142 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Brayan Bello vs Grayson Rodriguez

 

The Orioles are 34-18, 1.5GB of NY.

Boston is 27-27, 9.5GB of NY.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Ryan O’Hearn 1B
Colton Cowser LF
Anthony Santander RF
Jordan Westburg 3B
Kyle Stowers DH
Cedric Mullins CF
Jorge Mateo 2B

[jamesdean]

If Mateo can keep his average around .250, he'll be tough to get out of the lineup. And his defense at second has been solid.

[Mike B]

If Mateo can keep his average around .250, he'll be tough to get out of the lineup. And his defense at second has been solid.

I am not sure there is a better 2B/SS combination that is better defensively that Mateo and Henderson.  Both are plus defenders IMO.

[Mackus]

If Mateo can keep his average around .250, he'll be tough to get out of the lineup. And his defense at second has been solid.

He's got a 122 OPS+ right now. He might be an All-Star if he can produce like that given his defense and baserunning. I'm fully skeptical that he can continue, but I'm playing him until he cools off.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Mateo seems like the type who has one good month at the plate over the course of the entire season, then the rest is subpar. Last year it was April, in 2022 it was August. We'll see if that trend continues and he goes ice cold when we turn the calendar to June.

[jamesdean]

I am not sure there is a better 2B/SS combination that is better defensively that Mateo and Henderson.  Both are plus defenders IMO.

I was going to mention that but forgot. Between Gunnar and Mateo, along with Mullins in centerfield, that's elite defense up the middle.

[jamesdean]

Mateo seems like the type who has one good month at the plate over the course of the entire season, then the rest is subpar. Last year it was April, in 2022 it was August. We'll see if that trend continues and he goes ice cold when we turn the calendar to June.

He just needs to put more balls in play and utilize his speed. Like most hitters today, he has poor plate discipline and strikes out too much.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Like anyone else, really enjoy watching Mateo when he's hot.  When he squares, he hits balls hard.  Defense and running ability is fun night to night. 

That said, fully expect that Holliday is up again relatively soon (July?) and takes over 2nd for good.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Dont like sitting Mounty today after a 3 hit game. Maybe he has bad numbers vs Bello though the SSS has to be small

[Slidemaster]

Like anyone else, really enjoy watching Mateo when he's hot. When he squares, he hits balls hard. Defense and running ability is fun night to night.

That said, fully expect that Holliday is up again relatively soon (July?) and takes over 2nd for good.

I don't think Holliday is up until September if again this year at all. He isn't lighting up AAA and was bad enough when he was here that it might make sense to just give him the year and try again in 2025.

[DuffMan]

Like anyone else, really enjoy watching Mateo when he's hot.  When he squares, he hits balls hard.  Defense and running ability is fun night to night. 
That said, fully expect that Holliday is up again relatively soon (July?) and takes over 2nd for good.

Trade him while he's hot!

Holliday hasn't exactly been lights out since he's been back at Norfolk, no guesses from me on when he's back

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Oh, and if you are gonna play Stowers tonight then play him in the OF. His glove is good.

[hallas]

He just needs to put more balls in play and utilize his speed. Like most hitters today, he has poor plate discipline and strikes out too much.

 

He's made meaningful improvements to his plate discipline and contact rates.  In 2022 his chase rate was 36.6% and this year it's down to 31.5.  And he's made huge improvements in his whiff rates, going from 30.9% to 20.6%, which is 70% percentile.  If that whiff rate is a real improvement then he's turned himself into an above average hitter.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I don't think Holliday is up until September if again this year at all. He isn't lighting up AAA and was bad enough when he was here that it might make sense to just give him the year and try again in 2025.

It was 10 games and 34 ab's. 
Yea, he looked horrible in those 34 ab's, but I don't think that tells you anything. 
He's 2 for his last 34 at AAA (still has .877 OPS) so, he has to get hot again (and they have to like his defense at 2nd) and Mateo has to stop hitting... but when both of those things happen (and I think they will) then the switch can be made. 

Or... Mayo gets healthy, and they decide they can live with his defense at 3rd for awhile, and they go with Westburg at 2nd..... 

Or Mateo just stays competent enough offensively that he holds down the spot the remainder of the year.

Multiple ways it can go, but if I was betting...I think the best odds are that Holliday takes over at some point.

[russsnyder]

I don't think Holliday is up until September if again this year at all. He isn't lighting up AAA and was bad enough when he was here that it might make sense to just give him the year and try again in 2025.

I agree.

He's apparently working on adjustments and his approach at the plate at Triple A.

Barring an injury, He should take the same path that Cowser took after he struggled last year.

Let him win a job next spring.

[jamesdean]

He's made meaningful improvements to his plate discipline and contact rates.  In 2022 his chase rate was 36.6% and this year it's down to 31.5.  And he's made huge improvements in his whiff rates, going from 30.9% to 20.6%, which is 70% percentile.  If that whiff rate is a real improvement then he's turned himself into an above average hitter.

Yes, he has improved his plate awareness. He's even drawn a few walks lately. Whether its sustainable or not is another story.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Mateo is exciting on the bases. No doubt about that. Just continue to be a passable hitter.

[BSLChrisStoner]

O's quickly down 1-0.

[Slidemaster]

Bad Grayson is so infuriating.