Wade says...

[homer]

Not sellers at the deadline, and probably not buyers on a multiplayer for 'one key piece' deal.

[homer]

Per pregame.

[Noe]

Guess they finally made up their minds.  Good, play ball then! (nice of Miggy to put an accent mark on the confidence that he won't get traded with that gosh awful play!)

[Matt]

Guess they finally made up their minds.  Good, play ball then! (nice of Miggy to put an accent mark on the confidence that he won't get traded with that gosh awful play!)

He made up for it with some great plays in the second game.

[SaltyParker]

In it, out of it, buyers, sellers, whatever.....I think I would gladly trade Valverde for the right price.

[Andyzipp]

Well, I don't actually believe him, because shit changes.  But the Astros would likely get class A compensation for Valverde and Tejada, and maybe other comp picks for at least a couple of the other 14 potential free agents.  Maybe they're really focused on the rebuilding through the draft.

[SaltyParker]

I doubt they would offer Miggy arbitration.

[Reuben]

exactly. They didn't offer Wolf arb., even though at the time it seemed a sure thing that he'd get a multi-year deal. Turns out they were right not to. But I agree with Andy, shit changes and the schedule after the break could be a rough one. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Tejada during or after this season.

[Bench]

I doubt they would offer Miggy arbitration.

Is that even an option?

Or am I dense this morning and missing an obvious joke?

[Jacksonian]

Is that even an option?

Or am I dense this morning and missing an obvious joke?

That's how free agency works.

[Bench]

That's how free agency works.

I'm dense and there's no joke.

I'm going back to bed now.

[JackAstro]

I'm dense and there's no joke.

I'm going back to bed now.

Time to either start or stop drinking, depending on your current state.

[strosrays]

Time to either start or stop drinking, depending on your current state.

It's either time to not stop drinking, or time not to not stop drinking.  Either way, I think Bench just wanted to rub it in that he has the day off.  Fucker.

[Gizzmonic]

Wade says,

I'm done with Shawn Chacon

He treats me like a ragdoll

He waives

Post altercation

Says "I'll look for pitching elsewhere"

[gleach]

Wade says,

I'm done with Shawn Chacon

He treats me like a ragdoll

He waives

Post altercation

Says "I'll look for pitching elsewhere"

I've spent all day seeing this thread and seeing that stupid song.

[Gizzmonic]

I've spent all day seeing this thread and seeing that stupid song.

Please accept my apology.  Many people who post regularly can provide scintillating baseball news and analysis.  Unfortunately, I am not one of those people.  I can provide tepid song parodies and obvious jokes that slip past MRaup and JackAstro, though.  That's my role.

[JackAstro]

Please accept my apology.  Many people who post regularly can provide scintillating baseball news and analysis.  Unfortunately, I am not one of those people.  I can provide tepid song parodies and obvious jokes that slip past MRaup and JackAstro, though.  That's my role.

A joke slipped past me? THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!

[Gizzmonic]

A joke slipped past me? THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!

It happens about as often as Ripken takes a day off.  So here I sit in the dugout, picking apart sunflower seeds.

[gleach]

Please accept my apology.  Many people who post regularly can provide scintillating baseball news and analysis.  Unfortunately, I am not one of those people.  I can provide tepid song parodies and obvious jokes that slip past MRaup and JackAstro, though.  That's my role.

Sorry, I didn't mean it as YOUR song was stupid. I was referring to the original. It pops into my head every time I open the talkzone and see this thread.

[jaklewein]

Not sellers at the deadline, and probably not buyers on a multiplayer for 'one key piece' deal.

It was a little less than two weeks ago when Wade addressed this issue.  I realize Heck and company have been pushing to build up the minor league system, and that means not trading for upgrades at the deadline.  With that understood, my question is this:  Will the organization, with the big club only 1 game out of first place, stay the course regarding this philosophy? 

[Taras Bulba]

It was a little less than two weeks ago when Wade addressed this issue.  I realize Heck and company have been pushing to build up the minor league system, and that means not trading for upgrades at the deadline.  With that understood, my question is this:  Will the organization, with the big club only 1 game out of first place, stay the course regarding this philosophy? 

Drayton hasn't been shy about pulling the trigger when Houston is in contention.

[jaklewein]

Drayton hasn't been shy about pulling the trigger when Houston is in contention.

