August 14, 2024 • 15 mins
Looking to wrap up their series against Tampa this afternoon, the Astros pull out another tremendous win over the Rays now extending their run to seven straight. Dana Brown joins and discusses the Astros success here in the second half of the season and the Astros aiming to make the post season.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
We're voted for the Sewn Salisbury Show continued Dana. Welcome
in Dana Brown Astros GM for his weekly nine thirty
visit on Wednesday. One in a winning streak, You're on one,
my man. Uh got to be I know, I know,
it's still a ways to go, but it's about to
turn into that four hundred meter leg it out sprint.
(00:21):
And you guys are on a pretty good role and
everything seems. Pitching's been good, bullpen's been good, and the hitting,
especially at the top of the lineup. Guys are producing
kind of what you were pining for. And here we
are with a nice winning streak and a chance to
sweep a second series in a row tonight today.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Yeah, we're just about to go into that last lap
of the season, yep. And the boys are playing very well.
You know, we're nine over five hundred, first place by
a game and a half. And the guys have been
playing very well on this road trip and I give
them all credit for the grit that they've shown this
entire season.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Dana, let me dig into you the emotion as a fan,
but also you got to look at it different as
the general manager. But you're a baseball guy. At what
point just just kind of the emotion that fans go through.
At what point or was there a point this season
that you said, oh, damn, we are in trouble. Was
there ever, like from an injury. I know you believe
in him, but was there that point maybe the lowest
(01:19):
point for you about your team this year? Do you
remember when that was and how that feeling is now
getting out of that?
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Yeah, I mean there was times where you know, things
got tough, but I felt really good about the club.
The thing with me is I've been in baseball for
so long, so I know what a bad team looks like.
And so because I still felt like this was a
good team, that we were going to be okay, and
so ultimately from fighting the weather a little bit, but
ultimately I thought like, look, we got some guys hurt,
(01:47):
but we got some guys coming as well, and I
felt really confident that these guys would get on the
hot street. And as I mentioned, I've been around baseball
a long time and I know when a team is
really bad and they're on their way down. So ultimately
I felt good about us being able to put this
thing together. It's just a matter of getting on all cylings, which.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
We are now that force through the trees. You were
able to see it, unlike you know, some of us.
And it's been a great reward a game and a
half in front of first place. So let's get to
a couple other things. We were talking Brian and I
on this show yesterday in the day before about this
pitching staff's been so impressive. Hunter Brown's growth, Adam Kokuchi,
the way that you know, the last thirteen strikeouts, the
(02:29):
way he's improved with Araghetti fromber looks like a front
line ace. I mean, all up and down they've given you.
Hunter Brown's been outstanding. And you know, with all these injuries, Dana,
I guess this is a great plus. Not the injuries,
but you got guys now that even if those guys
were to come back healthy, all of them, that these
guys are making it tough for you to pull them
(02:50):
out of the lineup because they are producing on a
regular basis, which just adds to the incredible depth and
the development of these young pitchers who've come in and
done their job, not the least of which has been
Renel Blanco as well.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Yeah, one of the things we knew that we had
to do with the dead line was really firm up
this rotation. Adam Kokushi really solidify the rotation, and it
gave us five really good starters, you know, because we
were waiting for these guys to come back. But in
the meantime, you know, we locked it in with five
pretty good starters. You're starting to throw the ball very well.
(03:26):
They're giving us an opportunity to win ball games, and
it's been fun to watch.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
Dan. If I told you that this starting staff was
going to give you, you know, we're a time when we
don't do complete games for the most part. With all
the specialization in baseball. They're great when you get them,
but it's not like you know, all the Bob Gibsons
and Cofaxes where they're throwing twenty five complete games a year.
So with that, if I told you were going to
get into the fifth inning the rest of the year
(03:52):
with your starters, what would your response be to that
and what would the result be for your team?
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Yeah, I would prefer to they into the sixth inning,
you know, that would be my preference. But if we
get into the five on the occasion, you know, we
have a good back end of the bullpen. Right now.
