FA Signings

[roadrunner]

A couple of big splashes.  Peter Moylan was signed to a minor league deal and Adron Chambers was signed for OF depth I assume.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/houston_astros/

http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/11/25/5143402/astros-offseason-houston-signs-outfielder-adron-chambers

[Mr. Happy]

Cabrera likes tjhe Moylan signing.

[subnuclear]

It's good to have one thread for this even if people have talked about it. I guess the expectations are low, but Crane reiterated that Luhnow has money to spend.

[Nate Colbert]

Hometown guys Chris Young and David Murphy no longer available as OF bat options. Young of course signed a 1yr/$7.25M contract last Friday with the Mets while Murphy signed today with the Indians in a 2yr/$12M deal.

[Reuben]

Hometown guys Chris Young and David Murphy no longer available as OF bat options. Young of course signed a 1yr/$7.25M contract last Friday with the Mets while Murphy signed today with the Indians in a 2yr/$12M deal.

Shoot. I had thought Murphy would be a nice fit in a RF platoon with Barnes.

[Nate Colbert]

Shoot. I had thought Murphy would be a nice fit in a RF platoon with Barnes.

Not sure of Murphy's arm in RF (although that apparently will be where the Indians plan to play him), but I liked the idea of a Barnes/Murphy platoon as well.

[Navin R Johnson]

I spoke with Jesse Crane at the UofH SMU game today.  He is a free agent, he is still injured, but he is interested in playing in Houston. Once healthy he could be a nice addition to the BP.

[astrosfan76]

Club hasn't landed anyone yet, but at least they're trying (for what it's worth):

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 12h

Sources: #Astros have bid on a number of starting pitchers, including Josh Johnson and Phil Hughes. Also looking at setup type relievers.

#Astros lost out on their bids for Johnson and Hughes. Point is that they were in the mix. Have money to spend.

[Nate Colbert]

Wesley Wright moves on from the Rays and signs with Cubs for 1yr/$1.425M.

[Nate Colbert]

Per McTaggart:

Porter said the Astros are in the market to upgrade their bullpen and want add a veteran starting pitcher and would like to add another bat to the lineup through a trade or free agency.

[MusicMan]

We should have held out for Corey.

RT @Ken_Rosenthal: Source: Feldman agrees with #Astros, three years, $30 million, pending physical

[mrpink]

We should have held out for Corey.

That is awesome.

[Bench]

Not to bitch about the Astros spending too much money on free agents, but $30 million for Scott Feldman?  

[Mr. Happy]

Not to bitch about the Astros spending too much money on free agents, but $30 million for Scott Feldman?  

It strikes me as too much for him too, but that is the going rate this year.

[MusicMan]

Scott Feldman, who reached a contract agreement with the Astros was 12-12, 3.86 last season with Orioles & Cubs.

And that was his best ERA ever.

[astrosfan76]

It strikes me as too much for him too, but that is the going rate this year to get someone to sign with a club that has averaged 108 losses over the past 3 seasons.

FIFY

[NeilT]

And that was his best ERA ever.

What do we need another 12-12 pitcher with a 3.86 ERA for?

[Bench]

What do we need another 12-12 pitcher with a 3.86 ERA for?

Maybe he can shore up the bullpen.

[mrpink]

What do we need another 12-12 pitcher with a 3.86 ERA for?

You are being facetious, right?

[NeilT]

Maybe he can shore up the bullpen.

Or be the staff ace.

[Bench]

You are being facetious, right?

Yes.

[Reuben]

And thus we have the first real example of the Astro tax.

[Nate Colbert]

Luhnow's comments today:

...said he would like sign as many as two veteran relievers to join a bullpen that was the youngest in the Majors last year. “We’ve got some offers out there we’re waiting on,” he said. “Whether or not things happen this weekend or next week or after that, I’m not sure. We feel pretty good we’re going to get at least one or two of the guys we’re targeting.”

...also hasn’t ruled out adding another bat or even another starting pitcher. “If we have an opportunity to bring in yet another starter, we wouldn’t hesitate to do it,” he said. “Right now, our primary focus is shifting to the bullpen.”

[Nate Colbert]

In former Astros' news:

Right-hander Matt Albers has already received at least one two-year contract offer from an interested team, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.  Albers has received interest from several clubs, and Hoynes reports that one of those teams is from the AL Central, possibly the Tigers or White Sox.  The Indians have discussed a one-year deal with Albers and Hoynes speculates that the righty could take the shorter contract in order to help his value for next winter, provided he gets the right price.

The Yankees have agreed with Carlos Beltran on a three-year deal, Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports (Twitter link).  The contract is worth $45MM, tweets Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports.

[Nate Colbert]

OF Eric Thames apparently heading to the KBO, leaving the roster unchanged at 36 after the Feldman signing:

Eric Thames’ agent says that Thames is going to play for the NC Dinos in Korea next year.

[Mr. Happy]

This is promising.

[Nate Colbert]

This is promising.

Luhnow's comment from that article:

So now that we can focus on the bullpen and focus on potentially another position player somewhere and keep going is good. We may not be done with starting pitching either. We’re still actively talking to some other folks.

[Mr. Happy]

Tweets that the Astros have signed Chad Qualls.

