John Royal asks a pretty good question: Why is Pedro Feliz still on the roster?
Somehow, despite everything, Pedro Feliz still has a spot on the roster. Feliz is hitting .220 with a .242 on-base percentage, a .296 slugging percentage, and a .537 on-base plus slugging percentage. He's only hit two homers. This is the guy Wade gave 4.5 million dollars to play for the Astros. And his defense, which was advertised as being of Gold Glove caliber has been more of Golden Glove caliber, and he's been making Carlos Lee look like an above-average fielder.
This is an excellent question, because the Astros have someone else who can actually hit a little bit better than Feliz in Geoff Blum, who has primarily been playing 3B this season. So do we really need three third basemen on the roster? Blum, while not everyone's favorite option at the plate, has been spelling Manzella at short, and can play first, as well.
There's really no reason for Feliz to be on the roster. He was to be a stop-gap, and didn't stop anything. If we're ready to move on from Sullivan, Cash, and Daigle, surely Feliz has to be in there, too.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Showing posts with label Happy Pete. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Happy Pete. Show all posts
Monday, June 21, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Our "Free Pedro Feliz" idea is gaining traction
Not that we were the first to want Pedro Feliz to go the way of Kaz Matsui, but it seems Richard Justice is on board with it, too:
Wade believed Feliz, 35, had another productive year left in him. His signing of Feliz reflected a lack of confidence in Chris Johnson as well.
Feliz is hitting .224, which is 28 points below his career average. But because he got $5 million in guaranteed money, he continues to get playing time. Meanwhile, Chris Johnson is hitting .321 at Round Rock and not getting valuable playing time that might help the Astros in 2011, or offer some clue about whether he's a big leaguer or not.
Wade believed Feliz, 35, had another productive year left in him. His signing of Feliz reflected a lack of confidence in Chris Johnson as well.
Feliz is hitting .224, which is 28 points below his career average. But because he got $5 million in guaranteed money, he continues to get playing time. Meanwhile, Chris Johnson is hitting .321 at Round Rock and not getting valuable playing time that might help the Astros in 2011, or offer some clue about whether he's a big leaguer or not.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
From the Office of the County Clerk: G57
New set-up here at Astros County for game recaps, as the ones that we have been posting for a season and a third have grown tedious for me. And that's not the point of doing this. You can find excellent recaps at other sites including, but not limited to, MLB.com and the Chronicle's website. You don't need to come here for the exact same thing - that was never the intention of Astros County.
So after each game the County Clerk, a mid-level up-and-coming politian, and a generally miserable bureaucrat, will email me with notes following each game. There will be some of the same features in the recaps: Pitch Count Hero/Pitch Count Punk, Man of the Match/Goat of the Game, but also some generally interesting notes about the game in question. For instance, today's game, G57: Astros v. Cubs.
--
Interesting game, today, Citizens. The Astros scored in just two innings, but that was enough to beat the Cubs 6-3.
*1-5 in the order went a combined 8x19 with 1K:1BB, while 6-9 went 1x12 with 2K:2BB.
*Geoff Blum was 0x2 with 2BB in his fourth start at Shortstop this season. He was 0x3 against Los Angeles on May 17 in his first, and has played short three times in the last week. The Astros are 3-1 in games that Blum starts at Short. And they are 16-27 in games Manzella starts.
*Carlos Lee hit his 8th homerun of the season, 94th as an Astro, and 315th of his career. It was his 46th first-inning homer - the inning in which he has hit the most homers. His 32 HRs against the Cubs are the most against any other team.
*The Astros made two basepath outs on the day: Keppinger thrown out at third trying to take the extra-base in the 1st, and Blum doubled off first on Feliz's popup.
*Feliz had two RBI on the day, which was just his 4th multi-RBI game on the season, and his first since May 23, when he had three RBI. Since his OPS was at a season-high .684 on April 28, Feliz has hit .202/.244/.264 in 33 games, with four extra-base hits. He is on an eight-game hit streak, however, in which he has hit .393.
