the Stem...

[Knoxbanedoodle]

...are under .500 for the first time since April 11th. They've got scads of pitching. What say we make a deal with our sister org. What's it look like?

I know these conversations are next to pointless but the urge isn't lessened for logic. Matz is dominating in Las Vegas, of all places. What plus Fontana does it take to land him, and would you want to? That sort of thing. 

[jbm]

Matt Harvey for Chris Carter?

[doyce7]

Matt Harvey for Chris Carter?

No way man, throw in syndergard then we'll talk. Carter has his avg over 200 now.

[austro]

I like what I've seen of Kemp, but I really don't see where he fits with the Astros. I'd be tempted to sell high on him if he could help bring a bona fide pitcher.

[Nate Colbert]

Matz has been called up but the Mets are just showcasing him for the eventual trade.

[Reuben]

I like what I've seen of Kemp, but I really don't see where he fits with the Astros. I'd be tempted to sell high on him if he could help bring a bona fide pitcher.

I suspect that the Astros, given their obvious fondness for players who perform well at top college programs/conferences, like and value Kemp more than any other team would. In other words, I don't think he could bring a bona fide pitcher.

I also think he could be the Astros' LF and leadoff man next year (as Luhnow mused recently) if everything breaks right, or perhaps platoon with Marisnick if Jake doesn't get the bat going again.

[jbm]

I don't get the trade Kemp idea. This lineup can really use some guys who get on base. If he can do that, you find a spot for him.

[austro]

I suspect that the Astros, given their obvious fondness for players who perform well at top college programs/conferences, like and value Kemp more than any other team would. In other words, I don't think he could bring a bona fide pitcher.

I also think he could be the Astros' LF and leadoff man next year (as Luhnow mused recently) if everything breaks right, or perhaps platoon with Marisnick if Jake doesn't get the bat going again.

Oh, I don't have any illusion that he would bring a bona fide pitcher by himself. I suspect that if we're going to get a real pitcher, it's going to involve giving up a couple guys that hurt a bit.

Anyway, Kemp has essentially *no* power, and isn't really projected to develop any, as far as I know. I'd like to get more pop out of my left fielder than that. A platoon in CF plus the occasional start at 2B might work ok. My understanding is that he doesn't have the arm to really be a general utility guy (i.e., you wouldn't want to put him at 3B or SS).

[Jacksonian]

It would not surprise me in the least if by this time next year Kemp is the starting CF and lead off man.

[NeilT]

Oh, I don't have any illusion that he would bring a bona fide pitcher by himself. I suspect that if we're going to get a real pitcher, it's going to involve giving up a couple guys that hurt a bit.

Anyway, Kemp has essentially *no* power, and isn't really projected to develop any, as far as I know. I'd like to get more pop out of my left fielder than that. A platoon in CF plus the occasional start at 2B might work ok. My understanding is that he doesn't have the arm to really be a general utility guy (i.e., you wouldn't want to put him at 3B or SS).

This looks like a perfect place to throw in Carter.  Power plus average.

[Reuben]

Oh, I don't have any illusion that he would bring a bona fide pitcher by himself. I suspect that if we're going to get a real pitcher, it's going to involve giving up a couple guys that hurt a bit.

Anyway, Kemp has essentially *no* power, and isn't really projected to develop any, as far as I know. I'd like to get more pop out of my left fielder than that. A platoon in CF plus the occasional start at 2B might work ok. My understanding is that he doesn't have the arm to really be a general utility guy (i.e., you wouldn't want to put him at 3B or SS).

Personally I don't care what position a leadoff guy plays if he's good. It also helps if you're getting power from other spots in your lineup, and the Astros are getting HR from every position at 2B this year - and even there, Altuve might give you 10 or so.

Back to the trading point, what I meant was I think most clubs would view Kemp as almost a throw-in, and my suspicion is the Astros value him a lot higher than that.

Interestingly enough, Kemp really struggled vs. LHP last year, but has even splits this year so far. Wonder if he changed anything.

[austro]

Personally I don't care what position a leadoff guy plays if he's good. It also helps if you're getting power from other spots in your lineup, and the Astros are getting HR from every position at 2B this year - and even there, Altuve might give you 10 or so.

Back to the trading point, what I meant was I think most clubs would view Kemp as almost a throw-in, and my suspicion is the Astros value him a lot higher than that.

Interestingly enough, Kemp really struggled vs. LHP last year, but has even splits this year so far. Wonder if he changed anything.

I understand your position, and the fact that the Astros are likely to get above-average power out of the SS position certainly allows them some more flexibility. And you're probably right about the Astros thinking more highly of his potential than other teams.