Something Old, Something New

You readers get the rest, so I'll just leave my title there. But it does bring up two things that relate to your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis.

This first is yet another story bringing up the same old question of whether or not El Oso Blanco will get enough playing time. Chris Towers of CBS Fantasy Sports had THIS to say in his latest report:

How much will Evan Gattis play?

The Astros have enough firepower all over the diamond that they didn't think they necessarily needed to force Gattis' bat into the lineup last season. However, after a dreadfully slow start, they eventually sent him down to the minors to re-learn how to catch, and Gattis reminded them of just how vital his bat can be.

Over his final 108 games -- 49 of them behind the plate -- Gattis hit .258 with an .869 OPS and 31 homers in 429 plate appearances, re-establishing himself as one of the most potent offensive forces behind the plate in all of baseball. However, he could have trouble finding consistent playing time in 2016 (this should say 2017), with the team's three big offseason additions all likely to cut into his playing time.

With Beltran in as the full-time DH, McCann set to be the primary catcher, and Reddick out in the outfield, Gattis' path to an everyday job is crowded. On the other hand, that versatility could be Gattis' saving grace, as he can fill in against tougher lefties for Reddick, while still catching a few times a week and giving Beltran a day off at DH from time to time. As a DH-only player, which he was at this time last year, it was hard to justify a big role for Gattis. In 2016 (Again, in 2017!), however, even concerns about playing time shouldn't be enough to drop him much more than fifth at the catcher position.

Thankfully, Mr. Towers has been giving reasons of hope for the Big White Bear about what lies ahead in the upcoming season. He even made a point of say such in the live report video posted within the article. You fans can judge for yourselves by viewing the video here.

I believe that we should allow Hinch to make the right decisions that he will in 2017. Let the chips fall where they may, if you will. So much of how the starting nine will look like still hinges on too many various factors. Injuries, trades, slumps and hot streaks will all play a role.

Now, on to something new! Evan and his wife-to-be, Kim will finally, after being together almost 8 years, tie the knot tomorrow. Craig Hlavaty of the Houston Chronicle posted the following report Wednesday across social media. INCLUDING their very own wedding registries!:

Astros' Evan Gattis getting hitched before heading to spring training https://t.co/6kA65B3lS2

— ChronAstros (@ChronAstros) January 11, 2017

You can be assured, ladies and gentlemen, that I will be sending a little something their way. In fact, as I'm writing this, the order just completed for shipping. It's all in the hopes of them getting their new marriage off to a good start, and a little token of my appreciation and admiration of the two of them. Kim and Evan, if you're both reading this, you can also expect a video message to be sent to you on the day of your nuptials.

Please join me, readers, in wishing these two crazy love birds all the happiness in the world!!!!

He's going to the chapel, & he's gonna get married!!!!