That's throwing throwing the ball very well, and so I
would say that we still have a really good chance
of winning that game. But ultimately, once we get into
(04:19):
the sixth and you now and you have to cover.
If you get six innings, you have to cover three.
I feel really good about that. But if we get five,
I think we can you know, throw Scott and that
the big boys on the back end, and we're still
in pretty good shape. And so we have some guys
like or that's coming up throwing well, King that's throwing well,
(04:39):
and so we still have guys in there that could
pitch six seven if our big boys, you know, are
not available. So you know, it's good to see that
the teams on all cylinders, with the rotation the bullpen,
the bats are coming together and we're swinging it and
you know we're catching the baseball too, so we're playing
pretty good defense. So ultimately, you know, it leads to
(05:00):
some wins in the win column.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Yeah, it sure does. In a winning streak in first
place by a game and a half. And here we
are in just in the infancy in the early days
of August, with a good stretch run ahead all right
to Kakuchi. I want to go back to him. We
know the result he's done in his three starts has
been really really good and keeping runs, you know, people
from crossing the plate doing his thing. After three starts,
(05:26):
people want to know, Okay, well he's better here. Why
And I know he's using more, you know, to change
up more and off speed stuff. But Dana, you got
to get buy in. And he's bought in. Why did
the buy in happen so quick? That wasn't happening in Toronto.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Well, the one thing I can't speak for Toronto, but
what I will say is I've been saying since day
one when I first got the job, when I got
the spring training in twenty twenty three, I said, hey,
these guys are really different. They have these breakout sessions
with these pictures, and they really know how to get
them locked in. They get them focused, they get them prepared,
and I think we do such a good job of that.
(06:02):
We get these guys to buy in, we show them
on video, we show them the traits to their stuff,
and then we get them to use that stuff effectively.
And so I've always said, look, this is these are
some of the best pitching people I've been around in
baseball since I've been in the game for thirty five years,
and so ultimately, I think we do a very good
(06:24):
job of identifying what guys could do to be successful
and getting them to buy in and trust that we could,
you know, you can execute that pitch and get people out.
And so it's been fun to watch, and uh, you know,
it's good to see Couci. He's off to a good start.
We know, we hope that he keeps it up, and uh,
(06:44):
you know, he's pretty much locked in, and it's been
really fun to watch.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Danny, you mentioned about the teaching and the breakout sessions.
Has there been any mechanical change for Kakuchie or is
just this all believability and having two ears in one
mouth and using them properly, listening the proper teaching and
then going applying it. Is there something mechanically that he's changed.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I don't think he's anything mechanically. I think it's they're
getting him to buy in his stuff a little bit more.
He's throwing a little less fastballs, a few more sliders,
and so that mix of a few more changeups, and
so he's starting to use his stuff more effectively, and uh,
you know that's been the that's been the big deal.
(07:26):
The big deal is like we've gotten him to buy in. Hey,
back up on your fastball. You can touch ninety eight
at times, but you're gonna have you can't just throw
fastballs to major league hitters. You've got to change speech.
You've got to mix it up. He's throwing that change up,
he's throwing that slider, and ultimately I think he's getting
results because he bought in.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Dana Brown asked his GM for a couple more minutes
for his weekly nine thirty visit. We're always grateful for that,
joins us here on Sports Talk seven ninety. All Right,
doesn't appear to be any glaring weakness from my naked eye.
I mean, you guys, look, you find toothcomb and deeper
into it. But in your mind, what still if there's
something that maybe is in your crawl a little bit,
what needs to be fixed for you guys to get
(08:08):
to another level. Is there a weakness that you say
we got to fix that, Well, we just need to.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Get Tucker back. And so you've been noticing more often
that you know they're walking ur on ye and Diaz
has been stepping up, Yes, you know, but how much
fun would it be to have h Tucker and Diez
behind Euron? And so I think once that happens, I
think this offense is really gonna explode when we get
(08:35):
Tucker back. And so that's the one thing that I'm
you know, hopeful for. He's doing more baseball activity on
the field. You know, he's getting better. He's not there yet,
but he's moving around well and it's amazing that we've
been playing so well without him. But when it comes
down to the stretch and that final sprint, we're definitely
(08:55):
going to need him and he should be available for
us by that time. And so ultimately, if we get
to back, you're going to see this team really take off.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
So you you are optimistic that this is starting to
roll the way you want to with Tucker's health. No
time frame, but better, is that what you're saying?
