Roster changes

[JimR]

When do you think it will happen? What changes would you make? As was said in the GZ, the pen has too many pitchers given how deep into games this rotation goes. Guys need more work to be sharp (e.g. Joe Smith).

In ST, we needed another hitter, preferably a LH DH/LF. We definitely needed a LF. We still do. Fisher and Gattis drag the lineup down. Fisher’s AB in the 8th last night is who I think he is.

We could use a top LHP for the pen.

Do teams trade in April/May? Perhaps the needed hitter is Tucker. If he is not, from where does the needed hitter come?

What can Hinch or anyone do about all the Ks?

[moriartp]

I read that there was some trade buzz around Moustakas recently (not linked to the Astros specifically, just that teams were looking at him as an early-season trade option). He could replace Gattis, but I don't think he's ever played the outfield.

[doyce7]

I agree that that right now, we have to many guys in the bullpen. The problem is that I think only devo has any options left and I don't think they want to risk losing any them.

Unfortunately I think were stuck with the bottom of the lineup we currently have for the time being. There's not anybody off the street to add and trades in april/may are quite rare.


 I don't know what the answer is right now but I doubt they do much of anything for the time being.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Any of the orphaned free agents still out there?

I would guess there'll be done deals with pitchers as the currency but I don't know when that season will start.

[Jacksonian]

When do you think it will happen? What changes would you make? As was said in the GZ, the pen has too many pitchers given how deep into games this rotation goes. Guys need more work to be sharp (e.g. Joe Smith).

In ST, we needed another hitter, preferably a LH DH/LF. We definitely needed a LF. We still do. Fisher and Gattis drag the lineup down. Fisher’s AB in the 8th last night is who I think he is.

We could use a top LHP for the pen.

Do teams trade in April/May? Perhaps the needed hitter is Tucker. If he is not, from where does the needed hitter come?

What can Hinch or anyone do about all the Ks?

From the bullpen perspective you're talking about multiple changes.  You would have to remove at least 2 pitchers from the bullpen permanently and add no more than one.  I don't see 2 guys to remove.  I see one, Sipp, especially because he's not good, and his contract expires at the end of the season.

Gattis is a free agent after this season.  Maybe he can be traded.  But what team would want him?  And who would replace him?  Davis, maybe?  I don't believe Luhnow wants more than one rookie position player on the team at a time.  I don't know that Tucker is ready either.

Also, can changes wait?  Right now they're in the post-season.  Even with the holes the offense is able to score 5 or more a night.

[JimR]

From the bullpen perspective you're talking about multiple changes.  You would have to remove at least 2 pitchers from the bullpen permanently and add no more than one.  I don't see 2 guys to remove.  I see one, Sipp, especially because he's not good, and his contract expires at the end of the season.

Gattis is a free agent after this season.  Maybe he can be traded.  But what team would want him?  And who would replace him?  Davis, maybe?  I don't believe Luhnow wants more than one rookie position player on the team at a time.  I don't know that Tucker is ready either.

Also, can changes wait?  Right now they're in the post-season.  Even with the holes the offense is able to score 5 or more a night.

Of course changes can wait and most likely will. Probably why I would not be a good GM: “right now we are in the playoffs” would be good enough for me. In some ways, this team is not playing good baseball.

[juliogotay]

Info on Ohtani's interest (or lack of) in Astros presentation and update on Whitely here. https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-were-serious-in-ohtani-recruitment/c-273669734

[juliogotay]

Of course changes can wait and most likely will. Probably why I would not be a good GM: “right now we are in the playoffs” would be good enough for me. In some ways, this team is not playing good baseball.

In some ways, this team is not playing good baseball.

I agree. The good news is the club is at last years' pace so far.
*Previous Astros records at 25 games:

2018: 16-9

2017: 16-9

2016: 8-17

2015: 18-7

[toddthebod]

Blow up the team.  That's what I'd do. 

Ok, not really, but the Astros do need more production out of LF and DH.  There isn't much left in the free agent bag.  The free agent who I would have seriously considered -- Melky Cabrera -- actually just got signed by the Indians (and for a fairly insignificant amount).  Matt Holliday is still available.  Minor league deal?  Anyone?

If we assume that Tucker isn't coming up yet, we are talking about the same AAA guys who've been up and down -- Davis, Kemp, Reed.  Davis and Kemp are having great seasons so far in AAA.  The only new name to throw out is Drew Ferguson who has been raking (even though his batting average is now down to only .362).