[Nate Colbert]

Tweets that the Astros have signed Chad Qualls.

2 years/$6.0M with club option of $3.5M for 2016.

[Mr. Happy]

2 years/$9.5M with club option for 2016.

Actually, Rosenthal tweeting that it is a two year $6,000,000 with a third year at club option for $3,500,000.

[pots]

Actually, Rosenthal tweeting that it is a two year $6,000,000 with a third year at club option for $3,500,000.

That would make more sense

[Nate Colbert]

Luhnow's comments after signing Qualls:

The only thing I can say there is the (bullpen) roles are wide open,” Luhnow said. “(Josh) Fields ended the year in a real important role. We got (Josh) Zeid, we got Qualls, we’ve got other guys. At this point, we’re not going to define any role. We’re going to go to spring training and let Bo and Brent (pitching coach Brent Strom) and the rest of the staff determine who gets what roles. But there’s no question that Chad’s going to be pitching in important situations for us, and helping us maintain leads and win ball games.

We’re pursuing some other relievers and we’re hoping to get another reliever similar to Chad,” Luhnow said, “and have two guys that have experience that have good stuff that can help us protect leads and win ballgames, so we’re not done.

[astrosfan76]

Like it. Hoping that Veras can be brought back as the compliment Luhnow's seeking.

[Bench]

2 years/$6.0M with club option of $3.5M for 2016.

His first two year deal!  Hooray for job security!

[Mr. Happy]

Rosenthal is tweeting that the Astros could get involved in bidding on Shin-Soo Choo. Personally, I don't see it happening.

[Mr. Happy]

Did the Astros overpay for Feldman? Olney tweets that the Phightins' offered $15,000,000 over two years.

[Reuben]

Did the Astros overpay for Feldman? Olney tweets that the Phightins' offered $15,000,000 over two years.

Oh I'm sure they "overpaid" relative to what other clubs offered - otherwise why would he sign with the Astros? But in reading around, I get the sense that he's a bit of an underrated guy, and that 2013 is more indicative of his true talent level than previous years' ERAs. Which, in this crazy market, is good for what they paid.

That said, I would be surprised if no one else offered more than 2/$15.

[pots]

Rosenthal is tweeting that the Astros could get involved in bidding on Shin-Soo Choo. Personally, I don't see it happening.

I hope not not worth the money plus the pick

[Bench]

Oh I'm sure they "overpaid" relative to what other clubs offered - otherwise why would he sign with the Astros? But in reading around, I get the sense that he's a bit of an underrated guy, and that 2013 is more indicative of his true talent level than previous years' ERAs. Which, in this crazy market, is good for what they paid.

That said, I would be surprised if no one else offered more than 2/$15.

His wife is from Houston which I suppose is worth at least as much consideration as a ranch in the vicinity. 

[Mr. Happy]

I hope not not worth the money plus the pick

Agreed.

[astrosfan76]

I hope not not worth the money plus the pick

I think if you're going to give up a pick, you might as well do it on a long-term contract. That doesn't mean give extra years just to justify a signing, but giving up the pick is more palatable when you'll have the player for several years. With a protected 1st-round pick plus a supplemental from Baltimore, we are in optimal position if we were to sign a qualifying FA.

Now, should we sign Choo? In the short-term, he's definitely an upgrade. With Fowler hitting lead off, you can bat Choo third and have two above-average OBP guys at the top of the lineup. You also have balance with a switch-hitter, a righty, and a lefty. Eventually, maybe Springer cleanup and Castro fifth for even more balance.

Should we look at Choo as a #3 hitter? He does have experience hitting there, though he's had mixed results:

2012-154 AB .227/.339/.338 3 HR 20 BB 42 K
2011-218 AB .248/327/.399 7 HR 23 BB 58 K
2010-395 AB .306/.412/.468 13 HR 63 BB 93 K
2009-195 AB .287/.377/.431 4 HR 19 BB 48 K
2008-70 AB .343/.420/.614 5 HR 9 BB 14 K

You would hope for 2010 production, and really would need that to justify the contract he'll receive, if you bat him third. His OBP is an asset batting second (or first), but you would have to shift Altuve somewhere between 7-9. Not that he has to bat at the top, but I would rather give him extra AB at this point than others.

He's 31, but I don't know how many years he'll get. Ellsbury received 7, will Choo get the same? That would give Fowler and Choo two of the outfield spots for '14 and '15, with Springer likely getting the other. Santana would probably be ready by '15, DDS possibly, though you could leave him at Corpus for a full season and OKC for most of '15. Long-term, I don't think he creates a problem.

The downside, of course, is that he'll get paid and get paid for a long time. How will he produce from 35-37? The top young guys won't need to be locked up for at least 5-6 years, so if the payroll continues going up, he shouldn't prevent them from signing or retaining guys in future seasons. He may prevent them from signing players this off-season, but maybe not long-term. But, it's just a matter of what you can palate in the later years and what you'll get for the price.

[roadrunner]

The OF free agent market is pretty thin next year, too.

[BudGirl]

His wife is from Houston which I suppose is worth at least as much consideration as a ranch in the vicinity. 

They used to go to my church.

