Astros MVP second baseman Jose Altuve made waves when he declared Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies a better player than himself earlier in the season.
"He's better at 21 than I am at 28," Altuve said, via a Buster Olney column May 20. The pair are often compared because of their small size, position and playing style.
Altuve is listed at 5-foot-6, while Albies is listed at 5-8 (both may be generous estimates).
Since Altuve made his thoughts known, Albies has continued blossoming as one of baseball’s premier young talents. He’s in Washington for his first All-Star game.
And in the media scrum Monday afternoon at Nationals Park, Altuve repeated his praise to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“He’s one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen, as young as he is,” Altuve said. “I really hope he gets doing it like that through the years and comes to many All-Star games and become a better player.”
Altuve said the two have met, and he looks forward to watching Albies grow.
The switch-hitting Albies is one of four Braves in the All-Star game. He’s hit .281 with a .318 on-base percentage in 405 at-bats. Albies has clubbed 20 home runs, and leads the National League with 74 runs scored.