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Yeah, yes, yes, yes, sir. You know the fact that
he's on the field doing some baseball activities and I
know he's not one hundred percent, but the fact that
you get out there and each day you try to say, okay,
let me go a little bit further, let me go
a little bit further and before you know it, you
know you're doing some good things. You're up to fifty
(09:32):
and you're back to one hundred percent and you're ready
to go. And so ultimately, the boys have been showing
a lot of grit holding it down. We're getting it
done even though he's on the il. But when we
get Tucker back, I think this lineup will score more runs.
I think you know we're gonna, We're gonna our starters
will continue to go deep into games and then we'll
(09:52):
rest our bullpen a little bit and then you know,
we get JV back. Also, we may go to a
six man rotation like you guys in twenty twenty two
before I got here. Yep, and you get to that
six man rotation. Now you get your guys a little
bit rest, more rest. Toward the end of the season.
You have six quality starters and you could usher that
right into some wins and potentially get this division one.
(10:15):
So that's the main goal. Win the division first, and
then we go deep into the postseason. That's the goal.
So let's you know, let's go.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Hey, is Verlander one more start minor leagues and then
we'll see him or what's what's the timeframe for him.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yeah, I mean he's moving along very well. A big
part of these starts is how do you feel the
next day? So we'll know more once he pitches tomorrow.
I think he has the Thursday game. He's going to
pitch for Corpus in Arkansas, So once he throws tomorrow,
we'll know Friday, Saturday, Okay, how do you feel day
a day or two after and then we can make
(10:50):
our adjustment from there. So by you know, of course,
by next next week when we talk, I'll have a
lot more information for you on Verlander. But he's coming
along very well. Ninety three to ninety five want to
wipe out breaking ball, they said the other day. And
you know, our data and information looked good. And you know,
we had a scout, you know, one of our veteran scouts,
(11:10):
rest Bo Bay, was in the ballpark when he threw
the other day. So, yeah, what Verlanders looking very good
and we're very helpful, Dana.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
One thing we don't get to talk about much is
like when we see from last year to this year,
and things change any year. But you got to see
Chads McCormick and was really a big time player for
this team. I did some phenomenal things. Well, why the
fall off? You you see your baseball get what's going
on with Chas McCormick that we don't see.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Yeah, I think the minor adjustment that he made to
his stance, you know, maybe you know something that we
should really look at. And ultimately I still believe in Chad.
I mean, if we can.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
Get in a clutch situation, Danny, you'd run him out there.
Still in a clutch situation, you trust that you you're
not going to pinch hit for him. It's a seventh
inning and you've got to have him. You believe that
he's going to pull through with that play right now, Well.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Look that's throw a spoty's decision, and he's going to
do it based on you know, it's got an information
that he's used him down there. But I still believe
in Jazz. I think that you know, he's that one
week away from you know, uh, really turning the corner.
You know, HiT's coming bunches. And if we could, if
he could put together three or four good games in
(12:22):
a week, I think that would make a difference for
his mental makeup because oftentimes you lose confidence when you're
struggling this bad, and you know, I still believe in Chad.
I mean, you just don't fall off a cliff. From
a baseball perspective, the guy had over an over an
eight hundred ops last year, hit over twenty home run.