[Reuben]

His wife is from Houston which I suppose is worth at least as much consideration as a ranch in the vicinity. 

Feldman's is, or are you talking about Qualls?

[Bench]

Feldman's is, or are you talking about Qualls?

I was talking about Mrs. Feldman, but now that you mention it, Mrs. Qualls is from Houston as well.  The Quallses live in Austin now.  Austin is a ranch in the vicinity of Houston. 

[Nate Colbert]

McTaggart & Drellich tweets, based on Luhnow comments to media in Orlando:

GM Jeff Luhnow just addressed media, says reliever and another bat are goals. Didn't give indication anything was close.

Bullpen still an Astros target. First base also an area they're looking at.

[Nate Colbert]

Ex-Astro (and currently rehabbing) Felipe Paulino signed today with the White Sox (1 yr/$1.75M).

[astrosfan76]

McTaggart & Drellich tweets, based on Luhnow comments to media in Orlando:

Bullpen still an Astros target. First base also an area they're looking at.

Morrison, Ike Davis, and Trumbo are all being shopped. Trumbo's the only one of those guys I'd be excited about, but at what cost?

[Nate Colbert]

From Drellich's most recent update:

FOX Sports reported right-hander Lucas Harrell has drawn interest from clubs.

And from the same article regarding Singleton and possibly upgrading 1B:

Singleton, 22, is said to be in a better state of mind now than he was a few months ago.

There was concern that Singleton, 6-2 and listed at 235 pounds, needed to improve his conditioning. The Astros suggested he stay in Houston and work out with a personal trainer this winter.

“He’s a very strong individual,” Luhnow said. “He likes to spend time in the gym, conditioning and lifting and everything else. He does more sort of football conditioning, if you will, and ends up bulking up maybe a little more than he should. He’s really worked with well with our nutritionist and our conditioning people and we feel he’s getting very close to the optimal body composition and the sort of strength and agility combination. He’s a very, very good defensive first baseman, and he’s going to hit for a ton of power.

[Nate Colbert]

Luhnow speaks:

On the glut..err..market for relievers:

There’s quite a few good relievers out there, which is why we took our time with Chad (Qualls), even though it seems like it happened quickly. It came over the course of several weeks of conversations. We’ve got a lot of good choices still up on the board, but those things can change from one moment to another. There can be a run on relievers just like a run on catchers and starting pitchers. So we’ll closely monitor it, but there’s enough guys out there right now, that we feel pretty good we’re going to get another good one.

On flipping FA signees down the road:

We want players to feel like this is their home. When you go out and you bring in a player that can help you win immediately, they want to have some security as well and we’re willing to commit that. We’re looking at this with a medium to long view. But also with some sense of urgency that we’ve got to win more games.

[Nate Colbert]

Multiple Rosenthal tweets on where the Choo talks stand:

Sources: Choo talks appear to be reaching critical stage.

Choo market not necessarily limited to #Rangers, #DBacks. Other clubs likely in mix as well.

[Nate Colbert]

Morrison, Ike Davis, and Trumbo are all being shopped. Trumbo's the only one of those guys I'd be excited about, but at what cost?

Various reports I've seen suggest the Angels are looking for starting pitching which would make it difficult for the Astros to match up.

The most prominent FA 1B still out there is Loney, although his reported asking price (3 yrs/$27MM) is kinda steep (from the Astros' perspective, not in terms of the ridiculous contracts being handed out this winter).

[Nate Colbert]

Stark tweeted earlier:

#Astros looking for a reliever who can potentially close. One of many names on their list is their former closer, Jose Veras.

[subnuclear]

The most prominent FA 1B still out there is Loney, although his reported asking price (3 yrs/$27MM) is kinda steep (from the Astros' perspective, not in terms of the ridiculous contracts being handed out this winter).

Why is that expensive for the Astros? With Fowler and Feldman are they even at $40 M/yr yet?

[mrpink]

I think the Astros could afford Loney, but why would they want to?  He might not outhit Wallace this year and he should be blocking Singleton by 2015 at the latest.  If Carter is the full-time DH, where does a guy like Loney play?

[Jose Cruz III]

Why is that expensive for the Astros? With Fowler and Feldman are they even at $40 M/yr yet?

Because we have 3 guys that could platoon and give us more power if not close to his average also. Loney would be a bad signing at 3 years unless it was bench player money.

[Mr. Happy]

Because we have 3 guys that could platoon and give us more power if not close to his average also. Loney would be a bad signing at 3 years unless it was bench player money.

I agree.

[juliogotay]

I guess I"m confused as to why 1B is a priority that would possibly require a long-term deal when Luhnow just recently spoke so highly of Singleton's improvemnet and near-readiness. I understand he's not a sure-thing but what happens if you sign a Loney, for example, and Singleton is tearing up the AAA in May. Seems like stop-gap measures, which are already in place, would fit the bill just fine.

[pots]

Wouldn't mind them taking a look at Hart.  Lots of pop.  Right handed to go along nicely with the left handed Wallace and Singleton.  Missed all of last year so likely to not be expecting a long term contract.  

