The Sporting News has a look at some slow starters in baseball. Of course your Astros are represented.
Carlos Lee:
Veteran slugger is striking out a little more and walking less than usual and he's been unlucky, with a .167 BABIP, but he also has no power and is missing the ball more often. The return of Lance Berkman could help provide Lee some protection in the Astros lineup, but it's fair to wonder if the 33-year-old has actually lost some of his bat speed.
Hunter Pence:
Pence has been unlucky, with a .191 BABIP, but his contact rates are also the highest of his career, while his walk rate is shockingly low. He's a relatively free swinger anyway, but Pence can probably snap out of this -- and he's showing signs already -- with his typical level of plate discipline.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