(12:42):
He's a good defender. He's frustrated right now because he's
going through such a downward spiral. But ultimately, you know
you're looking at a guy that may get hot in
September and roll that right into the postseason and we'll
be all happy.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
And the final question, Di has his growth this year
not only behind the plate, but as a hitter, not
just a guy with power, but as a hitter. And
you put him in the middle of that lineup and
Joe and making this decision, and you mentioned Tucker and
DS hitting behind Alvarez, what a great gig. Can you
just real quick maybe elaborate on why he's gotten so
much better and become like the professional hitter. We're not
(13:19):
just relying on power. The guy puts the ball in
play and is really good. And now you got him
at first base. I imagine with DH first base and catcher,
keeping his bat in the lineup's got to be a
top priority. No. Matter what day it is correct.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Yeah, keeping his back in the lineup is a top priority.
But when you look at Das and I really paid
close attention to him last night, here's a guy that
really swinging the bat very well, and ultimately he's like
a little kid out there. He is having fun. All
of the smiles and everything. He's locked in right now.
What a great feeling of just being locked in and
(13:55):
having some success at the big league level and just
having a little kid in you just show up every
night at the ballpark, and he's bringing the energy, he's
bringing good at baths, he's driving the ball, he's driving
runs in and so ultimately he's having you know, quality
at baths and so what a what a bundle of
joy it is to watch him and just see him
(14:17):
smile out there on the field but just have a
good time and not worry about, you know anything. And
so he's catching well, he's of course throwing well, he's
hitting well, he's showing power. He's a complete player right now.
It's pretty exciting one.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Well, yeah, two months into the twenty twenty three season,
you said that's our catcher of the future as a
backup to Tamaldonado, and here we are more than a
year later, and not only is the Catcher of the future,
the Catcher of the President playing like an All star
and hitting in the middle of your lineup. It's been
a blast to see and to have all that come
to fruition. Dana, great stuff, good luck today on another
(14:50):
finish out a series sweep, and look forward to our
visit next Wednesday, and hopefully we'll have more Kyle Tucker
and Verlander news. Then absolutely, let's go as I appreciate you,
Thank you, Dana. That's Dana Brown. Will come back and
discuss as we wrap it up here some insight and
a little knowledge, and hopefully Tucker is going to be
back after Verland. Of the question is how soon after
(15:11):
Sports Talk seven ninety
We're voted for the Sewn Salisbury Show continued Dana. Welcome
in Dana Brown Astros GM for his weekly nine thirty
visit on Wednesday. One in a winning streak, You're on one,
my man. Uh got to be I know, I know,
it's still a ways to go, but it's about to
turn into that four hundred meter leg it out sprint.
(00:21):
And you guys are on a pretty good role and
everything seems. Pitching's been good, bullpen's been good, and the hitting,
especially at the top of the lineup. Guys are producing
kind of what you were pining for. And here we
are with a nice winning streak and a chance to
sweep a second series in a row tonight today.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Yeah, we're just about to go into that last lap
of the season, yep. And the boys are playing very well.
You know, we're nine over five hundred, first place by
a game and a half. And the guys have been
playing very well on this road trip and I give
them all credit for the grit that they've shown this
entire season.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Dana, let me dig into you the emotion as a fan,
but also you got to look at it different as
the general manager. But you're a baseball guy. At what
point just just kind of the emotion that fans go through.
At what point or was there a point this season
that you said, oh, damn, we are in trouble. Was
there ever, like from an injury. I know you believe
in him, but was there that point maybe the lowest
(01:19):
point for you about your team this year? Do you
remember when that was and how that feeling is now
getting out of that?
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Yeah, I mean there was times where you know, things
got tough, but I felt really good about the club.
The thing with me is I've been in baseball for
so long, so I know what a bad team looks like.
And so because I still felt like this was a
good team, that we were going to be okay, and
so ultimately from fighting the weather a little bit, but
ultimately I thought like, look, we got some guys hurt,
(01:47):
but we got some guys coming as well, and I
felt really confident that these guys would get on the
hot street. And as I mentioned, I've been around baseball
a long time and I know when a team is
really bad and they're on their way down. So ultimately
I felt good about us being able to put this
thing together. It's just a matter of getting on all cylings, which.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
We are now that force through the trees. You were
able to see it, unlike you know, some of us.
