Free Agents 2016

[Nate Colbert]

Heyman pulls some numbers out of his ass and guesses what the top 30 free agents (actually 33) will net this offseason. As far as current Astros:

24. Fister (2 yr/$16MM)
30T. Rasmus (1 yr/$6MM)

Neither Valbuena nor Castro made the list.

A few others of note:

2. Edwin Encarnacion (4 yr/$80MM)
3. Wilson Ramos (4 yr/$68MM)
20. Dexter Fowler (2 yr/$24MM)

[WVastro]

Before Bregman started playing third and Gurriel began taking starts at first I thought this infield was in flux and could have easily seen Encarnacion as an Astro next year.  Now it's clearly about a possible impact outfield bat (Teoscar has been interesting but it is time to "go for it" imo) and a legitimate top line starter. Even with both, the Astros must have a healthy McCullers and an effective Kuechel. The price of two front line starters would just be silly.


In some ways though the greatest need might be behind the plate. I can't think of a solution. Any ideas?

[astrosfan76]

Before Bregman started playing third and Gurriel began taking starts at first I thought this infield was in flux and could have easily seen Encarnacion as an Astro next year.  Now it's clearly about a possible impact outfield bat (Teoscar has been interesting but it is time to "go for it" imo) and a legitimate top line starter. Even with both, the Astros must have a healthy McCullers and an effective Kuechel. The price of two front line starters would just be silly.


In some ways though the greatest need might be behind the plate. I can't think of a solution. Any ideas?

Unless you can land Ramos, you aren't really going to find an upgrade over Castro in free agency.  I don't know what you'd be able to find via the trade market, either.  I know Gattis has been Johnny Bench at the plate when catching this year, but unless the club feels he can improve his ability to block pitches, he doesn't need to be the starter.  Just bring back Castro for a couple of years.  If the rest of the lineup is clicking, he's not going to kill the lineup.  Use your resources to bring in that outfield bat and the best starter you can.

[juliogotay]

Before Bregman started playing third and Gurriel began taking starts at first I thought this infield was in flux and could have easily seen Encarnacion as an Astro next year.  Now it's clearly about a possible impact outfield bat (Teoscar has been interesting but it is time to "go for it" imo) and a legitimate top line starter. Even with both, the Astros must have a healthy McCullers and an effective Kuechel. The price of two front line starters would just be silly.


In some ways though the greatest need might be behind the plate. I can't think of a solution. Any ideas?

I would tell the Astros to concentrate on the rotation. They have enough offense now to win if everyone stays healthy. One effective new starter may not be enough with the health concerns of Keuchel and McCullers. You can't go into the off-season with uncertainties about your top 2 starters and be considered viable. And there are still some MiL options for the OF that are coming quickly. Fisher and Kemmer are LHers.

[JimR]

Before Bregman started playing third and Gurriel began taking starts at first I thought this infield was in flux and could have easily seen Encarnacion as an Astro next year.  Now it's clearly about a possible impact outfield bat (Teoscar has been interesting but it is time to "go for it" imo) and a legitimate top line starter. Even with both, the Astros must have a healthy McCullers and an effective Kuechel. The price of two front line starters would just be silly.


In some ways though the greatest need might be behind the plate. I can't think of a solution. Any ideas?

no, no, no, no, no. Starting pitching.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Rotation first, everything else second.  There isn't anyone all that compelling available as a FA (unless Rich Hill and Ivan Nova cream your twinkie),   Any top-of-rotation starter would have to come via trade, and a painful one at that. 

[mrpink]

Rotation first, everything else second.  There isn't anyone all that compelling available as a FA (unless Rich Hill and Ivan Nova cream your twinkie),   Any top-of-rotation starter would have to come via trade, and a painful one at that.

Nova doesn't "cream my twinkie" but Rich Hill might because I really believe he is a top-of-rotation starter.  Although if he ends up winning game 7 of the World Series this year he might end up costing more than he's worth.

[Jacksonian]

Rotation first, everything else second.  There isn't anyone all that compelling available as a FA (unless Rich Hill and Ivan Nova cream your twinkie),   Any top-of-rotation starter would have to come via trade, and a painful one at that.

I can't see how a trade for someone like that happens without gutting the offense.  If I'm the Rays and White Sox I want Bregman, Correa, Reed, and throw in the injured McCullers plus Musgrove.  Tell me why I should settle for less.

[Jacksonian]

I would tell the Astros to concentrate on the rotation. They have enough offense now to win if everyone stays healthy. One effective new starter may not be enough with the health concerns of Keuchel and McCullers. You can't go into the off-season with uncertainties about your top 2 starters and be considered viable. And there are still some MiL options for the OF that are coming quickly. Fisher and Kemmer are LHers.

I don't have much faith in Kemmer as a major league hitter and Fisher still has work to do.  My preference would be for Luhnow to deal for a mid-rotation starter and also either Blackmon or Gonzalez from the Rockies.

[jbm]

I agree that the rotation needs help, but that is likely the case for most teams.  There are a lot of marginal rotations out there, even on contenders.  For example, when the LCSs come about, I would not be surprised if the rotation of half those teams looks similar to the pre-injury Astros' rotation.

[jwhudson]

Do we know who the best pitcher, not on our current roster, beats the Rangers consistently?

[Fredia]

i remember a time when the astros where known for pitching.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Do we know who the best pitcher, not on our current roster, beats the Rangers consistently?

Lowest ERA among starters vs. the Rangers belongs to...Peacock.  Followed by McCullers.  The trio of Fiers, Fister and Keuchel all have ERA's over 4.30 against the bastards.  McHugh sports a tidy 10.13 ERA.

[ValpoCory]

Lowest ERA among starters vs. the Rangers belongs to...Peacock.  Followed by McCullers.  The trio of Fiers, Fister and Keuchel all have ERA's over 4.30 against the bastards.  McHugh sports a tidy 10.13 ERA.

I agree with jwhudson that the Astros need to go get Rangers-killers.   

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

In a very small sample size (2 starts), R.A. Dickey allows a paltry .542 OPS against the Arlington Assholes.  Rich Hill is even better (.284 OPS) but that's only  one start. 

[toddthebod]

On the broadcast tonight they were showing which starting pitcher had the most wins against a team (because McHugh does very well against the Mariners) and on the list was Sonny Gray who has a ton of wins against the Rangers.  Gray has been injured a couple of times this season and he has not been very good, but because of that, he might be more obtainable than he has previously been. 

[juliogotay]

On the broadcast tonight they were showing which starting pitcher had the most wins against a team (because McHugh does very well against the Mariners) and on the list was Sonny Gray who has a ton of wins against the Rangers.  Gray has been injured a couple of times this season and he has not been very good, but because of that, he might be more obtainable than he has previously been.

The problem with those lists is that by next year the Rangers lineup may have turned over like 65% since the 2015 season in which he was last good. He pitches against the hitters not the uniform.

[Nate Colbert]

According to MLBTR, Matt Holiday's 2017 option has been declined by the Cards. Age 36 with injuries and subpar production the last couple of years, still might make a decent DH for the next year or two.

[Nate Colbert]

Wilson Ramos' ACL injury means:

(A) that 4 yr/$68MM estimate of what he would receive in free agency is now horseshit
(B) he probably won't be ready for the start of next season
(C) he'll likely favor an AL team where he can both catch and DH
(D) the Nats aren't likely to offer him a QO for fear he might accept it
(E) all of the above

Link

[Nate Colbert]

Angel Verdejo tosses out Josh Reddick as a lefty bat the Astros might target.

That Heyman article above pegged him at 3 yr/$36MM.

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal  1 hour ago
Source: Qualifying offer this off-season will be $17.2MM. System expected to remain in place in new CBA, with possible adjustments.

That's up from the $15.8MM of this past season.

[Nate Colbert]

From Nick Cafardo's Sunday notes column:

"The Red Sox would have to surrender a first-round draft pick to sign [Edwin] Encarnacion, who would likely want in the vicinity of what [Hanley] Ramirez makes (five years, $125 million), perhaps more."

Heyman above had Encarnacion in the 4 yr/$80MM range.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

My man-crush on Rich Hill is at an all time high.  2 years, $27MM gets that done, right?

[Jacksonian]

My man-crush on Rich Hill is at an all time high.  2 years, $27MM gets that done, right?

We may be at the point now where Hill goes where he wants to go.  Enough teams will offer enough money.

[austro]

We may be at the point now where Hill goes where he wants to go.  Enough teams will offer enough money.

Sure, but how many can offer a center field without a hill? Huh?

[Reuben]

Sure, but how many can offer a center field without a hill? Huh?

I would expect Hill to have loved the hill. Or are you saying he's over that?

[juliogotay]

I wouldn't be surprised if Hill was one of those one-year-wonder types.

[jbm]

I wouldn't be surprised if Hill was one of those one-year-wonder types.

He seems to right on the edge to me.  As long as his curve is top notch, he can succeed, but if that pitch degrades in the slightest, he becomes a bottom of the rotation guy.

[MusicMan]

I wouldn't be surprised if Hill was one of those one-year-wonder types.

He succeeded in the two best pitchers parks in baseball. We're bringing in the fences next year. What could go wrong?


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[mrpink]

He succeeded in the two best pitchers parks in baseball. We're bringing in the fences next year. What could go wrong?


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He was better on the road than at home this year.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

He was better on the road than at home this year.

That's just some kind of phenomenal anomaly that inversely proves the opposite.

[BlownRanger]

That's just some kind of phenomenal anomaly that inversely proves the opposite.

I guess Carlos Gomez' stint in Houston was some kind of weird affirmation of his prowess as a ballplayer.

[Nate Colbert]

Wilson Ramos' ACL injury means:

(A) that 4 yr/$68MM estimate of what he would receive in free agency is now horseshit
(B) he probably won't be ready for the start of next season
(C) he'll likely favor an AL team where he can both catch and DH
(D) the Nats aren't likely to offer him a QO for fear he might accept it
(E) all of the above

Link

Despite the injury, Ramos (claims his agent) will still be seeking a 4-5 year deal.

[Nate Colbert]

Not too surprising to find out Rasmus was bothered by more than just the ear cyst thing in 2016:

He underwent a pair of surgeries Oct. 18 – one to repair his core muscle, another to shave down a bone spur and repair the labrum in his left hip – but will be running at full strength by January and healthy for spring training.

