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General Discussion => Talk Zone => Topic started by: OregonStrosFan on November 05, 2009, 01:08:12 am
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Important dates (feel free to add to or correct...) LINK (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/schedule/important_dates.jsp)
November 5th - 19th: teams have exclusive rights to their own free agents. Players can talk with other teams, but only in general terms.
November 20th: Reserve lists for all Major and Minor League levels filed.
December 1st: Last date for former Club to offer salary arbitration to receive compensation.
December 7th - 10th: Winter Meetings, Indianapolis
December 10th: Major League Rule 5 Draft -- Winter Meetings, Indianapolis
December 12th: Tender deadline
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Didn't find the exact dates, but the GM meetings are next week in Chicago
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hope it gets hotter than a zwolle tamale..
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hope it gets hotter than a zwolle tamale..
See, I just hope the Astros find some fucking pitching that is
a) not on the downside of a career
b) based more on "talent" than "hope"
c) capable of making 30-35 starts a year
Today's helpful hint: corner OFs are easier to replace than good starters. Find a team that needs "power" (ha!) and trade them Hunter Pence and a prospect for a #2 or #3. Yes. Some GM is that stupid.
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See, I just hope the Astros find some fucking pitching that is
a) not on the downside of a career
b) based more on "talent" than "hope"
c) capable of making 30-35 starts a year
I don't even know what this means.
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Today's helpful hint: corner OFs are easier to replace than good starters. Find a team that needs "power" (ha!) and trade them Hunter Pence and a prospect for a #2 or #3. Yes. Some GM is that stupid.
That has been my wish for some time.
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I don't even know what this means.
MRaup just shot blood out of someone else's nose.
FACT!
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Why the hell are they having the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis? I'll bet everyone was thrilled when they got the itenerary.
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The GM meetings start on Monday (11/9) in Chicago.
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Why the hell are they having the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis? I'll bet everyone was thrilled when they got the itenerary.
Really cheap lap dances.
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Really cheap lap dances.
Having been to Indy, I can assure you that there's a very, very good reason for that. It's like Michigan Lite.
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I bet Central Indiana is a fantastic place to be in........the..........middle of December.
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Important dates (edited) (LINK (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/schedule/important_dates.jsp), LINK (http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/11/players-can-file-for-free-agency-today.html), LINK (http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-11-05/baseball-calendar)).
November 5th - 19th: Beginning today, players eligible for free agency can start filing. Teams have exclusive rights to their own free agents. Players can talk with other teams, but only in general terms.
November 9th -11th: General managers meetings, Chicago.
November 20th: Reserve lists for all Major and Minor League levels filed.
November 30th - December 4th: Major League Baseball Players Association executive board meeting, Scottsdale, Ariz.
December 1st: Last date for former Club to offer salary arbitration to receive compensation.
December 7th: Last day for free agents offered salary arbitration to accept the offers.
December 7th - 10th: Winter Meetings, Indianapolis
December 10th: Major League Rule 5 Draft -- Winter Meetings, Indianapolis
December 12th: Tender deadline
January 5th - 15th: Salary arbitration filing.
January 6th: Hall of Fame BBWAA voting announced.
January 19th: Exchange of salary arbitration figures.
February 1st - 21st: Salary arbitration hearings, St. Petersburg, Fla.
February 18th: Voluntary reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players.
February 23rd: Voluntary reporting date for other players.
March 2nd: Mandatory reporting date.
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RE: November 5th - 19th: Beginning today, players eligible for free agency can start filing.
Being dense here, but if a player (such as Valverde or Tejada) files for free agency at this time and the Astros subsequently offer them arbitration, can the player then opt out(?) of free agency and accept the arbitration offer? I presume not, but am not sure.
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If the player accepts an offer of arbitration, he is considered a signed player. No need to "opt out".
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Tags has a really good rundown (http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/11/dissecting-the-astros-and-arbitrationfree-agency.html) of the arbitration choices facing the team re: Valverde, Hawkins, and Tejada. Plus this quote:
We have to keep our eye on both balls
Yes, I am still 11 years old.
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Tags has a really good rundown (http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/11/dissecting-the-astros-and-arbitrationfree-agency.html) of the arbitration choices facing the team re: Valverde, Hawkins, and Tejada. Plus this quote:
Yes, I am still 11 years old.
You have hit upon the team's slogan for next year.
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Pape Grande's agent re-confirms that he wants to test the free agent market with McTaggart. LINK (http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/11/valverde_to_test_free-agent_wa.html)
Gene Mato, one of the agents for free agent closer Jose Valverde, confirmed the pitcher's desire to test the free-agent waters.
"The Astros have communicated to Jose their desire to bring him back," Mato wrote in an email to MLB.com "He really enjoyed his time there and is open to the idea of returning. With that said, he is intrigued with the whole free agency process and the interest that is being generated."
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According to this Rosenthal article (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10357594), his agent says they are:
Interest in Wagner still strong — 12:31 p.m.
Teams would have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign Billy Wagner, but interest in the left-hander remains strong.
Bean Stringfellow, Wagner's agent, said Monday that eight clubs have called to express interest in Wagner, a Type A free agent.
"The best way to put it," Stringfellow said, "is that the teams that called are aware that he's a Type A free agent, and they're calling anyway."
Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Houston and Baltimore are on the list, according to Stringfellow, along with three teams that preferred to remain anonymous.
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According to this Rosenthal article (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10357594), his agent says they are:
Interest in Wagner still strong — 12:31 p.m.
Teams would have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign Billy Wagner, but interest in the left-hander remains strong.
Bean Stringfellow, Wagner's agent, said Monday that eight clubs have called to express interest in Wagner, a Type A free agent.