And it's been a great reward a game and a
half in front of first place. So let's get to
a couple other things. We were talking Brian and I
on this show yesterday in the day before about this
pitching staff's been so impressive. Hunter Brown's growth, Adam Kokuchi,
the way that you know, the last thirteen strikeouts, the
(02:29):
way he's improved with Araghetti fromber looks like a front
line ace. I mean, all up and down they've given you.
Hunter Brown's been outstanding. And you know, with all these injuries, Dana,
I guess this is a great plus. Not the injuries,
but you got guys now that even if those guys
were to come back healthy, all of them, that these
guys are making it tough for you to pull them
(02:50):
out of the lineup because they are producing on a
regular basis, which just adds to the incredible depth and
the development of these young pitchers who've come in and
done their job, not the least of which has been
Renel Blanco as well.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Yeah, one of the things we knew that we had
to do with the dead line was really firm up
this rotation. Adam Kokushi really solidify the rotation, and it
gave us five really good starters, you know, because we
were waiting for these guys to come back. But in
the meantime, you know, we locked it in with five
pretty good starters. You're starting to throw the ball very well.
(03:26):
They're giving us an opportunity to win ball games, and
it's been fun to watch.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
Dan. If I told you that this starting staff was
going to give you, you know, we're a time when we
don't do complete games for the most part. With all
the specialization in baseball. They're great when you get them,
but it's not like you know, all the Bob Gibsons
and Cofaxes where they're throwing twenty five complete games a year.
So with that, if I told you were going to
get into the fifth inning the rest of the year
(03:52):
with your starters, what would your response be to that
and what would the result be for your team?
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Yeah, I would prefer to they into the sixth inning,
you know, that would be my preference. But if we
get into the five on the occasion, you know, we
have a good back end of the bullpen. Right now.
That's throwing throwing the ball very well, and so I
would say that we still have a really good chance
of winning that game. But ultimately, once we get into
(04:19):
the sixth and you now and you have to cover.
If you get six innings, you have to cover three.
I feel really good about that. But if we get five,
I think we can you know, throw Scott and that
the big boys on the back end, and we're still
in pretty good shape. And so we have some guys
like or that's coming up throwing well, King that's throwing well,
(04:39):
and so we still have guys in there that could
pitch six seven if our big boys, you know, are
not available. So you know, it's good to see that
the teams on all cylinders, with the rotation the bullpen,
the bats are coming together and we're swinging it and
you know we're catching the baseball too, so we're playing
pretty good defense. So ultimately, you know, it leads to
(05:00):
some wins in the win column.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Yeah, it sure does. In a winning streak in first
place by a game and a half. And here we
are in just in the infancy in the early days
of August, with a good stretch run ahead all right
to Kakuchi. I want to go back to him. We
know the result he's done in his three starts has
been really really good and keeping runs, you know, people
from crossing the plate doing his thing. After three starts,
(05:26):
people want to know, Okay, well he's better here. Why
And I know he's using more, you know, to change
up more and off speed stuff. But Dana, you got
to get buy in. And he's bought in. Why did
the buy in happen so quick? That wasn't happening in Toronto.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Well, the one thing I can't speak for Toronto, but
what I will say is I've been saying since day
one when I first got the job, when I got
the spring training in twenty twenty three, I said, hey,
these guys are really different. They have these breakout sessions
with these pictures, and they really know how to get
them locked in. They get them focused, they get them prepared,
and I think we do such a good job of that.
(06:02):
We get these guys to buy in, we show them
on video, we show them the traits to their stuff,
and then we get them to use that stuff effectively.
And so I've always said, look, this is these are
some of the best pitching people I've been around in
baseball since I've been in the game for thirty five years,
and so ultimately, I think we do a very good
(06:24):
job of identifying what guys could do to be successful
and getting them to buy in and trust that we could,
you know, you can execute that pitch and get people out.