(Interesting that this information is being reported by a Toronto sportswriter and neither of the brilliant Astros' beatwriters).

Although Luhnow at the year-end presser didn't seem to be entertaining the thought of bringing Rasmus back, if I thought he was gonna be healthy I wouldn't mind seeing the Astros re-sign him to a 1 yr/$6-8MM deal. If the Astros were to sign say Josh Reddick as well, a left-to-right Reddick/Rasmus/Springer outfield doesn't look half-bad and brings two much-needed lefty bats to the lineup.

[MusicMan]

Rasmus in CF coming off a labrum repair? No thanks.


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[VirtualBob]

(Interesting that this information is being reported by a Toronto sportswriter and neither of the brilliant Astros' beatwriters).

Blinded by their own brilliance no doubt. #mcLaggard

[roadrunner]

Not too surprising to find out Rasmus was bothered by more than just the ear cyst thing in 2016:

He underwent a pair of surgeries Oct. 18 – one to repair his core muscle, another to shave down a bone spur and repair the labrum in his left hip – but will be running at full strength by January and healthy for spring training.

(Interesting that this information is being reported by a Toronto sportswriter and neither of the brilliant Astros' beatwriters).

Although Luhnow at the year-end presser didn't seem to be entertaining the thought of bringing Rasmus back, if I thought he was gonna be healthy I wouldn't mind seeing the Astros re-sign him to a 1 yr/$6-8MM deal. If the Astros were to sign say Josh Reddick as well, a left-to-right Reddick/Rasmus/Springer outfield doesn't look half-bad and brings two much-needed lefty bats to the lineup.

The Chronicle beat writer (already forgot his name) has been reassigned to HS sports, so I don't even think the Astros have a beat writer at the Chronicle right now. 

[Nate Colbert]

The Astros beat writer (already forgot his name) has been reassigned to HS sports, so I don't even think the Astros have a beat writer right now.

Jake Kaplan is still there. I was referring to him and (as VB puts it) McLaggard.

Angel Verdejo is the name of the guy back on the HS beat for the Chron after covering the Astros for one year.

[MrKnuckleball]

What the hell was Chapman doing in this game? Is he gonna throw BP tomorrow too? Jesus, Maddon do a little less.

[austro]

What the hell was Chapman doing in this game? Is he gonna throw BP tomorrow too? Jesus, Maddon do a little less.

It sure seems to send an "I don't trust you guys" message to the rest of the pen.

[Mr. Happy]

It sure seems to send an "I don't trust you guys" message to the rest of the pen.

If you've followed the Cubs at all this year, his fears are well-founded. The Cubs went out and got Chapman to help get games to the closer, because the guys he had weren't getting it done.

[juliogotay]

If you've followed the Cubs at all this year, his fears are well-founded. The Cubs went out and got Chapman to help get games to the closer, because the guys he had weren't getting it done.

Chapman has all winter to rest.

[MRaup]

Chapman has all winter to rest.

I hope his goddamn Free Agent arm falls off.

[mrpink]

Rasmus had such an up and down year that it would be interesting to know when his injuries happened.

If he is healthy and in shape by spring training I'd be happy to have him back.  Somehow he's only 30 but it feels like he's been around forever.

[Fredia]

he did settle in nicely for a player who had a reputation for not doing so

[juliogotay]

I hope his goddamn Free Agent arm falls off.

that would be a helluva collector's item.

[Fredia]

it would end up on ebay

[NeilT]

I suspect Fowler's increased his value.

[Reuben]

I suspect Fowler's increased his value.

Fowler had a great year overall: .276/.393/.447 for a career-high 126 OPS+. 6th in the NL in OBP.  He and the Cubs have a $9m "mutual option" so if he hits the FA market, I wouldn't mind seeing the Astros sign him to play LF and lead off.

[Nate Colbert]

Jon Paul Morosi says the Red Sox, Yankees and Astros are the leading contenders to sign Edwin Encarnacion.

(via Astros County)

[Nate Colbert]

Qualifying offers must be tendered by Monday (here's the important dates for this offseason).

Not that there was a whole lot of doubt, but Kaplan says Astros not expected to extend QO's to Castro/Rasmus/Valbuena/Fister.

[austro]

So Cespedes is on the market, although he opted out of 2 years/$45 million (I think), so he presumably thinks he can get more than that. Think he'll be a target?

[Reuben]

So Cespedes is on the market, although he opted out of 2 years/$45 million (I think), so he presumably thinks he can get more than that. Think he'll be a target?

I'm guessing no, because he's a RH batter and they they need lefties, although maybe I'm overestimating the importance of that.

Also, I get the impression he's a bit of a tool.

[Nate Colbert]

Kendrys Morales (.795 OPS last season with 30 HRs) declined his $11MM mutual option with the Royals and becomes a free agent. We'll know for sure on Monday but KC unlikely to put a QO on him. Switch-hitter so helps with the lefty bat issue. Downsides are his age (33) and lack of positional flexibility (DH with occasional first base). Also would arguably duplicate the role of fellow Cuban Yuli Gurriel.

Odd for a guy who put up 0.9 WAR in 2016 to turn down that much money but apparently expects to sign a multi-year deal in free agency. A 2-year deal similar to his last contract at an $8.5MM AAV doesn't seem out of line.

[Nate Colbert]

The SP market just got (perhaps) marginally better. Cubs declined the $12MM option for 2017 for Jason Hammel. The decision to forego the "exercise and trade" avenue was (apparently) to not "exploit a loyal player". The team's PR statement says the 34-year old righty is healthy but he did have elbow tightness which caused the Cubbies to leave him off their postseason roster.

[Mr. Happy]

The SP market just got (perhaps) marginally better. Cubs declined the $12MM option for 2017 for Jason Hammel. The decision to forego the "exercise and trade" avenue was (apparently) to not "exploit a loyal player". The team's PR statement says the 34-year old righty is healthy but he did have elbow tightness which caused the Cubbies to leave him off their postseason roster.

Hammel was shit toward the end of the season. Maddon had no confidence in him. Hell, they left him off of the playoff roster. I'd take a pass.

[Nate Colbert]

Qualifying offers must be tendered by Monday (here's the important dates for this offseason).

Not that there was a whole lot of doubt, but Kaplan says Astros not expected to extend QO's to Castro/Rasmus/Valbuena/Fister.

Nor did they.

[Nate Colbert]

MLBTR with their annual FA predictions (FWIW, they have the Astros offering up 4 years and $50MM for Wilson Ramos). A not-so-random sampling of other projections:

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH/1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Far-Fetched (unless you believe Morosi)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)

[astrosfan76]

Jon Paul Morosi says the Red Sox, Yankees and Astros are the leading contenders to sign Edwin Encarnacion.

(via Astros County)

Morosi adding to that, mentioning the club will pursue either Encarnacion or Miguel Cabrera, citing Altuve as a potential recruiter (they share a hometown). 

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Miguel Cabrera??? Mama mia.

[BUWebguy]

Morosi adding to that, mentioning the club will pursue either Encarnacion or Miguel Cabrera, citing Altuve as a potential recruiter (they share a hometown). 

Wow... as good as Cabrera is, it's hard to imagine he'll be worth $30 million a year through age 40 -- and that's AFTER whatever you'd have to give up in talent to acquire him.

What's left on his contract:
2017   34   Detroit Tigers   $28,000,000      
2018   35   Detroit Tigers   $30,000,000      
2019   36   Detroit Tigers   $30,000,000      
2020   37   Detroit Tigers   $30,000,000      
2021   38   Detroit Tigers   $30,000,000      
2022   39   Detroit Tigers   $32,000,000      
2023   40   Detroit Tigers   $32,000,000      
2024   41   Detroit Tigers   *$30,000,000      $30M Vesting Option Option vests if Cabrera finishes in the top ten of MVP voting in 2023
2025   42   Detroit Tigers   *$30,000,000      $30M Vesting Option Option vests if Cabrera finishes in the top ten of MVP voting in 2024

[juliogotay]

Wow... as good as Cabrera is, it's hard to imagine he'll be worth $30 million a year through age 40 -- and that's AFTER whatever you'd have to give up in talent to acquire him.

What's left on his contract:
2017   34   Detroit Tigers   $28,000,000      
2018   35   Detroit Tigers   $30,000,000      
2019   36   Detroit Tigers   $30,000,000      
2020   37   Detroit Tigers   $30,000,000      
2021   38   Detroit Tigers   $30,000,000      
2022   39   Detroit Tigers   $32,000,000      
2023   40   Detroit Tigers   $32,000,000      
2024   41   Detroit Tigers   *$30,000,000      $30M Vesting Option Option vests if Cabrera finishes in the top ten of MVP voting in 2023
2025   42   Detroit Tigers   *$30,000,000      $30M Vesting Option Option vests if Cabrera finishes in the top ten of MVP voting in 2024

I can't imagine them doing that.

[Nate Colbert]

From Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News earlier today:

Astros ‘hot’ for Carlos Beltran, who’s still getting interest from Rangers

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Davidoff of the NY Post with another set of free agency shit-flinging predictions. He has the Astros signing Josh Reddick (4 yrs/$60MM) and Ivan Nova (4 yrs/$56MM).

[Nate Colbert]

An article long on speculation and short on facts:

Will Otani be posted this offseason by the Nippon Ham Fighters?

Other recent speculation (and I suspect more accurate) pointed to a posting next offseason.

[Reuben]

Ken Davidoff of the NY Post with another set of free agency shit-flinging predictions. He has the Astros signing Josh Reddick (4 yrs/$60MM) and Ivan Nova (4 yrs/$56MM).

What has Nova done to justify a contract like that, aside from a great Aug/Sep with the Pirates this year? I know their pitching coach has turned some guys around, but man. That would surprise me.

[Nate Colbert]

Cross one of those bats off the list as the Blue Jays strike early:

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Far-Fetched (unless you believe Morosi)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)

[Nate Colbert]

Jeff Passan also tweeted out that Castro has offers from 3 AL teams.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Jeff Passan also tweeted out that Castro has offers from 3 AL teams.

That sounds about right.

[Nate Colbert]

Not that it was any huge loss, but the horrendous starting pitcher market shrinks even more with the Hellickson decision:

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Odds Are Against It

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)

[toddthebod]

I had a dream last night where the Astros signed both Encarnacion and Cespedes and then traded for Sale.

Why not? 

