Winter meetings: Astros notes (per MLBTR)

[MusicMan]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/astros-notes-hall-cust.html

Summary:
- Astros looking at Ryan Rowland-Smith, Jack Cust, Bill Hall
- Looking at trades, but other clubs not warming to Wade's offers
- Wandy has changed agents

[Limey]

I am worried as to what Fredia will do to "Jack Cust".

[MusicMan]

I am worried as to what Fredia will do to "Jack Cust".

Or Milo.

[JimR]

i am worried about what Jack Cust will do to LF at MM.

[MusicMan]

i am worried about what Jack Cust will do to LF at MM.

Cust was born a DH.

[OregonStrosFan]

Levine expects the Astros are expected to be active in the Rule 5 draft (12/9) as well. LINK

Also, the Astros hired Paul Runge as minor league field coordinator (replacing Dick Scott, who left to work with the steM).

[MusicMan]

Levine expects the Astros are expected to be active in the Rule 5 draft (12/9) as well. LINK

Late moves are not impossible, as the Astros proved with Pedro Feliz’s getaway-day deal last season.

This does not instill confidence.

[Ron Brand]

This does not instill confidence.

Especially when Jack Cust is in the picture.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

i am worried about what Jack Cust will do to LF at MM.

Now, if you didn't have any issues with Lee in LF but have doubts about this guy, then I'm definitely worried.

[MusicMan]

Now, if you didn't have any issues with Lee in LF but have doubts about this guy, then I'm definitely worried.

Cust makes Lee look like Mays in the OF.

[jaklewein]

Levine expects the Astros are expected to be active in the Rule 5 draft (12/9) as well. LINK

Wish I could find some information on the best of what's available in the draft but have come up empty.

[JimR]

Cust makes Lee look like Mays in the OF.

and every other great OF in history

[OregonStrosFan]

Wish I could find some information on the best of what's available in the draft but have come up empty.

All players available: LINK

I've seen some stuff on the 'best' players available and will try to track it down...

ETA: Baseball America did a "Rule 5 Preview" ranking the top 25 players who could be taken this year in the Rule 5 draft on November 30, but alas my subscription is not current.  Perhaps someone can enlighten us on some of the folks mentioned?

[jaklewein]

Thanks for digging OSF.  Wish I could help but I gave up my subscription years ago as well.

[Waldo]

i am worried about what Jack Cust will do to LF at MM.

We heckled him once at the Dell Diamond when he missed three routine fly balls.  He later hit the (ultimately) game-winning home run.  Oops.

[Hornstros]

All players available: LINK

I had read this list a couple weeks ago and i question its credibility....they list Daniel Meszaros as an eligible player, but he was just drafted in 2008 which would make him ineligible as i understand the rules....although i know there's others on this board that have a better interpretation of the Rule 5 eligibility.

[Jacksonian]

Cust makes Lee look like Mays in the OF.

Cust to the Mariners.

[JimR]

Cust to the Mariners.

he had to stay in the AL.

[Mr. Happy]

he had to stay in the AL.

Agreed.

[Bench]

Agreed.

I have complete faith that Jack Cust was not, in fact, born in the NL. 

[Guinness]

I have complete faith that Jack Cust was not, in fact, born in the NL. 

Awesome...

[Mr. Happy]

I have complete faith that Jack Cust was not, in fact, born in the NL. 

ROTFLMAO!

[AstroAndy]

Wish I could find some information on the best of what's available in the draft but have come up empty

Some of the more interesting (to me) Rule 5 guys pulled together from here, here, and here.  Seems like more hitters are available than usual, but it's unlikely they'll be around for the Astros' pick at #9.

Marquez Smith - 3B - Cubs - One of the best bats in the Rule 5, he hit .314/.384/.574 at AAA-Iowa
Chad Tracy - LF - Rangers - Put up a .263/.349/.502 line at AAA-Oklahoma City in 2010
Brad Emaus - 2B/3B - Blue Jays - Batted .298/.395/.495 in in 2010 at hitter's park AAA-Las Vegas, but also put up a .272/.402/.434 line in AA-New Hampshire.  Astros scouts possibly saw him when scouting Brett Wallace at Las Vegas.
Justin Sellers - SS - Dodgers - Had a breakout season in AAA-Albuquerque, another high-offense environment, with a line of .285/.371/.497.  Even if you discount those numbers due to the ballpark, it's pretty good production for a shortstop.
Brandon Waring - 3B/LF/1B - Orioles - Has hit 20+ home runs in each of his minor league seasons and batted .242/.338/.458 in 2010 at AA-Bowie.  His K-rate is scary (37%), but his walk rates have been good (10%).
Josh Rodriguez - Utility - Indians - played SS, 2B, 3B, LF, CF, and RF last year while hitting .293/.372/.486 at AAA-Columbus.[/b]