"The best way to put it," Stringfellow said, "is that the teams that called are aware that he's a Type A free agent, and they're calling anyway."
Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Houston and Baltimore are on the list, according to Stringfellow, along with three teams that preferred to remain anonymous.
Bean Stringfellow can't REALLY be someone's name... Come on.
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Bean Stringfellow can't REALLY be someone's name... Come on.
Didn't he pilot Airwolf?
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Bean Stringfellow can't REALLY be someone's name... Come on.
I have to imagine that he's a friend of Wagner's which means he's from southwestern Virginia, possibly even West Virginia. If he has his chromosomes arranged more or less correctly he's doing pretty well.
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Not to be confused with that String Bean (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFFT6YfX6jk&feature=related) feller.
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Didn't he pilot Airwolf?
God, I hope not. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daMTWhN2UDk)
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God, I hope not. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daMTWhN2UDk)
Oh thank God, I thought you were going to link to this guy (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2000899/Man-admits-having-sex-with-1000-cars.html).
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Oh thank God, I thought you were going to link to this guy (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2000899/Man-admits-having-sex-with-1000-cars.html).
I don't want to know, but I'm going to ask anyway.
How?
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I don't want to know, but I'm going to ask anyway.
How?
My friend knows a guy who did a documentary about people who are attracted to inanimate objects. It has a whole segment on how that dude made love to Airwolf. I think you can find in on Youtube, but I wouldn't suggest running searches on "f**king Airwolf" at work. There's also another segment on a woman who was married to the Berlin Wall.
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Some years ago I worked with a country boy from Lubbock who told of his fondness for watermelons in the patch. He said he would just carve out a plug and go at it. I asked him what he thought the farmer's reaction was when he saw all those watermelons in the field with holes in them and he replied in his deep West Texas drawl: "I always put the plug back in after I was done".
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Some years ago I worked with a country boy from Lubbock who told of his fondness for watermelons in the patch. He said he would just carve out a plug and go at it. I asked him what he thought the farmer's reaction was when he saw all those watermelons in the field with holes in them and he replied in his deep West Texas drawl: "I always put the plug back in after I was done".
Thanks for this... I will never eat watermelon again. EVER...
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Thanks for this... I will never eat watermelon without protection again. EVER...
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On the baseball front, the club has expressed interest in John Smoltz. It doesn't say whether they were looking at him as a starter or reliever. What is known is that he would fill the role left behind by Brocail as the guy with the sweet AARP hookup.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10357594/Latest-buzz-from-the-MLB-offseason
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Smoltz? Is this gonna be Mike Hampton 2.0?
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On the baseball front, the club has expressed interest in John Smoltz. It doesn't say whether they were looking at him as a starter or reliever. What is known is that he would fill the role left behind by Brocail as the guy with the sweet AARP hookup.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10357594/Latest-buzz-from-the-MLB-offseason
Ken Fucking Rosenthal? The guy picks his rumors with a dart board. If the 'stros sign Smoltz, I'll eat something inedible. Like a Ken Rosenthal column.
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Some years ago I worked with a country boy from Lubbock who told of his fondness for watermelons in the patch. He said he would just carve out a plug and go at it. I asked him what he thought the farmer's reaction was when he saw all those watermelons in the field with holes in them and he replied in his deep West Texas drawl: "I always put the plug back in after I was done".
In Lubbock that's known as "spunking the watermelon." You could probably major in it at Tech.
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In Lubbock that's known as "spunking the watermelon." You could probably major in it at Tech.
Tech's granting degrees now?
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Ken Fucking Rosenthal? The guy picks his rumors with a dart board.
McTaggart via Twitter (http://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/5814542730):
Astros not pursuing Smoltz, despite Foxsports.com report sayng club was one of several interested in the veteran.
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Tech's granting degrees now?
You know, once I got the corn starch dusted off it looked real nice. Used the gum to stick to the wall.
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Ken Fucking Rosenthal? The guy picks his rumors with a dart board. If the 'stros sign Smoltz, I'll eat something inedible. Like a Ken Rosenthal column.
he gets a lot of his info from scouts, including from my friend.
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Passan's FA list...rankings are pointless but gives you good idea of what is out there
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-freeagenttracker111909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Always impressed by Soriano and Betancourt, either would be a nice replacement for Valverde.
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There are certainly a lot of quality options available. I would imagine Mike Gonzalez is someone they'll look into, as well. He matches Wade's criteria of having experience closing and won't be nearly as expensive as Valverde. I'm not advocating a closer-by-committee, but an 8-9 of Hawkins and Gonzalez (in some combination) would work.
The thing with Betancourt is that he doesn't have experience closing and could be pricey. The Rockies declined his option for '10 because he was set to make $5.4M. They're trying to work out a 2-year deal for less per year, but how much less? The advantage with him, though is that he's a Type-A who won't cost a draft pick.
The problem with seeing that many quality relievers is that it makes offering arbitration to Valverde that much dicier. You don't want to get stuck paying him $10M+, but you've got to figure someone will want the shiniest toy.
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McTaggert (http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/12/astros_interested_in_polanco.html) says Astros have "serious interest" in Placido Polanco. I wonder if they're looking at him for 3B, or thinking of benching/cutting Kaz?
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McTaggert (http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/12/astros_interested_in_polanco.html) says Astros have "serious interest" in Placido Polanco. I wonder if they're looking at him for 3B, or thinking of benching/cutting Kaz?
It's got to be 3B (or uber-utility). They don't have enough salary headroom just to eat Kaz's salary.
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Highlights from Astroline with Ed Wade (via Footer on Twitter (http://twitter.com/AlysonFooter)):
Q: Is Ed interested in signing Ben Sheets?
