I'd be the last fan to call Altuve selfish. But when guys are amped up to drive in runs...well, that's when a manager has to assess the situation and make sure the whole team plays smart baseball. I thought bunting was the way to play it there. Then again, Espada might not have.
Let's see: Through 6 innings we have 6 hits (including a HR), plus a BB and 2 Boston errors...yet despite scoring just once have left only 3 men on base. That's a little bad luck, but also a TOOTBLAN clinic.
And not just this year. Fans can rag on him if they wish, and I get it sometimes...but Dubon started paying dividends the season we got him and still does. Every title team needs a Swiss Army knife, and I'd much prefer to keep him around.
Maybe the season comes down largely to this: Do we get a full, healthy season out of Arch? If not, how long is he out, and against whom? Baxter's health is the next question, but at RB we've shown we can get it done by committee if need be. Doesn't work that way at QB.
Armor these guys up like Biggio and have them crowd the plate. Oh, and don't swing. They really couldn't do worse and likely would get on base every couple games.