REAL TALK

How Astros GM is finally addressing the catcher position

The Houston Astros are doing their part when it comes to pitching, but the offense could stand some improvement if the team wants to catch the red-hot Texas Rangers.

One player that could give the team a boost in that department is Yainer Diaz. Catcher Martin Maldonado is having another poor year at the plate, and Diaz taking some bats from him would provide the team with more offense.

Manager Dusty Baker has been reluctant to play Yainer on a regular basis early in the season, and GM Dana Brown was expecting Diaz to get about 300 at-bats this season.

Diaz can not only catch, he's played some first base this year, and he could certainly be used as a designated hitter. But he was rarely used as a DH even when the team was carrying three catchers.

Currently Diaz is on pace for around 220 at-bats and it looks like Dusty Baker is not seeing eye-to-eye with his GM once again when it comes to Martin Maldonado and his playing time. Just ask former GM James Click.

Be sure to watch the video above as the guys discuss the first public disagreement between Brown and Baker, and what it means moving forward.

Listen to The Killer B's weekdays from Noon-3 PM on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.

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After another poor performance from former Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' season is starting to look like an uphill climb. Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is out for the year, and Cleveland fans aren't too pleased with the way Watson is playing, especially considering the massive contract extension he signed with the team. And we didn't even get to the off the field drama that comes with Watson.

However, Houston fans are invested in the Browns' season outcome as well, with the Texans holding the Browns' first round pick in 2024, and having sent their own first rounder to the Cardinals in the Will Anderson trade.

So each loss for the Browns, means a better draft pick for the Texans!

For Houston, it looks like they have their QB of the future in CJ Stroud. And he'll be on a less expensive rookie contract for the next several years, giving the Texans more cap space to upgrade the roster.

With all of this in mind, is it fair to question if the Texans dodged a bullet when Watson demanded a trade?

DeMeco Ryans vs. Lovie Smith

Plus, we're only two games into the season, but Lovie Smith's defense was much better (with a similar roster) than what DeMeco Ryans' defense has shown thus far, and DeMeco has the benefit of Will Anderson rushing the QB.

Are the struggles on defense more about the roster GM Nick Caserio has put together, or does this slow start fall on DeMeco?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!

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And listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.

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