is and
can be an issue. He has played at second base,
he has played at DH. I think it's going to
be going to be a mix. And that's another thing.
(20:23):
Actually we can talk about that. How are you feeling
about you know, it's a little L two V at second,
a little at DH, a little in the left. You've
been having McCormick at center. Jake Myers hasn't played the
last three games. Has he already fallen out of favor quickly?
Basically one week end of the season? And is Dozenzo
gonna get more playing time? How is that all gonna
shake out?
Speaker 2 (20:41):
See? I think last Sunday a spot has said that
day he was getting Chazz and I think somebody else.
I think it was Dubon into the line because I
have to get them in because I got to get
them a look, right, Jake getting a few days off.
I think it's just matchups. I think it's based on
who's starting pitcher. Is historical numbers versus like I think
(21:03):
do they throw pitches?
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Yes, it's a bad matchup for jamag Jake Myers.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
But I think we overlooked that sometimes, like you know,
I mean it used to be how many times we
see tweets for people well is it all two way
play and like freaking out? Okay, just the day off, relax.
But they really do look at matchups. They really do
look historically. Oh Jordan sees this guy, well, okay, he's
he's gonna he's definitely in you know or whoever, Like
they figure out, oh, this guy Brendan Rodgers playing throws,
(21:27):
he may have more statistically better matchups he gets these pitchers.
So yeah, I think we're gonna see it as the
season goes along. But look, right now, I'm encouraged by
the Brendan Rodgers signing for a guy that it was
a Gold Glove winner just a couple of years ago.
And you know his bat. I know, we made a
big deal about how it was very good in Colorado
and not so much on the road. But so far
(21:50):
he's had a couple of hits. If he keeps hitting,
they're gonna play it more. Second.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
Yeah, I think I think that's what their plan is.
Their plan is if everything goes to the way they
want it. Brendan Rodgers will hit it enough to win
that everyday second base job. You can use Dubon everywhere
and then you can figure it out with the other guys.
The problem, to an extent is that Dubon, McCormick, and
Myers are all better against lefties, So then you have
to break it down. I guess you know against what
(22:14):
types of pitches the lefties are throwing. So then that's
when things can get a little jumbled.
Speaker 2 (22:17):
And a catcher, look yan Er, if Carotene's gonna keep hitting.
I said it before the season. I thought it should
be more fifty to fifty. I think we should see
more Victor Carotini. I just think we do. He gives
you better at bats. Is he not as good as
behind the play?
Speaker 1 (22:33):
I think they're probably a washy kartin. He has the edge,
he's certainly a better framer, and then everything else kind
of equal. I would say, as far as the better.
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Hitter, and he's the better framer, yeah, no offense, I
mean I think.
Speaker 1 (22:45):
Overall Yiner is the better hitter. It's it's not even
going to be particularly close, but yeah, Kat in this moment,
why do you find him the right matchups. What Joe
spot is going to do it If it's about putting
them in the right position to thrive, right, we can't
just extrapolate and say, hey, Carotene's been in the lineup
three games and he's hitting whatever in those games. Well,
those are also the perfect matchups for him in those scenarios.
(23:07):
So he is gonna thrive. That doesn't mean you put
him in every day he's gonna have the same results.
Speaker 2 (23:11):
Can I bring up something that also kind of concerned me?
I think this was on last Saturday the Astros one
of one run game, Josh Hater was coming in to
close it out. I think that's right, right? Or is
two to one? Yeah, you're beating the Mets two to one.
Josh Hater's coming in. They made a defensive sub chas
McCormick came in, he went to left. Jose l TV
(23:34):
came out of the game. I was just this scenario
throughout the season. What happens when Hater gives up the
dinger and you're now going to extra innings and your
best hitter is no longer in the lineup. Yeah, and
you're sacrificing offense for defense. But again, it's just it's
one of those things that just came down my mind.
The sacrifice you're making without two v playing left. If
(23:58):
you're in a tight game and you're bringing in Josh
Hari close it out and he doesn't get it done,
you had the exter innings without your best hair. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Also, I mean, I guess we'd have to go back
and look and see at what place in the lineup
was al tuove? Was he like seventh eighth to where
you were going to have to get to two extra innings?