Ed: "We understand he's made good progress. (Asst. GM) Dave Gottfried made contact with his people but at this time we've made a lot of contact with a lot of guys out there. At this pt we need to make 100% certain from a health stdpt." Ed goes on to mention Hampton and Ortiz as cautionary tales. Indicates the club will proceed with caution when it comes to signing players attempting comebacks from surgery/injury.
Ed on Tejada:"The inspiration he brings to a clubhouse is unsurpassed.We'd love to have him back and he loves it here and would like to be back. The reality he's coming off $13 million as a shortstop." (Astros will look at him as a 3B). Wade adds that part of negotiations w/Tejada will be dictated by his market.
Q: How do you plan to shore up the starting pitching?
Ed: "It's going to be difficult to sign a starting pitcher." (Indicates Oswalt needs to go back to winning 15-17 games.) More Ed: "If there are opp. out there to do something that makes sense on the FA and trade markets we'll certainly try to pursue that but I don't want to raise expectations. I don't know we'll have significant dollars available to pursue significant starting pitching."[/i]
Interesting info about Paulino: Ed met with him at end of season re: conditioning. Paul. stayed in Houston and works out with Doc Coleman every day and has dropped 10 to 15 pounds. Ed: "Once he gets a command of his pitches, he's very special. He just needs command."
Q: If Valverde & Hawkins leave, what is the back up plan? Internal or free agency?
Answer to Val/Hawk ques: "There are some other guys out there who we have our eyes on. Fernando Rodney (closer with DET) is a f. agent Soriano and Gonzalez (back end of Atlanta's bullpen in '09) are available. Kevin Gregg (with Cubs last year) is out on the market There are closers out there, alternatives. We'd rather have Jose back."
Ed on catching situation: "We're going to Spring Training with Quintero and Towles on the roster. We've talked about Jason Castro We're going to give all these guys an open shot at this thing. Hopefully either Towles or Castro will step up and team up with Q (Team also could acquire a catching stop gap). "I prefer to give the job to Castro or Towles or Q and sort it out from there."
Wade on Randy Wolf: "Wolfie would be a great addition, but it's probably not realistic. Randy is 2nd or 3rd best pitcher ... on free market." (Which means Astros can't afford him).
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Do the Astros have any interest in Blalock as next year's third baseman?
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I'd prefer signing a decent starter at $7-12mm per and figure out who internally can step up to close. If Gascan got $7mm, it's sure as shit that Rodney or Valverde are going to garner more than that amount.
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Do the Astros have any interest in Blalock as next year's third baseman?
very doubtful.
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I saw something somewhere about possible interest in Joe Crede. I guess that way when he inevitably goes on the DL they can see what Chris Johnson can do.
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McTaggert (http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/12/astros_interested_in_polanco.html) says Astros have "serious interest" in Placido Polanco. I wonder if they're looking at him for 3B, or thinking of benching/cutting Kaz?
nevermind (http://twitter.com/brianmctaggart)
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So, in my never-ending search to fill the void, I've read a number of baseball websites that shall go un-named at this time. However, without fail, all the astros fans clamor for that elusive starting pitcher to fill out the rotation. Now, as I've said, I've raid quite a bit of info on the MLB offseason. Outside of two FA starting pitchers, are there any worth the FA Dollars they are likely to land?
Of those worthy, I'm thinking Lackey and Wolf. As has been stated just about everywhere, neither is likely to land in Houston.
So... one, I think Wade is serious about bringing back Valverde AND Hawkins, if possible. As the bullpen is likely to be the strength of this pitching staff, if all goes as planned.
Hopefully, with the rest of the roster moves, defense is a priority. After one season of watching an offensively powerful yet defensively challenged team, I am fully in favor of the Astros NOT becoming the Rangers South (especially considering they have abandoned the all hit, no defense model themselves).
Whether they bring back Tejada to man 3B, is doubtful (again, no major revelation). But a team that has 2 guys that can go 6, followed by 3 more who will go 4.2 to 5.1 innings, on average, would need to be offset by a mighty strong pen (smells like 2004 to me, maybe a little of 2003 as well). Hey, at least this kept the Astros in contention!
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I know a starting pitcher that the Astros should take a flyer on. He's proven in the past to be a premiere pitcher. ACE stuff. He is also comes pre-paid for so he won't cost against the budget for Ed Wade. His name is Roy Oswalt. If he turns out to be the pitcher they suspect he is, then they're going to do well this off-season.
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If he turns out to be the pitcher they suspect he is, then they're going to do well this off-season.
No real evidence behind this opinion, but that's THE biggest IF of the offseason.
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I know a starting pitcher that the Astros should take a flyer on. He's proven in the past to be a premiere pitcher. ACE stuff. He is also comes pre-paid for so he won't cost against the budget for Ed Wade. His name is Roy Oswalt. If he turns out to be the pitcher they suspect he is, then they're going to do well mid-season, when they trade him to the Mets, Yankees, or Red Sox.
FIFY
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Rosenthal opines that "Jose Valverde could accept the Astros' offer of salary arbitration by Monday's midnight ET deadline, according to major-league sources." LINK (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10357594)
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He'd be trade bait then, presumably.
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Rosenthal opines that "Jose Valverde could accept the Astros' offer of salary arbitration by Monday's midnight ET deadline, according to major-league sources." LINK (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10357594)
There will still be plenty of competition among next year's FA class, especially if many of this year's top guys (ie Valverde, Gonzalez) accept arbitration this season. Waiting another year won't guarantee an improved market from a supply and demand standpoint. I guess part of the reasoning is that they hold out hope that the economy will be improved in 12 months and teams will throw more money around. I can see the logic in that. By floating the possibility of accepting arbitration, it also gives Valverde's camp a quick glimpse of what this year's market would hold for him. The only catch for him is that if he's holding out for that big, multi-year deal, time's running out. He'll be 32 when the season starts, which isn't old for a reliever, but if he doesn't get that 3+ year deal this year or next, teams are going to grow less willing to dole out that kind of deal.
