After a slow start to the season for the defending American League West champions, the Houston Astros are looking to reclaim their title as the division leader, continuing their success at the plate and on the bases.

Before battling against the Texas Rangers, the Houston Astros’ manager AJ Hinch spoke with Fanatics View media on some early season struggles for the club. Hinch spoke on the team’s base running aggression, which has produced low stolen base success rates during the first few games of the season. While base running mistakes made by the Astros might present some cause for concern, Hinch was very optimistic about the club’s offensive game plan and it’s struggles. Hinch explains the Astros’ aggressiveness, led by the team’s stacked athletic lineup which focuses on putting as much pressure on the pitcher as possible. He added that the club’s lead off man, George Springer, is more agile and explosive this season, and would be adding to team’s aggressive play-style. According to Hinch, the team’s focus for this season is going to rely heavily on it’s versatile line-up, fighting for the next 90 feet and being aggressive on the base path, regardless of the team’s recent struggles.

When Fanatics View media asked Hinch about Gerrit Cole’s status as the best pitcher in the MLB, Hinch responded with “Absolutely”, while also adding that Cole’s pitching is “Overlooked”. After posting a strong 15 wins and 5 losses with the Astros in 2018, Cole’s pitching is generating more attention with each game the 28 year-old pitches in.

Wrapping up the interview, Hinch responded to Fanatics View’s questions regarding the unsigned status of all-star pitchers Craig Kimbrel and former Astro, Dallas Keuchel. Hinch responded, saying that Kimbrel and Keuchel are two of the best pitches in the league and that he wishes they had been signed. He goes on to say that the game of baseball is best “when our best players are all signed up”. While cy-young winner Dallas Keuchel, and 2018 World-Series champ Craig Kimbrel remain unsigned, A.J. Hinch doesn’t seem too worried about which club might pick them up. The next two weeks to come should be very interesting for the two all-stars. Which team do you think might be interested?

Make sure to check out our YouTube Channel for more content!

http://www.youtube.com/fanaticsvieworiginals