And that doesn't really happen a whole lot, especially with
the free runner now going into the tenth inning. But
I would say my concern on that is minimal. Defensive
replacement outfielder has been a thing for however long. I mean,
you can go back to Jake Morisnik being that guy,
(24:27):
Cameron maybe and Derek Fisher, Beith Myers.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
It was exacerbated because he was batting like three fifty
and nobody else has been. Yeah, so that was the
fear is like, oh God, I'd.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
Be curious we could go back and see like where
they were at the lineup at that time. Yeah, but
I would imagine I would get I would just just
a flat guess that that al Tuove wasn't gonna come up,
at least immediately up in.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
The next and Hater got the job done.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
So if it goes to playing Josh, Hader's supposed to
go out there and get the job done.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
Anyway, it just triggered our radarm my head, like what
if this happens down the stretch of the season. This
is the sacrifice you make and playing not a great left,
you know, defensive player and now two van left, but
he's your best bat. That's the whole reason he's playing
there is because you had to keep him in the
lineup somehow, some way. So I don't know, maybe they'll
get creative with some of the defensive switches again, like
you don't want to move him the second light because
(25:14):
he's not a good second basement anybody either, So.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
Okay, I just pulled it up. So it was Dubond
that came in and left. You're talking about the two
to one game. Yeah, Dubon came in and left. Walker
had just gotten the last out.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
Okay, you're you would Yeah, it would have been probably
the eleventh yeah, ning before al two came up. So
no arm, no fall. But the Astros three and four
in to start this very very young season. I don't
know how many times roster you could. You know, you
and Matt always debate is when is too late to
keep saying Happy New Year? It's how many times could
Joe a Spot and everybody say it's early, it's early.
Speaker 1 (25:45):
I'm gonna it's early month?
Speaker 2 (25:46):
First month, you can still say it's early.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
Yes, So well, they were twelve and twenty four, we
weren't saying it was early. Really. I was like, they're
not making the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
They technically started on March twenty seventh, Okay, so on
April twenty eighth, can I still say it early? Okay?
Speaker 1 (26:01):
It's over now. It's like it's kind of early now.
It's like it's we're getting in the middle stages.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Suddenly you're in two. It's it's it's some.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
People will tell you, yeah, some people will say Memorial Day. Yeah,
struggling that you can lose this season by Memorial Day.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
That you've had Alex Bregman seasons where he's been abysmal,
and May, June, July, August he turns it on. So
I get it.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
But it's crazy how you can have I mean being
a deep funk for two months and then two weeks
of like really hot hitting can are completely eracent numbers wise.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
As we wrap up here, as your opinion changed it
all on this team so far.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
No, I said, eighty eight wins Aos Champs. I'm sticking
with that right now. The Rangers pitching is holding it
together better than I thought they would so far, but
again it's early. If Jack Glider is the real deal,
then then I think maybe that the scales do tip
to the Rangers if he is, and then the rest
of that pitching holds up as well.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Yeah, and Nathan's been all so far too, Like dude,
he's beast that's got to come back down to earth hopefully.
I'll say this. We talked about Christian Walker eastac Paratus
has put up some good at bats. I know the
average doesn't show, but he's hit some balls that have
just gone fight like there. Even there was one game
where Todd cals like, oh, this one's hit a ton
Blummer and it just bend's foul. Those balls are eventually
(27:19):
gonna find the Crawford boxes and he's gonna hit home
runs if he and Walker both start to heat up,
and God forbid, Jordon finds his stride. Yep, this offense.
I mean we could start talking four game win streak,
five game wins, like they could really start to string.
So that's where I say, like, yeah, they're probably where
we thought they'd be right now, but the potential is
still there for them to really get hot and exceed
(27:41):
our expectations a little bit. It's there. I'd say it's
gonna happen, but the potential is there. It's certainly with
some of the opponents coming up. Look agreed, gonna be
fun to get out there at the ballpark again. Real
soon to be out there next weekend with the Angels
in town and enjoy Crawford Boch from Carbock Brewing and
also in to remind us Carbos got a great event
going on on April was at the twelfth Saturday, April
(28:05):
twelfth out there in the Beer Garden, fun family friendly event,
their annual Love Street and Arts Festival where they're gonna
have tons of art vendors, little boutique shops, food trucks
and all this. My wife and I had been out
there before and they've it's fun. They got live bands
playing all this stuff. You'll find some like some really
like crafty earrings or something, you know, a cool book. Yeah,
(28:28):
it's all that kind of stuff, and it's really cool. Again.
The weather is right about right this time of year,
so get on out there. You get tickets at Carbockbrewing
dot com and bring a whole family out. Some great
bands gonna be out there as well, performing all day
into the evening. So it should be a fun event
for all. But if you're watching as baseball, if you're
listening to on sports talks eveny night, you make sure
(28:49):
you're doing it with the Crawford Bach from Carbock Brewing.
And of course you can still try and limited the
edition out there, the Pale Ale from Crawford back, which
I've enjoyed as well. My fridge upstairs for us I
got it's split. There's waters, then there's Crawford Box, and
then there's some pale aisles. That's what I got upstairs. Okay,
I think there's a loan truly kind of there.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
So you got a starter, you got the middle relief,
and then you got the closer.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
I had some Carbox ranchwaters, but I drank them. What
was that during the Yeah there, Their wrenchwaters are pretty
damn good too, so don't underrate that. But the Crawford
bock goes perfect with Astros baseball and baseball season. That's
gonna do it for this issue of the Crawford Box
Box Cast. We will talk to you next week right
here on all new dishes of the Box Cast, presented
(29:33):
by Carbock Bery
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com