Deunte Heath - RHRP - White Sox - 13.3 K/9 in AA-Birmingham looks awesome, but came with 5.0 BB/9.
Jeremy Horst - LHRP - Reds - A history of nice-looking K and BB rates, and in 2010 put up a 2.09 ERA in 43 AA innings, and a 2.51 ERA in 14 AAA innings.  His fielding-independent pitching stats were in line with his ERA.
Pedro Beato - RHRP - Orioles - converted to relief this year and threw 59 innings (43 games) with a 2.11 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, 7.5 K/9, and 2.9 BB/9 in AA-Bowie.  Made the Eastern League All-Star team this year.
Scott Diamond - LHP - Braves - ERAs of 3.52 or lower and a K/BB ratio of over 2.00 for his whole minor league career.  He's been a starter, so he could compete for the 5th starter spot.  His ceiling isn't sky-high, but he's one of the more major-league-ready pitchers I've seen on Rule 5 lists.

A list of BA's top 25 Rule 5 possibilities is here.  To avoid stepping on BA's toes, though, they cut out BA's commentary and provide their own in the comment thread...look for a user named Vlad.

[astrosfan76]

If Emaus is available and club thinks he could be a 2B option, I wouldn't be surprised if they grabbed him. 

[Fatt Matt]

Seems like more hitters are available than usual, but it's unlikely they'll be around for the Astros' pick at #9.

umm i dont think the astros pick at 9 there is four teams before them that cant pick cause 40 man roster is set so i think the astros pick #5

[Lurch]

Links and numbers and helpful comentary

Welcome!

[Tralfaz]

Pedro Beato, has a ring to it.  Just sayin'

[jaklewein]

Some of the more interesting (to me) Rule 5 guys pulled together from here, here, and here.  Seems like more hitters are available than usual, but it's unlikely they'll be around for the Astros' pick at #9.

Wow, thanks for the info.  Draft is streaming live at MLB.com right now but I think I'm getting in late.  Yep, they just said they're in round 2.  I'll see if I can figure out who Stros picked if any.

[astrosfan76]

Wow, thanks for the info.  Draft is streaming live at MLB.com right now but I think I'm getting in late.  Yep, they just said they're in round 2.  I'll see if I can figure out who Stros picked if any.

Astros took Aneury Rodriguez from the Rays.  Don't know much about him, but he's young and put up decent numbers at AAA last season.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker&id=rodrig001ane

[jaklewein]

That was actually the AAA phase of the draft I was listening to and I got in after Astros pick so don't know what they did there.  They passed in the AA phase of the draft.

Here's what they got in the Major League Phase http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101209&content_id=16289310&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb :

Aneury Rodriguez, RHP, Durham (TB)

&

Lance Pendleton, RHP, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (NYY)

Emuas was available with their first pick but they selected Rodriguez instead.

[Uncle Charlie]

Here are Pendleton's numbers (he's a Kingwood kid):

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=pendle001lan

[astrosfan76]

Tweets from BA personalities:

Nice pick by the #Astros taking Aneury Rodriguez from the Rays. For better or worse, he immediately becomes one of their better prospects

Aneury Rodriguez, rhp, TB. Three average pitches, pushes average fastball to 94 at times, possible starter, good winter.

Like what the Astros, Twins, Mets, Yankees did in the Rule 5. Not sure I understand the first few picks

and from McTaggart on an unrelated note:

Astros are close to signing a free agent starting pitcher to compete for 5th spot in rotation.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Aneury sounds like a good fifth starter/long reliever, and Pendelton would be the ideal "keep him at OKC until we need a spot start" kind of guy.

Also, I'm rooting for Rodriguez to make the big club at some point just for Milo's sake.

[astrosfan76]

and on Pendelton:

Lance Pendleton, rhp, NYY. Has a plus fastball in his 89-93 sinker, secondary pitches are mostly fringy. command is OK.

[astrosfan76]

Aneury sounds like a good fifth starter/long reliever, and Pendelton would be the ideal "keep him at OKC until we need a spot start" kind of guy.

Also, I'm rooting for Rodriguez to make the big club at some point just for Milo's sake.

"This guy's giving me an Aneurism!" 

Also, they'd have to work out a deal with the Yankees to keep Pendelton at AAA. 

[astrosfan76]

Levine tweeting that Astros sign Rowland-Smith, pending a physical.