[Nate Colbert]

An article long on speculation and short on facts:

Will Otani be posted this offseason by the Nippon Ham Fighters?

Other recent speculation (and I suspect more accurate) pointed to a posting next offseason.

Just to completely bury the erroneous speculation about Otani possibly coming this offseason, the folks at BA point out that he would be subject to the international pool rules if he were posted now whereas next offseason (when he's 23 and having played 5 years in the NPB) he will not be.

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal: Astros pursued "showed interest" in Morales prior to his north of the border signing.

[Nate Colbert]

From Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News earlier today:

Astros ‘hot’ for Carlos Beltran, who’s still getting interest from Rangers

One of 4 teams showing the "most interest" currently (Red Sox and Yankees among the others) according to a Boston writer.

[astrosfan76]

Astros add to the rotation, signing RHP Charlie Morton to a 2-year deal worth a guaranteed $14M (w/ incentives based on starts that could add another $5M).  Among active pitchers w/ 800 IP, Keuchel and Morton rank 1-2 in GB/FB ratio.   

[toddthebod]

This makes no sense to me even though he is a good ground ball pitcher.  The Astros already have plenty of bottom of the rotation pitchers.  It's a waste of $14 million that could have been spent elsewhere.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Astros add to the rotation, signing RHP Charlie Morton to a 2-year deal worth a guaranteed $14M (w/ incentives based on starts that could add another $5M).  Among active pitchers w/ 800 IP, Keuchel and Morton rank 1-2 in GB/FB ratio.

He missed most of last season after pulling a hammy running the bases.  Good buy-low move, especially given his peripherals (ground ball rate, curve spin rate).  $7MM is nothing in this FA market. 

[Jacksonian]

This makes no sense to me even though he is a good ground ball pitcher.  The Astros already have plenty of bottom of the rotation pitchers.  It's a waste of $14 million that could have been spent elsewhere.

It's not your money.  Plus this should tell you how open the purse is for bigger names.

[Reuben]

This makes no sense to me even though he is a good ground ball pitcher.  The Astros already have plenty of bottom of the rotation pitchers.  It's a waste of $14 million that could have been spent elsewhere.

On the surface, I don't get it either. It seems like a McHugh kind of pickup, because he really hasn't had much success, and like you say, they already have similarly middling options like Fiers. Except McHugh cost nothing and Morton costs $14m.

But they must really like something about him to make it a 2-year guarantee. He's always been great against RHB, but lefties have killed him. Maybe Strom and Sig think they can do something to fix that weakness.

[roadrunner]

Always nice to have pitching depth.

[Reuben]

Always nice to have pitching depth.

Of course it is, as long as the price you're paying doesn't prevent you from addressing other, more glaring needs. I'm not denouncing this deal - I have no fucking clue how good Charlie Morton is - but I'm saying it makes me go "Huh." And wonder how good the Astros think he can be, because I'm guessing they think he can be better than a #4 or 5 starter.

[hostros7]

Two years and 14mm suggests to me that the team thinks he's a #5 with some upside, and, at worst, another arm out of the pen that can be stretched out when needed. To provide some perspective, Neshek's option was for $6.5mm. This move adds some depth at a reasonable cost, considering that this is the worst pitching FA market in recent memory.


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[Fredia]

so what would a #1  or marginal  2 cost

[MusicMan]

He missed most of last season after pulling a hammy running the bases.  Good buy-low move, especially given his peripherals (ground ball rate, curve spin rate).  $7MM is nothing in this FA market. 

The curve spin rate may be key.  He was top 5 in curve spin rate 2 years ago (before the injury) and the Astros started throwing a ton of curves last year.

[MusicMan]

The curve spin rate may be key.  He was top 5 in curve spin rate 2 years ago (before the injury) and the Astros started throwing a ton of curves last year.

Per Tags:

"We're going to spend a lot of time with him on how to maximize his weapons," Hinch said of Morton.

"There will be some more," Luhnow said. "We we start spring training, we'll have a couple of additions that will make fans excited."

[Fredia]

excited? be still my beating heart

[pots]

Seems like a solid pick up to me.  Infield defense is a strength of the Astros.  Morton should play well pitching for the them.    And a 14 million 2 year contract for a free agent pitcher is cheap. 

Also might make the 2017 first baseman needs lean more defensive. 

[Nate Colbert]

Jeff Passan also tweeted out that Castro has offers from 3 AL teams.

Olney says the Braves are also hot and heavy on Castro. Also the most recent reports say it's likely he'll get a 3-year deal.

[Greg M]

This could open up the possibility in including Fiers or McHugh in trade for a frontline starter.  I like the signing.  Can never have too much pitching.

[Nate Colbert]

Fangraphs:  the less than cheery scenario ("Bud Norris with health issues") for Charlie Morton and the more optimistic one (guy with new cutter+increased velocity who has...um...a major health risk).

[pots]

This could open up the possibility in including Fiers or McHugh in trade for a frontline starter.  I like the signing.  Can never have too much pitching.

Not sure what is least likely:
 - a team trading away a frontline starter wanting McHugh or Fiers
 - or either of those guys being a deal breaker for a frontline starter

[Reuben]

Not sure what is least likely:
 - a team trading away a frontline starter wanting McHugh or Fiers
 - or either of those guys being a deal breaker for a frontline starter

Well geez, let's be realistic here. Tony Kemp alone probably won't be enough to get Syndergaard. So you've got to include Mike Fiers to make it happen. Well, unless they want Colin Moran...

[juliogotay]

Not sure what is least likely:
 - a team trading away a frontline starter wanting McHugh or Fiers
 - or either of those guys being a deal breaker for a frontline starter

I'm sure Greg M meant duct-taping McHugh or Fiers to a Martes, Paulino, K.Tucker type deal. Give the CHiSox, for instance, an inning eater while the young pitchers graduate from the minors.

[roadrunner]

Of course it is, as long as the price you're paying doesn't prevent you from addressing other, more glaring needs. I'm not denouncing this deal - I have no fucking clue how good Charlie Morton is - but I'm saying it makes me go "Huh." And wonder how good the Astros think he can be, because I'm guessing they think he can be better than a #4 or 5 starter.

I don't think a 2 year $14M deal is going to prevent the Astros from doing anything of significance this offseason, especially from everything we've heard out of Luhnow the last week.

[toddthebod]

I'm sure Greg M meant duct-taping McHugh or Fiers to a Martes, Paulino, K.Tucker type deal. Give the CHiSox, for instance, an inning eater while the young pitchers graduate from the minors.

If the Astros get Encarnacion to DH (leaving Gouriel at first), I would think that the Astros could put together a package of Reed, Martes, Fisher (and a couple of good but lower level prospects), to get Sale.  I would not want to include K. Tucker or Paulino in that deal.   

[Greg M]

I'm sure Greg M meant duct-taping McHugh or Fiers to a Martes, Paulino, K.Tucker type deal. Give the CHiSox, for instance, an inning eater while the young pitchers graduate from the minors.

Yes.  Thanks for the translation.

[juliogotay]

If the Astros get Encarnacion to DH (leaving Gouriel at first), I would think that the Astros could put together a package of Reed, Martes, Fisher (and a couple of good but lower level prospects), to get Sale.  I would not want to include K. Tucker or Paulino in that deal.   

I'd rather deal Paulino than Martes but I would do either to get Sale. Sadly I don't think such a package is enough.

[pots]

If the Astros get Encarnacion to DH (leaving Gouriel at first), I would think that the Astros could put together a package of Reed, Martes, Fisher (and a couple of good but lower level prospects), to get Sale.  I would not want to include K. Tucker or Paulino in that deal.   

If the Astros traded for Sale the cost will be so high that half the folks in here will be crying overpay.  An offer like "Reed, Martes, Fisher (and a couple of good but lower level prospects)" won't even get you a courtesy call back.  A player like Bregman is certainly going to be needed to headline the deal.  If you add Bregman to the deal you listed above you will probably get a conversation started.  McHugh or Fiers is the equivalent of tossing in a slightly used spare tire when purchasing a truck. 

This is an ace on an extreme team friendly countract through ages 28-30.  The free agent market has 0 top of the rotation starters.  Attitude or no attitude, the White Sox will be winners. 

[juliogotay]

If the Astros traded for Sale the cost will be so high that half the folks in here will be crying overpay.  An offer like "Reed, Martes, Fisher (and a couple of good but lower level prospects)" won't even get you a courtesy call back.  A player like Bregman is certainly going to be needed to headline the deal.  If you add Bregman to the deal you listed above you will probably get a conversation started.  McHugh or Fiers is the equivalent of tossing in a slightly used spare tire when purchasing a truck. 

This is an ace on an extreme team friendly countract through ages 28-30.  The free agent market has 0 top of the rotation starters.  Attitude or no attitude, the White Sox will be winners.

If I were the Sox I would start with Bregman, Tucker and Martes. If I were the Astros I would have to think about that but I don't think they are championship material w/o a legit #1 guy. I don't have the stomach to be a GM in MLB.

[mrpink]

If I were the Sox I would start with Bregman, Tucker and Martes. If I were the Astros I would have to think about that but I don't think they are championship material w/o a legit #1 guy. I don't have the stomach to be a GM in MLB.

I think McCullers is a legit #1 guy.  I'd put 2015 Keuchel up against almost anyone.  Sale is better than both, but not so much better that I would use those three guys as a starting point, imo.

[pots]

I think McCullers is a legit #1 guy.  I'd put 2015 Keuchel up against almost anyone.  Sale is better than both, but not so much better that I would use those three guys as a starting point, imo.

I think if McCullers picked up right where he left off last year and starts 30+ games, Luhnow would be dancing in the streets.  And if Keuchel showed up in 2017 as if 2016 never happened, Luhnow would be running around asking people to pinch him.  Not saying they can't happen, but I think you have to plan as though they won't. 

[mrpink]

I think if McCullers picked up right where he left off last year and starts 30+ games, Luhnow would be dancing in the streets.  And if Keuchel showed up in 2017 as if 2016 never happened, Luhnow would be running around asking people to pinch him.  Not saying they can't happen, but I think you have to plan as though they won't.

Maybe I've eaten too much rainbow stew.  Both those guys threw more innings than they were used to in 2015.  I'm hoping their time on the shelf last year helps them stay healthy and effective for 2017.  We'll see.

[Nate Colbert]

Josh Reddick signed by the Astros. 4yrs/$52MM says Passan.