That's what I'm thinking.  I realize Wade, Heck and company have the best intentions, but when push comes to shove...

Adding a SP would be priority number one for this team if money and prospects meant dick, right?  So who's available, and who makes sense?  Lee, Halladay, Peavy (what's his prognosis - ankle still pretty iffy if I remember correctly)?  My guess is that we now have the talent to make a deal, but for the first time in a long time, I'm terrified of what that will end up being.  I mixture of say Norris, Castro and Lyles completly terrifies me.  That said, I love this team...I'm completely on the fence.  I'm glad I'm not in Wade's shoes.

[Andyzipp]

That's what I'm thinking.  I realize Wade, Heck and company have the best intentions, but when push comes to shove...

Adding a SP would be priority number one for this team if money and prospects meant dick, right?  So who's available, and who makes sense?  Lee, Halladay, Peavy (what's his prognosis - ankle still pretty iffy if I remember correctly)?  My guess is that we now have the talent to make a deal, but for the first time in a long time, I'm terrified of what that will end up being.  I mixture of say Norris, Castro and Lyles completly terrifies me.  That said, I love this team...I'm completely on the fence.  I'm glad I'm not in Wade's shoes.

Jason Castro is pretty much as close to untouchable as you can get in the Astros' organization.  Not only is he a high-potential player in an area of need for the team, but he's the centerpiece of the Wade/Heck rebuilding of this team.

[strosrays]

Sorry, I didn't mean it as YOUR song was stupid. I was referring to the original. It pops into my head every time I open the talkzone and see this thread.

That song gets a pass from me (steel drums.)

[MikeyBoy]

gleach is going to be pissed when he see's someone bumped this thread.

[Jacksonian]

Jason Castro is pretty much as close to untouchable as you can get in the Astros' organization.  Not only is he a high-potential player in an area of need for the team, but he's the centerpiece of the Wade/Heck rebuilding of this team.

In my mind there are 3 untouchables in the system, Castro, Seaton, and Lyles.  Beyond I think Wade would deal, hesitantly, someone like Norris or Paulino or Trinidad or some of the outfielders and other pitchers in A-ball.

Cliff Lee's contract expires this year with a $8mil club option for next year.  I don't know what they want or need but I'd give up Norris, Paulino, and Bogusevic for him.

[JackAstro]

...my question is this:  Will the organization, with the big club only 1 game out of first place, stay the course regarding this philosophy? 

I'm going to say maybe, but it's an emphatic maybe.

[JackAstro]

That song gets a pass from me (steel drums.)

I liked the original better (sans steel drums). Possibly just because I heard it first, so the steel drums always sounded odd to me in the later version.

[Guinness]

I liked the original better (sans steel drums). Possibly just because I heard it first, so the steel drums always sounded odd to me in the later version.

OK, I give up, what song is it?
And what was the song mentioned in another thread, a Canadian band with a song about a guitar that used a talk box?
Must be brain dead, and when I see the answers I'm sure I'll want to crawl under a rock.

[austro]

In my mind there are 3 untouchables in the system, Castro, Seaton, and Lyles.  Beyond I think Wade would deal, hesitantly, someone like Norris or Paulino or Trinidad or some of the outfielders and other pitchers in A-ball.

I'd be disappointed if they dealt Gaston. I'd like to see them hold on to him a while longer to see if he continues his performance at higher levels, because a left-handed power bat would be a nice addition.

[strosrays]

OK, I give up, what song is it?
And what was the song mentioned in another thread, a Canadian band with a song about a guitar that used a talk box?
Must be brain dead, and when I see the answers I'm sure I'll want to crawl under a rock.

"Jane Says" - Jane's Addiction

"Mindbender" - Chilliwack (sp?)

[Ty in Tampa]

OK, I give up, what song is it?
And what was the song mentioned in another thread, a Canadian band with a song about a guitar that used a talk box?
Must be brain dead, and when I see the answers I'm sure I'll want to crawl under a rock.

With steel drums.

[strosrays]

"Jane Says" - Jane's Addiction

"Mindbender" - Chilliwack (sp?)

The latter is by Stillwater, not Chilliwack, BTW.  And they were from Georgia, the one by Florida, not the one over there by Belarus and Kazakstan and them places.  I was pretty close, otherwise.

