Stanton

[toddthebod]

I've been thinking a lot about Stanton recently.  And this post echoes a lot of what is going on in my head.

https://climbingtalshill.com/2017/11/29/to-stanton-or-not-to-stanton/

I believe that Stanton will opt out of his contract after 2020.  Which means three years of paying his admittedly ridiculous salary.  But those three years largely coincide with the window for many of the current Astros stars.

Would Stanton go to Houston?  It's not LA (which may be his top choice), but who wouldn't want to come to Houston right now.  It's a fun team that just won the world series and is in a position to win for the next several years.

Stanton batting cleanup for this team.  Good god. 

So who would you trade to get Stanton?  Fisher obviously goes.  With Stanton, Fisher is totally unnecessary.  I would trade Martes as well.  And one of Reed, Davis, Moran.  And I would take all of the Stanton money.

The Dodgers are apparently not interested because they don't want to go over the luxury tax.  Same for the Yankees.  Stanton may not be interested in San Francisco because they suck.  He apparently doesn't want to go to St. Louis.  This situation is rip for Luhnow to come in and make a tremendous deal.     

[Navin R Johnson]

3 (18, 19, 20) years of...

Springer
Bregman
Altuve
Stanton
Correa
Yuli
Reddick

Would be pretty ridiculously awesome.

[juliogotay]

3 (18, 19, 20) years of...

Springer
Bregman
Altuve
Stanton
Correa
Yuli
Reddick

Would be pretty ridiculously awesome.

LHers would likely call-in sick the day they were due to face that lineup.

[toddthebod]

I think the Astros could probably offer much less than what I suggested.

According to John Morosi, the Marlins would accept offer of Panik, Beede and Shaw for Stanton alone -- if #SFGiants committed to paying at least $250 million of the $295 million left on Stanton’s contract.

[subnuclear]

Here is Stanton's home run spray chart. Put in Minute Maid for proper drooling.

[Jacksonian]

I think the Astros could probably offer much less than what I suggested.

According to John Morosi, the Marlins would accept offer of Panik, Beede and Shaw for Stanton alone -- if #SFGiants committed to paying at least $250 million of the $295 million left on Stanton’s contract.

Houston can beat that without trying hard and not sacrifice depth.

[BlownRanger]

According to John Morosi, the Marlins would accept offer of Panik, Beede and Shaw for Stanton alone -- if #SFGiants committed to paying at least $250 million of the $295 million left on Stanton’s contract.

They were making fun of that report on the MLB Network last night, noting that the Marlins would accept pretty much anything from any organization that agrees to take on 85% of Stanton's salary, and they considered Panik, Beede, and Shaw to be a decent package (Beede and Shaw are #2 and #3 Giants prospects).

I don't think there's much chance of Houston pursuing Stanton, but if they do, I'd expect them to take the "better prospects/less of the salary" approach assuming they intend to extend some of the currently controllable talent on the club.  And assuming Stanton is going to opt out doesn't sound like a Luhnow type of gamble to me.

[JimR]

They were making fun of that report on the MLB Network last night, noting that the Marlins would accept pretty much anything from any organization that agrees to take on 85% of Stanton's salary, and they considered Panik, Beede, and Shaw to be a decent package (Beede and Shaw are #2 and #3 Giants prospects).

I don't think there's much chance of Houston pursuing Stanton, but if they do, I'd expect them to take the "better prospects/less of the salary" approach assuming they intend to extend some of the currently controllable talent on the club.  And assuming Stanton is going to opt out doesn't sound like a Luhnow type of gamble to me.

Crane is on the record as saying the Astros are one of the few teams which can take on Stanton’s contract.

As always, the Astros’ plans and activities are a deep, dark secret. No clue as to what Luhnow is doing other than speculation Gattis may be non-tendered or tendered and traded. Surely Fiers will be non-tendered.

[Ty in Tampa]

And assuming Stanton is going to opt out doesn't sound like a Luhnow type of gamble to me.

It seems entirely anti-Luhnow to me.

[Duke]

Have y'all heard what kind of teammate Stanton is?

[Duke]

Just saw that it's down to either the Gints or the Turdinals.

[Fredia]

chemistry seems to play a part and you dont want to stir up the pot 

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Why would he opt out of that contract?

[JimR]

Some app told me today the Astros were in on Stanton but could not make a deal. Currently out.