*Brett Myers went 6.2IP, 8H/2ER, 6K:1BB for his 4th win of the season, making him the rotation leader in wins, and tying him with Brandon Lyon for the team lead. It was his fifth straight game with a 50+ Game Score, and he has recorded 18+ outs in each of his twelve starts.
*Myers' ten swinging strikes marked the seventh time that he has made opposing batters swing and miss 10+ times. He gave up two doubles, the first time in three starts he has allowed more than one XBH.
Pitch Count Hero: Lance Berkman (2x4), and Hunter Pence (2x3, BB): 18 pitches in four plate appearances.
Pitch Count Punk: Carlos Lee (1x4): 8 pitches in four PAs
Man of the Match: Brett Myers!
Goat of the Game: Kevin Cash - 0x3 and three groundouts to the infield.
So after each game the County Clerk, a mid-level up-and-coming politian, and a generally miserable bureaucrat, will email me with notes following each game. There will be some of the same features in the recaps: Pitch Count Hero/Pitch Count Punk, Man of the Match/Goat of the Game, but also some generally interesting notes about the game in question. For instance, today's game, G57: Astros v. Cubs.
--
Interesting game, today, Citizens. The Astros scored in just two innings, but that was enough to beat the Cubs 6-3.
*1-5 in the order went a combined 8x19 with 1K:1BB, while 6-9 went 1x12 with 2K:2BB.
*Geoff Blum was 0x2 with 2BB in his fourth start at Shortstop this season. He was 0x3 against Los Angeles on May 17 in his first, and has played short three times in the last week. The Astros are 3-1 in games that Blum starts at Short. And they are 16-27 in games Manzella starts.
*Carlos Lee hit his 8th homerun of the season, 94th as an Astro, and 315th of his career. It was his 46th first-inning homer - the inning in which he has hit the most homers. His 32 HRs against the Cubs are the most against any other team.
*The Astros made two basepath outs on the day: Keppinger thrown out at third trying to take the extra-base in the 1st, and Blum doubled off first on Feliz's popup.
*Feliz had two RBI on the day, which was just his 4th multi-RBI game on the season, and his first since May 23, when he had three RBI. Since his OPS was at a season-high .684 on April 28, Feliz has hit .202/.244/.264 in 33 games, with four extra-base hits. He is on an eight-game hit streak, however, in which he has hit .393.
*Brett Myers went 6.2IP, 8H/2ER, 6K:1BB for his 4th win of the season, making him the rotation leader in wins, and tying him with Brandon Lyon for the team lead. It was his fifth straight game with a 50+ Game Score, and he has recorded 18+ outs in each of his twelve starts.
*Myers' ten swinging strikes marked the seventh time that he has made opposing batters swing and miss 10+ times. He gave up two doubles, the first time in three starts he has allowed more than one XBH.
Pitch Count Hero: Lance Berkman (2x4), and Hunter Pence (2x3, BB): 18 pitches in four plate appearances.
Pitch Count Punk: Carlos Lee (1x4): 8 pitches in four PAs
Man of the Match: Brett Myers!
Goat of the Game: Kevin Cash - 0x3 and three groundouts to the infield.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Bogusevic/Johnson making some real progress
Ricky Bennett and minor league field coordinator Dick Scott are in Round Rock and like what they see, particularly with Chris Johnson and Brian Bogusevic.
Bennett:
"Compared to where he was a month ago when Dick last saw him, he said Bogusevic is really, really making a lot of progress offensively. He's hitting the ball to all parts of the field and is really driving the ball. He's got better plate coverage and he's making a lot of progress. C.J. is swinging the bat well, too. Having that injury early in the season, it kind of slowed him down, but now he's got some at-bats under his belt and he's starting to put things together like he did in Spring Training."
