Hoops McCann

Guaranteed Bud will be traded at the deadline...he's actually a useful player and one that they will use to get good prospects.

Couldnt agree more. I'd almost feel sorry for Astros fans if they werent from Texas.

Jesus...early May and already talking about selling at the deadline?? Let's see where the team is at end-May.

I hate that stadium...the hill in CF and the cheap Crawford Boxes...however, one thing I do know...Pujols loves hitting in Minute Maid Park.

which should tell you exactly how crappy the lAstros are...they are that bad.

Nothing like facing the Astros...having seen them play a lot while still in the NL...they are w/out a doubt, the worst team in baseball. Very least should be 2-3, if not a sweep. Other than Altuve, I cant think of anyone on that team that is actuall MLB-caliber (not including pitchers).

1. Not swing at every first pitch at his AB's....what pitcher is going to throw him a first pitch strike when they know he'll swing at almost anything on the first pitch 2. Improved strike zone recognition...although, this is hard as he's never been a very disciplined hitter in that regard 3. Lay off the sliders

In my opinion, it is one of the most important parts of a GM's job to be able to manage the owner/ownership. Especially with an owner who gets involved as much as Arte has recently. Dipoto has failed in this resepct....if he thought the Hamilton signing was going to handcuff the team by ensuring less money to spend to shore up the rotation, bench and relievers, he needed to ensure that the point was not only made but followed.

Many posters have commented about Sosh losing the team... How can anyone know this for certain? It is easy to say and easier to use as a point to get rid of the manager, but extremely difficult to prove. It's in some respects like proving a negative. And it is almost as weak of an excuse as the ever elusive 'clubhouse chemistry'. May be Sosh has lost the team..the players...but given the outsiders view we all have, it is nothing more than a guess and a rather uninformed one at that. Personally, I think Dipoto is much more of an issue (or at least as big of an issue) than Sosh. His inability to manage Arte, the construct a starting rotation and the picks given up for short-term rentals.

Not with the current starting pitching...and I dont see the starting pitching getting much better over the next 2-3 years.

And only 9 more years left...he's going to be a full-time DH in 3-4 years (if not sooner). I dont think his foot will ever totally heal since he's been dealing with the same issues for years...just seems to get worse and worse every year.

Let's not forget that AP is and has always been known to jog to first when he hits an infield ball he thinks is going to result in an easy out. This was always a complaint I had when he was with the Birds and it isnt ever going to change. Sure, his bad wheels likely ensured this would happen, but he's been doing this for a while now.

Dipoto, in my opinion, is a poor GM. Poor in the fact that he has not only made poor personnel decisions, but also seems unable to properly manage the owner. Arte is great, but the contracts given to AP, CJ Wilson and Hamilton are going to handcuff the team in future years...and it is the job of the GM to be able to make ownership understand that. Sure, it was great that Arte is willing to fork over the big $$ for superstars, but he paid for past production rather than future production on these contracts. Also, his job assembling the pitching staff this season is criminal. Not only are the starting pitchers poor, but the relievers also are every bit as bad (save Fieri), if not worse. That one is at the feet of Dipoto.

anyone have that 'jump to conclusions' mat .gif? No...not even remotely in the same league.

It's his plantar fasciitis...as I mentioned in another thread...it has really gotten progressively worse. It used to be bad starting in July or so, but now it seems like it never goes away. Something needs to be done in the off-season to fix the issue, if that is at all possible. And...I still have to think AP could beat Molina...even if he was running on one leg.

This is a toss up as both are equally appalling; however, I do believe the offense issue will improve given time. Trout, AP, Hamilton and Trumbo are too good of hitters for this not to improve. Therefore, I think the biggest issue is and will continue to be starting pitching. I dont see a lot of upside improvement (save Weaver coming back) for the starting staff and that is problematic. Blanton...are you kidding me? He was god awful in the NL...and people expected him to be better in the AL. Still dont understand why he was signed and not someone like, Kyle Lohse.

The ever elusive clubhouse chemistry conundrum... Yeah, I dont think its an issue...but it makes for great discussions on message boards.

Yes, he does...or at least smash doubles where he can easily jog into 2B...but, more HR's would be better. They'll come...I'm betting he hits 40 this season...of course, I'm assuming he doesnt get marine layered.

Hoops McCann here....same name as the old board. I'm an NL guy...Cardinal fan. First came to this site to encourage the Angel fans not to give up on AP last year during his disappointing start. I also like the Angels...they are my AL team. Love me some baseball.

Does the forum think the root cause is his knee or plantar fasciitis? Maybe both.. What's strange is the plantar issue is one he's had since his days in STL...but, it usually wouldnt start hurting until July. Seems now it starts much earlier, or more likely never goes away. It's brutal seeing him "run".

Dipoto has to assume some blame for the poor starting pitching that has been assembled. I dont understand why Blanton was signed and not Kyle Lohse (for example)...also think CJ Wilson wasnt all that great of a signing. Way too much $$ for a good SP...not great, although he was given Ace money.