[toddthebod]

From Twitter:

 Craig Mish‏Verified account @CraigMish
9h9 hours ago

Source : The Houston Astros at some point engaged the Marlins in discussions for Stanton. Unable to work it out. Not currently in the picture.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Yahoo Sports is reporting that Stanton will only accept a trade to the Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees, or Astros.

[das]

Yahoo Sports is reporting that Stanton will only accept a trade to the Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees, or Astros.

This made me grin ear-to-ear.  Not because I am holding out hope that it will happen but because of what this says about the team transformation and how it is perceived throughout the player cadre.  Well done to the owner/front office.  And the City of Houston for embracing the team and making it an attractive destination.

[VirtualBob]

This made me grin ear-to-ear.  Not because I am holding out hope that it will happen but because of what this says about the team transformation and how it is perceived throughout the player cadre.  Well done to the owner/front office.  And the City of Houston for embracing the team and making it an attractive destination.

My initial thoughts exactly. But a bundle of decent prospects would sure be worth offering.

[juliogotay]

My initial thoughts exactly. But a bundle of decent prospects would sure be worth offering.

If I'm Miami I'm asking for Whitley, Tucker, Bregman and Martes. Would you pull the trigger?

[MusicMan]

If I'm Miami I'm asking for Whitley, Tucker, Bregman and Martes. Would you pull the trigger?

Miami will take one tenth of that if we absorb the whole contract.

The deal with SF Stanton reportedly vetoes was for Joe Panik (league average 2b) and 2 non-top 100 prospects.

Our deal would be something like Fisher, Bukaskas, and Brady Rogers if that’s the case.


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[MusicMan]

If I'm Miami I'm asking for Whitley, Tucker, Bregman and Martes. Would you pull the trigger?

For this package, we would get Stanton, Ozuna, Realmuto, and Jeter’s first born son.


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[toddthebod]

Miami will take one tenth of that if we absorb the whole contract.

The deal with SF Stanton reportedly vetoes was for Joe Panik (league average 2b) and 2 non-top 100 prospects.

Our deal would be something like Fisher, Bukaskas, and Brady Rogers if that’s the case.


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Fisher, Paulino, Rogers gets it done. 

[juliogotay]

Fisher, Paulino, Rogers gets it done.

And a whole lot of budget considerations. This may be a good deal initially but it will dry up $$ for Springer, Altuve, Keuchel. Maybe that is ok since I'm not confident of signing any of those long-term except Altuve.

[JimR]

If I'm Miami I'm asking for Whitley, Tucker, Bregman and Martes. Would you pull the trigger?

Fuck no, and I doubt Miami thinks Houston would.

[JimR]

And a whole lot of budget considerations. This may be a good deal initially but it will dry up $$ for Springer, Altuve, Keuchel. Maybe that is ok since I'm not confident of signing any of those long-term except Altuve.

I do not think this is necessarily the case. Crane is on board with Luhnow’s plan, he is on record as saying the Astros can afford Stanton’s contract, and Luhnow was in trade talks with Miami.

[VirtualBob]

Fisher, Paulino, Rogers gets it done.

Agree.  All three are on the cusp of major-league-ready, and any of them may turn out to be solid performers (if not stars).  They fill a lot of Miami holes while they try to rebuild the right way through the draft.  I'd probably be willing to throw in another AA/AAA prospect, though, as long as it is not Whitley or Tucker.  Somebody like Davis or Moran, for instance.

And just for the record, Bregman does not qualify as a "prospect" so I am not sure why his name came up as part of the bundle.

[toddthebod]

And a whole lot of budget considerations. This may be a good deal initially but it will dry up $$ for Springer, Altuve, Keuchel. Maybe that is ok since I'm not confident of signing any of those long-term except Altuve.

I continue to believe that Stanton will opt out of the contract after 3 years.  He's going to break the single-season HR record in Houston.  And he will get an even bigger deal than what he is getting now, particularly after Harper and Machado set record contracts after next season. 

So yeah, the contract looks daunting now, but I think its a fairly short-term contract.

And Stanton, by the way is only 28.  This wouldn't be the Astros trading for a past-his-prime superstar. 

[JimR]

I will not be shocked if we trade for him.

[juliogotay]

I will not be shocked if we trade for him.

Me, too. If we do something really big I would prefer it be for that thing you can never have enough of. Pitching, of course.

[JimR]

Me, too. If we do something really big I would prefer it be for that thing you can never have enough of. Pitching, of course.