Hey, so here's an idea. Why don't we release one of the guys hitting .200 and replace them with someone hitting .300 at Triple-A?
"That's something we've talked about here recently. I don't think we're at the point yet, but if they continue to make progress the next month to six weeks, we have to give them consideration to have an opportunity to play here."
Month to six weeks. If Pedro Feliz is still hitting .207 in six weeks, and Chris Johnson is not on the team, I'm going to get drunk on hand sanitizer, listen to Jerry Jeff, and weep.
Bennett:
"Compared to where he was a month ago when Dick last saw him, he said Bogusevic is really, really making a lot of progress offensively. He's hitting the ball to all parts of the field and is really driving the ball. He's got better plate coverage and he's making a lot of progress. C.J. is swinging the bat well, too. Having that injury early in the season, it kind of slowed him down, but now he's got some at-bats under his belt and he's starting to put things together like he did in Spring Training."
Hey, so here's an idea. Why don't we release one of the guys hitting .200 and replace them with someone hitting .300 at Triple-A?
"That's something we've talked about here recently. I don't think we're at the point yet, but if they continue to make progress the next month to six weeks, we have to give them consideration to have an opportunity to play here."
Month to six weeks. If Pedro Feliz is still hitting .207 in six weeks, and Chris Johnson is not on the team, I'm going to get drunk on hand sanitizer, listen to Jerry Jeff, and weep.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Levine says what we're all hoping
In Levine's new post, someone says what we've all been thinking, and hoping for, about Pedro Feliz:
They could platoon, banking on the fact that his career OPS is 53 points higher against lefties than against righties, and start switch-hitter Geoff Blum against righties, which would be his natural fit.
Or — and I don't expect this right away — they could go the Kaz Matsui route. Cut their losses on the field while keeping the losses coming in the bank account, as those losses are unavoidable barring a trade.
And of course Chris Johnson's hot re-start at Round Rock is driving this. This is a season about rebuilding. And who wouldn't rather see a 25-year old put up a .600 OPS than Pedro Feliz?
They could platoon, banking on the fact that his career OPS is 53 points higher against lefties than against righties, and start switch-hitter Geoff Blum against righties, which would be his natural fit.
Or — and I don't expect this right away — they could go the Kaz Matsui route. Cut their losses on the field while keeping the losses coming in the bank account, as those losses are unavoidable barring a trade.
And of course Chris Johnson's hot re-start at Round Rock is driving this. This is a season about rebuilding. And who wouldn't rather see a 25-year old put up a .600 OPS than Pedro Feliz?
Saturday, May 22, 2010
McTaggart's Notes
McTaggart has a new post up and there are interesting things beyond the impending trade of Roy:
Byrdak is looking at a Tuesday return. Mills:
"He said he felt really good and threw the ball well, and he'll take the mound again tomorrow for another inning."
Also, you'll note that Pedro Feliz is not in the lineup tonight, and McTaggart says it was not an injury-related decision.
Byrdak is looking at a Tuesday return. Mills:
"He said he felt really good and threw the ball well, and he'll take the mound again tomorrow for another inning."
Also, you'll note that Pedro Feliz is not in the lineup tonight, and McTaggart says it was not an injury-related decision.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Lineup: G8 - Astros @ Cardinals
Alyson Footer has your lineup for G8:
1. Bourn - CF
2. Matsui - 2B
3. Feliz - 3B
4. Lee - LF
5. Pence - RF
6. Blum - 1B
7. Manzella - SS
8. Towles - C
9. Myers - P
So Feliz gets bumped up, Pence gets dropped down, and Chris Johnson sits on the bench.