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN  1 minute ago
Possible HOU lineup in '17: RF Springer, 3B Bregman, 2B Altuve, SS Correa, LF Reddick, 1B Gurriel, C McCann, DH Gattis, CF Marisnick.

[MusicMan]

Have yourself a day, Jeff Luhnow.


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[Knoxbanedoodle]

We're going after the double consonant guys.

[Ebby Calvin]

I really like Reddick.  He was beloved in Oakland while I was there last year.
Hope it works out.

[jbm]

I hope it works out also.  Maybe, he is also supposed to help fill the "leadership" roles Luhnow mentioned recently. 

[WVastro]

Josh Reddick signed by the Astros. 4yrs/$52MM says Passan.

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN  1 minute ago
Possible HOU lineup in '17: RF Springer, 3B Bregman, 2B Altuve, SS Correa, LF Reddick, 1B Gurriel, C McCann, DH Gattis, CF Marisnick.

That's pretty darn impressive! Springer could also move over to center and Aoki could step in to a corner spot if they want to go pure offense occasionally. Mostly like the fact that this lineup really enables a full year of Marisnick in CF regardless of how much he contributes at the plate.

[MusicMan]

That's pretty darn impressive! Springer could also move over to center and Aoki could step in to a corner spot if they want to go pure offense occasionally. Mostly like the fact that this lineup really enables a full year of Marisnick in CF regardless of how much he contributes at the plate.

Excellent point. I forgot about Aoki.


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[JimR]

Any scoop on why we did not sign Gurriel's brother?

[drew corleone]

Wondered about that myself. 7/22 seemed like a good deal for the Jays.

[toddthebod]

Why start Marisnick at all?  I think the Astros have seen that he is not an everyday outfielder.  Marisnick started 42 of the last 49 games that the Astros played and he batted less than .200 during those final several months with an OPS of less than .600. 

The Astros have a lot of ground ball pitchers.  And for better or worse, centerfield is going to be smaller.  So an outfield of Aoki, Springer, Reddick should work out just fine. 

[WVastro]

Why start Marisnick at all?  I think the Astros have seen that he is not an everyday outfielder.  Marisnick started 42 of the last 49 games that the Astros played and he batted less than .200 during those final several months with an OPS of less than .600. 

The Astros have a lot of ground ball pitchers.  And for better or worse, centerfield is going to be smaller.  So an outfield of Aoki, Springer, Reddick should work out just fine.

I imagine you're making fun of a certain post about batting averages pertaining to center fielders that field the shit out of their position?... I hope you are.

[Jacksonian]

Josh Reddick signed by the Astros. 4yrs/$52MM says Passan.

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN  1 minute ago
Possible HOU lineup in '17: RF Springer, 3B Bregman, 2B Altuve, SS Correa, LF Reddick, 1B Gurriel, C McCann, DH Gattis, CF Marisnick.

That outfield isn't what I would have guessed.  I would guess LF Hernandez, CF Springer, RF Reddick.

[Fredia]

I awoke to a whole new world of Astros making the deal and  improving the team. Who would have thought it

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

That outfield isn't what I would have guessed.  I would guess LF Hernandez, CF Springer, RF Reddick.

Don't forget Aoki.  He'll be run out there to spell Reddick (whose splits aren't ideal) and whoever is in LF.

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal  2 hours ago
As @EvanDrellich said, #Astros still want Beltran. Believe they can make it work with McCann and Reddick, enough at-bats to go around.

[BUWebguy]

Don't forget Aoki.  He'll be run out there to spell Reddick (whose splits aren't ideal) and whoever is in LF.

Wow... you weren't kidding about Reddick's splits:

Reddick vs RHP in 2016: .322/.386/.485  (career: .270/.330/.457)
Reddick vs LHP in 2016: .155/.212/.155  (career: .218/.280/.360)

Aoki's splits were similarly weighted towards RHP last year, but for his career, are pretty even:

Aoki vs RHP in 2016: .300/.364/.428  (career: .277/.348/.389)
Aoki vs LHP in 2016: .227/.299/.258  (career: .308/.365/380)

[Reuben]

I think Marisnick and Hernandez will both get plenty of ABs vs. lefties.

[MusicMan]

Don't forget Aoki.  He'll be run out there to spell Reddick (whose splits aren't ideal) and whoever is in LF.

Does Reddick make Aoki a non tender candidate?


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[Nate Colbert]

One of the lefty relievers goes off the board in a pricey deal which includes a full no-trade clause:

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Odds Are Against It

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)

[Reuben]

Good lord. For a set-up guy whose name isn't Andrew Miller?

[Nate Colbert]

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN  1 minute ago
Possible HOU lineup in '17: RF Springer, 3B Bregman, 2B Altuve, SS Correa, LF Reddick, 1B Gurriel, C McCann, DH Gattis, CF Marisnick.

According to Rosenthal:

"The most likely current scenario is that Reddick will play right field, with George Springer moving to center and Nori Aoki and Jake Marisnick platooning in left."

Also repeats the Astros continuing interest in Beltran. If signed, says he would (could?) be used in LF and at DH.

[Fredia]

read on astros.com that they are not through yet...any ideas

[SM_Bobcat]

I suspect it is someone who can be the DH and get a few games in LF, to let McCann and Gattis to share the majority of games 1B, or a pure OF guy.

So Springer is in CF, and Reddick player RF.  LF/1B is still unsettled.

[juliogotay]

I suspect it is someone who can be the DH and get a few games in LF, to let McCann and Gattis to share the majority of games 1B, or a pure OF guy.

So Springer is in CF, and Reddick player RF.  LF/1B is still unsettled.

You have to figure in about 500 ABs for Gurriel somewhere and they will be and LF/1B are good bets to get alot of those.

[juliogotay]

read on astros.com that they are not through yet...any ideas

Pitching, please.

[mrpink]

Pitching, please.

No kidding.  I won't be surprised if both Reed and White outhit Beltran next year.  Rich Hill would be awesome, but I'm not holding my breath as he's far and away the best guy on the market. 

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal tweeting out the club is interested in Napoli. Would provide "leadership". 34 HRs and 101 RBIs I'm sure would be nice as well.

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[toddthebod]

So if the Astros got Napoli, they would obviously put him at first.  Which means Gouriel in left?  Can Gouriel actually play left field?

And what do you do with Aoki, Marisnick, Teoscar?

Actually Aoki's lefty splits are pretty good.  Maybe he platoons with Reddick? 

[Reuben]

I'd be willing to bet that a 33-yr old Gurriel can cover more ground in the OF than a 40-yr old Beltran.

Personally, like others here I tend to think they are now in good shape position-player-wise, and should turn their focus to bringing in a #1 or 2 pitcher.

[WVastro]

I thought the Astros already had a Mike Napoli named Evan Gattis...

[Russ99]

So if the Astros got Napoli, they would obviously put him at first.  Which means Gouriel in left?  Can Gouriel actually play left field?

And what do you do with Aoki, Marisnick, Teoscar?

Actually Aoki's lefty splits are pretty good.  Maybe he platoons with Reddick?

Getting a bit concerned that if we land Napoli or Encarnacion, that makes Gurriel's most likely spot 3B, considering our other quality defensive OF options.

I really don't want to see Bregman moved at all, even for an ace, but that could open the door a crack.

[juliogotay]

According to Rosenthal:

"The most likely current scenario is that Reddick will play right field, with George Springer moving to center and Nori Aoki and Jake Marisnick platooning in left."

Also repeats the Astros continuing interest in Beltran. If signed, says he would (could?) be used in LF and at DH.

Marisnick's value is as a defensive CFer. His bat does not translate to playing LF on a regular or even platoon basis.

[VirtualBob]

Marisnick's value is as a defensive CFer. His bat does not translate to playing LF on a regular or even platoon basis.

Exactly ... if it does end up with Aoki/Guriell in LF, Springer in CF & Reddick in RF, look for Marisnick to play CF as a late-inning defensive replacement, pushing Springer to RF and Aoki/Reddick in LF.

[juliogotay]

Exactly ... if it does end up with Aoki/Guriell in LF, Springer in CF & Reddick in RF, look for Marisnick to play CF as a late-inning defensive replacement, pushing Springer to RF and Aoki/Reddick in LF.

I hate to say it because I really like the guy and love to watch him patrol CF but I think Jake's days in Houston are numbered. The smaller dimensions of CF don't work in his favor either. He is becoming a luxury they may not have room for on their 25.

[Nate Colbert]

I hate to say it because I really like the guy and love to watch him patrol CF but I think Jake's days in Houston are numbered. The smaller dimensions of CF don't work in his favor either. He is becoming a luxury they may not have room for on their 25.

If nothing else, seems like a prototypical 5th OF (pinchrunning, defense) to me. His projected salary (just $1.1MM) also certainly works in his favor. The offensive firepower this club has added also makes his skillset easier to justify. While a pitcher is a more likely choice, if the rumors are true about the roster being expanded to 26 under the new CBA then that would seem to work to his benefit as well.

[Nate Colbert]

BJs supposedly have put a 4 yr/$80MMish offer on the table to Encarnacion, says Heyman.

[Nate Colbert]

Twins sign a certain and now-former Astro. Best of luck to him.

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[JimR]

Twins sign a certain and now-former Astro. Best of luck to him.

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

this chart is great, Nate. thank you.
Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Jacksonian]

• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal

Now official.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I'm a little sad about Castro.  This contract with the Twins could be his last, certainly his next-to-last.  He's handled pitchers well, and seemed like a solid person.  He and his family had a baby the same day we did earlier this year, so that's always felt like...something.  I'm glad that we're no longer in a place where he's the best and oldest player on the team.

I'm upbeat about McCann, particularly since we seem to have gotten him for cheaper than Castro's market value.

[BizidyDizidy]

I'm a little sad about Castro.  This contract with the Twins could be his last, certainly his next-to-last.  He's handled pitchers well, and seemed like a solid person.  He and his family had a baby the same day we did earlier this year, so that's always felt like...something.  I'm glad that we're no longer in a place where he's the best and oldest player on the team.

Plus he went to Stanford.

[Reuben]

I'm a little sad about Castro.  This contract with the Twins could be his last, certainly his next-to-last.  He's handled pitchers well, and seemed like a solid person.  He and his family had a baby the same day we did earlier this year, so that's always felt like...something.  I'm glad that we're no longer in a place where he's the best and oldest player on the team.

