Offseason

[MrKnuckleball]

Crane said "We'll spend the money when it's time, but right now is not the time," he says. "Once our minor league system is filled in, we'll move up into the top five or 10 in payroll." This was during the 2013 season I believe. I think the time is now to start spending big. We have a good core of youth talent, if Crane doesn't spend big money this offseason, I don't think he ever will. Thoughts?

[MusicMan]

And just what FAs should he splash that cash on?

(Spoiler alert: this free agent class SUCKS.)


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[BudGirl]

If he spends his money, then he wants to be a champion, regardless of who he spends it on.  Actions count!

[MrKnuckleball]

And just what FAs should he splash that cash on?

(Spoiler alert: this free agent class SUCKS.)


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Yeah it's not great, especially for pitching. But here are a few names as far as non pitchers. Cespedes, Encarnacion, Trumbo, Bautista, Fowler. Aroldis Chapman is also a FA, but I'm sure they are still holding their breath on Giles..

[Aussie Astro]

If he spends his money, then he wants to be a champion, regardless of who he spends it on.  Actions count!

Talk is cheap but whiskey costs money.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Yeah it's not great, especially for pitching. But here are a few names as far as non pitchers. Cespedes, Encarnacion, Trumbo, Bautista, Fowler. Aroldis Chapman is also a FA, but I'm sure they are still holding their breath on Giles..

None of those players (with the possible exceptions of Fowler and Encarnacion) have any place in our lineup.  At this point, I'd be more in favor of signing Lil Yuli and Rich Hill, and be done.

[Mr. Happy]

None of those players (with the possible exceptions of Fowler and Encarnacion) have any place in our lineup.  At this point, I'd be more in favor of signing Lil Yuli and Rich Hill, and be done.

Exactly. Signing someone for the sake of spending money is senseless.

[Jacksonian]

None of those players (with the possible exceptions of Fowler and Encarnacion) have any place in our lineup.  At this point, I'd be more in favor of signing Lil Yuli and Rich Hill, and be done.

I'd be willing to bet Luhnow will do more than that but not much more.

[JimR]

None of those players (with the possible exceptions of Fowler and Encarnacion) have any place in our lineup.  At this point, I'd be more in favor of signing Lil Yuli and Rich Hill, and be done.

this. our lineup is not bad.

[MusicMan]

I'd be willing to bet Luhnow will do more than that but not much more.

I still think a deal of multiple prospects (including Musgrove or Rogers) for a frontline starter is possible.

This is not even a minor note in the tragedy, but I thought Fernandez would be such a target.


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[Jacksonian]

I still think a deal of multiple prospects (including Musgrove or Rogers) for a frontline starter is possible.

This is not even a minor note in the tragedy, but I thought Fernandez would be such a target.


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Seriously?  If you had the frontline starter what would you make the Astros give up to get him?  For me Musgrove would be the 2nd or 3rd player in the deal.  Rodgers would be the 4th or 5th.

[MrKnuckleball]

Exactly. Signing someone for the sake of spending money is senseless.

I don't think it's signing someone just to spend money. We could use another OF bat, and obviously some pitching. I think our lineup is good but one more good hitter makes it that much better.

[JimR]

I don't think it's signing someone just to spend money. We could use another OF bat, and obviously some pitching. I think our lineup is good but one more good hitter makes it that much better.

pitching way, way more important than a bat.

[MrKnuckleball]

pitching way, way more important than a bat.

Definitely, I agree. But while there are a few OF bats that are going to be FA, it would be silly not to try to get one. Don't you think? 

[roadrunner]

Other than Sale, what frontline SPs are available via trade?

[HudsonHawk]

Other than Sale, what frontline SPs are available via trade?

Has Archer's stock dropped that much?  I know he was almost a 20-game loser this year, but I still wouldn't mind him on my team.  In 7 of his 19 losses, he gave up 2 runs or fewer.  He pitched much better in the second half of the year, and his ERA and WHIP would still be tops among the Astros staff. 

[Jacksonian]

Has Archer's stock dropped that much?  I know he was almost a 20-game loser this year, but I still wouldn't mind him on my team.  In 7 of his 19 losses, he gave up 2 runs or fewer.  He pitched much better in the second half of the year, and his ERA and WHIP would still be tops among the Astros staff.

His contract is very team friendly and long.  It will take the same talent in return as the White Sox would get for Sale.  And I agree; whatever ailed him in the first half he fixed in the second half.