1. Bourn - CF
2. Matsui - 2B
3. Feliz - 3B
4. Lee - LF
5. Pence - RF
6. Blum - 1B
7. Manzella - SS
8. Towles - C
9. Myers - P
So Feliz gets bumped up, Pence gets dropped down, and Chris Johnson sits on the bench.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The question of Johnson and Blum
In Bernardo Fallas' recap of today's loss to the Tigers, he has an interesting note about how Mills plans to fill the defensive void of Lance Berkman's absence:
Mills said Geoff Blum will be the starter at first base come opening day Monday, but he is contemplating having Johnson at third base and Feliz at first for subsequent games, particularly when facing lefthanded pitchers.
Now this is interesting. Because there have been questions about Chris Johnson's glove, especially as he committed four errors in 40 chances this Spring. I understand keeping Feliz in the lineup, but wouldn't it make more sense to put Johnson at first, where that .900 Fld% would be minimized?
Mills said Geoff Blum will be the starter at first base come opening day Monday, but he is contemplating having Johnson at third base and Feliz at first for subsequent games, particularly when facing lefthanded pitchers.
Now this is interesting. Because there have been questions about Chris Johnson's glove, especially as he committed four errors in 40 chances this Spring. I understand keeping Feliz in the lineup, but wouldn't it make more sense to put Johnson at first, where that .900 Fld% would be minimized?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Dave Raymond has some observations
Dave Raymond notices a few things about these Astros.
Positives:
Offense
As a team, the Astros have a .305 batting average and a .501 slugging percentage. Both of those are the best in the Grapefruit League.
Defense
I've talked to several coaches from other clubs who have told me that they voted for Feliz to win the Gold Glove last year at third base. He's that good. Meanwhile, Manzella has shown quite a bit more range than Miguel Tejada did the past two seasons.
Felipe Paulino
New pitching coach, Brad Arnsberg, has worked diligently with the enigmatic right-hander to "clean up" his delivery. Keep in mind that Arnsberg has worked with guys like Roy Halladay, Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett and says Paulino has "as good an arm as I've been around in a long time."
Negatives:
Injuries
Oswalt hasn't pitched much
This is only a very small concern. Oswalt has felt great and is throwing even better.
Lefties
Numbers for relievers can be deceiving -- especially given the scarcity of innings in the cases of Byrdak and Wright. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is a veteran of this process and seems confident that all will be fine by April 6th.
I think the less Oswalt throws in the Spring (aside from what he needs to get ready, of course), the better.
Positives:
Offense
As a team, the Astros have a .305 batting average and a .501 slugging percentage. Both of those are the best in the Grapefruit League.
Defense
I've talked to several coaches from other clubs who have told me that they voted for Feliz to win the Gold Glove last year at third base. He's that good. Meanwhile, Manzella has shown quite a bit more range than Miguel Tejada did the past two seasons.
Felipe Paulino
New pitching coach, Brad Arnsberg, has worked diligently with the enigmatic right-hander to "clean up" his delivery. Keep in mind that Arnsberg has worked with guys like Roy Halladay, Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett and says Paulino has "as good an arm as I've been around in a long time."
Negatives:
Injuries
Oswalt hasn't pitched much
This is only a very small concern. Oswalt has felt great and is throwing even better.
Lefties
Numbers for relievers can be deceiving -- especially given the scarcity of innings in the cases of Byrdak and Wright. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is a veteran of this process and seems confident that all will be fine by April 6th.
I think the less Oswalt throws in the Spring (aside from what he needs to get ready, of course), the better.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Johnson looking to Feliz for mentoring
Chris Johnson knew what the Feliz signing meant for him, and he's saying the right things for The Apparatus:
"I'm not dumb. They got Pedro Feliz. I think it's almost kind of a good thing for me. It kind of gives me some to time to get going and also learn some things from what he does."
Mills:
"There's no doubt. He's got everything it takes to be a very good third baseman at the major league level."
Remember, Feliz was only brought on for a one-year deal. Johnson almost made the team out of Spring Training in 2009, but in the first week of the season at Round Rock, he was hit in the hand by a pitch, which shelved him and delayed his progress. If Johnson can put together a good, full season in 2010, he should be able to make that transition in 2010.