I will NOT be shocked....

[MusicMan]

I will not be shocked if we trade for him.

I think Crane wants it to happen. I'm scared shitless of the Yankees getting him and offloading Ellsbury's contract simultaneously.

[juliogotay]

I think Crane wants it to happen. I'm scared shitless of the Yankees getting him and offloading Ellsbury's contract simultaneously.

Stanton and Judge. It wouldn't surprise me.

[Sambito Redux]

Sounds like the deal is $77 Million over three years and three prospects like Fisher, Paulino and Arauz with the risk being he does not opt out of his current contract we have to find a way to offload another approx $120 million as a plan B?

[JimR]

Of course, now the buzz is the Yankees will get him.

Where are you, Luhnow? No way they have better prospects. Do we want someone else instead?

[austro]

Of course, now the buzz is the Yankees will get him.

Where are you, Luhnow? No way they have better prospects. Do we want someone else instead?

I'm hopeful that Luhnow is working quietly behind the scenes as he did with Verlander, and we'll wake up one of these mornings and find out it's a done deal.

[MusicMan]

Per Jeff Passan:

Sources: Yankees making progress on a trade for Giancarlo Stanton. One source cautioned nothing done. Another was confident it’s moving toward that. Either way, momentum for Stanton to Yankees is significant.

[Sambito Redux]

Not optimistic here. 

More Passan

Sources: The Yankees recognize they’re in a position of significant strength right now. Same with Giancarlo Stanton, who can decide exactly where he wants to go and force a deal. And the Marlins ... well, the Marlins are trying to figure out how to best salvage an absolute mess.

[JimR]

Fuck. Stanton to Yankees says Heyman.

[Jacksonian]

Of course, now the buzz is the Yankees will get him.

Where are you, Luhnow? No way they have better prospects. Do we want someone else instead?

Their prospects are as good as the Astros.  This thing may be more about Stanton’s order of preference for team than anything else.

[HudsonHawk]

Their prospects are as good as the Astros.  This thing may be more about Stanton’s order of preference for team than anything else.

Saw this morning that the Marlins ar demanding Starlin Castro plus a "higher level of prospects" from the Yankees. Don't know if this is old or legit.

[NeilT]

Saw this morning that the Marlins ar demanding Starlin Castro plus a "higher level of prospects" from the Yankees. Don't know if this is old or legit.

It's impossible to know what's going on from the outside.  Stanton seems to have boxed in the Marlins, the Marlins could be floating the Yankees to try to create a bidding war from everybody else. 

Starlin Castro?  I guess he did have a pretty good year last year.

[Jacksonian]

Saw this morning that the Marlins ar demanding Starlin Castro plus a "higher level of prospects" from the Yankees. Don't know if this is old or legit.

Regardless of what happens as an Astros fan for my 50 years of life having won the World Series Luhnow has a 10 year reprieve from me.

[HudsonHawk]

It's impossible to know what's going on from the outside.  Stanton seems to have boxed in the Marlins, the Marlins could be floating the Yankees to try to create a bidding war from everybody else. 

Starlin Castro?  I guess he did have a pretty good year last year.

The implication was that the Marlins were willing to practically give Stanton to anyone but the Yankees. If the Yankees wanted him, they'd have to pony up a lot more. Again, don't know how true that is.

And Castro did have a pretty good year, hitting .300. And though it seems like he's been in the league forever, he's actually only two months older than Jose Altuve and has more career hits.

[HudsonHawk]

Regardless of what happens as an Astros fan for my 50 years of life having won the World Series Luhnow has a 10 year reprieve from me.

Agreed. If the Yankees get Stanton, the Astros will just have to deal with facing him. He'd sure look good in Houston though.

[Ty in Tampa]

FTY!

[JimR]

Their prospects are as good as the Astros.  This thing may be more about Stanton’s order of preference for team than anything else.

If you say so, you are the expert. Agree re the likelihood he ranked the teams.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Well that sucks.

Now back to shoring up the bullpen.

[Reuben]

This had everything to do with the $295m left on the contract and almost nothing to do with what prospects a team was willing to send back. Castro was in the deal to offset salary. Note that Stanton wanted to go to LA, and the Dodgers could have easily afforded him, but chose not to.

[doyce7]

This had everything to do with the $295m left on the contract and almost nothing to do with what prospects a team was willing to send back. Castro was in the deal to offset salary. Note that Stanton wanted to go to LA, and the Dodgers could have easily afforded him, but chose not to.

