The Void

[JimR]

Dammit, somebody say something! it is quiet in here.

[MusicMan]

Astros have claimed Darin Downs off waivers.

[Fredia]

winter meetings

[JimR]

Astros have claimed Darin Downs off waivers.

Hot Damn! now THAT'S what I'm talking about!

[BudGirl]

I feel ill.

[Duke]

I feel ill.

HOLY SHIT BUDGIRL!!!!  That would not be cool.

[JimR]

I feel ill.

A Crisis of the Heart

[VirtualBob]

Plenty of former Astros join Bedard in free agency ... wonder if any of them have a ranch near Houston?

ANy interest in an all Q battery?  Quintero & Qualls are available.  Or a return of the killer B's?  Berkman & Beltran are available.  Or maybe some Round Rock nostalgia?  Luke Scott & John Buck are available.  The list goes on ...

[Noe]

Jon Heyman made a list of suitors for Jacoby Elsbury (sp?), free agent centerfielder for the BoSox. He ranked the Houston Astros as the number one suitor. I wonder why?

[JimR]

Plenty of former Astros join Bedard in free agency ... wonder if any of them have a ranch near Houston?

ANy interest in an all Q battery?  Quintero & Qualls are available.  Or a return of the killer B's?  Berkman & Beltran are available.  Or maybe some Round Rock nostalgia?  Luke Scott & John Buck are available.  The list goes on ...

how about Roy O.?

[geezerdonk]

Jon Heyman made a list of suitors for Jacoby Elsbury (sp?), free agent centerfielder for the BoSox. He ranked the Houston Astros as the number one suitor. I wonder why?

My guess is that it's the LSD.

[geezerdonk]

Astros have claimed Darin Downs off waivers.

He instantly becomes the bull pen ace.

[Noe]

My guess is that it's the LSD.

Billy Ripken said this when he read Heyman's list of suitors for Ellsbury: "Is he listing them in alphabetical order? Really, the Astros... first on the list?" BTW - Heyman and several others at CBS Sports think the Astros will more than likely land Shin-Soo Choo. Why? Because he's a high OBP guy that appeals to the sabr-side of the organization... that's why!

[NeilT]

I feel ill.

Talk about a test of devotion.

[subnuclear]

Billy Ripken said this when he read Heyman's list of suitors for Ellsbury: "Is he listing them in alphabetical order? Really, the Astros... first on the list?" BTW - Heyman and several others at CBS Sports think the Astros will more than likely land Shin-Soo Choo. Why? Because he's a high OBP guy that appeals to the sabr-side of the organization... that's why!

Boston offered Ellsbury $100M after 2011 and he turned it down. I have no idea what sort of contract he would get now.

[Reuben]

Los Tigres declined Jose Veras' $3m option for 2014, making him a free agent. Perhaps Luhnow could lure him back to Houston. Bizarre decision by the Tigers... are they just being spiteful, or kowtowing to angry fans, after he gave up the grand slam to Victorino in the ALCS?

[Mr. Happy]

Los Tigres declined Jose Veras' $3m option for 2014, making him a free agent. Perhaps Luhnow could lure him back to Houston. Bizarre decision by the Tigers... are they just being spiteful, or kowtowing to angry fans, after he gave up the grand slam to Victorino in the ALCS?

They're probably gambling on him not being able to get another deal.

[Reuben]

They're probably gambling on him not being able to get another deal.

How do you mean?

[Mr. Happy]

How do you mean?

I meant that the Tigers may believe that he can't do any better than the lower deal that they will offer.

[Fredia]

the heat is on

[Reuben]

I meant that the Tigers may believe that he can't do any better than the lower deal that they will offer.

I dunno, I find it hard to see him getting much lower than $3m, and he may even get a two-year deal somewhere... just seems like, if they wanted him back, they wouldn't risk him signing elsewhere, and they wouldn't balk at paying him a measly 3 mil, coming off as good a year as he had. The Tigers aren't known for their miserly ways.