"I'm not dumb. They got Pedro Feliz. I think it's almost kind of a good thing for me. It kind of gives me some to time to get going and also learn some things from what he does."
Mills:
"There's no doubt. He's got everything it takes to be a very good third baseman at the major league level."
Remember, Feliz was only brought on for a one-year deal. Johnson almost made the team out of Spring Training in 2009, but in the first week of the season at Round Rock, he was hit in the hand by a pitch, which shelved him and delayed his progress. If Johnson can put together a good, full season in 2010, he should be able to make that transition in 2010.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
What's with all the wives calling the shots!
Alyson Footer tweeted some comments from Pedro Feliz on his decision to sign with the Astros:
In the beginning I was thinking Tejada was going to play third. It was one of those things where I think anyone would want to play for them. I saw other teams that needed 3rd basemen. I like the city. I think it's good for me. Talking with my wife, she was always thinking about Houston."
This is interesting, because I've noticed this is becoming a trend in baseball (if you count Three Times as a trend, and that's just off the top of my head.)
For instance, Mark Teixeira's wife, Amber:
Throughout his free agency, Teixeira solicited his wife's opinion and she kept saying, "I just want you to be happy," Teixeira recalled. On date night, Teixeira asked, "Everything's equal, where do you want to go? She finally said, 'I want you to be a Yankee.'"
Teixeria joked:
"Cash should give Leigh a hug,"
Leigh Teixeira:
"I thought it would be special for him to be a Yankee,"
Or take C.C. Sabathia:
CC Sabathia had met with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on Sunday and on Monday, but Cashman suggested that maybe it would help if he were to fly to California and speak with Sabathia, again, with Amber Sabathia, the player's wife.
This is interesting to me - GMs lobbying wives to come to their city and play for their team. I mean, it makes sense, and all, but Feliz' two reasons for coming to Houston were apparently (1) His wife, and (2) the playoffs. Not that those aren't valid reasons, but...uh...
(Note: This post was produced while sitting in the couch with my wife. Who was watching the finals of the Miss World pageant.)
In the beginning I was thinking Tejada was going to play third. It was one of those things where I think anyone would want to play for them. I saw other teams that needed 3rd basemen. I like the city. I think it's good for me. Talking with my wife, she was always thinking about Houston."
This is interesting, because I've noticed this is becoming a trend in baseball (if you count Three Times as a trend, and that's just off the top of my head.)
For instance, Mark Teixeira's wife, Amber:
Throughout his free agency, Teixeira solicited his wife's opinion and she kept saying, "I just want you to be happy," Teixeira recalled. On date night, Teixeira asked, "Everything's equal, where do you want to go? She finally said, 'I want you to be a Yankee.'"
Teixeria joked:
"Cash should give Leigh a hug,"
Leigh Teixeira:
"I thought it would be special for him to be a Yankee,"
Or take C.C. Sabathia:
CC Sabathia had met with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on Sunday and on Monday, but Cashman suggested that maybe it would help if he were to fly to California and speak with Sabathia, again, with Amber Sabathia, the player's wife.
This is interesting to me - GMs lobbying wives to come to their city and play for their team. I mean, it makes sense, and all, but Feliz' two reasons for coming to Houston were apparently (1) His wife, and (2) the playoffs. Not that those aren't valid reasons, but...uh...
(Note: This post was produced while sitting in the couch with my wife. Who was watching the finals of the Miss World pageant.)
So that's why he left Philly and went to the Astros?
Hang on. So Pedro Feliz said:
"I think they've got a great team, and I think it's a great opportunity for me to go there and have a chance to get to the World Series."
I'm sorry Happy Pete, but I think your best chance for the World Series was to have stayed where you were. Which leads to a larger question: Can you discount 90% of the introductory media statements as 100% bullcrap?