Not to mention it hurts the Brewers which is always a plus

[Jacksonian]

I guess I"m confused as to why 1B is a priority that would possibly require a long-term deal when Luhnow just recently spoke so highly of Singleton's improvemnet and near-readiness. I understand he's not a sure-thing but what happens if you sign a Loney, for example, and Singleton is tearing up the AAA in May. Seems like stop-gap measures, which are already in place, would fit the bill just fine.

I think Luhnow is thinking realistically about who he has.  Wallace and Carter have major issues.  If neither of them improve Luhnow will need someone to replace them both.  Singleton may turn out to be more like Berkman.  Then again he may be more like Ward.  Reality is he has no one with sustained major league success at 1b/DH.

[mrpink]

Reality is he has no one with sustained major league success at 1b/DH.

Depending on your definitions of "sustained" and "success", you might as well throw in SS, 3B, LF, RF, 4 rotation spots and 5 bullpen spots as well.

[subnuclear]

Depending on your definitions of "sustained" and "success", you might as well throw in SS, 3B, LF, RF, 4 rotation spots and 5 bullpen spots as well.

1B/DH is an easier position to fill than most.

[mrpink]

1B/DH is an easier position to fill than most.

You're right, and I think most teams realize that.  He'll be lucky if he gets the 3/27.

[astrosfan76]

I think Luhnow is thinking realistically about who he has.  Wallace and Carter have major issues.  If neither of them improve Luhnow will need someone to replace them both.  Singleton may turn out to be more like Berkman.  Then again he may be more like Ward.  Reality is he has no one with sustained major league success at 1b/DH.

Carter can be moved to LF, also, having started 41 games last season and played in 49 at the position.  Ideally, you don't want him in the outfield, but, ideally, you don't want him playing 1B, either.  So, they do have the option of signing another 1B/DH and playing Singleton, Carter, and Player X at the same time.  But, I'm not a fan of adding another 1B/DH unless they're better than our current options.

[Nate Colbert]

Why is that expensive for the Astros? With Fowler and Feldman are they even at $40 M/yr yet?

We don't know whether that bucket o' cash Luhnow is pulling from is $30M or $40M. The club has spent slightly over $20M to date with Fowler/Feldman/Qualls. Loney at $9M per would put them at $30M and thus may hamstring the signing of the 2nd reliever (and possibly another starting pitcher).

Also consider that Loney as a free agent last year signed a 1 yr/$2MM contract with the Rays. That's one helluva leap to 3 yr/$27MM (despite coming off a better year in 2013 vs 2012). If one of many purposes of that large statgeek department Luhnow has created is to identify market inefficiencies, you're not exactly buying low with Loney at the reported price.

I like Loney and don't think signing him creates major roadblocks for Singleton or anyone else of any significance (and the fact that they went after Abreu earlier tells you that Luhnow also doesn't think there's a problem in going after a 1B). But I just don't think the Astros bite at his reported asking price.

[Nate Colbert]

Trumbo off the table as he's dealt to the D-backs in a deal also involving the White Sox.

[Nate Colbert]

Olney (okay, whatever) tweeted:

Lots of poker being played in OF market. Rangers say Choo too expensive; D-Backs out on Choo

Rosenthal tweeted:

Source: #DBacks likely out on Choo but still discussing.

[geezerdonk]

Ideally, you don't want him in the outfield on your team. 

[Jose Cruz III]

I think Luhnow is thinking realistically about who he has.  Wallace and Carter have major issues.  If neither of them improve Luhnow will need someone to replace them both.  Singleton may turn out to be more like Berkman.  Then again he may be more like Ward.  Reality is he has no one with sustained major league success at 1b/DH.

But Lunhow has the luxury of putting them out there and letting them sink or swim since this year is just part of the rebuilding process. He is not expected to win it all this year. So Wallace and Carter can platoon 1st and see if one of them works out their issues while Singleton seasons in the minors. A 3 year deal for a Loney even close to the money he is asking would be crazy I would think.

[Jacksonian]

McBraggart says the Astros are looking at Mike Morse, Crain, Gaudin.

[pots]

McBraggart says the Astros are looking at Mike Morse, Crain, Gaudin.

Here is that tweet on MLBTR with info on the players. Plus Veras wanting to come back

"It feels like family there. It’s a young team and they’re hungry to win. I feel part of the team. I doesn’t mater to me if we won or lose. When you play as a team and everybody cares, that’s the best part for me."

They've also added some Chron tweet about mutual interest with Morse.  I imagine he would be looking for a short term contract with a team he would be gauranteed playing time with.  If he can produce numbers close to 2010-11 he'd likely be able to cash in huge next year.

[Bench]

McBraggart says the Astros are looking at Mike Morse, Crain, Gaudin.

While Crain of course went to UH and makes his home in Texas, his wife is actually from Colorado.  Morse's wife is from Miami, so that's not much help.

I was starting to get a little creeped out by forcing myself to look up each prospective player's wife for a potential hometown discount, but then I googled Syndal Gaudin. 

[Navin R Johnson]

McBraggart says the Astros are looking at Mike Morse, Crain, Gaudin.

Cabrera'd

http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=116309.msg486217#msg486217

[Nate Colbert]

Drellich has been reporting throughout the day regarding club attraction to another reliever:

Source: The Astros have interest in Joba Chamberlain. Buy-low candidate who, as a rookie in New York, had his locker next to Roger Clemens.

