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Houston Astros: Three options better than Carlos Beltran right now

By James Zeankowski

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 31: Carlos Beltran #15 of the Houston Astros reacts after being hit with a pitch by pitcher Jose Leclerc of the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning of a game on August 31, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 31: Carlos Beltran #15 of the Houston Astros reacts after being hit with a pitch by pitcher Jose Leclerc of the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning of a game on August 31, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

2. Brian McCann

Another option to get some more DH starts would be none other than the other half of #BearSquared that is the BMac, Brian McCann. He can take some of these reps in games where Gattis is spotting him behind the plate.

He doesn’t particularly like manning that spot in the lineup, either. However, McCann has certainly proven to be able to handle the role far better than Carlos Beltran. In just eight at-bats in the DH spot in 2017, he has three hits and four RBIs. Three of those RBIs came off one of his hits, a bases clearing triple, back Aug. 27th in Anaheim.

Small sample size aside, having a slash line of .375/.444/.625/1.069 as a DH is certainly nothing to sneeze at. With McCann getting up there in age, being able to take some time to just grab his lethal bat may be just the ticket to keep him the lineup for a full season.

Healthy Choice

BMac is certainly no invalid, mind you. Neither is Gattis. Both are likely to be this team’s big league catching core for the foreseeable future. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com agrees with that sentiment. His quote from that article?:

"Brian McTaggart   I’m taking your Astros questions to be posted in an Inbox later today. Send them my way. Nicky Mintz @chunky37 W/Centeno having clutch hits in limited ABs, do you see him making playoff roster to give flexibility for Gattis to DH/pinch run McCann? Brian McTaggart  No, a healthy Astros team will have Gattis and McCann as the two catchers. Both Brian McCann and Evan Gattis can also switch off the DH role. Aside from the fears of having to switch from DH to behind the plate, there is no reason why this shouldn’t happen. Additionally, there is generally only a four percent probability of a DH needing to make the switch to a defensive position. Plus, the manager can do a double switch with other bench players to accommodate this. Like with Evan Gattis, Centeno or Stassi can fill in behind the plate if BMac’s wonder twin brother bear sustains any injury. Heaven forbid either of the two power hitting catchers get hurt anymore in 2017. This is true for either the regular season or the post season. Brian McCann was a great pickup over the off season. He’ll be here in Houston through at least next season, with a club option in 2019. Let’s hope it gets picked up! Next: Option #3: The Jaws of Life! (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) 3. Tyler White The logjam in the infield has prevented Tyler White from seeing much action in the big leagues. Much to the dismay of many, the “Great White,” as he is commonly called, has not been able to show his teeth, for lack of a better phrase. But since September call ups are now in place, Tyler White has found a place on the expanded rosters for further backup help. In the short time that he has appeared with the club in 2017, a slash line of .325/.364/.650/1.014 in 13 games played and 40 at-bats is pretty significant. Additionally, Tyler White has banked three home runs, nine RBI, three walks and five runs scored across 13 hits. That’s some big league numbers, if there ever was any. More from House of Houston Are you the 2021 FanSided Sports Fan of the Year? Houston Texans: 4 reasons Romeo Crennel is right coach right now Astros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason begins Houston Texans: The Most Underrated Sports Drought Ever Houston Texans: J.J. Watt’s early case for NFL Hall of Fame So while he is with the club the rest of the month, perhaps he can take some reps at DH? The infield will be clogged with the likes of Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Yuli Gurriel and Marwin Gonzalez. That’s a long line of talent to have to be behind. Shark Bait! Tyler White may also be considered to serve as DH next season when Carlos Beltran likely departs. Or perhaps, an even better idea is to switch him at DH with the likes of Evan Gattis or Brian McCann when either of the bears are behind the plate? So many possibilities, and thankfully, enough time to think it over for next year. Tyler White is a long shot to make the post season roster this season with the infield log jam. The small sample size in his numbers may also prevent him from seeing playoff action. Even with that, Tyler White is still a key component to this Houston Astros’ team, both now and in the future. Some shark attacks are definitely in the future for these spacemen! Next: In Conclusion (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) In Conclusion: Money Has Done Enough Talking! Houston sports fans are very well aware that contract does not, and should not, guarantee playing time. If you need a point of reference, take what the Texans did last season with Brock Osweiler. All that money he was owed did not save him from eventually being benched for Tom Savage. I realize that may seem like a sore example, folks. But stay with me, here. It will all make sense in a minute. None of this analysis on Carlos Beltran is intended to be disrespectful or demeaning in anyway. Far from it! It’s actually to question how a future Hall of Fame inductee is playing unbecoming of his illustrious career. But the truth is, this Houston Astros lineup has been stacked to the brim with talent all season. Players like Carlos Beltran have been over utilized while under performing. Meanwhile, Evan Gattis, Brian McCann and Tyler White have all been under utilized. These three, and many others on the roster, have been meeting or exceeding their own personal and team expectations. Next: THREE Reasons NOT to worry about the Indians The Houston Astros have a lot of weapons to use to get a World Series championship. Carlos Beltran may have served as a great mentor to the young ones, but it has come at the expense of his bat. He’s a lock to be on the post season roster, but should probably take a seat more for the players that have the better approach and numbers overall. Let’s see what Hinch does!   Brian McTaggart   I’m taking your Astros questions to be posted in an Inbox later today. Send them my way. Nicky Mintz @chunky37 W/Centeno having clutch hits in limited ABs, do you see him making playoff roster to give flexibility for Gattis to DH/pinch run McCann? Brian McTaggart  No, a healthy Astros team will have Gattis and McCann as the two catchers."

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