Talk to Me!

In referencing a hit song off of the 3rd solo release "Rock-a-Little" from my metaphorical fairy godmother, Stevie Nicks, the Houston Astros are now starting to speak volumes. After a disappointing sweep at home by the defending American League Champions, the Cleveland Indians, the spacemen have now gone into hyperactive mode with the wins again. They've taken 2 out of 4 from the Detroit Tigers already, guaranteeing a series split, at the very least. Despite having two key players in Dallas Keuchel and Brian McCann out, the team is still finding ways to get the job done.

Your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, continues to be a big part of those wins. Taking the reigns as starting catcher while BMac heals up, his performance working the staff has been, like everything else about him, nothing short of amazing and inspiring. Josh Innes of "The Josh Innes Show" on Sports Talk 790 caught up with El Oso Blanco for a short pre-game interview yesterday. And boy, did he have some very in-depth things to say, as usual! You can give a listen to the interview below. Big shout out goes to the entire crew at the show for sending this to me to share.

I say this a lot, but it is always inspirational to hear that man speak. So much so, that I'm even aspiring myself to get a sit down with my bear buddy for an interview on this very blog some time. I have my ways of making this happen, all within reason, but I'm determined to see this through. Evan, if you are out there reading this, I'm hoping you may indulge me some time in the off season. You know where to find me, bear!

Having said all of that, last night's second game against the boys from the motor city had the Big White Bear take a night off after catching 3 games in a row. Much deserved, in my humble opinion. At the same time, it allowed for AAA Fresno reserve third catcher, Juan Centeno to make his majors debut with the Astros. Having played with the Minnesota Twins just last season, he knows a thing or two about playing the big crowds.

AND HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT, AT ALL!!!!

Going two for three with a single and THIS MONSTER SHOT over to left center field, Centeno made a pretty early statement as to just how valuable of a pickup he was this off season. With him being a lefty hitting catcher, there just may be some room for him to take over when McCann either retires, or has his tenure with the organization expire. I'm even going to venture to make a bold statement in saying that when #BearSquared finally parts as the duo, Centeno and Gattis could very well be the catching core of this team for a while.

Far fetched, you say?! Well, not really. Given that Centeno is in his late 20's, and Gattis just turned 30 last August, both players still have quite a bit of prime left in them. If I were Jeff Luhnow, and I opted not to pick up McCann's 2019 option, I would, instead, give Centeno his backup shot to Gattis as a lefty compliment to the bear. Perhaps you could even platoon both of these players. I'd also extend Gattis as a free agent for about a good 4 or so years at around 8 mil/yr. This way, you can give more time for Garrett Stubbs to develop, or make him and/or Max Stassi available via a trade. That all depends, of course, on what the state of your catching depth would be at that point.

Regardless, the Houston Astros have what they need to be competitive for a while. All they are missing is some more starting pitching. Possibly, they trade for an arm like Gerrit Cole of the Pittsburgh Pirates or Chris Archer from the Tampa Bay Rays. However, with the team having the best record in the league, nothing is so incredibly urgent at the moment. So for now, the best thing to do is to play the waiting game. It could draw out longer than extra innings, but should benefit the spacemen in the long run and for the right now in trying to get that world title.

That is also assuming they do not trade from the current lineup. Please don't make that mistake, Mr. Luhnow. Still trusting the process, but like most things in life, you'll have to do what the current organization's slogan is and "Earn It!"

Original Photo Credit: Bob Levey of Getty Images

Talk isn't always cheap...especially, when the bear does it!