Okay.

(Olney has tweeted that the D-backs have offered Clemen's lockerbuddy a 1yr/$3m deal).

[Nate Colbert]

Drellich tweeted:

Astros ideal situation is first-base stopgap. But that’s not going to eliminate interest in James Loney or Corey Hart. They’re playing field

[jaklewein]

Drellich tweeted:

Astros ideal situation is first-base stopgap. But that’s not going to eliminate interest in James Loney or Corey Hart. They’re playing field

Seems like Morse fits the bill then.  Plug him in and if he hits Luhnow can trade him for prospects at the deadline and hopefully bring up Singleton.

[Bench]

Drellich tweeted:

Astros ideal situation is first-base stopgap. But that’s not going to eliminate interest in James Loney or Corey Hart. They’re playing field

Reports are that Hart will sign with the Mariners. 

[juliogotay]

Reports are that Hart will sign with the Mariners. 

And they appear to be getting Logan Morrison from Fla.

[Reuben]

And they appear to be getting Logan Morrison from Fla.

They're collecting first base/DH types faster than the Astros.

[Mr. Happy]

They're collecting first base/DH types faster than the Astros.

It portends poorly for Justin Smoak and any chance of resigning Kendrys Morales, who probably will be kicking himself in the ass for not taking the qualifying offer at $14,000,000.

[pots]

McTaggart tweets the Astros are pushing hard for Veras (via MLBTR)

After hearing Veras' quotes yesterday, one would think that's all you would need to do is open the door.


 

[Nate Colbert]

They're collecting first base/DH types faster than the Astros.

Not for lack of trying on the Astros' part:

The #Astros were in on 1B Logan Morrison before he was traded to Mariners.

(McTaggart tweet)

[Nate Colbert]

Jayson Stark tweet:

Rockies are back on Michael Morse as a guy with big upside at Coors.

[Nate Colbert]

MLBTR sums up the latest Choo rumors, including this gem:

The general sense among teams involved in the Choo sweepstakes is whichever team goes to eight years will land him, tweets Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.  He's believed to have a seven-year offer in hand already.

Insane.

[Reuben]

MLBTR sums up the latest Choo rumors, including this gem:

Insane.

Wait'll the Astros sign him with an 8-year, $10m offer.

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal tweeting:

Sources: #Astros in serious discussions with Morse.

[Nate Colbert]

The Astros shopping list in the reliever dept per Drellich:

Astros checked in on Matt Thornton on Wed. But he’s just one name as they try to add RPs. Veras, Crain, Howell all of interest too.

(tweet)

[Nate Colbert]

Heyman micro-blogs:

James Loney market looks good after seattle swallows not 1 but 2 1B. Brewers rays pirates astros interested.

[Nate Colbert]

An Olney tweet from earlier today:

Some agents/teams convinced that the Feldman 3/30m signing has been a wrench here, because agents obligated to ask for that lottery ticket.

Can't get any fucking respect. Get criticized for gaming the system by spending no money and then get raked over when you finally do. Fucking douchebags!

[Nate Colbert]

It portends poorly for Justin Smoak and any chance of resigning Kendrys Morales, who probably will be kicking himself in the ass for not taking the qualifying offer at $14,000,000.

The Astros did some tire-kicking there, per Drellich tweet:

Source: Astros checked with M's on Justin Smoak, went nowhere. Problem Astros can face is they want to keep prospects, so whos left to deal?

[Nate Colbert]

The cherry on top would be if we found out that somebody finally decided to kick Boras' ass:

Yes, video of two guys believed to be agents fighting in Dolphin parking lot exists. No, the quality is not good. Yes, it is still awesome.

(Jeff Passan tweet)

More on the fight from Passan.

Good lord, sounds like two pimps fighting over one of the girls.

[Mr. Happy]

An Olney tweet from earlier today:

Can't get any fucking respect. Get criticized for gaming the system by spending no money and then get raked over when you finally do. Fucking douchebags!

I saw that fucking twit's tweet too, and it also pissed me off. Feldman can eat some innings, even if he doesn't match his last year numbers, which really were the best of his career. The club probably had to pay a premium in order to entice a player to come to Houston.

[astrosfan76]

Morse signing with the Giants, so another target off the board. 

[MusicMan]

Morse signing with the Giants, so another target off the board. 

Damn.  One year deal, he was a perfect target.

[jaklewein]

Morse signing with the Giants, so another target off the board. 

Man...that sucks.  That's what I get for getting my hopes up.

[pots]

ummmm, really???

One veteran general manager told Bob Nightengale of USA Today that he thinks the Astros will ultimately be Choo's landing spot

[Jacksonian]

ummmm, really???

One veteran general manager told Bob Nightengale of USA Today that he thinks the Astros will ultimately be Choo's landing spot

Anything to try to drive down the asking price?

[Nate Colbert]

Per Olney tweet, Joba Chamberlain ended up signing w/Detroit at 1yr/$2.5M + performance bonuses.

