One Thing Leads to Another
Continuing the theme of rad 80s tunes in my referencing titles, the hit song by new wave band, The Fixx, seems the most appropriate. Mainly because, this past week for the Houston Astros has literally been one thing leading to another. This is true both positively, and negatively. While they finish up the home stand at 3-4, they ended yesterday with a nice walk off win. This will certainly be the momentum shift they need to turn things around, as they head to the south side of Chi Town now to face the Chicago White Sox for a 3 game set, beginning tomorrow and going through Thursday.
The biggest negative, however, is that your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, will not be joining the team on this particular trip. Why, you ask? Well, it turns out that he did, in fact, sustain a concussion Thursday evening from the back swing off of Corey Dickerson, DH for the Tampa Bay Rays. He revealed his symptoms and ailment to the press after Friday's opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, and was placed on the 7 day concussion DL the very next day.
In his place as backup catcher, Juan Centeno was called up from AAA Fresno to spot Brian McCann. And during yesterday's walk-off 7-6 series victory over the guys from the Great White North, he delivered the go-ahead RBI single that was laced to right field to give the team the victory. Both times he has been called up, Centeno has produced greatly in the aftermath of injuries to McCann, and now Gattis. He's a very impressive guy, and important to have around for catching depth. That much is completely clear!
What is unclear, however, is why so many out in the fan base are so quick and impulsive to say he should instantly replace one or both of McCann and Gattis. That sort of impulsive and reckless behavior is the thing that has pinned me against a number of Astros fans in the past, and unfortunately, still is. Anyone that is so quick to move on to the next player in line because of good play from the call up and/or an injury to a veteran is both insulting and unnecessary. To immediately put an expendable label on a veteran just because they got hurt, especially from something NOT of their own doing, is offensive.
Yes, Centeno is a good player. He's clutch and puts up solid numbers on both sides of the ball. But the truth is, so have our two main big league catchers, and you have to pay your dues in this game. Not to discredit Centeno, but McCann and Gattis have long since done that. Say what you will about the #BearSquared duo, but they know how to work this staff and mash the cover off of fastballs. I mean, besides for the usual suspect of players, how else do you think the Astros got off to such a phenomenal start the way that they have? Our catching duo need not be forgotten in the midst of individual players, like our positional All Stars in Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer, to be given credit for.
Before certain fans out there begin opening their mouths and spewing toxic nonsense, yes, I am aware that these two have had struggles with throwing out runners. If you look at the numbers, McCann has never been that great at it in the first place. Gattis would be near, at or above league levels of that, if only given more of the opportunities. So you can imagine why him being on the concussion DL is even more depressing and frustrating for me, more than anyone else.
I'm surprised he was allowed to stay and finish that game after taking such a hit to the side of the head. But from all accounts, he felt okay throughout the remainder of the game and evening. It wasn't until he woke up on Friday, had the symptoms, was diagnosed with a concussion, and then subsequently revealed this ailment to reporters. If that's not being a tough warrior of a bear right there, I sure don't know what is. Considering all that he has gone through in his life and career, El Oso Blanco knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity.
Since his DL stint is the minimum 7 days, Gattis is eligible to be activated on Saturday, when the team is in Arlington to face the in-state divisional rivals, the Texas Rangers. All he would really have to do is drive, or hitch a ride, up the I-45 corridor to meet back up with the guys. This would avoid him having to get back on a plane so soon removed from the concussion. Nobody should ever have to go through something like that. I wouldn't even wish it on my own worst enemy, and I rarely have any, as far as I can tell.
I've said it multiple times, but I will say it again. I wish Evan Gattis a speedy and painless recovery. I can't even begin to fathom what he must be going through right now, but I know he'll get through this. I can feel it through every fiber of my being. Evan, if you are reading this, please know that there are so many out there wishing this same recovery for you than it may appear to be on social media and elsewhere. You are very much wanted and needed with this team and us fans, and it sucks that you have to deal with something like this. But I know you've got this, because I believe in you. Always have, and always will!
Yes, Centeno is a good player. He's clutch and puts up solid numbers on both sides of the ball. But the truth is, so have our two main big league catchers, and you have to pay your dues in this game. Not to discredit Centeno, but McCann and Gattis have long since done that. Say what you will about the #BearSquared duo, but they know how to work this staff and mash the cover off of fastballs. I mean, besides for the usual suspect of players, how else do you think the Astros got off to such a phenomenal start the way that they have? Our catching duo need not be forgotten in the midst of individual players, like our positional All Stars in Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer, to be given credit for.
Before certain fans out there begin opening their mouths and spewing toxic nonsense, yes, I am aware that these two have had struggles with throwing out runners. If you look at the numbers, McCann has never been that great at it in the first place. Gattis would be near, at or above league levels of that, if only given more of the opportunities. So you can imagine why him being on the concussion DL is even more depressing and frustrating for me, more than anyone else.
I'm surprised he was allowed to stay and finish that game after taking such a hit to the side of the head. But from all accounts, he felt okay throughout the remainder of the game and evening. It wasn't until he woke up on Friday, had the symptoms, was diagnosed with a concussion, and then subsequently revealed this ailment to reporters. If that's not being a tough warrior of a bear right there, I sure don't know what is. Considering all that he has gone through in his life and career, El Oso Blanco knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity.
Since his DL stint is the minimum 7 days, Gattis is eligible to be activated on Saturday, when the team is in Arlington to face the in-state divisional rivals, the Texas Rangers. All he would really have to do is drive, or hitch a ride, up the I-45 corridor to meet back up with the guys. This would avoid him having to get back on a plane so soon removed from the concussion. Nobody should ever have to go through something like that. I wouldn't even wish it on my own worst enemy, and I rarely have any, as far as I can tell.
I've said it multiple times, but I will say it again. I wish Evan Gattis a speedy and painless recovery. I can't even begin to fathom what he must be going through right now, but I know he'll get through this. I can feel it through every fiber of my being. Evan, if you are reading this, please know that there are so many out there wishing this same recovery for you than it may appear to be on social media and elsewhere. You are very much wanted and needed with this team and us fans, and it sucks that you have to deal with something like this. But I know you've got this, because I believe in you. Always have, and always will!
Original Photo Credit: Mitchell Layton of Getty Images
Get Well Soon, Bear Buddy!!!!
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