Comments on: Houston's 'exciting youth movement' is anything but in reality

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:21:29 +0000

The writer obviously doesn't know the Astros very well because if he did, he'd know that the GM probably isn't uncertain about engaging in a full-blown rebuild. The GM's opinion means nothing with the Astros. The owner makes those long-range calls, and it's the owner who's uncertain about engaging in a full-blown rebuild.

Furthermore, the beat reporter he's referencing works for the Astros organization. What does he expect McTaggart to say, that the call-ups are a bad idea and the players stink?

Lastly, McTaggart would be one of the "best" beat writers around, given that there are more than two beat writers in the country. "Better" is used when comparing two, "best" when comparing three or more. Get a grammar lesson.

By: yostros99

yostros99 — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:11:36 +0000

I agree with OremLK. You neglect to mention Johnson’s stats and how he has improved dramatically…your Astros Bias is pretty clear to many of us.

By: OremLK

OremLK — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:42:06 +0000

There is some truth to this article, Aaron, but some twisting of the truth as well. Fact is, Castro is a very good prospect. He won't be a star, but he projects to be above average for a long time at a premium position, and that has a lot of value.

You're also conveniently ignoring Chris Johnson's actual numbers at AAA this year, which aren't just "hot", they're outstanding. He's batting .329/.362/.570. Perhaps most exciting is that the improvement to his batting average is legitimate: He has significantly reduced his strikeout rate.

Finally, the Astros do not have one of the worst farm systems in baseball. That would have been true in 2008, but it is not true now; the fruits of three solid drafts have reinvigorated the minors, and the Astros are now in the upper half of minor league systems.

This isn't a "watershed moment", like McTaggart thinks, but it's not going to be a "massive letdown", either. As Astros fans, our expectations are sufficiently tempered about these prospects; at the same time, it IS exciting to have a reason for the team to be interesting again, because both of these guys do have a chance to turn into good (though not great) players, especially Castro.