I won't lose sleep if he accepts or declines. I think we would be better out filling the closer role with a cheaper option and using the savings elsewhere, plus the extra picks would be nice. But, the savings wouldn't be enough to acquire an impact player at another position, either.
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There will still be plenty of competition among next year's FA class, especially if many of this year's top guys (ie Valverde, Gonzalez) accept arbitration this season. Waiting another year won't guarantee an improved market from a supply and demand standpoint. I guess part of the reasoning is that they hold out hope that the economy will be improved in 12 months and teams will throw more money around. I can see the logic in that. By floating the possibility of accepting arbitration, it also gives Valverde's camp a quick glimpse of what this year's market would hold for him. The only catch for him is that if he's holding out for that big, multi-year deal, time's running out. He'll be 32 when the season starts, which isn't old for a reliever, but if he doesn't get that 3+ year deal this year or next, teams are going to grow less willing to dole out that kind of deal.
I won't lose sleep if he accepts or declines. I think we would be better out filling the closer role with a cheaper option and using the savings elsewhere, plus the extra picks would be nice. But, the savings wouldn't be enough to acquire an impact player at another position, either.
pray tell, who is this "cheaper option?"
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Not that I agree with the above opinion, but hasn't it been pretty clearly hinted that the "cheaper option" is Hawkins?
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Not that I agree with the above opinion, but hasn't it been pretty clearly hinted that the "cheaper option" is Hawkins?
beats me. i do not know.
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beats me. i do not know.
Hawk was one. Wade has been kicking the tires on JJ Putz as well, who supposedly is looking at taking a 1 year incentive-laden deal to prove he was healthy before going after a bigger multi-year deal next year. There are a couple of others, just don't remember them off the top of my head. FWIW, am a big fan of JJs, if the medrecs come back showing he is healthy, would enjoy seeing him in brick red.
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pray tell, who is this "cheaper option?"
Chris Sampson, of course (sadly, I have read that).
Back to reality, since Valverde is arguably the top reliever available, it makes sense that any other option would be cheaper. They've been mentioned as having shown interest in Gonzalez and Putz (who you named), to name two external options. Hawkins is another candidate that we're definitely interested in. Whether they feel comfortable with him as their closer, or not, isn't as defined. They could also look at Rafael Soriano, plus Wade's mentioned the possibility of trading for a closer. Out of the free agents, Valverde has the best combination of track record and age, but if you can find someone who'll do a comparable job for $5M less, isn't it worth exploring?
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Via MLB Trade Rumors: LINK (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/twitter-rumors.html)
Ed Wade ranks the Astros priorities as closer, offense, eighth-inning reliever, and bench, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick notes that the Astros will meet with Rafael Soriano's agent today.
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Per Footer: LINK (http://footer.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/12/thoughts_on_the_non-tender_dea.html)
Wade rattled off four names who could possibly act as setup men in '10: Alberto Arias, Jeff Fulchino, Chris Sampson, LaTroy Hawkins.
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Via MLB Trade Rumors: LINK (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/twitter-rumors.html)
Ed Wade ranks the Astros priorities as closer, offense, eighth-inning reliever, and bench, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick notes that the Astros will meet with Rafael Soriano's agent today.
Soriano accepted arbitration.
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From ESPN's live blog:
jaysonst: Winner of Most Impacted By Arbitration competition: LaTroy Hawkins. Rockies & Braves were both interested.
Also:
keithlaw: The good news is I'm headed to my first BBWAA meeting. The bad news is they're making me sit at the kids' table.
There's a good reason for that, Keith.
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From ESPN's live blog:
Also:
There's a good reason for that, Keith.
The most insightful comments he's offered involve whining about the location of the meetings and the inexpensive canjun food he found there. Oh, and he thought it was pretty good.
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Hawkins apparently en route to Indy to sign with the Astros.
brianmctaggart: Hawkins will meet with Astros this afternoon with hopes of getting deal done soon, perhaps as early as today.
/tweet
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Rich get richer: Yankees near deal for Granderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4725108)
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Rich get richer: Yankees near deal for Granderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4725108)
This trade irks me a bit on paper. There are a lot of young, relatively inexpensive arms changing hands. Granderson seems not all that different from Gunther offensively in that he has a lot of upside but certainly has weaknesses at the plate (Granderson hit .249 last year and was sub .200 against lefties). I haven't seen much of Granderson -- is he a gold glove caliber center fielder? The Tigers made out like bandits on this trade, especially considering how much money Granderson is owed.
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This trade irks me a bit on paper. There are a lot of young, relatively inexpensive arms changing hands. Granderson seems not all that different from Gunther offensively in that he has a lot of upside but certainly has weaknesses at the plate (Granderson hit .249 last year and was sub .200 against lefties). I haven't seen much of Granderson -- is he a gold glove caliber center fielder? The Tigers made out like bandits on this trade, especially considering how much money Granderson is owed.
This actually makes me happy in the sense that the Yanks, bless their hearts, can't leave well enough alone. Which is precisely why it took them 11 years and close to a billion dollars to get back to the WS.
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richardjustice
RT @BNightengale: #mlb #brewers The Brewers are moving fast on premier setup man LaTroy Hawkins and could sign him today
It wouldn't be a death blow, but losing out on Valverde and Hawkins would make filling the 8th-9th inning roles more difficult. Wade mentioned a few guys like Fulcino and Arias who could fill a setup role, but I doubt they were expecting them later than the 7th. He hasn't signed yet, but I guess we took for granted that Hawkins might not return.