[Ty in Tampa]

With talk box.

[Duman]

We have short memories. Look at what Wade did in the last 2 weeks of July in 2008.  Each of those moves has worked like a charm.

July 22, 2008 (Standings)

Traded Chad Reineke to the San Diego Padres. Received Randy Wolf.

July 30, 2008 (Standings)

Traded Matthew Cusick (minors) to the New York Yankees. Received LaTroy Hawkins and cash.

July 31, 2008 (Standings)

Selected Alberto Arias off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.

As for what was lost:

Cusick has gotten hot in the second half of the Florida State League (High A).  Hitting over .360 for the second half and .300 for the year.  But he has only 1 HR, not much power for a 3rd baseman but looks pretty good for a 2nd baseman.  He has split his time between the two this year.

Reineke made 4 starts for the Padres last fall but has been at AAA all year this year.  He is 4-3 with a 4.28 ERA in 22 games (14 Starts).  

Those deals look good to me right now.  I am hoping for a repeat this year.  

[Jacksonian]

We have short memories. Look at what Wade did in the last 2 weeks of July in 2008.  Each of those moves has worked like a charm.

As for what was lost:

Cusick has gotten hot in the second half of the Florida State League (High A).  Hitting over .360 for the second half and .300 for the year.  But he has only 1 HR, not much power for a 3rd baseman but looks pretty good for a 2nd baseman.  He has split his time between the two this year.

Reineke made 4 starts for the Padres last fall but has been at AAA all year this year.  He is 4-3 with a 4.28 ERA in 22 games (14 Starts).  

Those deals look good to me right now.  I am hoping for a repeat this year.  

In hindsight that Hawkins for Cusick move was brilliant.

[matadorph]

In hindsight that Hawkins for Cusick move was brilliant.

Yes, it was. I remember the day that move was announced and most here were not happy about it.

"What. the. Fuck." seemed to be the default thought of the day. I actually thought it was a defensible move and didn't understand the reaction here.

But I never thought Hawkins would be this impactful, either.

[Lurch]

...and cash.  That's the cherry.

[MikeyBoy]

Yes, it was. I remember the day that move was announced and most here were not happy about it.

"What. the. Fuck." seemed to be the default thought of the day. I actually thought it was a defensible move and didn't understand the reaction here.

But I never thought Hawkins would be this impactful, either.

I wouldn't say most, but there were a few that were scratching their heads. (LINK)

[jaklewein]

In my mind there are 3 untouchables in the system, Castro, Seaton, and Lyles.  Beyond I think Wade would deal, hesitantly, someone like Norris or Paulino or Trinidad or some of the outfielders and other pitchers in A-ball.

Cliff Lee's contract expires this year with a $8mil club option for next year.  I don't know what they want or need but I'd give up Norris, Paulino, and Bogusevic for him.

Thanks Jacksonian, this is exactly what I was looking for in terms of who might be exempt from their future plans.  So basically anybody above AA is fair game.  I can certainly roll with that, just not sure if there's enough there to get a deal done.  I know one thing, I'm going to stay on the edge of my seat until midnight (?) on the 31st.  Should be interesting.

[MusicMan]

I think the last time I was on the edge of my seat until midnight was the Randy Johnson deal.  Good times.

[jaklewein]

I think the last time I was on the edge of my seat until midnight was the Randy Johnson deal.  Good times.

Quick story about that deal.  I was a senior in college in little bar in Valdosta, GA (no Astros fans for miles) hammered to the max when that deal went down.  My friend, who happened to the be the bartender (hence me being hammered), tells me we traded for Randy Johnson.  I remember telling him to "fuck off", that "I know I'm drunk but I'm not falling for that shit again".  Needless to say, he pointed to the TV and I took my alchol consumption to an entirely different level that night.  I have extremely fond memories of that night, and the entire summer thereafter.

[Astroholic]

Quick story about that deal.  I was a senior in college in little bar in Valdosta, GA (no Astros fans for miles) hammered to the max when that deal went down.  My friend, who happened to the be the bartender (hence me being hammered), tells me we traded for Randy Johnson.  I remember telling him to "fuck off", that "I know I'm drunk but I'm not falling for that shit again".  Needless to say, he pointed to the TV and I took my alchol consumption to an entirely different level that night.  I have extremely fond memories of that night, and the entire summer thereafter.