[Nate Colbert]

The Astros apparently offered on Corey Hart as well as Morse. The contracts both signed with their new teams were similar 1yr deals:

• Morse's contract with the Giants was $5M (or perhaps $6M, depending on the report) plus incentives
• Hart's deal yesterday with the Mariners was for $6M plus incentives

[BlownRanger]

I saw that fucking twit's tweet too, and it also pissed me off. Feldman can eat some innings, even if he doesn't match his last year numbers, which really were the best of his career. The club probably had to pay a premium in order to entice a player to come to Houston.

I'm telling you, the entire Gammons/Olney/Stark/Kurjkhjkshjksian circle has hated the Astros' guts ever since Houston had the audacity to invalidate Clemens' triumphant Yankee retirement tour.  It only got worse when, every successive year, they assured their sycophantic followers that IF Roger decided to play yet another season, it would assuredly be with the Yankees or Red Sox, and they had egg on their face every year.  It's funny how these "the rest of baseball is angry with the Astros" stories always start with those guys, and it's always "unnamed scouts" or "unnamed front office execs" supposedly telling them this shit.  I doubt if any GM anywhere batted an eye over the Feldman deal.

[NeilT]

I'm telling you, the entire Gammons/Olney/Stark/Kurjkhjkshjksian circle has hated the Astros' guts ever since Houston had the audacity to invalidate Clemens' triumphant Yankee retirement tour.  It only got worse when, every successive year, they assured their sycophantic followers that IF Roger decided to play yet another season, it would assuredly be with the Yankees or Red Sox, and they had egg on their face every year.  It's funny how these "the rest of baseball is angry with the Astros" stories always start with those guys, and it's always "unnamed scouts" or "unnamed front office execs" supposedly telling them this shit.  I doubt if any GM anywhere batted an eye over the Feldman deal.

I don't remember Olney or Stark being particularly negative about the Astros, particularly when they were a good team.  Must be the hole in my head where things keep leaking out.

[Bench]

I don't remember Olney or Stark being particularly negative about the Astros, particularly when they were a good team.  Must be the hole in my head where things keep leaking out.

Well then explain why they mysteriously all happened to jump on the Mariners bandwagon this offseason?  It's like every other day for the last week and a half they feel the need to report something else from Seattle. That is not a coincidence given the bitter turn the historic Astros-Mariners rivalry has recently taken. 

[NeilT]

Well then explain why they mysteriously all happened to jump on the Mariners bandwagon this offseason?  It's like every other day for the last week and a half they feel the need to report something else from Seattle. That is not a coincidence given the bitter turn the historic Astros-Mariners rivalry has recently taken. 

I haven't been keeping up.  Clearly they're fish-tossers.

[OregonStrosFan]

I haven't been keeping up.  Clearly they're fish-tossers.

FIFL(imey)

[geezerdonk]

The Mariners seem to be following the Angels' recent plan of putting together a murderers' row lineup. Let's hope that they achieve similar results.

[pots]

The Astros apparently offered on Corey Hart as well as Morse. The contracts both signed with their new teams were similar 1yr deals:

• Morse's contract with the Giants was $5M (or perhaps $6M, depending on the report) plus incentives
• Hart's deal yesterday with the Mariners was for $6M plus incentives

They both are trying to re-establish their value in the next year.  I suppose they might have been concerned about who was hitting behind them. 

[Nate Colbert]

Alex Castellanos, anyone? Only reason I mention is he is a former Luhnow draftee (10th round, 2008) and was just DFA'd by the Red Sox. The 27 year old righty hitting OF put up .257/.347.468 numbers in 2013 at hitter haven Albuquerque. Much better numbers in 2012 (.328/.420/.590) but it was with the Isotopes again. Hit .320/.386/.573 combined at AA (TL & Southern) in 2011. Traded by the Cardinals on 7/31/11 to the Dodgers for Rafael Furcal plus cash.

ETA:
Was DFA'd earlier this offseason by the Dodgers, whereupon they worked out a trade with Boston (so no chance for Luhnow to claim him then except via trade).

[Nate Colbert]

Loney appears to be sliding off the table:

James Loney is on the verge of an agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays; a multi-year deal.

(Olney tweet)

ETA:

Source: Loney to #Rays, three years, $21M, pending physical.

(Rosenthal tweet)

[Nate Colbert]

Drellich tweets:

Was asked about Mike Carp as 1B trade target for Astros, but the Astros and Red Sox have not talked. He wouldn’t come cheaply, either.

And MLBTR rounds up the remaining 1B free agents and possible trade targets. See anyone you like?

[Reuben]

Drellich tweets:

And MLBTR rounds up the remaining 1B free agents. See anyone you like?

I'm surprised they don't mention Wallace as an available 1B. Clearly the Astros are shopping around for someone to take his job, and I mean, shit, it's not like Davis or Smoak or Moreland or Youkilis hit any better this year.

I wonder if Eric Chavez is on the Astros' radar. He could play 1B, spell Dominguez at 3rd here and there, and be that veteran clubhouse guy, maybe even mentor Dominguez a bit.

[Uncle Charlie]

From my math (and the obligations and historical spend from Cot's Contracts website), it seems that Lunhow &CO have about $10-15 MM left to spend base on the $30 MM payroll increase concept mentioned by several executives going into the winter period.  Most recently they have said that they're only looking for two players: 1B and a closer type.  Given what's on the market, other than a closer type, I hope they keep the money.  No sense spending it on a 1B player type we already have in Carter or Wallace.  I also cannot see giving up a pick and cash for Morales.