In other news
richardjustice
RT @jorgearangure: Source said that Twins and Astros - in addition to the Orioles - have interest in Pedro Felix.
I'm going to assume he's talking about Pedro Feliz. Feliz seems like a guy that fits the Astros' need for a RH 3B and has experience playing for the Phillies. He wouldn't hit for the same average, but would otherwise replace the production that Tejada gave us.
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Hell. Yesterday there was some confidence that Hawk would re-sign soon.
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Let's not mistake Pinwheel for a reporter.
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Let's not mistake Pinwheel for a reporter.
He's just reposting what others have posted.
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Wolf off the market? (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4727757)
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meh... Astros couldn't afford to shop at that market anyway.
I realize it would be similar to the Hampton/Ortiz situation last year, but I sure would like to see a healthy Sheets in the Astros rotation. Christmas wish/pipe dream.
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I wonder if Sheets would take (and the Astros would be willing to offer) an incentive-laden one-year deal that would pay around $12MM at 200 IP. I know that probably pushes the payroll higher than Drayton would like, but at the same time, if Sheets gave us 200 IP, we'd probably be doing well enough that he most likely wouldn't mind the extra cost.
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Rosenthal tweets, Hawkins 2years with Brewers, http://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal
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Rosenthal tweets, Hawkins 2years with Brewers, http://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal
Well, shit.
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I wonder if Sheets would take (and the Astros would be willing to offer) an incentive-laden one-year deal that would pay around $12MM at 200 IP. I know that probably pushes the payroll higher than Drayton would like, but at the same time, if Sheets gave us 200 IP, we'd probably be doing well enough that he most likely wouldn't mind the extra cost.
That's a good question, but apparently Sheets wants it without "incentive" basis
http://espn.go.com/dallas/columns/rangers/blog/_/post/4728103?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Sheets, whose agent met with the Rangers on Tuesday, is apparently looking for money similar to what he made his last season in the majors -- 2008, which was $12 million.
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Rosenthal tweets, Hawkins 2years with Brewers, http://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal
Hawkins' agency confirms
http://twitter.com/RSMupdates/status/6506079389
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There's another $4M to spend.
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There's another $4M to spend.
Please put it all into player development.
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2 years, 7.5M. If that's too rich for Drayton, we're going pretty low-ball this year or they feel good about a trade.
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2 years, 7.5M. If that's too rich for Drayton, we're going pretty low-ball this year or they feel good about a trade.
Matt Lindstrom???
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/2009/12/09/florida-marlins-close-to-sending-matt-lindstrom-to-the-astros/
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Matt Lindstrom???
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/2009/12/09/florida-marlins-close-to-sending-matt-lindstrom-to-the-astros/
The first comment is rather funny.
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Taggart just tweeted that, quoting "reports out of south Florida."
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The first comment is rather funny.
If by 'funny' you mean 'nauseating,' then yes, yes it is.
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Matt Lindstrom???
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/2009/12/09/florida-marlins-close-to-sending-matt-lindstrom-to-the-astros/
Hmm. I certainly understand the interest in Soriano, but Lindstrom? Maybe hold onto those trade chips. We have plenty of guys already in the system who are capable of allowing baserunners at a similar pace, and they can do it for the MLB minimum with no prospects traded.
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I agree, if Wade's dealing any sort of prospect of decent value. There's no shortage of 30-year old righthanders with 1.5 WHIPs at $1.5M/year.
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Hmm. I certainly understand the interest in Soriano, but Lindstrom? Maybe hold onto those trade chips. We have plenty of guys already in the system who are capable of allowing baserunners at a similar pace, and they can do it for the MLB minimum with no prospects traded.
I agree. I don't see Lindstrom commanding top prospects, maybe Meszaros types. But, unless there's something that isn't revealed in the stats that would make the club optimistic about him, I don't see why we're that interested.
In other news,
jaysonst(ark)
Astros are kicking the tires on reliever Jamey Wright.
Gotta be careful on that one. With that much mileage, you're likely to put your foot through some rust if you're not careful. Ugh
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A Will Carrol tweet to pass along for your amusement...
"Heard in the lobby … astros looking for of help and speed. Pie just one of [outfield] guys they're looking at. Lyle(?) one trade poss." LINK (http://twitter.com/injuryexpert/status/6508309352)
Pie my ass, everyone knows its Lyles for Lastings Millege!
Edited to clarify of = outfield.
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Will Carroll is so plugged in.
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Robothal tweeting: "Astros close on Lindstrom. Swapping medicals."
No word on who the Astros would give up.
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A Will Carrol tweet to pass along for your amusement...
"Heard in the lobby … astros looking for of help and speed. Pie just one of guys they're looking at. Lyle(?) one trade poss." LINK (http://twitter.com/injuryexpert/status/6508309352)
Pie my ass, everyone knows its Lyles for Lastings Millege!
If we trade Lyles for LMillz, who will we get in return for Oswalt?
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A Will Carrol tweet to pass along for your amusement...
"Heard in the lobby … astros looking for of help and speed. Pie just one of guys they're looking at. Lyle(?) one trade poss." LINK (http://twitter.com/injuryexpert/status/6508309352)
Pie my ass, everyone knows its Lyles for Lastings Millege!
Perhaps I shouldn't, but taking this seriously for a minute... What would the Astros do with Felix Pie? Would that portend a Pence or Lee trade?
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Perhaps I shouldn't, but taking this seriously for a minute... What would the Astros do with Felix Pie? Would that portend a Pence or Lee trade?