More Feliz:
"I'm going to give 100 percent and leave everything I have on the field. In my mind, I'm always thinking about winning, and that's the main point for me. I think the Astros have potential, have good players. It's a great team and a great opportunity."
And this is the point at which Lance said, "Good. He can be the team leader."
Wade:
We think Pedro brings a lot of different elements to our club. Before we talk about the offensive side of his game, his defense has always been very solid. We certainly think with him and Blum, our defense is in pretty good shape at third base...
...He knocked in 80-plus runs last year, which is fairly standard for him, he hits well with runners in scoring position and is durable. He started 150 games at third place [last season] and played in 155 games. In our environment with Geoff here, we have a chance to give him rest from time to time and keep him sharp...
...He struggled down the stretch in August and September, and a lot of that seemed to be workload related. We can pick and choose our spots to give him rest and keep him fresh."
McTaggart notes that the Astros' payroll will be around $95 million, though today is the non-tender deadline.
"I think they've got a great team, and I think it's a great opportunity for me to go there and have a chance to get to the World Series."
I'm sorry Happy Pete, but I think your best chance for the World Series was to have stayed where you were. Which leads to a larger question: Can you discount 90% of the introductory media statements as 100% bullcrap?
More Feliz:
"I'm going to give 100 percent and leave everything I have on the field. In my mind, I'm always thinking about winning, and that's the main point for me. I think the Astros have potential, have good players. It's a great team and a great opportunity."
And this is the point at which Lance said, "Good. He can be the team leader."
Wade:
We think Pedro brings a lot of different elements to our club. Before we talk about the offensive side of his game, his defense has always been very solid. We certainly think with him and Blum, our defense is in pretty good shape at third base...
...He knocked in 80-plus runs last year, which is fairly standard for him, he hits well with runners in scoring position and is durable. He started 150 games at third place [last season] and played in 155 games. In our environment with Geoff here, we have a chance to give him rest from time to time and keep him sharp...
...He struggled down the stretch in August and September, and a lot of that seemed to be workload related. We can pick and choose our spots to give him rest and keep him fresh."
McTaggart notes that the Astros' payroll will be around $95 million, though today is the non-tender deadline.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Doin' the splits with Pedro Feliz
So let's just do the splits with Pedro Feliz. What kind of player is he?
2009 Splits!
Season Total
K:BB Ratio: 1.94
K/PA %: 10.9%
XBH/H %: 28.6%
2009 Splits!
| Split | ABs | BA/OBP/SLG | K:BB | XBH-RBI |
| Season | 625 | .266/.308/.386 | 68:35 | 44-82 |
| vs LHP | 130 | .208/.278/.385 | 15:13 | 10-19 |
| vs RHP | 450 | .282/.317/.387 | 53:22 | 34-63 |
| Home | 282 | .273/.315/.418 | 30:15 | 24-47 |
| Away | 298 | .258/.302/.356 | 38:20 | 20-35 |
| Bases Empty | 331 | .221/.263/.314 | 42:18 | 21-5 |
| Runners On | 249 | .325/.366/.482 | 26:17 | 23-77 |
| w/RISP | 140 | .336/.384/.486 | 17:14 | 14-67 |
| April | 65 | .323/.395/.477 | 7:9 | 6-14 |
| May | 97 | .289/.343/.402 | 13:8 | 10-13 |
| June | 99 | .283/.298/.414 | 12:3 | 7-12 |
| July | 101 | .277/.336/.327 | 9:7 | 3-13 |
| August | 99 | .222/.257/.374 | 13:4 | 8-12 |
| Sept/Oct | 119 | .227/.252/.361 | 14:4 | 10-18 |
| On 1st Pitch | 93 | .333/.340/.505 | x:x | 10-17 |
| After FPS | 275 | .225/.250/.335 | 41:9 | 20-38 |
| After FPB | 212 | .288/.365/.401 | 27:26 | 14-27 |
Season Total
K:BB Ratio: 1.94
K/PA %: 10.9%
XBH/H %: 28.6%
Yahoo declares Astros "winners"
Maybe it's a contrarian view, but Steve Henson of Yahoo Sports says that the Astros are winners of the Winter Meetings:
For a team that couldn’t work a trade for Rafael Soriano, failed in its effort to re-sign LaTroy Hawkins and lost closer Jose Valverde to free agency, Houston certainly salvaged its bullpen at the winter meetings. First came a trade with the Marlins for 100-mph throwing Matt Lindstrom, with the Astros parting with only three middling minor leaguers. Then came an excessive but refreshingly decisive three-year, $15 million deal for Brandon Lyon. Either acquisition could become the closer, with the other serving as the eighth-inning setup reliever.