The Dodgers didn't want to take a massive luxury tax hit and would have wanted the Marlins to take one of the plethora of bad contracts

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[JimR]

The Dodgers didn't want to take a massive luxury tax hit and would have wanted the Marlins to take one of the plethora of bad contracts

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This is correct. It also is correct Crane said the Astros could take on his contract.

[Reuben]

This is correct. It also is correct Crane said the Astros could take on his contract.

And I think he probably meant it. But Luhnow probably convinced him it wouldn’t be a good idea. Hopefully, that’s because they’re earmarking that kind of cash for extensions for Correa, Altuve, etc.

[juliogotay]

Last year at this time Luhnow had completed his Christmas shopping. McCann, Reddick, Morton and Beltran all signed or dealt for.

[JimR]

And I think he probably meant it. But Luhnow probably convinced him it wouldn’t be a good idea. Hopefully, that’s because they’re earmarking that kind of cash for extensions for Correa, Altuve, etc.

I seriously doubt the GM tells the owner how to spend his money.

[Reuben]

I seriously doubt the GM tells the owner how to spend his money.

Some owners ignore their GMs on the mega-deal players, but isn’t it basically the GM’s job to decide how to spend the owner’s money? I trust Luhnow much more than Crane to decide which players are worth committing $30m a year to.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Not sure how the attrition process worked once they were down to the final 4, i.e. did the Astros bow out or get a chance to counter offer?

[Mr. Happy]

I can't help but be bothered by Jeter's involvement. He's a Yankee legend.  The Yankees took on a lot of contingent salary if Stanton doesn't opt out of his deal in 2020. But I wasn't impressed with the talent that Miami received in exchange. I wonder what Bowie Kuhn would have done with this deal. Oh well. Time to move on.

[juliogotay]

I can't help but be bothered by Jeter's involvement. He's a Yankee legend.  The Yankees took on a lot of contingent salary if Stanton doesn't opt out of his deal in 2020. But I wasn't impressed with the talent that Miami received in exchange. I wonder what Bowie Kuhn would have done with this deal. Oh well. Time to move on.

Bowie Kuhn also entered my mind about this deal. Truly a different era today. A lot of more complicated.

[juliogotay]

Meanwhile, Keuchel has hired Boras for representation as per the Chronicle.

[Navin R Johnson]

I'd have put the chances of signing Keuchel at the end of the year at about 2%, before he hired Boras.

[Jacksonian]

I'd have put the chances of signing Keuchel at the end of the year at about 2%, before he hired Boras.

Based on comments he's made in the past regarding team moves and/or the lack thereof I have been expecting him to be in NY, Boston, Chicago, or LA for the 19 season.

[Reuben]

Based on comments he's made in the past regarding team moves and/or the lack thereof I have been expecting him to be in NY, Boston, Chicago, or LA for the 19 season.

Signing him would be one way for the Yankees to avoid being dominated by him in crucial games.

[JimR]

Based on comments he's made in the past regarding team moves and/or the lack thereof I have been expecting him to be in NY, Boston, Chicago, or LA for the 19 season.

If they are pretty certain they will lose him to FA, trading him now might be tempting, especially if they sign Arrieta and/or Darvish.

[Jacksonian]

If they are pretty certain they will lose him to FA, trading him now might be tempting, especially if the sign Arrieta and/or Darvish.

I thought about the Astros dealing him this winter back at the beginning of the season as well.  They'd certainly have to have another veteran at that level if they do.  I don't know that Arrieta or Darvish are though.  What would be intriguing is dealing him and using the prospects gained in a deal for a guy like Archer or Stroman.

[JimR]

I thought about the Astros dealing him this winter back at the beginning of the season as well.  They'd certainly have to have another veteran at that level if they do.  I don't know that Arrieta or Darvish are though.  What would be intriguing is dealing him and using the prospects gained in a deal for a guy like Archer or Stroman.

Sign Arrieta, and do the deals you propose.

[Navin R Johnson]

Arrieta - ERA - WHIP - IP
2015 - 1.77 - 0.865 - 229
2016 - 3.10 - 1.084 - 197
2017 - 3.55 - 1.218 - 168

He turns 32 to start the season, wants 4+ years $100+ million.   Doesn't really seem like the kind of guy Luhnow would go after.