[Aussie Astro]

the heat is on

Definitely, Perth Heat double header this afternoon.

[Mr. Happy]

I dunno, I find it hard to see him getting much lower than $3m, and he may even get a two-year deal somewhere... just seems like, if they wanted him back, they wouldn't risk him signing elsewhere, and they wouldn't balk at paying him a measly 3 mil, coming off as good a year as he had. The Tigers aren't known for their miserly ways.

I didn't say that it was a good gamble, because I agree with you that he might even get a two year deal. The move is puzzling in a way because Detroit's bully sucked this year.

[HudsonHawk]

Definitely, Perth Heat double header this afternoon.

My friend and co-worker is moving to Perth in January.  In fact, he's there now until December when he comes back to move his family.  I'm somewhat jealous as I was offered a position there, but couldn't convince my wife to move.  We debated seriously me moving and her staying in Houston.  At any rate, I'll remind him that the Heat season is underway. He's an Aggie, and a diehard one, but he's a good fellow.

[Texifornia]

Definitely, Perth Heat double header this afternoon.

You'll need to go see the Fremantle Doctor after that!

I spent some time in W.A. in Perth and Kalgoorlie. I love Fremantle...not so many flies!

[Aussie Astro]

My friend and co-worker is moving to Perth in January.  In fact, he's there now until December when he comes back to move his family.  I'm somewhat jealous as I was offered a position there, but couldn't convince my wife to move.  We debated seriously me moving and her staying in Houston.  At any rate, I'll remind him that the Heat season is underway. He's an Aggie, and a diehard one, but he's a good fellow.

I hope the boys pick up their game before your mate arrives, we fell to earth with a thud in the double header.  2/3 of the team missed the opening series to attend the wedding of the team captain, apparently scheduling is foreign concept.  Anyway, back top the ballpark again today and hope to get out of the series with a split. 

[Aussie Astro]

You'll need to go see the Fremantle Doctor after that!

I spent some time in W.A. in Perth and Kalgoorlie. I love Fremantle...not so many flies!

It is surprising there is not more flies in Freo with the number of smelly hippies that live there.  Kal is different, the town is distinctive and the people unique.

[Fredia]

sounds like how austin used to be

[Ron Brand]

Reports are that the Tigers have hired Ausmus to manage.

[Mr. Happy]

Reports are that the Tigers have hired Ausmus to manage.

I just read those reports. That's awesome. However, he's got a big job and some big shoes to fill. They'll be expecting to win immediately.

[Aussie Astro]

I just read those reports. That's awesome. However, he's got a big job and some big shoes to fill. They'll be expecting to win immediately.

True, but he has decent chance to succeed because he has got something to work with.

[Mr. Happy]

True, but he has decent chance to succeed because he has got something to work with.

From all I hear up here, Dombrowski is a good guy to work for. He just needs to solve his bully and settle who will play LF.

[austro]

From all I hear up here, Dombrowski is a good guy to work for. He just needs to solve his bully and settle who will play LF.

Think they'll take a chance on Nathan? I didn't realize he's now (very nearly) 39.

[Mr. Happy]

Think they'll take a chance on Nathan? I didn't realize he's now (very nearly) 39.

The way that Nathan threw this season? Absolutely, they'll be talking to him seriously. It wouldn't surprise me to see him get a two year deal too.

[The Spleen]

The whole problem with all of these proposed free agent signings is that the discussion will go something like this:

PLAYER: You really want me in Houston? For what, exactly?

LUHNOW: We have a very important job for you. With your talent and ambition on our side, we can go from 105 losses to 95 losses and show the Average Fan that we are Really Trying. It will be epic... OK, not quite epic. But mildly exciting... or at least slightly stimulating. I think we can do that.

PLAYER: ......

LUHNOW: I can't believe you're not more enthusiastic about my offer. You look nervous. Is it that guy behind me? Don't worry, Jim is not nearly as creepy as he looks on TV. Well, not quite as creepy. But he's genuinely loveable once you get to know him, in a completely non-obsessive and un-stalky way. Honest!