And so it's been fun to watch, and uh, you know,
it's good to see Couci. He's off to a good start.
We know, we hope that he keeps it up, and uh,
(06:44):
you know, he's pretty much locked in, and it's been
really fun to watch.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Danny, you mentioned about the teaching and the breakout sessions.
Has there been any mechanical change for Kakuchie or is
just this all believability and having two ears in one
mouth and using them properly, listening the proper teaching and
then going applying it. Is there something mechanically that he's changed.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I don't think he's anything mechanically. I think it's they're
getting him to buy in his stuff a little bit more.
He's throwing a little less fastballs, a few more sliders,
and so that mix of a few more changeups, and
so he's starting to use his stuff more effectively, and uh,
you know that's been the that's been the big deal.
(07:26):
The big deal is like we've gotten him to buy in. Hey,
back up on your fastball. You can touch ninety eight
at times, but you're gonna have you can't just throw
fastballs to major league hitters. You've got to change speech.
You've got to mix it up. He's throwing that change up,
he's throwing that slider, and ultimately I think he's getting
results because he bought in.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Dana Brown asked his GM for a couple more minutes
for his weekly nine thirty visit. We're always grateful for that,
joins us here on Sports Talk seven ninety. All Right,
doesn't appear to be any glaring weakness from my naked eye.
I mean, you guys, look, you find toothcomb and deeper
into it. But in your mind, what still if there's
something that maybe is in your crawl a little bit,
what needs to be fixed for you guys to get
(08:08):
to another level. Is there a weakness that you say
we got to fix that, Well, we just need to.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Get Tucker back. And so you've been noticing more often
that you know they're walking ur on ye and Diaz
has been stepping up, Yes, you know, but how much
fun would it be to have h Tucker and Diez
behind Euron? And so I think once that happens, I
think this offense is really gonna explode when we get
(08:35):
Tucker back. And so that's the one thing that I'm
you know, hopeful for. He's doing more baseball activity on
the field. You know, he's getting better. He's not there yet,
but he's moving around well and it's amazing that we've
been playing so well without him. But when it comes
down to the stretch and that final sprint, we're definitely
(08:55):
going to need him and he should be available for
us by that time. And so ultimately, if we get
to back, you're going to see this team really take off.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
So you you are optimistic that this is starting to
roll the way you want to with Tucker's health. No
time frame, but better, is that what you're saying?
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Yeah, yes, yes, yes, sir. You know the fact that
he's on the field doing some baseball activities and I
know he's not one hundred percent, but the fact that
you get out there and each day you try to say, okay,
let me go a little bit further, let me go
a little bit further and before you know it, you
know you're doing some good things. You're up to fifty
(09:32):
and you're back to one hundred percent and you're ready
to go. And so ultimately, the boys have been showing
a lot of grit holding it down. We're getting it
done even though he's on the il. But when we
get Tucker back, I think this lineup will score more runs.
I think you know we're gonna, We're gonna our starters
will continue to go deep into games and then we'll
(09:52):
rest our bullpen a little bit and then you know,
we get JV back. Also, we may go to a
six man rotation like you guys in twenty twenty two
before I got here. Yep, and you get to that
six man rotation. Now you get your guys a little
bit rest, more rest. Toward the end of the season.
You have six quality starters and you could usher that
right into some wins and potentially get this division one.
(10:15):
So that's the main goal. Win the division first, and
then we go deep into the postseason. That's the goal.
So let's you know, let's go.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Hey, is Verlander one more start minor leagues and then
we'll see him or what's what's the timeframe for him.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yeah, I mean he's moving along very well. A big
part of these starts is how do you feel the
next day? So we'll know more once he pitches tomorrow.