[toddthebod]

So amused.  Jim proposing that the Astros trade Keuchel for prospects, turn those prospects over for Archer or Stroman and also sign Arrieta is toddthebod vintage 2002.

[JimR]

So amused.  Jim proposing that the Astros trade Keuchel for prospects, turn those prospects over for Archer or Stroman and also sign Arrieta is toddthebod vintage 2002.

Jacksonian proposed the Kuechel trade actually. I just said it is tempting.

[Jacksonian]

Jacksonian proposed the Kuechel trade actually. I just said it is tempting.

I did.  But trading to stock pile prospects to then deal for something else is the kind of thinking I’d expect from Luhnow.

[geezerdonk]

If Kuechel leaves for free agency, does Houston get draft pick compensation?

[Reuben]

If Kuechel leaves for free agency, does Houston get draft pick compensation?

Keuchel. And yes, they would, assuming they make him a qualifying offer after the season. It would probably be a comp pick after the 1st round.

[JimR]

Keuchel. And yes, they would, assuming they make him a qualifying offer after the season. It would probably be a comp pick after the 1st round.

I started the misspelling. Mea culpa.

[VirtualBob]

I started the misspelling. Mea culpa.

light a cnadle when you say that ...

[Reuben]

I started the misspelling. Mea culpa.

I’m particularly sensitive to that -eu versus -ue distinction.

[Ebby Calvin]

Marwin signed with Boras.

[JimR]

Marwin signed with Boras.

Freaking conspiracy

[Jacksonian]

Freaking conspiracy

Win a world series = show me the money

[JimR]

Win a world series = show me the money

and forget which organization saw something in you when others did not

[Reuben]

Freaking conspiracy

Beltran’s veteran guidance may have had unintended consequences.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

As an Astros fan it's a bummer because he's such a demanding negotiator but I'm sure Marwin chose Boras because he is a great agent from a player's perspective.

[juliogotay]

As an Astros fan it's a bummer because he's such a demanding negotiator but I'm sure Marwin chose Boras because he is a great agent from a player's perspective.

Do his clients' ever re-sign with the original club? That's a serious question....I don't know. Why would someone hire Boras and then out of the other side of their mouth say they really like Houston and would like to work something out? Trying to make themselves (the player) look like they aren't the bad guy?

On another note....there are a couple of McTaggert tweets I've seen elsewhere with Luhnow saying something could happen tonight. Seems to be for pitching and I'm assuming it is a deal rather than a signing.

[NeilT]

i thought I'd posted this earlier, but apparently I failed, or I posted it elsewhere.  Altuve is also a Boras' client. 

ETA:  Now I see it, in the Free Agents thread.  Never mind. 

[chuck]

A rare sighting of the elusive self-Cabrera in its natural habitat.

[JimR]

As an Astros fan it's a bummer because he's such a demanding negotiator but I'm sure Marwin chose Boras because he is a great agent from a player's perspective.

Fuck that. Marwin should ask him “where were you when I was nobody?”

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Fuck that. Marwin should ask him “where were you when I was nobody?”

Yeah! fuck that. Boras' client list is probably filled with guys who were at one time relative nobodies.

[JimR]

Yeah! fuck that. Boras' client list is probably filled with guys who were at one time relative nobodies.

All about Boras and his %. He is a predator.

[chuck]

Fuck that. Marwin should ask him “where were you when I was nobody?”

Are you insane?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

All about Boras and his %. He is a predator.

One radio guy here refers to Boras as The Baseball Antichrist.

[Waldo]

One radio guy here Baseball fans everywhere refers to Boras as The Baseball Antichrist.

FIFY

[juliogotay]

One radio guy here refers to Boras as The Baseball Antichrist.

Rhyner. One of his better references.

[NeilT]

A rare sighting of the elusive self-Cabrera in its natural habitat.

I have a cold.  Being male, that means I'm near death.  I only function if I'm drinking hot toddies.

[JimR]

Are you insane?

Maybe, but I do not think so. You should ask the folks who spend time with me.

[MusicMan]

Maybe, but I do not think so. You should ask the folks who spend time with me.

We would, but we can't see them.

[Fredia]

they are imaginary?

[juliogotay]

Luhnow has said the club is not looking for bottom of the rotation starting pitchers. Implied that they are looking to bolster the top of the rotation. The Pirates apparently are making Cole available. Maybe something to keep an eye on.