[subnuclear]

A lefty from Aussieland.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rowlary01.shtml

[Ron Brand]

Was he hurt last year? He had two decent seasons and then got the snot beat out of him last year.

[Houston]

A lefty from Aussieland.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rowlary01.shtml

What are lefties with 1-10 records and 1.7 WHIPs worth?

[Reuben]

Was he hurt last year? He had two decent seasons and then got the snot beat out of him last year.

MLBTR says:

The Astros will have the opportunity to control him through 2013 as an arbitration eligible player.

Rowland-Smith, 28 in January, posted a 6.75 ERA, 4.0 K/9, 3.6 BB/9, 2.1 HR/9, and 37.1% groundball rate in 109 1/3 innings this year before being non-tendered by the Mariners.  He spent time on the DL with a lower back strain this year after battling a triceps injury in '09.

[subnuclear]

Post from Rob Neyer about him.  Thinks he did better in the bullpen. 

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/4533/ms-finally-diagnose-rowland-smiths-injury

[Taras Bulba]

What are lefties with 1-10 records and 1.7 WHIPs worth?

He's the next Cliff Lee!

Or, maybe not.

[Uncle Charlie]

From Fuckhouse, who says we need an OF:

http://footer.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/12/winter_meetings_day_3_to_sign.html

I tend to agree.  I like Andruw Jones.  Has some power and can still move around a bit.  Probably wont be expensive on a 1-year deal.

[Ron Brand]

From Fuckhouse, who says we need an OF:

http://footer.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/12/winter_meetings_day_3_to_sign.html

I tend to agree.  I like Andruw Jones.  Has some power and can still move around a bit.  Probably wont be expensive on a 1-year deal.

He was paid $500k to hit .230 last year. I'm not sure I wouldn't rather see what Bogey and Michaels have in the tank.

[VirtualBob]

We heckled him once at the Dell Diamond when he missed three routine fly balls.  He later hit the (ultimately) game-winning home run.  Oops.

I remember that game too.  Oops.

And on a related note, Cust would make a medium-sized oak tree look good in LF, much less C.Lee.

[Astroholic]

From Fuckhouse, who says we need an OF:
 I like Andruw Jones. 

Really.  I cant stand that showboating muthr ....!

[Uncle Charlie]

He was paid $500k to hit .230 last year. I'm not sure I wouldn't rather see what Bogey and Michaels have in the tank.

He also hit 20 HR and got on base at a good clip.  For $500k, that's not bad.  He's a guy who can start or be a role player and certainly can play all 3 positions.  Not to different than Michaels, but with power and a much better arm.

[EasTexAstro]

alysonfooter:
Loretta works for the Padres and yesterday happily pointed out to me that he is Brad Ausmus' boss.

[Lefty]

From Fuckhouse

Not sure "Working Women in Baseball" carries all the connotations they're looking for.  The '86 Mets were highly disappointed when they dropped by.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Not sure "Working Women in Baseball" carries all the connotations they're looking for.  The '86 Mets were highly disappointed when they dropped by.

Obviously you are not a friend of Fuckhouse.  If you were, you'd know it's a term of endearment. 

[Reuben]

From Fuckhouse, who says we need an OF:

http://footer.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/12/winter_meetings_day_3_to_sign.html

I tend to agree.  I like Andruw Jones.  Has some power and can still move around a bit.  Probably wont be expensive on a 1-year deal.

I don't see where she says the Astros need an OF. In fact, she seems in favor of the opposite- not signing an OF from outside the org, in order to give Wallace a chance to be the full-time 1B.

[Uncle Charlie]

I don't see where she says the Astros need an OF. In fact, she seems in favor of the opposite- not signing an OF from outside the org, in order to give Wallace a chance to be the full-time 1B.

You're right - read it too quickly.  Getting some experience on this team isn't a bad thing though.  Too many struggles has a bifurcating effect - steels the nerves or crushs confidence.

[BlownRanger]

From Fuckhouse, who says we need an OF:

http://footer.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/12/winter_meetings_day_3_to_sign.html

I tend to agree.  I like Andruw Jones.  Has some power and can still move around a bit.  Probably wont be expensive on a 1-year deal.

Terry Francona looks like Donald Pleasance; and Scioscia and Baker look like they went to a costume party as Crockett and Tubbs.

[Noe]

What if... just thinking out loud (this is where the missus usually says "oh no..."):

1. Wade is scouting around for an outfielder because...
2. He can put a package together to trade Hunter Pence and others for Zack Grenkie

Hmmmm....

[BudGirl]

What if... just thinking out loud (this is where the missus usually says "oh no..."):

1. Wade is scouting around for an outfielder because...
2. He can put a package together to trade Hunter Pence and others for Zack Grenkie

Hmmmm....