[Mr. Happy]

I don't think it's signing someone just to spend money. We could use another OF bat, and obviously some pitching. I think our lineup is good but one more good hitter makes it that much better.

Do you consider Trumbo an OF, because I don't. If you could open Crane's wallet for an OF, who would you get?

[Reuben]

Like I said in another thread, they need to find one or two LH bats to bring some degree of balance to the lineup. Reed is a complete question mark at this point and should not start 2017 in the majors. Ditto Fisher. I can't think of any other LH hitters (maybe Kemmer) who could be close to ready on the farm.

But I agree pitching is the real area of concern. I would pencil in

Keuchel
McCullers
Musgrove

And let McHugh, Peacock and Fiers fight it out for the 5th starter spot. They need a solid #2 type.

[Jacksonian]

Do you consider Trumbo an OF, because I don't. If you could open Crane's wallet for an OF, who would you get?

Reddick?  Though if they're going to go after an outfielder I'd rather they deal for Carlos Gonzalez or Charlie Blackmon.

[Mr. Happy]

Reddick?  Though if they're going to go after an outfielder I'd rather they deal for Carlos Gonzalez or Charlie Blackmon.

I can't disagree.

[Jacksonian]

Like I said in another thread, they need to find one or two LH bats to bring some degree of balance to the lineup. Reed is a complete question mark at this point and should not start 2017 in the majors. Ditto Fisher. I can't think of any other LH hitters (maybe Kemmer) who could be close to ready on the farm.

But I agree pitching is the real area of concern. I would pencil in

Keuchel
McCullers
Musgrove

And let McHugh, Peacock and Fiers fight it out for the 5th starter spot. They need a solid #2 type.

Add Paulino, Rodgers and Feliz to the list of those who'll likely fight for that last starting spot.

[Jacksonian]

If Washington didn't exercise his option would you want Gio Gonzalez?  Likewise, Matt Moore is SF did the same?

[juliogotay]

If Washington didn't exercise his option would you want Gio Gonzalez?  Likewise, Matt Moore is SF did the same?

They are just as devoid of LH pitchers as hitters.

[MrKnuckleball]

Do you consider Trumbo an OF, because I don't. If you could open Crane's wallet for an OF, who would you get?

Me either on Trumbo, I was just listing a few FAs. Of everyone that will be a FA, it would probably come down to Reddick or Cespedes. A lefty would be ideal though with our right heavy lineup.

[Reuben]

If Washington didn't exercise his option would you want Gio Gonzalez?  Likewise, Matt Moore is SF did the same?

SF has a $7m option on Moore so I can't them declining it. Too much potential there. Not sure about Gio, but he's probably not a #2 type anymore.

Funny, I was looking at the pen and (assuming Feliz stays there, rather than the rotation) I don't even see a spot for Gustave, barring trade or injury. Maybe they will trade Neshek or somebody. I don't think anyone would take Sipp unless Luhnow ate most of the contract.

[The Spleen]

They need, in no particular order:

-At least one more quality bat, at 1b/DH/OF, depending on where Bregman and Gurriel finally settle. Better yet if it's not another TTO type. The basic similarity of most of the lineup in approach/strengths/weaknesses made them prone to extended hot and cold streaks. No obvious help from within here... at this point it would be an unexpected bonus if Reed adds anything.

-At least two starting pitchers, especially ones who can credibly hold down the #3 or higher spot in the rotation. Right now the Astros have plenty of starting pitchers... the problem is they're all 4's and 5's. That includes McCullers and Keuchel, at least until we know the full extent of their health problems and any lasting effects. Fiers and Fister are perfectly fine... at #5. When they're at the top of your rotation is when they really suck. There are several people in the system who might end up as top of the rotation starters, but the problem is whether or not they are ready to do that next year.

- A left handed reliever and a closer. It remains to be seen if the future closer is already on the team or will have to come from somewhere else. Nobody seemed to want the job this year...

-Leadership, whether it comes from veteran players and/or the coaching staff. This was a team that seemed to be lost inside its own head much of the year. However 'unclutch' this team was, it was probably a matter of group dynamics rather than the fault of an individual(s)... so the problem will be very hard to diagnose and deal with effectively.

That's a hell of a lot to take care of in one offseason.

[juliogotay]

They need, in no particular order:

-At least one more quality bat, at 1b/DH/OF, depending on where Bregman and Gurriel finally settle. Better yet if it's not another TTO type. The basic similarity of most of the lineup in approach/strengths/weaknesses made them prone to extended hot and cold streaks. No obvious help from within here... at this point it would be an unexpected bonus if Reed adds anything.

