Astros Twitter dismissed Sawchik's article, but concerns about personnel losses, a modest farm system, and others catching up to the Astros technological edge are worth taking seriously.
I have started to cover the Astros farm system day by day on Substack (check it out if you feel like it) and one thing that I've realized is that Houston minor league organization isn't given all of the credit that it deserves. They had a spectacular draft class last year bringing in top prospects Drew Gilbert, Jacob Melton, and Ryan Clifford who have all done great in the minors this year. They have also done a great job with their international signings in past years signing both electric pitchers and position players like Pedro Leon, RHP Miguel Ullola, and SS Camilo Diaz.
Worthy of concern, Spence (I'm in Austin, too, after being raised in Houston!), I'm just hoping Crane was/is self-aware enough to have hired Dana Brown to help "check" himself from over-stepping into that role (and, here's hoping Bagwell can slide into the running lane, as well, and "block the plate" from Crane's possible overreach)!
I have started to cover the Astros farm system day by day on Substack (check it out if you feel like it) and one thing that I've realized is that Houston minor league organization isn't given all of the credit that it deserves. They had a spectacular draft class last year bringing in top prospects Drew Gilbert, Jacob Melton, and Ryan Clifford who have all done great in the minors this year. They have also done a great job with their international signings in past years signing both electric pitchers and position players like Pedro Leon, RHP Miguel Ullola, and SS Camilo Diaz.
I have subscribed to your Substack, Jude.
Worthy of concern, Spence (I'm in Austin, too, after being raised in Houston!), I'm just hoping Crane was/is self-aware enough to have hired Dana Brown to help "check" himself from over-stepping into that role (and, here's hoping Bagwell can slide into the running lane, as well, and "block the plate" from Crane's possible overreach)!