PLAYER: You're serious. Really? Well then.... Show me the money, motherfucker!



tl;dr... They're going to have to grossly overpay for anything vaguely resembling a big name free agent.

[JaneDoe]

Congrats to Ausmus. I hope he has great success.

[Fredia]

so is bud girl planning a road trip

[subnuclear]

tl;dr... They're going to have to grossly overpay for anything vaguely resembling a big name free agent.

I'm not sure it's that bad in comparison to other teams. All teams have to shell out for free agents.

[Bench]

tl;dr... They're going to have to grossly overpay for anything vaguely resembling a big name free agent.

But ranches! No state income tax!

[Mr. Happy]

so is bud girl planning a road trip

May 5-8 is a prime opportunity. You can bet that I'll be there in Detroit. Brad will need extra security and a restraining order when he brings the Tigers to H town June 27-29.

[geezerdonk]

Houston is MLB's leper colony.
They might be able to sign Father Damien as a free agent but that's about it.

[Ron Brand]

I'm seeing a Jeff Luhnow as Father Damien poster right about now...

[BudGirl]

You know, Ausmus could be an absolutely perfect fit for the Astros.  Didn't he keep a database of hitters/pitchers, etc?  He's a number guy like Luhnow and he knows the game.  I give him time to learn with a team like the Tigers then in 4 years when Verlander and company are done, he can come home.

[Noe]

You know, Ausmus could be an absolutely perfect fit for the Astros.  Didn't he keep a database of hitters/pitchers, etc?  He's a number guy like Luhnow and he knows the game.  I give him time to learn with a team like the Tigers then in 4 years when Verlander and company are done, he can come home.

I agree. I wanted Ausmus to be the Houston skipper for a while now, but it was more Ausmus not wanting it at the time (he said he wanted to spend time with his family rather than join Bagwell on the road so early after his retirement). Like Mike Matheny in St. Louis, I think Brad Ausmus will rely on his own knowledge of the game and listen to others who have more of the data points to accent his own vast knowledge.

Good luck to Brad, this is a good thing and worth following.

[Mr. Happy]

You know, Ausmus could be an absolutely perfect fit for the Astros.  Didn't he keep a database of hitters/pitchers, etc?  He's a number guy like Luhnow and he knows the game.  I give him time to learn with a team like the Tigers then in 4 years when Verlander and company are done, he can come home.

Isn't "home" in California?

[Ron Brand]

Y'know, Fuck the Braves, but I sure do love watching this guy play. He's like a Harlem Globetrotter out there.

Come on, Correa.

[Lefty]

At about 6 minutes:

"Hunter Pence running off the field a bit oddly, but it's hard to tell if there's something wrong with him."

[VirtualBob]

At about 6 minutes:

"Hunter Pence running off the field a bit oddly, but it's hard to tell if there's something wrong with him."

Pence doing anything oddly is normal fir him, so 'yes', there is something wrong with him.

[das]

Y'know, Fuck the Braves, but I sure do love watching this guy play. He's like a Harlem Globetrotter out there.

Come on, Correa.

Wow, that was quite the video.  He certainly deserved that Gold Glove.  His transition times are just amazing.

[Waldo]

Wow, that was quite the video.  He certainly deserved that Gold Glove.  His transition times are just amazing.

Yeah, but can he hit?

(ducks)

[Reuben]

Y'know, Fuck the Braves, but I sure do love watching this guy play. He's like a Harlem Globetrotter out there.

Come on, Correa.

I'll have to watch the remaining 12 minutes later, but it's pretty clear that:

-he's got an amazing arm, be surprised if it was not the best in the game

-he's got incredible technique, especially diving/getting up, and throwing across his body

-also, Freeman can make some very pretty scoops at 1B.

[94CougarGrad]

Reports are that the Tigers have hired Ausmus to manage.

Thank God. I was really gonna have a moral quandary if he went to that other team.