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Astros: A Tribute to Colby Rasmus

By Cody Poage

Jul 26, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Colby Rasmus (28) looks up from the dugout during a game against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Colby Rasmus (28) looks up from the dugout during a game against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Well, there won’t be any “Colby Jack” calls for the Astros in 2017.

The hand writing has been on the wall since the summer; the Astros were likely moving on from outfielder Colby Rasmus. It’s actually a bittersweet ending.

When you examine his time as an Astro, Rasmus’ story could be told in two parts. One part could be described as a low average hitter (.238) who could hit for some power (.236 ISO) as long as it was against right handed pitchers. But he did contribute a 2.9 WAR, which is the third-highest total for his career. Not bad production for an $8 million investment back in the winter of 2015.

The next season, the highly-anticipated sequel if you will, started off well. Don’t forget that Rasmus did in fact win an AL Player of the Week award during this past April. However, a prolonged slump in conjunction of discovering a cyst in his ear and subsequent recovery quickly derailed his 2016 season. Once everything was determined, the Astros spent $15.8 million on a player who contributed 1.4 WAR. That’s not a knock against Rasmus as he could do nothing to prevent his health ailments throughout the season. At times things are just beyond our control.

Colby Rasmus offensive statistics as an Astro

2015 statistics: .238/.314/.475, 25 HR, 61 RBI, .236 ISO, 117 wRC+ in 485 plate appearances

2016 statistics: .206/.286/.355, 15 HR, 54 RBI, .149 ISO, 75 wRC+ in 417 plate appearances

While Rasmus leaves Houston not under optimal circumstances, you can’t help but appreciate what he brought towards this ball club. After all, he helped spearhead this franchise back into contention with his solid play and veteran presence. Thanks to his and the entire team’s effort in 2015, baseball was put back into the forefront in Houston. The first time in a long time. That was quite simply an enjoyable ride. And Per Mark Berman of Fox 26 News, it also seems like Rasmus truly enjoyed his time in Houston.

Next: Astros have the need and resources for Jose Quintana

While there may be no more “Colby Jacks” in Houston’s future right now, the two years that Rasmus spent as an Astro were fun to watch. We wish him the best. Just not when the ‘Stros go up against the Tampa Bay Rays.

**Statistics and salary information courtesy of Fangraphs**

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