I'm upbeat about McCann, particularly since we seem to have gotten him for cheaper than Castro's market value.

I remember 2008 as the first time that I really paid a lot of attention to the draft, reading up on potential 1st-rounders beforehand and so on. Maybe it was the first draft after Purpura was fired? I know 2007 had been regarded as a horrendous disaster (and time proved it right), and even though the MLB team was still pretty good, the 2008 draft felt like the beginning of a serious effort at rebuilding.

There were very mixed opinions on Castro at the time ("shoulda drafted Smoak!"), and really, throughout his time in the Astros organization. His hitting was up and down. His defense was up and down.

But he was there, helping in some capacity, as the team went from bad to putrid, back to bad, then to decent, then to a playoff team. And we'll never quite know how instrumental he was in helping guys like Keuchel and McHugh blossom, or guys like Cosart, McCullers and Devenski make the jump to the majors and have instant success.

Good luck to you, Castro the Astro.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Ditto. I will not soon forget watching the Fiers no-hitter and thinking about how that must've felt for him--big crowd hanging on every pitch after the years of ruin.

[Nate Colbert]

Adding a couple of more relievers to the list that are likely to hit the Sipp lottery in this frothy market:

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM
• Jerry Blevins (33)--2 yrs/$12MM

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Ditto. I will not soon forget watching the Fiers no-hitter and thinking about how that must've felt for him--big crowd hanging on every pitch after the years of ruin.

That, those two walkoff homers (7-30-2015 & 8-23-2015) in 2015 and finally making the playoffs  have to be his career highlights.

[Lefty]

Plus he went to Stanford.

For whatever it's worth, UT's pitching coach said Jason Castro was the best college hitter they faced.

[MrKnuckleball]

For whatever it's worth, UT's pitching coach said Jason Castro was the best college hitter they faced.

They haven't faced much then...

[Mr. Happy]

For whatever it's worth, UT's pitching coach said Jason Castro was the best college hitter they faced.

I got to watch first hand what Will Clark and Raphael Palmeiro did at Mississippi State and what Bo Jackson did at Auburn. They were incredible. However, hitting in college and hitting in the Show are two totally different things.

[Fredia]

agreeded . and so happy there is life out there. was beginning to wonder it was so silent

[Reuben]

I got to watch first hand what Will Clark and Raphael Palmeiro did at Mississippi State and what Bo Jackson did at Auburn. They were incredible. However, hitting in college and hitting in the Show are two totally different things.

Colin Moran was a monster in college.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I got to watch first hand what Will Clark and Raphael Palmeiro did at Mississippi State and what Bo Jackson did at Auburn. They were incredible. However, hitting in college and hitting in the Show are two totally different things.

I got to see Pete Incaviglia a lot in his college years. Best NCAA hitter I ever saw, but his MLB career was nothing like Clark or Palmeiro.

[Nate Colbert]

Chris Carter gets non-tendered for 2nd straight season, says Bob Nightengale. Provided great value for the Brewers at just $2.5MM this past season but was projected to get $8-10MM in arbitration for 2017.

[pots]

Chris Carter gets non-tendered for 2nd straight season, says Bob Nightengale. Provided great value for the Brewers at just $2.5MM this past season but was projected to get $8-10MM in arbitration for 2017.

This makes no sense to me.  Carter raked last year.  His worst month he managed a 685 OPS.  How is he not worth 10 million for one year?  Well aware he strikes out a ton.  Chris Davis landed a 7 year 161 million dollar contract the year after he K'd 208 times.  yeah Carter does not have that track record.  But we are talking 1 year 10 million.  And if he repeats next year you have him under team control for the next year.  Doesn't seem like a huge gamble there. 

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

This makes no sense to me.  Carter raked last year.  His worst month he managed a 685 OPS.  How is he not worth 10 million for one year?  Well aware he strikes out a ton.  Chris Davis landed a 7 year 161 million dollar contract the year after he K'd 208 times.  yeah Carter does not have that track record.  But we are talking 1 year 10 million.  And if he repeats next year you have him under team control for the next year.  Doesn't seem like a huge gamble there.

Chris Davis gets on base better than Carter, despite the K's.  And the perception is that Carter's a liability anywhere in the field; the Brewers probably see him as a DH.  Good thing they're an AL team...

[juliogotay]

I wonder if Houston would be interested in former NYY Nate Eovaldi. He has had TJ surgery so he wouldn't be available in 2018 you would think but he was throwing 97 last year before the injury. He is from Houston area and would be inexpensive.

[pots]

Chris Davis gets on base better than Carter, despite the K's.  And the perception is that Carter's a liability anywhere in the field; the Brewers probably see him as a DH.  Good thing they're an AL team...

Half the firstbasemen in the league are defensive liabilities.  That's why they play first.

I'm not doubting Davis being the better player overall.  Was just using Davis against an anti-K argument.  Carter had real good, fairly steady month over month production on a team that was not that good overall offensively.   Just shocked that he wasn't tendered.  If only to trade him later.  When is the last time someone who led(tied) his league in homeruns was non-tendered?

[astrosfan76]

Astros were heavily in the mix for Cespedes, who ultimately signed with the Mets.  Crasnick has the Astros as a "potential option" for Encarnacion. 

[pots]

Astros were heavily in the mix for Cespedes, who ultimately signed with the Mets.  Crasnick has the Astros as a "potential option" for Encarnacion.

Boy they sure do seem to be loading up.  A signing like that on top of picking up McCann and Riddick would lessen the blow of losing Bregman. 

[Nate in IA]

Boy they sure do seem to be loading up.  A signing like that on top of picking up McCann and Riddick would lessen the blow of losing Bregman.

Okay, I haven't been paying attention for several weeks but what do you mean by "losing Bregman"?

[BizidyDizidy]

I assumed he just meant if we wanted to make a play for a Sale type.

[Nate Colbert]

Bowden says Astros one of four teams in on Rich Hill. Yankees, Dodgers and Rangers allegedly the others.

[pots]

I assumed he just meant if we wanted to make a play for a Sale type.

Given that there is no other player you'd even contemplate losing Bregman over (that is available).

Don't get me wrong.  The Astros production at 1st and DH was dead last or near dead last in every offensive category last year.  So Encarnacion wouldn't require a follow up trade.  But correcting that production would allow for reduced production elsewhere, in order to fix the other problem that exists at the top of the rotation.

[MusicMan]

Bowden says Astros one of four teams in on Rich Hill. Yankees, Dodgers and Rangers allegedly the others.

I thought we were subtracting hills this year.


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[pots]

Bowden says Astros one of four teams in on Rich Hill. Yankees, Dodgers and Rangers allegedly the others.

Traveling man.  By quick count, over 15 years he has played for 8 major league teams and 18 different minor league teams.  26 different home parks over his career. 

[Nate Colbert]

From Canada's The Sports Network (TSN):

Edwin Encarnacion’s agent says the Toronto Blue Jays free-agent first baseman will probably sign a contract later this week or early next week, and that the Blue Jays are “showing Edwin the most love.”

“We won’t put any restrictions on any offer like years or anything,” Kinzer said. “He’s going to decide where he’s comfortable. One of the things we have to look at is the big difference in the tax base between some of the teams that are interested. Plus, there’s a comfort level we need to consider.”

[astrosfan76]

Boy they sure do seem to be loading up.  A signing like that on top of picking up McCann and Riddick would lessen the blow of losing Bregman.

Rosenthal has heard thinking along those lines:

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 13h13 hours ago

One rival exec theorizes #Astros trying to load up on offense so they can trade a young hitter (Springer? Bregman?) for an elite starter.
85 replies 197 retweets 330 likes

I'm not anxious to lose either player (esp. Bregman), but it's going to hurt if they get a pitcher along the lines of a Sale.   

[astrosfan76]

From Canada's The Sports Network (TSN):

Edwin Encarnacion’s agent says the Toronto Blue Jays free-agent first baseman will probably sign a contract later this week or early next week, and that the Blue Jays are “showing Edwin the most love.”

“We won’t put any restrictions on any offer like years or anything,” Kinzer said. “He’s going to decide where he’s comfortable. One of the things we have to look at is the big difference in the tax base between some of the teams that are interested. Plus, there’s a comfort level we need to consider.”

He also mentions that two teams have made "serious" offers, while another three are waiting on the CBA to be resolved before making formal offers.  While not necessarily the reason that the teams are waiting, it makes sense that those teams could be affected by the salary cap if they were to sign him.  There has been talk of penalizing teams with the loss of draft picks, rather than just a tax.  So that factor, along with where the threshold lands, could cause pause among high-payroll teams that may be interested in Encarnacion.     

[MusicMan]

Tags:

"I still think the Astros are focused more on Beltran than anyone else at this point, but nothing is imminent."


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[BizidyDizidy]

Some reports on White Sox Twitter that the Astros have agreed to a deal with Encarnacion

[astrosfan76]

Some reports on White Sox Twitter that the Astros have agreed to a deal with Encarnacion

Who's the source?

[BizidyDizidy]

Nothing that firm, here's a fox sports article.

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/houston-astros-rumored-to-be-nearing-deal-with-edwin-encarnacion-113016?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[astrosfan76]

Nothing that firm, here's a fox sports article.

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/houston-astros-rumored-to-be-nearing-deal-with-edwin-encarnacion-113016?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Thanks, all I had seen was the Brian Bilek guy, who I hadn't heard of. 

A package including Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, Forrest Whitley, David Paulino, Daz Cameron and Franklin Perez or Riley Ferrell would probably work for both sides.

Ouch.

[austro]

I really don't want to give up Bregman. The offense was entirely different once he started hitting.

[moriartp]

Thanks, all I had seen was the Brian Bilek guy, who I hadn't heard of. 

Ouch.

Most of the time, I find myself saying "that package won't be enough to bring back [star player]" when I see proposals online. That said, that's WAY too much, even for Sale.

[Mike S.]

It's on Fox Sports, but the story is from FanSided, so really just wild assed speculation without any merit or relevance.

That said, no way in hell I do that deal. 

[Nate Colbert]

It's on Fox Sports, but the story is from FanSided, so really just wild assed speculation without any merit or relevance.

+1.

[WVastro]

*If* the Encarnacion thing somehow ends up happening this would be about the most excited I've been during an offseason since Jeff Kent signed. It's already been a good offseason so far...

