That is where the criticism is stemming from -- $15 million for someone who might not even close?
This -and three years - is the reason I think this isn't a good signing.
That's all well and good. I see this as Wade (and probably Smith to a large degree) assessing the team's neads, prioritizing for purposes of budgeting, laying out a plan based on a number of contingencies, and then executing that plan.
They needed back of the bullpen relievers. They landed two. They needed a quality 3B (as I'm seeing this as a move toward previous stated goals of pitching and defense) that can hit for some power, especially with runners on (a key issue last year, if I recall correctly) and found one.
Lindstrom is a power reliever, in every sense of the word. There is lots of upside to this guy. Will he lose time to injury? Possibly. But you don't land someone with his "stuff", for what the Astros gave up, and not have some health questions attached. If none, why would that team see a 1.5mil price tag as too hefty? Lyons was bought at the current market. That's the cost of building using FA's. They go at a premium, if they are a quality option, and only come at a discount if, again, there are health questions attached. After the results of last year's health-risk additions, you'd think fans would appreciate the Astros staying away from such players. I guess Wade is damned if he does, damned if doesn't. Shitty situation to find oneself in, if you ask me.
Feliz is be no means a "balanced" player, as he is no where near as strong at the plate as he is in the field. However, a balanced player of that quality would not come for 4.5mil on a 1 yr deal. And given the long standing trend of placing a premium on offense at 3B, they got a cheaper option by emphasizing defense over offense (which they can do because they have Berkman, Lee, and Pence - to a much lesser degree). And, imo, I actually like Feliz in this lineup - assuming Berkman rebounds and Lee maintains - batting 5th. Hitting 5-7 should be a whole different ball game if Berkman returns to form. Those guys hitting 5, 6, and 7 should see a significant increase in FB's. Think Wigginton, only better in the field, if that helps.
The only other move I would like to see is going after a better catching option. Buck was non-tendered, which makes me giddy at the thought of him playing for Houston. He is a solid defensive player w/ an average stick. If they could land Buck, he would be my OD starter over the current options. If he's hitting 7th, that's a nice player to have in that role.
It allows you to slide Manzella into the 8-hole, with little pressure to contribute offensively. If he hits, you can flip him and Matsui, if Matsui struggles again. I'm not a fan of Matsui, due to his injury issues, but I'm not knocking that signing. At the time, it was the best option they had, addressing a need they had with the roster at the time. In my opinion, this lineup and bullpen has shaped up better than I expected.
Bourn
Matsui
Berkman
Lee
Feliz
Pence
Quinterro/Rodeo Clown - or Buck, in my baseball dreams
Manzella
Bullpen
Lyons
Lindstrom
Fulchino - Who I anticipate nailing down that 7-8 inning gig
Bazardo - Middle Long, but another guy I think has a big future in the late innings. Nasty stuff, control issues, but if allowed to focus on one inning at a time, might be able to blow away batters.
Sampson - Middle/long guy, maybe 7/8 guy.
Byrdak
Gervacio - with expectation that Wright Will start in AAA as a starter option