You're right, you shouldn't...
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And in other news from the trade front, the big club isn't the only one in the Astros org having trouble getting a deal done. From the Round Rock Express facebook page:
The Express agreed on terms Wednesday morning to trade P.A. Announcer Clint Musslewhite to the Omaha Royals for two crates of peanuts and an announcer to be named later. However, the deal fell through because Musslewhite failed his physical.
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It would take a lot of balls to trade for Felix Pie.
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All but done. Tag tweet:
brianmctaggart
Lindstrom tells MLB.com Astros and Marlins exchanging medical records
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The Hawkins signing fell threw because the Astros didn't offer two years and, according to Wade, the Brewers 'swooped in.' You mean to tell me that Hawkins didn't come back to Houston and say, "they're giving me two years, will you match it?" I don't think we're getting the whole story here.
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The Hawkins signing fell threw because the Astros didn't offer two years and, according to Wade, the Brewers 'swooped in.' You mean to tell me that Hawkins didn't come back to Houston and say, "they're giving me two years, will you match it?" I don't think we're getting the whole story here.
Wade quote (via JDJO, but seems reasonable) from yesterday:
“I think Hawkins would like to do something on a multiyear basis,” Wade said. “We're not at that position at this time.”
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/6759964.html
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Seems like if they wanted Hawk for one year, an arbitration offer would have made sense. I guess they feared too much of all players accepting.
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Thanks, BUWebguy.
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Wade quote (via JDJO, but seems reasonable) from yesterday:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/6759964.html
McTaggart tweeted, (Wade) ""...we thought we were closing in on getting it done, a 1-year deal with maybe a vesting option for a 2nd year. We got trumped on 2 years."
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Times is tight indeed.
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The Hawkins signing fell threw because the Astros didn't offer two years and, according to Wade, the Brewers 'swooped in.' You mean to tell me that Hawkins didn't come back to Houston and say, "they're giving me two years, will you match it?" I don't think we're getting the whole story here.
I bet that silly, fat wanker Ortiz has an idea about the whole story...
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I bet that silly, fat wanker Ortiz has an idea about the whole story...
That comment is an affront to silly fat wankers everywhere!
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That comment is an affront to silly fat wankers everywhere!
Yeah! And I'm really not that fat!
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New 3B?
Colleague Enrique Rojas reports Pedro Feliz is close to signing a 1 year deal with the #Astros for about $4 million
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove09/news/story?id=4717538
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Pitching and defense.
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Pitching and defense.
Sure seems that way. That leaves them with one man over, in Blum, Keppinger, and Maysonet. The interesting question to me is, would they rely on Maysonet as a super sub? He's played some OF, and obviously he can play the middle infield. If so, there's really only one spot left on the roster (assuming a 12 man pitching staff).
And, if they do that, who's that last OF? I like Erstad but not sure if he's looking for a team in contention.
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Please don't assume a 12-man pitching staff.
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Relief pitching and defense.
FIFY
But I do dig the signing.
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I like the signing too. Becuase it's a short term deal and the Astros didn't really have a full-time thirdbaseman on their roster (and there's not a whole lot out there at the position). But I am a little concerned about hitting on this team. If the bottom four in the lineup are Feliz, Manzella, Quintero, and the pitcher, the Astros have a real dead zone in their lineup. I think that the top 5 in the lineup can score some runs, but winning (weak hitting) teams typically have a lot better starting pitching.
Boy do I hope Castro is ready soon and can hit as well as field.
Oswalt, Rodriguez, Moehler, and two of Norris, Paulino, and Wright? Is that the current plan?
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New 3B?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove09/news/story?id=4717538
He's 34 and his OPS (Yes, I said it) has declined six years in a row. Depressing.
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He's 34 and his OPS (Yes, I said it) has declined six years in a row. Depressing.
One would hope he starts off the season at the hot corner to keep the pressure of Johnson coming out of ST and, as the season elapses, Johnson emerges as the every day starter and Feliz moves into a bench spot. I'm a little perplexed by all the fast action this offseason. It seems as though the team might have seen the value in being able to have a little flexibility for some late offseason bargains after last year.
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Good Lord, Feliz stats are awful. 4.5 million? How much worse could Johnson possibly be?
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Good Lord, Feliz stats are awful. 4.5 million? How much worse could Johnson possibly be?
I don't know, let's ask Towles how bad it can get when you're handed the job.
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Good Lord, Feliz stats are awful. 4.5 million? How much worse could Johnson possibly be?
i can tell you. i have watched him play.
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Somehow, in my head, I had Pedro Feliz confused with Felipe Lopez. I was kind of excited there for a while.
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I don't know, let's ask Towles how bad it can get when you're handed the job.
Yes but, even if Johnson doesn't cut it there still is Bluminger. 4.5 million seems an awful lot for somebody who has no power left, can't get on base, and can't steal when he does get on. Even if he is the Adam Everett of thirdbaseman he doesn't deserve that kind of scratch. He hasn't broken a 720 OPS since 2004.
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Manzella at SS. Talk of Pie for a corner OF spot. Eventually, Castro behind the plate.
Everything points to a renewed emphasis on defense to help the pitching staff. How does a 1-year flier on a great defensive 3b not make sense?
And if they really thought Johnson was the answer, wouldn't he have been up last year?
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Yes but, even if Johnson doesn't cut it there still is Bluminger. 4.5 million seems an awful lot for somebody who has no power left, can't get on base, and can't steal when he does get on. Even if he is the Adam Everett of thirdbaseman he doesn't deserve that kind of scratch. He hasn't broken a 720 OPS since 2004.
bitch, bitch, bitch
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flier does not equal 4.5 million in my book. 4.5 million was the last of the room in the self-imposed cap.