-At least two starting pitchers, especially ones who can credibly hold down the #3 or higher spot in the rotation. Right now the Astros have plenty of starting pitchers... the problem is they're all 4's and 5's. That includes McCullers and Keuchel, at least until we know the full extent of their health problems and any lasting effects. Fiers and Fister are perfectly fine... at #5. When they're at the top of your rotation is when they really suck. There are several people in the system who might end up as top of the rotation starters, but the problem is whether or not they are ready to do that next year.

- A left handed reliever and a closer. It remains to be seen if the future closer is already on the team or will have to come from somewhere else. Nobody seemed to want the job this year...

-Leadership, whether it comes from veteran players and/or the coaching staff. This was a team that seemed to be lost inside its own head much of the year. However 'unclutch' this team was, it was probably a matter of group dynamics rather than the fault of an individual(s)... so the problem will be very hard to diagnose and deal with effectively.

That's a hell of a lot to take care of in one offseason.

I don't think there were as many going into this season as there are going into next season and the team won about the same # of games.  But I don't disagree with anything you wrote except the leadership thing. I can't judge that.

[drew corleone]

So no one expects Devo to be in the rotation?

[das]

So no one expects Devo to be in the rotation?

My thought/question exactly. Just because he had great value in the long relief role this year does not mean that's where his greatest value is indefinitely. He picked up a 4th pitch this year (very well, I might add) and has shown the ability to modify his repitoire as hitters adjust throughout the season. He's doing all he needs to to mitigate that "third time through the order" concern that's been bandied about. He wants to start. He's doing everything necessary to be able to start. He gets people out. The team needs a starter. Pretty compelling reasons for him to be given a shot. It's not like he's a career long reliever considering a switch or anything.

[drew corleone]

Agreed. I understood Hinch's logic in August/September, that he could impact more games in the long relief role. But I think he is a better candidate for the rotation than about half of the guys competing for the spots available.

[jbm]

My thought/question exactly. Just because he had great value in the long relief role this year does not mean that's where his greatest value is indefinitely. He picked up a 4th pitch this year (very well, I might add) and has shown the ability to modify his repitoire as hitters adjust throughout the season. He's doing all he needs to to mitigate that "third time through the order" concern that's been bandied about. He wants to start. He's doing everything necessary to be able to start. He gets people out. The team needs a starter. Pretty compelling reasons for him to be given a shot. It's not like he's a career long reliever considering a switch or anything.

I can see them giving him a shot. Why not, there's really no downside.

I never thought the issue with him starting was a lack of fourth pitch, or third pitch for that matter, it's just that his stuff plays up out of the pen. His fastball as a reliever is a plus pitch, making his other pitches, primarily his change that much better. As a starter, his fastball was average, and that totally changed the dynamic of his repertoire.

[juliogotay]

I can see them giving him a shot. Why not, there's really no downside.

I never thought the issue with him starting was a lack of fourth pitch, or third pitch for that matter, it's just that his stuff plays up out of the pen. His fastball as a reliever is a plus pitch, making his other pitches, primarily his change that much better. As a starter, his fastball was average, and that totally changed the dynamic of his repertoire.

He got to the big leagues as a starter. Pitched a no-hitter in the minors over 9 I believe.

[MusicMan]

Luhnow says the full MLB coaching staff will return for 2017.


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[Nate Colbert]

Rounding up other comments from today's Luhnow/Hinch news conference:

Hinch says "dream" for Devenski is for him to be a starter (but apparently also mentioned his value as a reliever).

AJ also said Correa played in a lot of pain this season.

Hinch believes Gattis will continue to catch and DH in future.

Luhnow wants to add another starting pitcher but that (in the most shocking revelation of the day) it's expensive/not easy.

Also will look at outfield, first base and catcher. "More quality free agents in this class than being given credit for", Luhnow opined.

Will Rasmus return? “Not sure how or if he fits into our plans at this point", said Luhnow.

Luhnow: yeah, we suck from the left side in the bullpen.

Young talent cited by the GM: Paulino, Martes, Fisher and K. Tucker.


(Various twitter accounts)

[roadrunner]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Luhnow make a move for Julio Teheran.  He's under control through 2020 and Atlanta may want 1 more year of rebuild.  He won't be cheap, obviously...so I'd expect our best prospects not named Kyle Tucker or Martes to be involved.