Eddie Ravert
Houston Astros (82-74): Chris Carter, 1B/DH
Sep 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Chris Carter (23) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately for many Astros fans, Carter’s 2015 season has been a bit disappointing. The 2005 15th round draft pick had a ton of hype to live up to entering the season, but has failed to consistently deliever. Carter was compared to Astros legends Lance Berkman and Jeff Bagwell, and was set to finally fulfill the slugging 1B position after Berkman’s departure.
Carter is batting below the Mendozza line at .195 and has 142 strike outs. With those numbers one would hope his power numbers are at least respectable, but unfortunately, they are not. To date, he has hit 22 home runs and only 52 RBI. But I promise you there is hope.
Even with the combined low average and slugging numbers, Carter still is a threat to go deep at any minute. In his last two games, he has hit two home runs and compiled zero strikeouts. Obviously that is a small sample size, but could this be the start of Carter’s resurgence? Baseball fans know that hot teams/players typically make great playoff runs. If Carter can continue to improve, he could very well play himself into the key Houston bat off the bench in a crucial RBI situation.
