Max Stassi's debut was the Good, the Bad & Ugly!

                       courtesy of nbcsports.com
Houston Astros called up their top catching prospect, Max Stassi, who debut against the Texas Rangers Tuesday night in Arlington because of an concussion to Carlos Corporan. Though it may only be a spot start, Stassi was thrust into the lineup and didn't waste much time getting his first major league hit. Stassi singled up the middle on his second at-bat in the fifth inning against Rangers' pitcher Jason Frasor.

Getting your first hit has to be the greatest feeling in the world, you feel like you finally belong. The Rangers' were aware and kindly returned the now precious Stassi ball back to the Astros dugout for keepsake. That was the Good!

In the same inning Stassi stood at first base when Marwin Gonzalez hit a ground ball back to Jason Frasor, who overthrew Elvis Andrus at second base for a force out but Ian Kinsler was their backing up the play. Stassi, who slid into second thought he was out not realizing Andrus never caught the ball. That was the Bad! Stassi not realizing that he was safe at second got up and started walking away from the base toward the dugout only to be tagged out by Ian Kinsler. The Ugly! Take a look:
courtesy of mlb.com

Did you hear the Texas Ranger announcer, Steve Busby say he has egg on his face? When Max Stassi spoke with Houston manager, Bo Porter, he explanation was:

"He told me, 'Bo, this never happened to me in no league, and it's not going to happen again,' " Porter said. "I told him if you are a force out, you don't leave the base until the umpire says you're out."

Stassi did redeem himself with another base hit in the seventh inning finishing the night 2 for 3. His debut didn't end in a victory but it will be a night to remember.
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