Ryan Pressly pulls curtain back on what makes Astros catchers so valuable
CARDS ON THE TABLE
13 June 2023
CARDS ON THE TABLE
Astros All-Star closer Ryan Pressly joins ESPN Houston's The Bench and dishes on his career, as well as why Martin Maldonado is so important to the Astros' success.
Pressly has positive things to say about both Maldonado and Yanier Diaz, but the big takeaway from Pressly's comments was not only about how much Maldy prepares the game plan for each pitcher.
But also how all that prep can go out the window based on what Maldy is seeing from a hitter's swing in that particular at-bat.
Something even the pitchers don't see as well as him.
Watch the full exclusive interview above!
If you prefer the short answer, check out the video below.
PRESSLY: Here’s why MALDONADO is SO VALUABLE to the Astros!#houston #astros #mlb @johngranato @LanceZierlein pic.twitter.com/G9yewPiE5B
— ESPN 97.5 Houston (@espn975) June 12, 2023
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One of the nuggets that came out of Nick Caserio's press conference this week, was his thoughts on the job Bobby Slowik has done as an offensive coordinator. When asked if the team has considered sharing the offensive play calling, Caseiro responded with an emphatic, “absolutely not.”
Caserio went on to praise the job Slowik has done this year, and to say the team's struggles in the second half this season is due to execution.
This stance is consistent with what we've heard from Texans insiders that believe Slowik will be back next season. As much as many Texans fans believe a change at OC could help CJ Stroud, who's shown regression this year, it doesn't appear Slowik is going anywhere.
To be fair, most teams aren't looking to replace their coordinators when they're leading their division and marching toward the postseason for the second straight year.
Number crunching
When comparing Stroud's stats to last season, there is a clear dropoff in 2024. But a lot of that has to do with the addition of Joe Mixon, especially when it comes to touchdowns.
Mixon is third in the NFL with 11 rushing TDs, while Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary only combined for 6 over the entire 2023 season. One could argue the passing offense has regressed, but one could also argue the offense overall is more balanced.
Stroud is still Top 5 in passing yards, heading into this week's games. And even if we account for the bye week, Stroud will still be Top 10 after this week's slate of games.
The most concerning number to keep an eye on is sacks. Only one QB has been sacked more than Stroud, who's been sacked 41 times. CJ's protection has gotten better since Juice Scruggs was moved to guard, and Jarrett Patterson was inserted at center.
If Stroud starts getting hit again at a high level, that may be the one factor that could make the front office rethink their plans at coordinator. However, if the Texans do make a change, we expect them to address their o-line coach before any changes at OC.
Be sure to watch the video above for our full breakdown of the Texans offense, the coaching staff, and our thoughts on how the Azeez Al-Shaair suspension will impact the team.