Astros interested in Cleveland pitching?

[BUWebguy]

Astros reportedly interested in Jeremy Sowers, Aaron Laffey or maybe Cliff Lee:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2008/03/16/rise_and_fall_in_tampa_bay/?page=4

[Mr. Happy]

Astros reportedly interested in Jeremy Sowers, Aaron Laffey or maybe Cliff Lee:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2008/03/16/rise_and_fall_in_tampa_bay/?page=4

We certainly don't seem to be set for pitching this season. Nothing would surprise me.

[pravata]

Astros reportedly interested in Jeremy Sowers, Aaron Laffey or maybe Cliff Lee:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2008/03/16/rise_and_fall_in_tampa_bay/?page=4

This seems generic, "There are plenty of teams out there - including the Cardinals, Phillies, Astros - eyeing the lefties."  I hope and believe that the Astros are "eyeing" every available pitcher.

[toddthebod]

Laffey and Sowers both have 11.25 ERAs this preseason.  Do either represent a much better choice than Chacon, Williams, or Sampson?

Now if they are talking Cliff Lee, that would be very interesting. 

[Reuben]

Laffey and Sowers both have 11.25 ERAs this preseason.  Do either represent a much better choice than Chacon, Williams, or Sampson?

Now if they are talking Cliff Lee, that would be very interesting. 

The article implied that they're going with Lee as their 5th starter, thus the other two guys are available/ being scouted. Wasn't Sowers a pretty hyoed prospect at one point?

[Kent's Moustache]

The article implied that they're going with Lee as their 5th starter, thus the other two guys are available/ being scouted. Wasn't Sowers a pretty hyoed prospect at one point?

Yes, at Vanderbilt, Sowers flat-out dominated the SEC.  I don't recall where in the 1st Round he went, but I know he was a 1st Rounder.  He cruised through the Indians' farm system with success at essentially all levels, but has struggled in the Show.

[TheWizard]

Cliff Lee has the unhappy triad of inflating ERA and WHIP and declining Ks over the past 3 seasons along with some injury problems.  Not sure how much is required to get him, but I wouldn't expect much out of him unless the 'ole change in scenery to the NL helps him out.

[SaltyParker]

Yes, at Vanderbilt, Sowers flat-out dominated the SEC.  I don't recall where in the 1st Round he went, but I know he was a 1st Rounder.  He cruised through the Indians' farm system with success at essentially all levels, but has struggled in the Show.

He actually didn't struggle so much in 2006 while with the tribe. He pitched 2 shut outs while compiling a 7-4 record and a 3.57 era.

[legs_of_eggs]

He actually didn't struggle so much in 2006 while with the tribe. He pitched 2 shut outs while compiling a 7-4 record and a 3.57 era.

And he couldn't locate to save his life last year. He's got huge potential but is kind of a soft-tosser I thought. He's got good movement and location though or has atleast showed he does. I don't see what we could give up unless they're really down on their bench and would want Loretta?

[Twoniner]

Not sure how much is required to get him, but I wouldn't expect much out of him unless the 'ole change in scenery to the NL helps him out.

I think you could probably lop off 1/2 a run for Laffey or Sowers moving to the NL Central.   Lee would have it a little easier, but would have a bit of trouble at home being a flyball lefty.

[DVauthrin]

A move to the NL would be very beneficial to sowers because he works with good off speed stuff but only reaches the mid to high 80's on the fastball.

[Towlie]

whats the word on Laffey?

also sowers just reminds me of Kirk Saarloos so id pass on him.

[Bench]

whats the word on Laffey?

also sowers just reminds me of Kirk Saarloos so id pass on him.

The word I've heard is that Laffey is a less polished version of Sowers.

[Mr. Happy]

The word I've heard is that Laffey is a less polished version of Sowers.

Laffey's on the hill for the Tribe tonight.

[Kent's Moustache]

whats the word on Laffey?

also sowers just reminds me of Kirk Saarloos so id pass on him.

Big difference between Sowers and Saarloos, beginning with the fact that Sowers is a southpaw.

[OregonStrosFan]

Laffey's on the hill for the Tribe tonight.

Looks like Laffey had a solid outing on the mound tonight against the Mets.  From the Tribes MLB site:

Aaron Laffey quieted the Mets for five innings, holding them to one run in his strongest Grapefruit League outing to date. Laffey allowed five hits, striking out one batter and walking another.

[Towlie]

Big difference between Sowers and Saarloos, beginning with the fact that Sowers is a southpaw.

Saarloos like Sowers pitched well in a hard conference in college and went up the minor league ladder quickly. Why? He had really good offspeed stuff like Sowers and also like Sowers, he isn't a hard thrower...they supposedly had very good command of their pitches. Other than being a lefty, what more of a difference is there? Also, I don't like the idea of a soft tossing lefty in our division with the caliber of right handed hitters we have...hell, i dont even think he'd be able to give Prince Fielder the chills either unless he has a killer change up and a just fast enough upper 80s fastball he can plant on the far edge of the plate low and away.