So here's the scenario: The Astros have a ton of outfielders, and - at deadline - can only have three outfielders. J.D. Martinez' place is solidified as is, presumably, Jordan Schafer's. That leaves one outfield spot for Brian Bogusevic, Jason Michaels, and J.B. Shuck.
I know what you must be thinking: Surely Michaels will not be getting regular ABs, right?
wrong. Check Brian McTaggart:
Perhaps Bourgeois is better fitted for a reserve role, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Having Bourgeois available to pinch run late in a game will be a huge weapon. J.B. Shuck has also seen time in center recently, but he’ll likely split time in right field with Jason Michaels (against left-handers) and Brian Bogusevic (against right-handers)..
Here's my issue: I don't think anyone saw Jason Bourgeois hitting .340 for any duration of the season, so if he gets relegated to the bench, so be it. I'm okay with that. But when the Astros traded Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn, and promoted Martinez and Shuck, I can't believe that there is a scenario - even one involving a bus wreck - where Jason Michaels gets even a platoon role.
Only this team could look at Michaels, hitting .219/.288/.329 against lefties this season, as a better option over seeing what Bogusevic or Shuck can do.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