[toddthebod]

The Astros actually have a top rotation right now with Verlander, Keuchel, McCullers, Morton, McHugh.  If they are thinking about a top of rotation starter, it would seem to be a move geared as much towards next year when they lose Keuchel and Morton as it is for this year.  But if they are looking at Arrieta or Darvish who will cost a ton, why not just resign Keuchel with that money?

The list of available quality relievers is shrinking very quickly, particularly if it is true that Holland is going back to the Rockies.  The rumors that the Astros are thinking about resigning Liriano trouble me.           

[JimR]

The Astros actually have a top rotation right now with Verlander, Keuchel, McCullers, Morton, McHugh.  If they are thinking about a top of rotation starter, it would seem to be a move geared as much towards next year when they lose Keuchel and Morton as it is for this year.  But if they are looking at Arrieta or Darvish who will cost a ton, why not just resign Keuchel with that money?

The list of available quality relievers is shrinking very quickly, particularly if it is true that Holland is going back to the Rockies.  The rumors that the Astros are thinking about resigning Liriano trouble me.         

BECAUSE KEUCHEL IS GOING FA!

Liriano is a good #2 lefty. He was very effective down the stretch and in his two WS appearances..

[chuck]

We would, but we can't see them.

My nephew had an imaginary friend named Tutu. Whenever it came time to make teams for whatever game they were going to play it was always my nephew and his dad versus my mom and Tutu. Turns out Tutu is a shit soccer player.

[gundy315]

The Astros actually have a top rotation right now with Verlander, Keuchel, McCullers, Morton, McHugh.  If they are thinking about a top of rotation starter, it would seem to be a move geared as much towards next year when they lose Keuchel and Morton as it is for this year.  But if they are looking at Arrieta or Darvish who will cost a ton, why not just resign Keuchel with that money?

The list of available quality relievers is shrinking very quickly, particularly if it is true that Holland is going back to the Rockies.  The rumors that the Astros are thinking about resigning Liriano trouble me.         

You can never have enough quality arms, and four of those five spent time on the DL last year.   Liriano's stuff was/is still pretty damn nasty, and his results did improve after getting knocked around for his first couple of weeks with the club.

Inside info: Arrieta told a friend of mine (not a baseball guy, and with no skin in the game) that he really wants to come to Houston.  My response was, "well, yeah... but at what price?"  My friend's reply: "I dunno, man... he seemed pretty emphatic."

ETA: Arrieta lives in Austin.  Whether his property qualifies as a "Ranch" is unclear.

[juliogotay]

BECAUSE KEUCHEL IS GOING FA!

Liriano is a good #2 lefty. He was very effective down the stretch and in his two WS appearances..

Totally agree regarding Liriano.

[doyce7]

BECAUSE KEUCHEL IS GOING FA!

Liriano is a good #2 lefty. He was very effective down the stretch and in his two WS appearances..

I think with a full spring training dedicated to being a reliever, liriano can be a top level lefty reliever. I would love the Astros to resign him

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[NeilT]

they are imaginary?

Virtual.

[Mr. Happy]

BECAUSE KEUCHEL IS GOING FA!

Liriano is a good #2 lefty. He was very effective down the stretch and in his two WS appearances..

+1 Liriano has what most lefty specialists don't have: filthy stuff when he's right. I remember watching him pitch when he first came up with the Twins. He had a Bugs Bunny slider that still to this day one of the top three sliders I've ever seen, one of the others being pre-TJ Kerry Wood.

[JimR]

You can never have enough quality arms, and four of those five spent time on the DL last year.   Liriano's stuff was/is still pretty damn nasty, and his results did improve after getting knocked around for his first couple of weeks with the club.

Inside info: Arrieta told a friend of mine (not a baseball guy, and with no skin in the game) that he really wants to come to Houston.  My response was, "well, yeah... but at what price?"  My friend's reply: "I dunno, man... he seemed pretty emphatic."

ETA: Arrieta lives in Austin.  Whether his property qualifies as a "Ranch" is unclear.

Arrieta needs to tell his “all my clients should get $200 Million” agent where he wants to go and remind him who the boss is in a principal-agent relationship.

[gundy315]

Arrieta needs to tell his “all my clients should get $200 Million” agent where he wants to go and remind him who the boss is in a principal-agent relationship.

I agree.  Hence, my skepticism.  I take his comments to my friend to really mean, "I hope the Astros are the highest bidder."

