These 2 examples of Twitter mob mentality show toxicity towards Astros players
OUT OF LINE
15 June 2023
Houston Astros closer Ryan Pressly joined ESPN 97.5 in studio this week and was asked about, among other things, what makes Martin Maldonado so valuable. We published the full length interview on YouTube, and also made a 60-second short for social media.
Some Astros fans on Twitter had an issue with the short-form video and believed the context of the conversation was changed by the edit. Thinking, the video was changed to show Martin Maldonado in a more favorable light. When, in reality, Pressly was just answering a question about Maldy.
Maldonado has become a hot button topic these days, with many fans wanting Yainer Diaz to get more playing time, with Martin struggling at the plate as he typically does.
So we ask you to be the judge of the edit and watch the video above.
Plus, we've noticed a lot of toxic comments about Lance McCullers after news came down about his forearm surgery that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Some Astros fans are even calling for him to be cut, despite Lance being under contract for several more years and nothing can be done about the guaranteed salary.
Others are suggesting he should have had the surgery after the 2021 season, when his post-Tommy John forearm injury first popped up. Had he done so, he probably wouldn't have pitched at all last year. And even though he wasn't good in the World Series, he was a big contributor who got them there, and the team won two out of the three playoff games he pitched in. He also started 8 games in the regular season, just for context.
Finally, we also discuss the hypocrisy around fans being upset at Justin Verlander for not pushing through and coming back to pitch in the playoffs in 2021, but those same people criticize McCullers for battling through the injury to help secure another World Series for Houston.
So what's with all the hate for Maldonado and McCullers? Check out the video above as we react!
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Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.
How Astros surging ace raises key questions about Houston's short, long-term rotation moves
Jul 25, 2024, 5:39 pm
It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