[Fredia]

and  Biggios nobility to do it for the team

[Nate Colbert]

Jeff Passan ‏@JeffPassan 3 hours ago
This Edwin Encarnacion crap is starting to remind me of Jon Lester two years ago. He's in the D.R. If reports sound dumb, they probably are.

[WVastro]

Jeff Passan ‏@JeffPassan 3 hours ago
This Edwin Encarnacion crap is starting to remind me of Jon Lester two years ago. He's in the D.R. If reports sound dumb, they probably are.

I thought fake news was reserved for presidential elections, not the important business of MLB....

[astrosfan76]

Bob Nightengale Verified account
‏@BNightengale

The Houston #Astros are in heavy pursuit of Edwin Encarnacion or Carlos Beltran, believing they will land one of them

[BlownRanger]

Jeff Passan ‏@JeffPassan 3 hours ago
This Edwin Encarnacion crap is starting to remind me of Jon Lester two years ago. He's in the D.R. If reports sound dumb, they probably are.

If the crap had Encarnacion going where Passan would like to see him go, he'd consider the information gold.

[pots]

Jeff Passan ‏@JeffPassan 3 hours ago
This Edwin Encarnacion crap is starting to remind me of Jon Lester two years ago. He's in the D.R. If reports sound dumb, they probably are.

Edwin being in the Dominican means absolutely nothing other than he hasn't taken a physical. 

[austro]

The Houston #Astros are in heavy pursuit of Edwin Encarnacion or Carlos Beltran, believing they will land one of them

Which of these things is not like the other?

[Nate Colbert]

Edwin being in the Dominican means absolutely nothing other than he hasn't taken a physical.

Passan was referring to reports by dumbasses on twitter that EE was seen walking the streets of Houston as if that confirmed the belief he was about to sign with the Astros.

[Fredia]

is that somewhere in the range of I think I can , I think I can

[Reuben]

Which of these things is not like the other?

?

[austro]

?

By my reckoning, Beltran is about half as useful as Encarnacion. The main thing is that he's going to 40 years old when the season starts (Encanacion will be 33, which seems to be old to be getting a juicy multi-year deal, but I guess that's what the market is nowadays). And Beltran has had injury problems for years now, including back problems, which don't get better with age. I'd be surprised to see him appear in 100 games next year. I think he had a miracle year last year, and now somebody is going to overpay badly because of it. I sure hope it isn't the Astros.

[MusicMan]

By my reckoning, Beltran is about half as useful as Encarnacion. The main thing is that he's going to 40 years old when the season starts (Encanacion will be 33, which seems to be old to be getting a juicy multi-year deal, but I guess that's what the market is nowadays). And Beltran has had injury problems for years now, including back problems, which don't get better with age. I'd be surprised to see him appear in 100 games next year. I think he had a miracle year last year, and now somebody is going to overpay badly because of it. I sure hope it isn't the Astros.

He's played in more than 130 games 4 of the last 5 years.  The other was 109. That was the same season he slugged .402; the other for have all been at least .471. He brings a lot of value.

Encarnacion is obviously better, but he's also a lot more money and a LOT longer commitment.

[BlownRanger]

Passan was referring to reports by dumbasses on twitter that EE was seen walking the streets of Houston as if that confirmed the belief he was about to sign with the Astros.

If that's the case, I probably overreacted.  But if he's going to refer to twitter "sightings" as "reports", he has to know that those things sprout like weeds any time there's interest in where a professional athlete is going to sign.

[Reuben]

He's played in more than 130 games 4 of the last 5 years.  The other was 109. That was the same season he slugged .402; the other for have all been at least .471. He brings a lot of value.

Encarnacion is obviously better, but he's also a lot more money and a LOT longer commitment.

Agreed on all counts.

[Nate Colbert]

Details on the the Rzepczynski signing by the Mariners released (Sipp-like money, at least in terms of AAV):

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection (possible 1 yr/$7MM deal?)

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[BizidyDizidy]

Buster Olney reports on Twitter Astros have agreed to terms with the Mole. Guess no Encarnacion.

ETA: 1 year, 16mm, full no-trade

[MrKnuckleball]

Buster Olney reports on Twitter Astros have agreed to terms with the Mole. Guess no Encarnacion.

ETA: 1 year, 16mm, full no-trade

Dang it, was hoping they would land Encarnacion.

[JimR]

I LOVE this.

[BizidyDizidy]

I wanted Encarnacion mostly to facilitate a Sale trade (could still do it I guess).

[hostros7]

I like the increased flexibility next off-season provided by the Beltran deal relative to EE.


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[JimR]

I like the increased flexibility next off-season provided by the Beltran deal relative to EE.


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Screw the off-season. I like having his switch-hitting in the lineup.

[BizidyDizidy]

I'm assuming he is a full-time DH at this point? Cuts back Gattis's role if so.

[astrosfan76]

I wanted Encarnacion mostly to facilitate a Sale trade (could still do it I guess).

Could, but having Encarnacion for 4 years eases the sting of potentially losing Bregman, much more than signing a player on a 1-year deal.  I'll still support Beltran, but he's not going to be a cornerstone of the franchise. 

[Reuben]

I'm assuming he is a full-time DH at this point? Cuts back Gattis's role if so.

I was just wondering that too. Gattis seems likeliest to lose ABs with this move, but maybe Beltran will play OF some of the time, and they'll get Gattis' bat in place of Aoki.

I imagine they also see this as shoring up depth. If an OF gets hurt, Beltran can step in. If McCann gets hurt, Gattis can catch more.

I suppose they could also try El Oso Blanco at 1B, but I kinda doubt it. Or maybe he's trade bait and they'll sign a cheaper backup C.

[MusicMan]

Beltran could get some LF time at home, I'd think.


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[astrosfan76]

Current roster options among position players (either had MLB time w/ the club last year or recent signings):

C - McCann, Gattis, Stassi
IF - Altuve, Bregman, Correa, Gonzalez, Gurriel, Moran, Reed, White
OF - Aoki, Beltran, Hernandez, Kemp, Marisnick, Reddick, Springer, Tucker

Gattis, Gonzalez, Aoki, and Marisnick seem to be locks as backups, at this point (though the exact OF configuration is debatable).  On the bright side for the others, barring any trades, Fresno looks like it's going to be stacked this year.   

[Lefty]

Gattis, Gonzalez, Aoki, and Marisnick seem to be locks as backups, at this point (though the exact OF configuration is debatable).

They've liked a 13 man staff recently, and if they think Beltran can be a serviceable backup in LF/RF I'm not sure Aoki is on the team.

Love this signing, the current lineup depth and positional flexibility has got to bring a smile, if not a shit-eating grin, to Hinch's face.

[Jacksonian]

They've liked a 13 man staff recently, and if they think Beltran can be a serviceable backup in LF/RF I'm not sure Aoki is on the team.

Love this signing, the current lineup depth and positional flexibility has got to bring a smile, if not a shit-eating grin, to Hinch's face.

Barring a trade I'd think Marisnick is the odd man out.

[Reuben]

Barring a trade I'd think Marisnick is the odd man out.

Disagree. Marisnick is the RH platoon partner for Reddick, who hits LHP like a pitcher. Plus he's your backup CF when Springer needs a breather.

Obviously lots can still change between now and April, but I'd expect:

C
McCann
Gattis

IF
Gurriel
Altuve
Correa
Bregman
Marwin

OF/DH
Springer
Reddick
Aoki
Beltran
Marisnick

That's 12 position players; if they don't want to carry 13 pitchers then you could add another backup IF. At least McCann has played some 1B before.

[Jacksonian]

Disagree. Marisnick is the RH platoon partner for Reddick, who hits LHP like a pitcher. Plus he's your backup CF when Springer needs a breather.

Obviously lots can still change between now and April, but I'd expect:

C
McCann
Gattis

IF
Gurriel
Altuve
Correa
Bregman
Marwin

OF/DH
Springer
Reddick
Aoki
Beltran
Marisnick

That's 12 position players; if they don't want to carry 13 pitchers then you could add another backup IF. At least McCann has played some 1B before.

Up to now Luhnow has preferred versatility. To me that means a guy like Kemp beats Marisnick.

[MusicMan]

Up to now Luhnow has preferred versatility. To me that means a guy like Kemp beats Marisnick.

I don't think you want Springer to be the best/only CF on the roster.

[toddthebod]

Disagree. Marisnick is the RH platoon partner for Reddick, who hits LHP like a pitcher.

And how do you think Marisnick hits LHP?  He batted .229 against LHP pitchers last season.  Let Aoki bat against LHP. 

I think that Beltran gets a lot of starts in left field next season.  Is he less mobile than Preston Tucker?  Than Carlos Lee?  We've had much worse.

Give Gattis the DH starts.  Give Gouriel the 1B at bats.  And let's go.

[Reuben]

Up to now Luhnow has preferred versatility. To me that means a guy like Kemp beats Marisnick.

They have versatility in other players. Marwin can play anywhere, including OF. Bregman can play SS and 2B if need be. Gurriel can play 3B and they seem to feel like he (and Bregman) can play LF, too. McCann, as mentioned before, has played some 1B (29 games/11 GS, all over the last 3 years).

Marisnick plays all 3 OF positions extremely well. All Kemp plays is LF and 2B, and we don't even know if his 2B defense is acceptable. He could pass in CF but, according to scouting reports at least, his arm isn't good enough to play there.

[Reuben]

And how do you think Marisnick hits LHP?  He batted .229 against LHP pitchers last season.  Let Aoki bat against LHP. 

I think that Beltran gets a lot of starts in left field next season.  Is he less mobile than Preston Tucker?  Than Carlos Lee?  We've had much worse.

Give Gattis the DH starts.  Give Gouriel the 1B at bats.  And let's go.

In 2016 Marisnick hit .229/.288/.413 vs. LHP.

In 2016 Reddick hit .155/.212/.155 vs. LHP. Let that sink in.

Their career numbers aren't quite so extreme, but Marisnick still comes out ahead, and there is of course his defensive advantage to consider. Aoki has done fine against LHP in his career, it's true, although his 2016 split was poor. And again, there's defense.

I do think Beltran will play a fair amount of LF, though. Maybe 50-75 games would be my guess right now.