[geezerdonk]

If the price is right, I wouldn't mind the Astros signing Arrieta or Cole or Darvish. Then they could trade Kuechel for a reliever or two. If he is so anxious to leave, maybe they can do him a favor and get him out the door a year earlier.

Are the Astros actively courting Liriano? Who are the other teams interested in him?

[das]

If the price is right, I wouldn't mind the Astros signing Arrieta or Cole or Darvish. Then they could trade Kuechel for a reliever or two. If he is so anxious to leave, maybe they can do him a favor and get him out the door a year earlier.

I’ve not seen a single indication that Keuchel is anxious to leave.  What’s the basis of this comment?

[NeilT]

I’ve not seen a single indication that Keuchel is anxious to leave.  What’s the basis of this comment?

He yelled at the front office for not making a trade by the trade deadline.  He's a malcontent. 

[Bench]

He yelled at the front office for not making a trade by the trade deadline.  He's a malcontent.

And he hired Boras which means he has ceded all control over his future. 

[JimR]

I agree.  Hence, my skepticism.  I take his comments to my friend to really mean, "I hope the Astros are the highest bidder."

Which they will not be

[gundy315]

He yelled at the front office for not making a trade by the trade deadline.  He's a malcontent.

July 31st:

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was disappointed in not getting some of the moves done that we were working on," Luhnow said after the 3 p.m. deadline passed.

"We had some that were close to and almost over the finish line, and at times I would've put them at 90 percent-plus that we were going to get them done. But there are a lot of dynamics that happen with these deals, and for reasons I can't really talk about, they didn't happen."

The next day:

"I mean, I'm not going to lie, disappointment is a little bit of an understatement," Keuchel said Tuesday, a day after the trade deadline. "I feel like a bunch of teams really bolstered their rosters for the long haul and for a huge playoff push, and us just kind of staying pat was really disappointing to myself."

Malcontent, or just echoing organization-wide sentiment?

[Navin R Johnson]

I’ve not seen a single indication that Keuchel is anxious to leave.  What’s the basis of this comment?

Maybe it isn't Keuchel that is anxious to see him move on...

[JimR]

Maybe it isn't Keuchel that is anxious to see him move on...

That thought crossed my mind also. A trade would not surprise me.

[juliogotay]

July 31st:

The next day:

Malcontent, or just echoing organization-wide sentiment?

don't take Neil for verbatim. His wit lends towards sarcastic.

[NeilT]

don't take Neil for verbatim. His wit lends towards sarcastic.

Yeah.

[juliogotay]

That thought crossed my mind also. A trade would not surprise me.

 Ultimately think it would be a big loss. When he's healthy and keeping the ball down he is money. Fields his position very well and extremely competitive. Not to mention a rare LHer in this organization. I would think he will age well as his game doesn't depend on velocity but location.

[NeilT]

Ultimately think it would be a big loss. When he's healthy and keeping the ball down he is money. Fields his position very well and extremely competitive. Not to mention a rare LHer in this organization. I would think he will age well as his game doesn't depend on velocity but location.

I would miss seeing Keuchel play defense every 5th day. 

[JimR]

Ultimately think it would be a big loss. When he's healthy and keeping the ball down he is money. Fields his position very well and extremely competitive. Not to mention a rare LHer in this organization. I would think he will age well as his game doesn't depend on velocity but location.

I do not doubt any of this, but I do not think his attitude is very good.

[juliogotay]

I do not doubt any of this, but I do not think his attitude is very good.

OK. I get that but  unless  there is a lot more that I am not aware of and not made public I will hope that he and his attitude hang around for one more contract. He seemed as crazy happy as anyone on the club when they won the pennant and the WS and helped convince Verlander to accept the deal. "You'll love it here" doesn't sound the words of a malcontent.

[JimR]

OK. I get that but  unless  there is a lot more that I am not aware of and not made public I will hope that he and his attitude hang around for one more contract. He seemed as crazy happy as anyone on the club when they won the pennant and the WS and helped convince Verlander to accept the deal. "You'll love it here" doesn't sound the words of a malcontent.

I have no sources on this. My opinion only.

[mrpink]

Keuchel's response to the situation on twitter.  Apologies if Cabrera'd.

https://twitter.com/kidkeuchy/status/940381372241326080

[das]

Keuchel's response to the situation on twitter.  Apologies if Cabrera'd.
https://twitter.com/kidkeuchy/status/940381372241326080

Looks like public/media negotiations have started early. I wonder if Boras helped him craft that tweet. Not a mention of the Astros, who scouted him, drafted him, developed him and paid him $17.5M over the last 4 years. Only mentions city/fans. Bleh.