How can you remember that night if you were properly hammered?

[strosrays]

I wouldn't say most, but there were a few that were scratching their heads. (LINK)

Well, towlie was dead set against it.  That should've ameliorated any doubt about the trade, right there.

[JackAstro]

Well, towlie was dead set against it.  That should've ameliorated any doubt about the trade, right there.

Thanks sensei, lol.

[MusicMan]

Thanks sensei, lol.

WTF, mate.

[MikeyBoy]

Well, towlie was dead set against it.  That should've ameliorated any doubt about the trade, right there.

Towlie did bring us this classic. (LINK)

[subnuclear]

Well, towlie was dead set against it.  That should've ameliorated any doubt about the trade, right there.

She had the same reaction as mihoba (I think because the depleted farm system was the worry of the day) and then she asked Jacksonian and Duman   for advice.  I don't see how that's being dead set.  

[jaklewein]

How can you remember that night if you were properly hammered?

Maybe you're right...I wasn't falling down, puking in a corner, can't remember how I got home hammered.  I promise you I'd drank a lot, but that was also years and years ago, when I had the liver the size of a buffalo.  Sorry if I mislead but it was no on purpose.

[Astroholic]

Maybe you're right...I wasn't falling down, puking in a corner, can't remember how I got home hammered.  I promise you I'd drank a lot, but that was also years and years ago, when I had the liver the size of a buffalo.  Sorry if I mislead but it was no on purpose.

no prob.  I understood, just being a smartass.

[MRaup]

Maybe you're right...I wasn't falling down, puking in a corner, can't remember how I got home hammered.  I promise you I'd drank a lot, but that was also years and years ago, when I had the liver the size of a buffalo.  Sorry if I mislead but it was no on purpose.

A liver the size of Alkie's ego? Jesus.

[Outlawscotty]

A liver the size of Alkie's ego? Jesus.

In the same thought?  It is an off day....

[jaklewein]

no prob.  I understood, just being a smartass.

On the contrary, you were right. 

[Astroholic]

On the contrary, you were right. 

Shitfaced, hammered, etc.  They all get you there.

[jaklewein]

By the way...I did not follow the farm system back then (Why? No Bus Ride of course).  I know the RJ deal was a suprise to all, and a good one.  I also know RJ was a can't miss stud and the piece that everyone in major league baseball knew would make the Astros WS contenders if not favorites.  That said, did anyone that did follow the system lose their lunch regarding players the good guys gave up?  I'm assuming those players (Garcia, Guillen and Halama - that was it right?) were even better than the haul that would now make up the three untouchables Jacksonian mentioned (Casto, Lyles, Seaton).

[Bench]

By the way...I did not follow the farm system back then (Why? No Bus Ride of course).  I know the RJ deal was a suprise to all, and a good one.  I also know RJ was a can't miss stud and the piece that everyone in major league baseball knew would make the Astros WS contenders if not favorites.  That said, did anyone that did follow the system lose their lunch regarding players the good guys gave up?  I'm assuming those players (Garcia, Guillen and Halama - that was it right?) were even better than the haul that would now make up the three untouchables Jacksonian mentioned (Casto, Lyles, Seaton).

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[jaklewein]

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Remember the deal that netted us Moises?  There's one that turned out ok.

[Astroholic]

By the way...I did not follow the farm system back then (Why? No Bus Ride of course).  I know the RJ deal was a suprise to all, and a good one.  I also know RJ was a can't miss stud and the piece that everyone in major league baseball knew would make the Astros WS contenders if not favorites.  That said, did anyone that did follow the system lose their lunch regarding players the good guys gave up?  I'm assuming those players (Garcia, Guillen and Halama - that was it right?) were even better than the haul that would now make up the three untouchables Jacksonian mentioned (Casto, Lyles, Seaton).

The prospects were good, but the stros were getting Randy Fucking Johnson.  That IMO, was the best team the stros ever fielded.

[JimR]

By the way...I did not follow the farm system back then (Why? No Bus Ride of course).  I know the RJ deal was a suprise to all, and a good one.  I also know RJ was a can't miss stud and the piece that everyone in major league baseball knew would make the Astros WS contenders if not favorites.  That said, did anyone that did follow the system lose their lunch regarding players the good guys gave up?  I'm assuming those players (Garcia, Guillen and Halama - that was it right?) were even better than the haul that would now make up the three untouchables Jacksonian mentioned (Casto, Lyles, Seaton).

hell, no! that trade was one of my best moments as an Astros fan. i would make that trade again today.

