Let’s discuss the dynamic of how decisions are being made in Houston Astros dugout
SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE
29 June 2022
SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE
Dusty Baker's head-scratching decisions are certainly nothing new to Houston Astros fans. Whether it be his daily lineup decisions, choosing to give Aaron Judge a chance to beat you twice instead of walking him, or using Yordan Alvarez to pinch hit on Sunday when everyone knew New York would walk him and pitch to Jason Castro.
ESPN Houston's Lance Zierlein joins SportsMapHouston and shares his thoughts on Baker's questionable decisions, and if bench coach Joe Espada has a say in some of the biggest calls on game day.
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Following the trade of Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, it's still unclear how the Astros plan to replace his production. Isaac Paredes will certainly be part of the solution, but there's still a real possibility that Alex Bregman has played his last game in a Houston uniform.
MLB.com's Brian McTaggart joined Brian Kenny on MLB Network this week and revealed some shocking results from a poll of Astros fans. The poll indicated most fans are okay with the Tucker trade, knowing there was no way the team would sign him long-term after the season.
McTaggart also indicated the Astros have a lot more work to do this offseason filling out the roster, especially if the club is unable to re-sign Alex Bregman. McTaggart believes there's too big a gap between Houston's offer, and what Bregman can command on the open market.
If he's correct and Bregman does sign elsewhere, Houston will have to pivot and find another bat to insert in the lineup. Considering the Astros concerning outfield depth, McTaggart believes former Orioles' outfielder Anthony Santander could be a good solution for Houston.
If not Santander, the club could have interest in signing former Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, or trading for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Be sure to watch the video above as the guys break down the Astros' plan of attack, with Tucker now in Chicago.