[Mr. Happy]

From my math (and the obligations and historical spend from Cot's Contracts website), it seems that Lunhow &CO have about $10-15 MM left to spend base on the $30 MM payroll increase concept mentioned by several executives going into the winter period.  Most recently they have said that they're only looking for two players: 1B and a closer type.  Given what's on the market, other than a closer type, I hope they keep the money.  No sense spending it on a 1B player type we already have in Carter or Wallace.  I also cannot see giving up a pick and cash for Morales.

+1

[NeilT]

I don't know if I can take another season of Wallace.  I've just ensured that this will be his all-star year.

[Mr. Happy]

I don't know if I can take another season of Wallace.  I've just ensured that this will be his all-star year.

Trust me. You didn't. Just pitch him in on his hands, and he's a piece of cake.

[geezerdonk]

Imagine Brian Bogusevic. Imagine Brian Bogusevic after he suffers a moderate to severe stroke so that he can no longer play in the field or run the bases. Meet Brett Wallace.

[pots]

Imagine Brian Bogusevic. Imagine Brian Bogusevic after he suffers a moderate to severe stroke so that he can no longer play in the field or run the bases. Meet Brett Wallace.

You have fonder memories of Bogusevic than I do.

And I'm quickly coming around to believing the Bourn trade was not Wade's biggest blunder.  The Gose for Wallace flip will likely be that

[Uncle Charlie]

And I'm quickly coming around to believing the Bourn trade was not Wade's biggest blunder.  The Gose for Wallace flip will likely be that

Gose certainly hasn't set the world on fire.

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Rosenthal apparently just lookin' to connect some dots, sez the club could be checking out the Nats' Tyler Moore because Bo Porter used to be employed there.

ETA:
Moore did well in his rookie season (.263/.327/.513) but slumped badly last year (.222/.260/.347). Not sure whether Rosenthal has heard something here or is just spitballin' (haven't seen anything to suggest Washington is trying to move Moore) but if the latter we'll add this to the speculatin' about Moore: (1) he is a righty swinger so you'd have a Wallace/Moore platoon at 1B until Singleton is ready (2) although almost exclusively a 1B in the minors, Moore has played 76 games in the OF versus 28 games at 1B in his 2 years in the bigs so he does offer some positional flexibility (3) he's not arb eligible until after next season.

[toddthebod]

Welcome back Matt Albers.

[Reuben]

Ken Rosenthal apparently just lookin' to connect some dots, sez the club could be checking out the Nats' Tyler Moore because Bo Porter used to be employed there.

ETA:
Moore did well in his rookie season (.263/.327/.513) but slumped badly last year (.222/.260/.347). Not sure whether Rosenthal has heard something here or is just spitballin' (haven't seen anything to suggest Washington is trying to move Moore) but if the latter we'll add this to the speculatin' about Moore: (1) he is a righty swinger so you'd have a Wallace/Moore platoon at 1B until Singleton is ready (2) although almost exclusively a 1B in the minors, Moore has played 76 games in the OF versus 28 games at 1B in his 2 years in the bigs so he does offer some positional flexibility (3) he's not arb eligible until after next season.

I think I had a nightmare once where Tyler Greene and Scott Moore fused together into one, utterly terrible super-utility player - named Tyler Moore - who couldn't hit and played awful defense at 3B, 1B, SS, 2B, and corner OF.

(in fairness, Scott Moore could hit a little bit).

[Waldo]

I think I had a nightmare once where Tyler Greene and Scott Moore fused together into one, utterly terrible super-utility player - named Tyler Moore - who couldn't hit and played awful defense at 3B, 1B, SS, 2B, and corner OF.

The only way that nightmare gets worse is if you wanted to marry him.

[austro]

The only way that nightmare gets worse is if you wanted to marry him.

Marry Tyler Moore?

[geezerdonk]

The nightmare came true in the form of Brett Wallace.

[pots]

40 man be full.  Collin McHugh claimed off waivers

[NeilT]

40 man be full.  Collin McHugh claimed off waivers

Collin McWho?

[pots]

Collin McWho?

McSmackedAroundInHisFirstTwoYears

[NeilT]

So RHP, 26, 18th round college pick by the steM,  47 IP over 2 seasons for the Stem an Colorado, with an ERA of 8.94.  He hasn't lost any games.

[NeilT]

Clearly they're adding him for his bat.

[pots]

9Ks, 2 hits and a BB over 7 shutout innings in his debut.

Since then:
19Ks, 70 hits and 12 walks over 40 and a 1/3

Traded mid-season last year for the player that led the NL in stolen bases.  Coincidentally to the team he faced in his debut.

[NeilT]

9Ks, 2 hits and a BB over 7 shutout innings in his debut.

Since then:
19Ks, 70 hits and 12 walks over 40 and a 1/3

Traded mid-season last year for the player that led the NL in stolen bases.  Coincidentally to the team he faced in his debut.

I think I like the guy who showed up at the debut better, but that's fewer than 2 hits per inning.  At least he has more Ks than BBs. 