Don't tease unless you can finish it.

[austro]

What if... just thinking out loud (this is where the missus usually says "oh no..."):

1. Wade is scouting around for an outfielder because...
2. He can put a package together to trade Hunter Pence and others for Zack Grenkie

Hmmmm....

The little info I've read seems to indicate that KC wants four or five legit prospects for Greinke. Even if you give them Pence, you're still going to have to give them two or three prospects. I don't think the Astros can afford that.

[Noe]

The little info I've read seems to indicate that KC wants four or five legit prospects for Greinke. Even if you give them Pence, you're still going to have to give them two or three prospects. I don't think the Astros can afford that.

But you can't even begin to talk to the Royales (or Big Macs) unless you investigate what is out there for you to supplant one Mr. Pence if you have to.  And I think the Astros think Pence is worthy of three prospects alone, lowering the price a bit.  So it may depend how cheap Pence is compared to Grenwhatever.  Just thinking out loud here... nothing to this at all.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

But you can't even begin to talk to the Royales (or Big Macs) unless you investigate what is out there for you to supplant one Mr. Pence if you have to.  And I think the Astros think Pence is worthy of three prospects alone, lowering the price a bit.  So it may depend how cheap Pence is compared to Grenwhatever.  Just thinking out loud here... nothing to this at all.

I like the direction you are going.  But never neglect TFotF status, so long as Drayton/Pam are in charge.

[austro]

But you can't even begin to talk to the Royales (or Big Macs) unless you investigate what is out there for you to supplant one Mr. Pence if you have to.  And I think the Astros think Pence is worthy of three prospects alone, lowering the price a bit.  So it may depend how cheap Pence is compared to Grenwhatever.  Just thinking out loud here... nothing to this at all.

The problem with Pence is that he's about to get (relatively) expensive. He got $3.5MM last year, and while he's still got three arb-eligible years (2011-2013) before becoming a FA, I would expect his salary to go up each of those years. My guess is that KC is looking for cheaper players.

[hostros7]

The problem with Pence is that he's about to get (relatively) expensive. He got $3.5MM last year, and while he's still got three arb-eligible years (2011-2013) before becoming a FA, I would expect his salary to go up each of those years. My guess is that KC is looking for cheaper players.

My fear is that the Astros are going to pay Pence Werth money at some point.  please, please no.

[Ron Brand]

My fear is that the Astros are going to pay Pence Werth money at some point.  please, please no.

You just made me have a bowel movement in my pants. I ain't never gonna forgive you for this.

ETA: Isn't this the film quote thread?

[Noe]

The problem with Pence is that he's about to get (relatively) expensive. He got $3.5MM last year, and while he's still got three arb-eligible years (2011-2013) before becoming a FA, I would expect his salary to go up each of those years. My guess is that KC is looking for cheaper players.

If the Astros were serious about talking to Cliff Lee (as some reported), then they would spend for the right pitcher.  I think KC is wanting to pay, but only to a certain extent and it may be more about Grenster being way outside the spending parameters for them.  Pence, on the other hand, won't ever be a Berkman or Oswalt salary player.  If so, then I will faint right away because whoever thinks that is crazy.  Just plain crazy.

[Jacksonian]

If the Astros were serious about talking to Cliff Lee (as some reported), then they would spend for the right pitcher.  I think KC is wanting to pay, but only to a certain extent and it may be more about Grenster being way outside the spending parameters for them.  Pence, on the other hand, won't ever be a Berkman or Oswalt salary player.  If so, then I will faint right away because whoever thinks that is crazy.  Just plain crazy.

Don't forget, if they dealt for Pence, they could just as easily flip him for more prospects as well either now or at some future time.

[Noe]

Don't forget, if they dealt for Pence, they could just as easily flip him for more prospects as well either now or at some future time.

Yup, someone would give them two prospects.  I wonder how serious the Astros think they can compete next year with the core (Lee/CJ/Pence) and if so, could they be thinking getting some pitching and moving Pence for said pitching makes some sense.

[austro]

Don't forget, if they dealt for Pence, they could just as easily flip him for more prospects as well either now or at some future time.

Yes, that's true. This is why I usually get my ass kicked by good chess players.

[dirty steve]

olney hears a deal for lindstrom is close.  team is not clear.

http://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/18047110360334336

[Bench]

olney hears a deal for lindstrom is close.  team is not clear.

http://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/18047110360334336

So that's where the relevant thread was.

[dirty steve]

So that's where the relevant thread was.

thought it was better than starting another thread.