[roadrunner]

I don't think DK has a bad attitude.  He did speak openly about the lack of a deadline deal pre-Verlander, but other than that he has basically just worked hard and pitched well. 

I don't know why anyone faults these guys for hiring Boras.  As fans, yes we hate him, but if you are a player why wouldn't you try to get the most money out of teams?  It's not like the Astros gave Keuchel more than he deserved in his arbitration years.  Look at what they gave Correa last year. 

Baseball is a business...(no shit).

[Bench]

I don't think DK has a bad attitude.  He did speak openly about the lack of a deadline deal pre-Verlander, but other than that he has basically just worked hard and pitched well. 

I don't know why anyone faults these guys for hiring Boras.  As fans, yes we hate him, but if you are a player why wouldn't you try to get the most money out of teams?  It's not like the Astros gave Keuchel more than he deserved in his arbitration years.  Look at what they gave Correa last year. 

Baseball is a business...(no shit).

It's interesting that these "loyalty" discounts that everyone always talks about for free agents only goes one way. 

[AtascAstro]

They gave us a beautiful, perfect season.  There is no unfinished business in Houston.  If they've always wanted to play in another city or some other team values their services more than that Astros, God speed and thanks for the memory.

Keuchel and Altuve endured the bad years and as such would be the most deserving of gratitude in the form of over-payment from the club.  Between the two, I'd most like to be the highest bidder for Altuve.

[JimR]

They gave us a beautiful, perfect season.  There is no unfinished business in Houston.  If they've always wanted to play in another city or some other team values their services more than that Astros, God speed and thanks for the memory.

Keuchel and Altuve endured the bad years and as such would be the most deserving of gratitude in the form of over-payment from the club.  Between the two, I'd most like to be the highest bidder for Altuve.

My guess is—again with no source or info—they let Keuchel walk with no regrets and break the bank for Altuve.

[juliogotay]

My guess is—again with no source or info—they let Keuchel walk with no regrets and break the bank for Altuve.

I suspect so. They are reportedly looking for TORP help. While Keuchel seems intent on moving on it may be the club isn't that anxious to give him TORP $$ based on current market and what the braintrust have projected for his future performance/durability.

[NeilT]

There is certainly value in loyalty, as there is in braveness, cleanliness, and reverence.  That said, between the organization and the player, there's no reason we shouldn't expect loyalty to run both ways. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

My guess is—again with no source or info—they let Keuchel walk with no regrets and break the bank for Altuve.

If I had to choose between the 2,  that would be my preference.

And all discussion of this underscores the real challenge for Lunhow: building a franchise that sustains excellence. And that almost never entails keeping every player who makes a positive contribution.

[mrpink]

If they've always wanted to play in another city or some other team values their services more than that Astros, God speed and thanks for the memory.

He's from Tulsa, right?  If being close to home counts for something I can't imagine there's a team that he would want to play for more than the Ast......oh shit.

[NeilT]

He's from Tulsa, right?  If being close to home counts for something I can't imagine there's a team that he would want to play for more than the Ast......oh shit.

St. Louis may be closer than Dallas, or Kansas City.

[mrpink]

St. Louis may be closer than Dallas, or Kansas City.

You may be right.  I never gave much thought to the part of the world north of the Red River.

[NeilT]

You may be right.  I never gave much thought to the part of the world north of the Red River.

Yankees.  All of 'em.

[Fredia]

i used to cross the red river going from natchitoches all the time. i had no idea such evil lurked above

[juliogotay]

He's from Tulsa, right?  If being close to home counts for something I can't imagine there's a team that he would want to play for more than the Ast......oh shit.

I doubt that Keuchel needs to be particularly close to Tulsa.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I doubt that Keuchel needs to be particularly close to Tulsa.

Nobody needs to be particularly close to Tulsa. There's the Philbrook, the Gilcrease, and Cain's Ballroom. That's it. A Saturday's worth of stuff to do there. Nothing else.

[VirtualBob]

Nobody needs to be particularly close to Tulsa.

This.

[Duke]

I think Kershaw is a FA after next year too.  Jus' sayin'.

[juliogotay]

I think Kershaw is a FA after next year too.  Jus' sayin'.

Too bad the Dodgers don't have any money to spend.