So he started as a starter?  Was he moved to the pen? 

[pots]

I think I like the guy who showed up at the debut better, but that's fewer than 2 hits per inning.  At least he has more Ks than BBs.  

So he started as a starter?  Was he moved to the pen?  

Started first 3 games for Mets in 2012 then moved to pen.  2013 he got 2 relief appearance and a start with the Mets.  Then 4 starts for Colorado.  Spent a lot of time in the minors over the last 2 years as well.  Has always started in the minors

[Nate Colbert]

In former Astros news:

The KBO has been more active in signing non-Koreans this offseason due to a rule change increasing the number of foreign imports. One of their teams today, the SK Wyverns, apparently waved enough money at Luke Scott to entice him away from his guns (South Korea has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, virtually banning private ownership). Money trumps principles.

[Nate Colbert]

For Longhorn fans:

The Mariners announced that right-hander Chance Ruffin has been designated for assignment. Ruffin, 25, made nine big league relief appearances last season but spent the bulk of the year in Doulbe-A and Triple-A where he posted a combined 3.91 ERA with 6.6 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9.  Ruffin was taken with the 48th overall pick in the 2010 draft by the Tigers.  Detroit sent Ruffin as the player to be named later in the Doug Fister deal in 2011.

[Lefty]

waved enough money at Luke Scott[/url] to entice him away from his guns (South Korea has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, virtually banning private ownership). Money trumps principles.

Self-regulating the DMZ is priceless.

[Matt]

In former Astros news:

The KBO has been more active in signing non-Koreans this offseason due to a rule change increasing the number of foreign imports. One of their teams today, the SK Wyverns, apparently waved enough money at Luke Scott to entice him away from his guns (South Korea has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, virtually banning private ownership). Money trumps principles.

Maybe he'll get lost and wander across the border.

[NeilT]

Maybe he'll get lost and wander across the border.

He'd probably fit right in.

[Uncle Charlie]

It seems the Golden Eagles have reversed their decision and Tanaka will be posted.

[Bench]

UH alum Jesse Crain signs on for a one year deal.

[Navin R Johnson]

Sweet!

[Reuben]

Sweet!

You called that one after speaking to him a month or two ago, if I recall.

Great signing, fingers crossed he's healthy.

[jbm]

Nice to hear.  They have quietly assembled what appears to be a serviceable bullpen. 

[NeilT]

Nice to hear.  They have quietly assembled what appears to be a serviceable bullpen. 

What do you mean?  Last season's bullpen was frequently serviced.

[roadrunner]

So apparently the deal with Feldman is front loaded:

$12M in 14
$10M in 15
$8M in 16

Just gives the org a little more flexibility in the future, when it really matters.  It's not a big swing, but I really like that Luhnow is executing on the details, too.

[Duman]

Just saw some rumor that the Astros have interest in Lyle Overbay - I sure hope not unless some other movement of other 1b is involved.

[geezerdonk]

Dump Wallace.

[MusicMan]

Astros sign Cesar Izturis to minor leage deal.

Boom, motherfuckers.

[geezerdonk]

Now the Astros will have one major league shortstop (at least from a fielding standpoint) in camp.

[Reuben]

Now the Astros will have one major league shortstop (at least from a fielding standpoint) in camp.

Honestly, what do you have against Marwin? He looks like a very fine-fielding SS (and 2B, and 3B) to me.

[VirtualBob]

Honestly, what do you have against Marwin? He looks like a very fine-fielding SS (and 2B, and 3B) to me.

I agree ... adequate to above-average in the field, good on the bases and better at the plate than Izturis has shown.

[geezerdonk]

The King is my boy. I have always liked his game but I thought that he took a significant step backwards last year both in the field and at the plate. He looked tentative much of the time; at least in the few games that I got to watch.

[Mr. Happy]

Honestly, what do you have against Marwin? He looks like a very fine-fielding SS (and 2B, and 3B) to me.

Consider. The. Source. 

[pots]

Jerome Williams to sign.  Assuming this requires a bump from the 40-man.  Adds yet another right hander to the mix.

ETA.
Confirmed major league contract with expectations to be in the rotation. 

[Jacksonian]

Jerome Williams to sign.  Assuming this requires a bump from the 40-man.  Adds yet another right hander to the mix.

ETA.
Confirmed major league contract with expectations to be in the rotation. 

They'll certainly be very deep in back of the rotation right handers.

[geezerdonk]

At last - a rival for Amador at the spring training buffet.

[Reuben]

At last - a rival for Amador at the spring training buffet.

Oh, ho ho! Carlos Lee may be gone but that doesn't mean we can't still be treated to plenty of fat guy/buffet jokes from geezer! Boy do those never get old!

[JimR]

At last - a rival for Amador at the spring training buffet.

that guy is huge but not all that fat.

you really need some new material.

[geezerdonk]

I have been trying to weave the topics of Bogusevic and buffets into a single post but all I have so far is that both subjects start with the letter B.

[Reuben]

Now that was funny.

[austro]

I have been trying to weave the topics of Bogusevic and buffets into a single post but all I have so far is that both subjects start with the letter B.

Filler B's.

[Mr. Happy]

Filler B's.

SFN for brevity alone.