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bitch, bitch, bitch
I liked the rest of the moves, so it's like like, bitch.
(I'm looking at this as to who is going to bat behind Pence)
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$4.5 million is a lot to spend for what seems to be a marginal upgrade at 3B. Just not sure what Feliz gets the Astros that a Blum/Keppinger platoon do not.
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Somehow, in my head, I had Pedro Feliz confused with Felipe Lopez. I was kind of excited there for a while.
Well, just ask Pedro to wear a wig and keep the lights low.
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flier does not equal 4.5 million in my book. 4.5 million was the last of the room in the self-imposed cap.
So you know the final budget? And you have not shared those details?
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Just not sure what Feliz gets the Astros that a Blum/Keppinger platoon do not.
Blum/Keppinger are subpar in the field. Both are best suited for 2b.
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So you know the final budget? And you have not shared those details?
The budget is 90 million. The've made no secret of this
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Blum/Keppinger are subpar in the field. Both are best suited for 2b.
My bad then, thought Blum was considered to be a legit defensive 3B...
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The budget is 90 million. The've made no secret of this
Footer tweeted an estimate of 93, it was 103 last season. For perspective, Cardinals were 88 last season.
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Well, just ask Pedro to wear a wig and keep the lights low.
Sing "Bright Eyes". (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wj2p-baqGE)
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Footer tweeted an estimate of 93, it was 103 last season. For perspective, Cardinals were 88 last season.
Thanks, as always. Would like to add, that having taken someone's linked spreadsheet that had all the contract values for Astros, and applying some reasonable projections for salary growth for those under club control, I see the payroll around 89mil. Seems to me they still have some money to play with. Not that I think they will. I think they are done. Maybe something at the deadline or if a pitcher becomes available, at a discount, before ST.
Also might see some flexibility if the astros release any players like Sampson, rely on in-house options for the 4th/5th OF, or somehow manage to unload Matsui.
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For perspective, Cardinals were 88 last season.
Yeah, but where did that get 'em! Eh? Oh.
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I have no problem with the owner setting a budget for any value that he wants. It's his team. I think Drayton has been plenty generous enough when it comes to what he spends. I meant no slight on him.
I thought Lyon and Lindstrom were interesting accusitions. Could work out great.
Just not following how the Feliz signing fits this:
"closer, offense, eighth-inning reliever, and bench"
Oh well, I guess no groundball will make it through the left side next year.
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I have no problem with the owner setting a budget for any value that he wants. It's his team. I think Drayton has been plenty generous enough when it comes to what he spends. I meant no slight on him.
I thought Lyon and Lindstrom were interesting accusitions. Could work out great.
Just not following how the Feliz signing fits this:
"closer, offense, eighth-inning reliever, and bench"
Oh well, I guess no groundball will make it through the left side next year.
Check that. Fugured it out. It provides the bench by putting Blum there.
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Check that. Fugured it out. It provides the bench by putting Blum there.
Which is where he is best served.
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Check that. Fugured it out. It provides the bench by putting Blum there.
Well, as someone pointed out, we can't rely on a 12 man pitching staff, so you may be looking at a bench of Blum, Keppinger, Maysonet, and Towles (or Q, which ever loses out on the starting gig). As mentioned before, Maysonet played some OF for AAA, if I recall correctly.
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Oh well, I guess no groundball will make it through the left side next year.
not a bad thing.
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Would like to add, that having taken someone's linked spreadsheet that had all the contract values for Astros, and applying some reasonable projections for salary growth for those under club control, I see the payroll around 89mil.
Including the entire 40-man roster, my best guess right now is just a hair under $95 million. On top of all the guaranteed salaries, I have the arbitration-eligible players (Wandy, Pence, Bourn, Byrdak, Keppinger, Lindstrom, Sampson, Quintero) adding up to about $17 million, plus nominal raises to the pre-arb players. My salary estimates are based on what comparable players have received in their corresponding arbitration years.
Oh well, I guess no groundball will make it through the left side next year.
Don't underestimate the value of that statement.
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Including the entire 40-man roster, my best guess right now is just a hair under $95 million. On top of all the guaranteed salaries, I have the arbitration-eligible players (Wandy, Pence, Bourn, Byrdak, Keppinger, Lindstrom, Sampson, Quintero) adding up to about $17 million, plus nominal raises to the pre-arb players. My salary estimates are based on what comparable players have received in their corresponding arbitration years.
Don't underestimate the value of that statement.
That's possible, but I was focusing on the 25 man roster, not the 40man. Who do you have on that list?
And ditto on the value statement.
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That's possible, but I was focusing on the 25 man roster, not the 40man. Who do you have on that list?
Everyone listed here (http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=hou) plus Lyon and Feliz (and Brocail's $0.25 million buyout).
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Everyone listed here (http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=hou) plus Lyon and Feliz (and Brocail's $0.25 million buyout).
Ahh... keep in mind, several of those folks are not guaranteed ML pay, unless they are on the ML roster. At least, that's my understanding. For example, if Wilton Lopez starts in AAA, he's not making the 400k minium. He's making 60k. Big difference, especially when you spread that out over 10-12 players in the same boat.
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Huh, this is interesting. Over the past 3 years:
Situation AB/AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS
Lead Off Inning 351/.248/.286/.379/.665
None On 870/.231/.278/.359/.637
Runners On 692/.289/.328/.457/.785
Scoring Position 379/.301/.357/.475/.832
Scoring Posn, 2 out 193/.285/.352/.528/.880
Bases Loaded 47/.319/.313/.532/.845
...and my tune is starting to change
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Ahh... keep in mind, several of those folks are not guaranteed ML pay, unless they are on the ML roster. At least, that's my understanding. For example, if Wilton Lopez starts in AAA, he's not making the 400k minium. He's making 60k. Big difference, especially when you spread that out over 10-12 players in the same boat.