[Mr. Happy]

I love having Beltran in the lineup because he's good from both sides of the plate. Great move bringing him in.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Beltran? $16MM? I want to say fuck that whore but it's probably money well spent. Hell, I guess I have to accept that he has risen from the grave 'cause he was dead to me when he signed with the Stem.

[juliogotay]

Beltran? $16MM? I want to say fuck that whore but it's probably money well spent. Hell, I guess I have to accept that he has risen from the grave 'cause he was dead to me when he signed with the Stem.

It has come out that he would have re-signed with Astros in 2004 but the grocer nixed the non-trade clause in the agreement. Does that make you feel any better?

[juliogotay]

MLB Network reporting he Dodgers are close on Hill.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

It has come out that he would have re-signed with Astros in 2004 but the grocer nixed the non-trade clause in the agreement. Does that make you feel any better?

I feel fine.

[JimR]

Beltran? $16MM? I want to say fuck that whore but it's probably money well spent. Hell, I guess I have to accept that he has risen from the grave 'cause he was dead to me when he signed with the Stem.

I honestly do not understand this attitude. Beltran was with the Astros for 90 games plus the playoffs. It was widely reported his wife wanted NYC. He is a whore because he accepted more money to play there? Are people supposed to resign with the Astros forever or at least until the club dumps them?

Beltran hatred makes no sense to me. I am thrilled he is back.

[astrosfan76]

Holliday to the Yanks, 1/$13M. 

[Reuben]

I always thought the "whore" talk was because Bora$ basically used the Astros as leverage on the Mets, stringing it out until late January or whenever, by which point the Astros were fucked because all the other major FAs had signed. I got the impression that Bora$ had intended to steer Beltran to the Mets all along, perhaps due to player/family wishes as well as more opportunities for marketing, endorsements, and just general stardom. At the very end of negotiations Drayton or somebody pointed out that the Astros offer would actually be worth more money to Beltran, due to the tax difference, then Bora$ suddenly raised the no-trade issue for the first time, Drayton said well, ah, hmmm, that's not normally how we do things, and Bora$/Beltran took the Mets deal and blamed it on Drayton being unwilling to include a no-trade.

That's one version of events, at least.

[moriartp]

If the Astros lost out on the entire FA market because they had all their eggs in the Beltran basket, that's on them for being absolutely fucking stupid businessmen.

I'm so happy he's back. I don't even have that much faith in his 40-year-old bat. I just want to laugh at the idiots who've been booing him all these years.

[hostros7]

I, too, am very happy that he's back. I was never in favor of booing the guy and think it has always been misplaced and certainly went on for too long. He was a key part of what was maybe the most enjoyable stretch of Astros baseball in my lifetime, and his feats in the playoffs would be part of all-time baseball lore if a) he wasn't a part of the Astros at the time and b) if they had advanced to the World Series that season. He was a FA and signed somewhere else after playing a few months in Houston--it was never personal.

I suspect the boo birds also list their favorite Astros-related activities as the wave, talking about their Pujols-Lidge home run PTSD, and sitting in Hunter's lodge.


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[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

FWIW, I never booed Beltran. He was great when he was here before, and the he chose NYC over Houston. I hated that. I welcome him back and look forward to seeing what the 40 year old version can do.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

When the signing was announced, I messed around with Baseball-Reference and tried to figure out what life could've been like if Beltran had re-signed after 2004.  The 2005 WS team would've had him in LF instead of Chris Burke (assuming Wily T still plays CF), which is a big enough upgrade to imagine a different WS outcome.  In 2006, he starts over Preston Wilson, and hits the same 41 homers that he hit in Flushing, so that could mean a return to the Fall Classic. 

2007 is where it gets interesting, because it's really unlikely that Carlos Lee gets signed; Lee was actually a better hitter than Beltran that year, but that's not the butterfly effect that I find interesting: if Lee's contract money is spent elsewhere, it's likely for a pitcher rather than a hitter.  Let's say they re-sign Pettite instead of him returning to the Bronx.  But most importantly: Lee doesn't mow down Adam Everett.

The murder of Adam Everett by the coward Scott Boras, basically.

[Bench]

Beltran hatred makes no sense to me. I am thrilled he is back.

It never made any sense.  We got to enjoy the very peak of a terrific player's career.

[pots]

Glad they signed Beltran.  Significant upgrade to the DH role.  Sorry to hear they may be out of the Sale sweepstakes.  It will be interesting to see who else they get for the rotation.   

[pots]

Amazing what happened to the Encarnacion market.  Just 3 days ago, the leading teams were supposedly the Astros, Yankees and Blue Jays.  And poof all 3 teams went elsewhere.  Mr. Kinzer may have waited too long.   

[BizidyDizidy]

Amazing what happened to the Encarnacion market.  Just 3 days ago, the leading teams were supposedly the Astros, Yankees and Blue Jays.  And poof all 3 teams went elsewhere.  Mr. Kinzer may have waited too long.

Rosenthal tweeting the Astros could get back in if the price drops.

[jaklewein]

I was just happy to hear that they have been telling other teams "no way" regarding Bregman (Olney I think).  If we can get Sale or Archer without giving him up I'm all in.

[Reuben]

I was just happy to hear that they have been telling other teams "no way" regarding Bregman (Olney I think).  If we can get Sale or Archer without giving him up I'm all in.

Same here.

As for Mr. Encarnacion, I'm sure he'll get paid somewhere. If not quite the 4-5 year megabucks he wanted, then a deal like last year's cespedes contract with an opt-out after one front-loaded season.

[astrosfan76]

MLB Network reporting he Dodgers are close on Hill.

Official.  3/$48M

[pots]

Astros grab Tolliver off waivers

[astrosfan76]

Astros grab Tolliver off waivers

Quick scouting report:

Tolliver is a slightly-built lefty at 6-0, 170, born January 24, 1998 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He's athletic and has a quick arm but scouts worried about his durability even before he got hurt, which ensured he would stay in the bullpen. The good news is that his fastball has returned to pre-injury status in the 90-93 range, peaking at 94-95. He has a very good change-up and throws strikes, but his breaking ball is erratic; sometimes it is quite good, sometimes it just loops up there. His platoon splits are conventional rather than the extreme splits commonly seen for a LOOGY;

Posted a 5.79 ERA in 4 2/3 IP in his first cup of coffee last season, though the 3 ER were given up in one outing. 

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2016/5/25/11769168/mlb-rookie-report-ashur-tolliver-lhp-baltimore-orioles

[Uncle Charlie]

Astros grab Tolliver off waivers

Takes the last spot on the 40-man from what I can tell.

[pots]

Takes the last spot on the 40-man from what I can tell.

This is true, but Alpin still holds one of those spots. 

[Reuben]

This is true, but Alpin still holds one of those spots.

And Kevin Chapman, who's somewhat redundant now with Tolliver in the picture.

[Ty in Tampa]

It never made any sense.  We got to enjoy the very peak of a terrific player's career.

Jeez, was that fun or what?

[JimR]

Jeez, was that fun or what?

OMG, yes. Mark and I were at the Tavares game (Game 4?) when Beltran golfed one into the bullpen. The noise then and when Lidge entered in the 9th was unreal.

[JimR]

Did anyone watch his PC? He said he told Boras he wanted Houston for 2005.

[MusicMan]

Did anyone watch his PC? He said he told Boras he wanted Houston for 2005.

He also said it was Drayton's fault it didn't work out.


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[JimR]

Boras asked for a no trade. We said no. Could we have been that stupid?

[MusicMan]

Nora's asked for a no trade. We said no. Could we have been that stupid?

Drayton and Purpura? Sure.


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[JimR]

Drayton and Purpura? Sure.


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Was Hunsicker gone? Didn't he make the trade?

[HudsonHawk]

Was Hunsicker gone? Didn't he make the trade?

Hunsicker made the deal to acquire Beltran, but resigned at the end of that '04 season.  Purpura negotiated the re-signing attempt. 

As for Beltran...he can say what he wants now, but he had the choice to stay in Houston but wanted to be in NY.  He offered to take less money with the Yankees, but they turned him down. 

[Nate Colbert]

Just cleaning this up for some recent signings, including a nice get by the Rays on Wilson Ramos (pending the physical).

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Rays to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[JimR]

Hunsicker made the deal to acquire Beltran, but resigned at the end of that '04 season.  Purpura negotiated the re-signing attempt. 

As for Beltran...he can say what he wants now, but he had the choice to stay in Houston but wanted to be in NY.  He offered to take less money with the Yankees, but they turned him down.

why would NYY turn him down in 2005? he was the hottest commodity in baseball.

[HudsonHawk]

why would NYY turn him down in 2005? he was the hottest commodity in baseball.

At the time they wanted more pitching and decided they'd rather sign Randy Johnson than Beltran.  They obviously could afford to pay both, but decided they didn't want to. 

[Nate Colbert]

Show me the Sipp money for another lefty reliever...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO)
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Fredia]

not to much left

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Encarnacion and Bautista are feeling the QO sting pretty hard. 

[MrKnuckleball]

Encarnacion and Bautista are feeling the QO sting pretty hard.

I doubt they will miss any meals though.

[moriartp]

Encarnacion and Bautista are feeling the QO sting pretty hard.

Ian Desmond got himself $70 million with a QO attached. I can't imagine how the Rockies will feel if EE signs for less than that.

[MusicMan]

Encarnacion and Bautista are feeling the QO sting pretty hard.

I think it's more that the only thing in plentiful supply in this market is sluggers with limited defensive ability.


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[pots]

Encarnacion and Bautista are feeling the QO sting pretty hard.

EE turned down a 4 year ~80 million dollar offer from the Blue Jays.   First you make your bed and then you sleep in it.  EE is likely to make less than that because he/his agent waited too long and teams went elsewhere.   

Teams aren't stupid.   They aren't going to drop a 5 year top dollar contract on a player who will be 34 by spring training 
146 players qualified last year. 
9 players were > 35  years of age:
Albert Pujols, Nelson Cruz, Jose Bautista were 36
Adrian Beltre, Victor Martinez, Chase Utley, Jayson Werth were 37
Beltran was 39
Ortiz was 41

ETA
Bautista on the other hand is being extremely hindered by the draft pick.  Due his down year and being age 36, he wasn't going to see a long term contract anyways.  Not quite sure why he just didn't take the offer. 

[Nate Colbert]

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says the Astros one of the teams interested in Tyson Ross, who of course was non-tendered by the Padres and is coming off thoracic outlet syndrome surgery which can be problematic to come back from. Less plausibly, he also says the club is also one of the teams still interested in Jose Bautista.