I think he has the Thursday game. He's going to
pitch for Corpus in Arkansas, So once he throws tomorrow,
we'll know Friday, Saturday, Okay, how do you feel day
a day or two after and then we can make
(10:50):
our adjustment from there. So by you know, of course,
by next next week when we talk, I'll have a
lot more information for you on Verlander. But he's coming
along very well. Ninety three to ninety five want to
wipe out breaking ball, they said the other day. And
you know, our data and information looked good. And you know,
we had a scout, you know, one of our veteran scouts,
(11:10):
rest Bo Bay, was in the ballpark when he threw
the other day. So, yeah, what Verlanders looking very good
and we're very helpful, Dana.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
One thing we don't get to talk about much is
like when we see from last year to this year,
and things change any year. But you got to see
Chads McCormick and was really a big time player for
this team. I did some phenomenal things. Well, why the
fall off? You you see your baseball get what's going
on with Chas McCormick that we don't see.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Yeah, I think the minor adjustment that he made to
his stance, you know, maybe you know something that we
should really look at. And ultimately I still believe in Chad.
I mean, if we can.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
Get in a clutch situation, Danny, you'd run him out there.
Still in a clutch situation, you trust that you you're
not going to pinch hit for him. It's a seventh
inning and you've got to have him. You believe that
he's going to pull through with that play right now, Well.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Look that's throw a spoty's decision, and he's going to
do it based on you know, it's got an information
that he's used him down there. But I still believe
in Jazz. I think that you know, he's that one
week away from you know, uh, really turning the corner.
You know, HiT's coming bunches. And if we could, if
he could put together three or four good games in
(12:22):
a week, I think that would make a difference for
his mental makeup because oftentimes you lose confidence when you're
struggling this bad, and you know, I still believe in Chad.
I mean, you just don't fall off a cliff. From
a baseball perspective, the guy had over an over an
eight hundred ops last year, hit over twenty home run.
(12:42):
He's a good defender. He's frustrated right now because he's
going through such a downward spiral. But ultimately, you know
you're looking at a guy that may get hot in
September and roll that right into the postseason and we'll
be all happy.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
And the final question, Di has his growth this year
not only behind the plate, but as a hitter, not
just a guy with power, but as a hitter. And
you put him in the middle of that lineup and
Joe and making this decision, and you mentioned Tucker and
DS hitting behind Alvarez, what a great gig. Can you
just real quick maybe elaborate on why he's gotten so
much better and become like the professional hitter. We're not
(13:19):
just relying on power. The guy puts the ball in
play and is really good. And now you got him
at first base. I imagine with DH first base and catcher,
keeping his bat in the lineup's got to be a
top priority. No. Matter what day it is correct.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Yeah, keeping his back in the lineup is a top priority.
But when you look at Das and I really paid
close attention to him last night, here's a guy that
really swinging the bat very well, and ultimately he's like
a little kid out there. He is having fun. All
of the smiles and everything. He's locked in right now.
What a great feeling of just being locked in and
(13:55):
having some success at the big league level and just
having a little kid in you just show up every
night at the ballpark, and he's bringing the energy, he's
bringing good at baths, he's driving the ball, he's driving
runs in and so ultimately he's having you know, quality
at baths and so what a what a bundle of
joy it is to watch him and just see him
(14:17):
smile out there on the field but just have a
good time and not worry about, you know anything. And
so he's catching well, he's of course throwing well, he's
hitting well, he's showing power. He's a complete player right now.
It's pretty exciting one.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Well, yeah, two months into the twenty twenty three season,
you said that's our catcher of the future as a
backup to Tamaldonado, and here we are more than a
year later, and not only is the Catcher of the future,
the Catcher of the President playing like an All star
and hitting in the middle of your lineup. It's been
a blast to see and to have all that come
to fruition. Dana, great stuff, good luck today on another
(14:50):
finish out a series sweep, and look forward to our
visit next Wednesday, and hopefully we'll have more Kyle Tucker
and Verlander news. Then absolutely, let's go as I appreciate you,
Thank you, Dana. That's Dana Brown. Will come back and
discuss as we wrap it up here some insight and
a little knowledge, and hopefully Tucker is going to be
back after Verland. Of the question is how soon after
(15:11):
Sports Talk seven ninety
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