Ah, I believe you're correct. That brings my total down to a little over $90 million.
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Pedro Feliz = Vinny Castilla.
Feliz is known for his ability to hit a fastball, no matter how hard it's thrown. He's Vinny Castilla in that he's underrated as a third baseman, but has a solid glove and a powerful arm. If Feliz is a replacement for Tejada's bat in the five hole, the Astros did well. You have to throw Feliz fastballs if Lee is having a good year and Pence hits sixth. If you don't, then you'll have both Feliz and Lee getting on base and you'll be forced to shelve the slider and challenge Pence and that is another guy who loves the cheese.
I see Feliz being challenged a lot early in the season and that may help Pence get his game going this next year. I hope Berry and Mills use Pence the right way instead of the hairbrained manner Cooper did.
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Pedro Feliz = Vinny Castilla.
Feliz is known for his ability to hit a fastball, no matter how hard it's thrown. He's Vinny Castilla in that he's underrated as a third baseman, but has a solid glove and a powerful arm. If Feliz is a replacement for Tejada's bat in the five hole, the Astros did well. You have to throw Feliz fastballs if Lee is having a good year and Pence hits sixth. If you don't, then you'll have both Feliz and Lee getting on base and you'll be forced to shelve the slider and challenge Pence and that is another guy who loves the cheese.
I see Feliz being challenged a lot early in the season and that may help Pence get his game going this next year. I hope Berry and Mills use Pence the right way instead of the hairbrained manner Cooper did.
my Phillies friend said they ditched him and added Polanco to cut down on Ks.
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my Phillies friend said they ditched him and added Polanco to cut down on Ks.
Jason Werth, however, had a breakout season hitting in front of him and behind Howard. If you challenge the guy with sliders, he's just like Pence... so the key is to put him in a position to use his want of hitting a fastball well. Hitting behind Lee will help. If he hits behind Pence, then he'll be the same player he was in Philly and here is hoping Pence then has the same season Jason Werth had last year.
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Pedro Feliz = Vinny Castilla.
Feliz is known for his ability to hit a fastball, no matter how hard it's thrown. He's Vinny Castilla in that he's underrated as a third baseman, but has a solid glove and a powerful arm. If Feliz is a replacement for Tejada's bat in the five hole, the Astros did well. You have to throw Feliz fastballs if Lee is having a good year and Pence hits sixth. If you don't, then you'll have both Feliz and Lee getting on base and you'll be forced to shelve the slider and challenge Pence and that is another guy who loves the cheese.
I see Feliz being challenged a lot early in the season and that may help Pence get his game going this next year. I hope Berry and Mills use Pence the right way instead of the hairbrained manner Cooper did.
I asked my magic 8-ball the same question. Answer: Definitely!
http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~ssanty/cgi-bin/eightball.cgi
eta:
also asked "Will Lee show up slimmer?" Answer: Ask again later. (I'm starting to believe in this thing)
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In times past, the mantra was "As Berkman and Oswalt go, so go the Astros". That mantra replaced "As Biggio and Bagwell go, so go the Astros". Berkman has had several mystery years lately and of course we all know about Oswalt injury plague seasons of so-so performances. So you need to have guys like Bourn, Pence and perhaps Wandy again infuse some momentum to offload the load on Berkman, Lee and Oswalt.
I think the maturity of Pence, much like Bourn's last year, is a key to how successful this team can be for the near and distant future. Pence has to make his mark now and quit being so enigmatic and erratic a player. I blamed Cooper in many way, but that may be unwarranted. The reality may be that Pence is who he is and WYSIWYG. If so, then hopefully in the near future they'll go ahead and ship Pence for some young pitching (before it's too late) and welcome Jason Castro as the next annointed.
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A Will Carrol tweet to pass along for your amusement...
"Heard in the lobby … astros looking for of help and speed. Pie just one of [outfield] guys they're looking at. Lyle(?) one trade poss." LINK (http://twitter.com/injuryexpert/status/6508309352)
Pie my ass, everyone knows its Lyles for Lastings Millege!
Edited to clarify of = outfield.
Carrol takes the time to explain the Tweet to Astros County. LINK (http://www.astroscounty.com/2009/12/email-exchange-with-will-carroll.html)
When I tweeted out my tweet yesterday, let me tell you how it came about. I'd been talking to an Astros scout, earlier in the day, and he said the thing they were looking for was speed and bullpen help. About an hour later, I was talking with some prospect guys in the media. I mentioned the earlier conversation and one said "They've got things people would want. They were in on Felix Pie, but that didn't go anywhere." Another said "I think they'd give up someone like _____ or Lyles for the right guy." (I'll be honest. I didn't know Jordan Lyles at all and I didn't catch the name of the first guy he said. It's loud in the lobby.) I hadn't tweeted in a while, so I threw something together. There's not a lot of room for nuance in 140 characters and you saw the reaction. Now, you know the rest of the story.
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Well, as someone pointed out, we can't rely on a 12 man pitching staff, so you may be looking at a bench of Blum, Keppinger, Maysonet, and Towles (or Q, which ever loses out on the starting gig). As mentioned before, Maysonet played some OF for AAA, if I recall correctly.
So you think a 13-man pitching staff?
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That's pretty big of Carroll to reveal what a dumbass irresponsible thing he wrote.
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So you think a 13-man pitching staff?
Does it matter what I think? I'm just watching, maybe speculating a little. But, it does appear the team will likely need an extra pitcher rather than an extra bench player.