[JackAstro]

Towlie did bring us this classic. (LINK)

Thanks, I'd forgotten how outstanding that thread really was. The earth created it!

[jaklewein]

hell, no! that trade was one of my best moments as an Astros fan. i would make that trade again today.

I didn't figure, just throwing it out there.

[matadorph]

The Big Unit was fucking unstoppable after the trade deadline. Didn't he go 10-0 with something like a .08644 ERA for the Astros?

Like jake, I was getting sloshed that night with my buddies when the news broke. I simply could not believe it. "

WHat? The Astros got Randy Johnson? No fucking way!"

The Beltran trade was pretty similar.

[Bench]

The Big Unit was fucking unstoppable after the trade deadline. Didn't he go 10-0 with something like a .08644 ERA for the Astros?

Like jake, I was getting sloshed that night with my buddies when the news broke. I simply could not believe it. "

WHat? The Astros got Randy Johnson? No fucking way!"

The Beltran trade was pretty similar.

It kind of makes you miss the midnight deadline.

[JimR]

10-1, i think.

[jaklewein]

In my mind there are 3 untouchables in the system, Castro, Seaton, and Lyles.  Beyond I think Wade would deal, hesitantly, someone like Norris or Paulino or Trinidad or some of the outfielders and other pitchers in A-ball.

Cliff Lee's contract expires this year with a $8mil club option for next year.  I don't know what they want or need but I'd give up Norris, Paulino, and Bogusevic for him.

Per Stark:  Acquiring Cliff Lee would take a "four-for-one, Halladay-esque Package."

Halladay-esque?  Fuck it, nevermind, ain't gonna happen.


ETA:

Then again, Per KenR:  http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/07/rays-talked-to-indians-about-acquiring-lee.html

The Indians are said to want pitching in exchange for Lee, so it's likely the Rays would presumably have to part with some to acquire the reigning Cy Young Award winner.

[matadorph]

I hope Wade has Neal Huntington on speed dial. The Pirates prospects are not exclusively the province of the Boston Red Sox.

[Jacksonian]

By the way...I did not follow the farm system back then (Why? No Bus Ride of course).  I know the RJ deal was a suprise to all, and a good one.  I also know RJ was a can't miss stud and the piece that everyone in major league baseball knew would make the Astros WS contenders if not favorites.  That said, did anyone that did follow the system lose their lunch regarding players the good guys gave up?  I'm assuming those players (Garcia, Guillen and Halama - that was it right?) were even better than the haul that would now make up the three untouchables Jacksonian mentioned (Casto, Lyles, Seaton).

Comparing prospects to prospects today's group overall, I think, would be seen as having more upside than the 98 group did.  Projected top of the rotation starter, starting SS, and #5/swingman vs Projected starting catcher, and 2 top of the rotation type arms.

[jaklewein]

Comparing prospects to prospects today's group overall, I think, would be seen as having more upside than the 98 group did.  Projected top of the rotation starter, starting SS, and #5/swingman vs Projected starting catcher, and 2 top of the rotation type arms.

Well there you go...I always thought Halama was more highly regarded than that.  Thanks as always.

[Andyzipp]

Well there you go...I always thought Halama was more highly regarded than that.  Thanks as always.

IIRC, the prototypical slop throwing lefty.

[strosrays]

Thanks, I'd forgotten how outstanding that thread really was. The earth created it!

One of the best I remember.

I have to give towlie grudging credit.  If she had done the sensible thing, and cut and run at the first sign it was all about to crumble and fall on her -- around the second or third post, from what I can see -- that thread would have been a whole lot shorter, and a whole lot less fun.  But she didn't, of course.

[Mr. Happy]

I can't believe that I actually wasted time today re-reading (I read it all the first time) that thread! Is towlie still around?

[JackAstro]

I can't believe that I actually wasted time today re-reading (I read it all the first time) that thread! Is towlie still around?

Last Active: October 04, 2008

[Lurch]

Alternative cereals.  Holy fuck.

[Gizzmonic]

Alternative cereals.  Holy fuck.

Is that like Boo Berry?