Link

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal goes full-blown speculative mode regards EE, mentioning both the Rangers and Astros.

And Bowden says Astros are one of five clubs to have made offers (along with Cleveland, Oakland, Texas and Toronto).

[astrosfan76]

Ivan Nova remains with the Pirates, signing for less than what many thought he would receive.  His contract provides a guaranteed $26M over 3 years, with an additional $2M in performance bonuses. 

[Nate Colbert]

Ivan Nova remains with the Pirates, signing for less than what many thought he would receive.  His contract provides a guaranteed $26M over 3 years, with an additional $2M in performance bonuses.

Odd that Pittsburgh was able to get him so cheaply. Very nice sign at that price.

[astrosfan76]

Odd that Pittsburgh was able to get him so cheaply. Very nice sign at that price.

Yeah, he got less guaranteed money than Brett Cecil, who'll pitch 50-60 innings (provided STL doesn't use him as a LOOGY, like TOR did last season).  I wouldn't give Nova $15M/season, but Pittsburgh definitely did well on this one.

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal goes full-blown speculative mode regards EE, mentioning both the Rangers and Astros.

And Bowden says Astros are one of five clubs to have made offers (along with Cleveland, Oakland, Texas and Toronto).

Rosenthal says it's the Indians now the team to beat (offering 3 years w/an option).

[Reuben]

Odd that Pittsburgh was able to get him so cheaply. Very nice sign at that price.

It's surprising, but I don't find it odd per se that a pitcher would want to stay with the club that fixed him in such a dramatic way - especially a club/coach that seems to do that as consistently as the Pirates and Searage do.

[Nate Colbert]

It's surprising, but I don't find it odd per se that a pitcher would want to stay with the club that fixed him in such a dramatic way - especially a club/coach that seems to do that as consistently as the Pirates and Searage do.

I fully understand the Searage connection but to re-sign with Pittsburgh I would have thought the way to go would be a 1-year contract to further rebuild the value and then hit the FA market again. The $8.67MM AAV is awfully, awfully cheap and not much more (on an AAV basis) than what Luhnow paid for Morton. And Nova's three years younger and not coming off an injury. Not second-guessing, just more of an admiration for what the Pirates accomplished.

[Nate Colbert]

Updating for the two very club-friendly signings today...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[roadrunner]

Strange series of events for EE.  I wonder if Toronto pulled their 4 year $80M offer?

[Nate Colbert]

Strange series of events for EE.  I wonder if Toronto pulled their 4 year $80M offer?

Multiple reports (including this one) had the BJs pulling that offer in early November after being on the table for about a week.

Not that it matters, but I'm more curious whether the Astros actually were involved or not. While their was lots of media speculation, Bowden was (as far as I know) the only one who reported Houston with an actual offer. Subsequent reporting from Jerry Crasnick (based on an interview with Encarnacion's agent, Paul Kinzer) says the A's and Rangers were involved until the "last minute" but makes no mention of the Astros.

[astrosfan76]

Not that it matters, but I'm more curious whether the Astros actually were involved or not. While their was lots of media speculation, Bowden was (as far as I know) the only one who reported Houston with an actual offer.

In a side note, Heyman mentioned today that the Astros did offer 3/ $66M to EE. Out of the "known" offers, that would be the highest AAV offered. It's likely that they pulled the offer, though, probably after signing Beltran.

[urlhttp://www.fanragsports.com/mlb/heyman-strange-market-encarnacion-dozen-sluggers-remain/][/url]

[Nate Colbert]

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says the Astros one of the teams interested in Tyson Ross, who of course was non-tendered by the Padres and is coming off thoracic outlet syndrome surgery which can be problematic to come back from.

Ross signs with the Rangers on a 1 yr/$6MM (+incentives) deal.

[Nate Colbert]

The club-friendly signings continue (it is January after all) as the Phillies pick up a lefty-hitting outfielder at a considerably cheaper cost than what Reddick cost the Astros...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM signed by Phillies to 1 yr/$9MM deal (plus $11MM club option for 2018)
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Nate Colbert]

"I've kept tabs on the trade market for left-handed relievers as well as the free agent market," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said on Saturday. "But at this point, I'm not sure that anything's going to get done there."

Chron

[Nate Colbert]

Nick Cafardo in his latest Sunday Notes column speculating on where Matt Wieters will end up:

"The Braves were a potential landing spot, but no longer after they signed Kurt Suzuki. The Blue Jays showed interest, but they opted for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Astros remain a possibility, as do the Rays, who won’t have Wilson Ramos available until June or July."

C'mon Nick, pay attention.
 

[Nate Colbert]

Last of the lefty-hitting OFs off the board as Moss signs with the Royals...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM signed by Phillies to 1 yr/$9MM deal (plus $11MM club option for 2018)
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Mr. Happy]

I wonder if the Royals will make a play for Hammel after the death of Yordano Ventura. That's a big every five days hole to fill.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty reliever/former Longhorn J.P. Howell signs with BJs...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• J.P. Howell (34)--no MLBTR projection signed by Toronto to a 1 yr/$3MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM signed by Phillies to 1 yr/$9MM deal (plus $11MM club option for 2018)
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Mr. Happy]

While I  can see why Chris Carter hasn't signed yet, I'm dumbstruck at Napoli still being out there. on February 1. Is he just looking for too many years?

[Nate Colbert]

Indians continue to "win" the offseason, signing a lefty reliever on a cost-effective contract...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cleveland to a 1 yr/$6.5MM deal
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• J.P. Howell (34)--no MLBTR projection signed by Toronto to a 1 yr/$3MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM signed by Phillies to 1 yr/$9MM deal (plus $11MM club option for 2018)
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Nate Colbert]

Another less-than-exorbitant deal for a lefty reliever as the Mets bring back one of their own...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cleveland to a 1 yr/$6.5MM deal
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM re-signed by Mets to a 1 yr/$6MM deal (plus 2nd year team option)
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• J.P. Howell (34)--no MLBTR projection signed by Toronto to a 1 yr/$3MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM signed by Phillies to 1 yr/$9MM deal (plus $11MM club option for 2018)
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Nate Colbert]

Royals fill the hole in their rotation left after Ventura's death, signing Hammel for just slightly more than the $14MM the Astros paid for Charlie Morton...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$16MM deal
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cleveland to a 1 yr/$6.5MM deal
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM re-signed by Mets to a 1 yr/$6MM deal (plus 2nd year team option)
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• J.P. Howell (34)--no MLBTR projection signed by Toronto to a 1 yr/$3MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM signed by Phillies to 1 yr/$9MM deal (plus $11MM club option for 2018)
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM

[Nate Colbert]

Multiple reports out today indicating long-rumored deal between Napoli and Rangers now done (no official announcement until next week however).

[Nate Colbert]

Last of the lefties off the board as Wood signs with the Royals in a deal that was less than projected entering the offseason...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$16MM deal
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cleveland to a 1 yr/$6.5MM deal
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM re-signed by Mets to a 1 yr/$6MM deal (plus 2nd year team option)
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• J.P. Howell (34)--no MLBTR projection signed by Toronto to a 1 yr/$3MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM signed by Phillies to 1 yr/$9MM deal (plus $11MM club option for 2018)
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM signed by Rangers to an apparent 1 yr/$8.5MM deal

[Nate Colbert]

Wieters doesn't move far as the last of the major free agents is off the board...

Starting pitchers

• Rich Hill (37)--3 yrs/$50MM re-signed by Dodgers to a 3 yr/$48MM deal
• Jason Hammel (34)--3 yrs/$42MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$16MM deal
• Jeremy Hellickson (30)--4 yrs/$60MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) accepted QO
• Ivan Nova (30)--4 yrs/$52MM re-signed by Pirates to a 3 yr/$26MM deal

Lefty relievers

• Brett Cecil (30)--3 yrs/$18MM signed by St. Louis to a 4 yr/$30.5MM deal
• Travis Wood (30)--3 yrs/$21MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal
• Boone Logan (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cleveland to a 1 yr/$6.5MM deal
• Mike Dunn (32)--3 yrs/$15MM signed by Colorado to a 3 yr/$19MM deal (plus 4th yr vesting option)
• Jerry Blevins (32)--2 yrs/$12MM re-signed by Mets to a 1 yr/$6MM deal (plus 2nd year team option)
• Marc Rzepczynski (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Seattle to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• J.P. Howell (34)--no MLBTR projection signed by Toronto to a 1 yr/$3MM deal

Catchers

• Matt Wieters (30)--3 yrs/$39MM signed by Washington to a 2 yr/$21MM deal w/opt-out after 1 yr
• Jason Castro (29)--2 yrs/$15MM signed by Minnesota to a 3 yr/$24.5MM deal
• Wilson Ramos (29)--2 yrs/$22MM signed by Tampa to a 2 yr/$12.5MM deal (plus incentives)

Lefty/Switch-hitting OFs

• Dexter Fowler (31)--4yrs/$64MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by StL to a 5 yr/$82.5MM deal
• Josh Reddick (30)--3 yrs/$36MM signed by Houston to a 4 yr/$52MM deal
• Michael Saunders (30)--3 yrs/$33MM signed by Phillies to 1 yr/$9MM deal (plus $11MM club option for 2018)
• Matt Joyce (32)--2 yrs/$10MM signed by Oakland to a 2 yr/$11MM deal
• Jon Jay (32)--2 yrs/$12MM signed by Cubs to a 1 yr/$8MM deal
• Brandon Moss (33)--2 yrs/$14MM signed by Royals to a 2 yr/$12MM deal

Lefty/Switch-hitting DH and/or 1B types

• Kendrys Morales (33)--2 yrs/$26MM signed by Toronto to a 3 yr/$33MM deal
• Carlos Beltran (40)--1 yr/$14MM signed by Houston to a 1 yr/$16MM deal
• Mitch Moreland (31)--no MLBTR projection signed by Boston to a 1 yr/$5.5MM deal

Others (linked to, fantasized about, whatever)

• Edwin Encarnacion (34)--4 yrs/$92MM (plus loss of 1st round pick due to QO) signed by CLE to 3 yr/$60MM deal
• Mike Napoli (35)--2 yrs/$28MM signed by Rangers to a 1 yr/$8.5MM deal

[Bench]

/end thread