The Astros are in a penny-pinching mode, but they still finished business Thursday by signing free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, returning Geoff Blum where he belongs – in a reserve role.
For a team that couldn’t work a trade for Rafael Soriano, failed in its effort to re-sign LaTroy Hawkins and lost closer Jose Valverde to free agency, Houston certainly salvaged its bullpen at the winter meetings. First came a trade with the Marlins for 100-mph throwing Matt Lindstrom, with the Astros parting with only three middling minor leaguers. Then came an excessive but refreshingly decisive three-year, $15 million deal for Brandon Lyon. Either acquisition could become the closer, with the other serving as the eighth-inning setup reliever.
The Astros are in a penny-pinching mode, but they still finished business Thursday by signing free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, returning Geoff Blum where he belongs – in a reserve role.
Zach Levine drops math on us on Lyon, Feliz
Levine's new post references the brutal FanGraphs piece on Brandon Lyon, and has a rebuttal:
In looking at the numbers, the BABIP difference that Cameron is discussing didn't seem to be a product of an inordinate drop in line drives, mostly a huge drop in BABIP on ground balls.
His career ratios aren't all that different than the MLB ratios, so I'm not going to say that infield defense is any more vital than usual behind him, but Detroit's certainly helped him last year...
...The Astros have to hope that was some AL jitters or something and not some mistrust of his stuff as the clock struck 30.
Carry that mediocre walk rate, which he'd never had before, and return that BABIP to average, and you've got yourself a very mediocre pitcher for a killer price.
If Lyon is getting more groundballs, with Manzella at short and Matsui/Maysonet at second, it's probably a good thing. But let's keep in mind that playing behind Lyon in Detroit was Adam Everett, so there is going to be a defensive drop-off.
-
On to Feliz, although we probably shouldn't:
His OPS has declined every year since 2003. 2009 OPS? .694
With Feliz's 35th birthday coming in April, Astros fans have to hope that steady OPS doesn't begin to decline and that he's still got it defensively, though I can't imagine the Astros will lean on him for 158 games like the Phillies did last year.
In looking at the numbers, the BABIP difference that Cameron is discussing didn't seem to be a product of an inordinate drop in line drives, mostly a huge drop in BABIP on ground balls.
His career ratios aren't all that different than the MLB ratios, so I'm not going to say that infield defense is any more vital than usual behind him, but Detroit's certainly helped him last year...
...The Astros have to hope that was some AL jitters or something and not some mistrust of his stuff as the clock struck 30.
Carry that mediocre walk rate, which he'd never had before, and return that BABIP to average, and you've got yourself a very mediocre pitcher for a killer price.
If Lyon is getting more groundballs, with Manzella at short and Matsui/Maysonet at second, it's probably a good thing. But let's keep in mind that playing behind Lyon in Detroit was Adam Everett, so there is going to be a defensive drop-off.
-
On to Feliz, although we probably shouldn't:
His OPS has declined every year since 2003. 2009 OPS? .694
With Feliz's 35th birthday coming in April, Astros fans have to hope that steady OPS doesn't begin to decline and that he's still got it defensively, though I can't imagine the Astros will lean on him for 158 games like the Phillies did last year.
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