Altuve Tearing Up LVBP & Other Updates

Jose Altuve is tearing up the Liga Venezuela Biesbol Profesional. He has hit in nine of the 10 games he has played in with four multi hit games. His average is .361, OPS is .378, and Slugging is .500. Out of his 13 hits, he has three doubles and a triple. He has executed three sacrifices and stolen three bases in four attempts. The only areas that are not strong are his strike outs and hitting into double plays (three). He has struck out six times in 36 at bats. One out of six isn't a bad ratio for most players but it is a big drop from one in almost eight at bats he had during his minor league season. Altuve's play is garnering a great deal of attention in Venezuela. Here is a google translated quote from a recent interview in Diario Ojo Pelao

"My short career has been a constant struggle, as you know, I'm a small player, my height is 1.68 (meters) and when he refused to sign the professional, many scouts did not take into account, they thought it was incapable of hitting, fielding and making what needs to be to be professional. Finally, the organization of the Houston Astros gave me the chance I desired, in time, I have shown it can do the job and it's amazing because I come from playing 125 games in the minors that year, "said the novice player.

For those who are curious, 1.68 meters = 5' 5"

Altuve's make the most of the playing time he will get. In December, many major league players start returning to the LVBP rosters and that will likely move him to the bench.

How cool is it to see that a Jose Altuve base hit drove in former Houston Astro Richard Hildago?

Altuve is also teammates on Navegantes del Magallanes with Frederico Hernandez. Freddy has struggled at the plate this winter, getting only four hits in 31 at bats (.158). But he has taken six walks and has scored six times. So when he gets on base, he is making the most of the opportunity.

Another former Greeneville Astro & current Navigator making a good showing is Gabriel Garcia. Garcia has entered in relief nine times. He carries a 3.60 earned run average in 10 innings pitched. The one area of improvement that jumps out at me is he is keeping the ball in the park. He surrendered two HR in his 16 1/3 innings in Greeneville this year.

Other former G-stros on LVBP rosters aren't getting much playing time but you can check out their stats here.