 
 

[Reuben]

Info on Ohtani's interest (or lack of) in Astros presentation and update on Whitely here. https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-were-serious-in-ohtani-recruitment/c-273669734

Whitley, not Whitely.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

From the bullpen perspective you're talking about multiple changes.  You would have to remove at least 2 pitchers from the bullpen permanently and add no more than one.  I don't see 2 guys to remove.  I see one, Sipp, especially because he's not good, and his contract expires at the end of the season.

Gattis is a free agent after this season.  Maybe he can be traded.  But what team would want him?  And who would replace him?  Davis, maybe?  I don't believe Luhnow wants more than one rookie position player on the team at a time.  I don't know that Tucker is ready either.

Also, can changes wait?  Right now they're in the post-season.  Even with the holes the offense is able to score 5 or more a night.

For the "remove 2 pitchers" part, McHugh could very easily be gone if the right trade arises.  Probably unlikely that you'd get a LH reliever for him, but a LF could probably be had for McHugh.

[BudGirl]

For the "remove 2 pitchers" part, McHugh could very easily be gone if the right trade arises.  Probably unlikely that you'd get a LH reliever for him, but a LF could probably be had for McHugh.

I hesitate to trade Colin because I can't imagine the Astros being so fortunate to not have an injury to their starting pitching this season.

[Jacksonian]

I hesitate to trade Colin because I can't imagine the Astros being so fortunate to not have an injury to their starting pitching this season.

+1

[juliogotay]

I hesitate to trade Colin because I can't imagine the Astros being so fortunate to not have an injury to their starting pitching this season.

I agree. I'd rather have him be a part of the rotation for an extended period than Paulino or Martes.

[JimR]

Laugh at me if you want, but I would trade (again) for Jed Lowrie and ask “Can you catch a fly ball?”

[Lefty]

Laugh at me if you want, but I would trade (again) for Jed Lowrie and ask “Can you catch a fly ball?”

You're not crazy.  I think they should rent Machado at some point.  Let Bregman catch fly balls in LF for half a year.

They have 1 extra relief pitcher right now.  Fisher is literally the only guy they can send down without waivers.  There's no way they give up on Gattis.  I cannot fit these pegs into these holes.

[HudsonHawk]

You're not crazy.  I think they should rent Machado at some point.  Let Bregman catch fly balls in LF for half a year.

They have 1 extra relief pitcher right now.  Fisher is literally the only guy they can send down without waivers.  There's no way they give up on Gattis.  I cannot fit these pegs into these holes.

I would not mess with the infield, especially for a rental. All of the drafting, all of the maneuvering you ever do is to get you an infield like the Astros have now. You’re at the top of the mountain. Perhaps if a long term solution at 1B were available I’d pull the trigger and let Yuli mostly DH. Otherwise, I need an outfielder.

As for pitchers, I’d trade McHugh in a heartbeat if I could get the right guy in return.  I might even cut two guys from the pen. I’m not sure what you’d be “giving up” on with Gattis. He’s a fungible commodity.

[TerryPuhl21]

Matt Kemp is an outfielder who is hitting .310 with an OPS over .900.

The Dodgers were wanting to deal him not too long ago. Not sure what his contract looks like but the guy can hit. I would at least call and ask about him if I were the GM.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JimR]

I am as serious as I can be about Lowrie. Switch hitter, tough out, good hitter. He’s be perfect for the 9 hole and DH. If he could play a little LF, all the better.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I am as serious as I can be about Lowrie. Switch hitter, tough out, good hitter. He’s be perfect for the 9 hole and DH. If he could play a little LF, all the better.

Funny thing.  I happened by one of his ABs yesterday vs. the Rangers.  Had to pause the screen when I saw what his current BA is .  He's certainly off to a good start this season.   

[JimR]

Funny thing.  I happened by one of his ABs yesterday vs. the Rangers.  Had to pause the screen when I saw what his current BA is .  He's certainly off to a good start this season.

Yep, I know. Someone send a telegram to Mike Fast.

[TerryPuhl21]

I am as serious as I can be about Lowrie. Switch hitter, tough out, good hitter. He’s be perfect for the 9 hole and DH. If he could play a little LF, all the better.

Wouldn’t disappoint me in the slightest to add him. As you said, he’s a tough out and we need more of those right now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bench]

Lowrie still lives in Houston.  "Wouldn't you like to work a little closer to home?"

[MusicMan]

Lowrie still lives in Houston.  "Wouldn't you like to work a little closer to home?"

“Actually, I would.”
“Well I propose the Bayou.”
“And I’ll provide us some runs?”
“Well, we’ll see how it goes.”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bench]

“Actually, I would.”
“Well I propose the Bayou.”
“And I’ll provide us some runs?”
“Well, we’ll see how it goes.”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

'Cause we'll have the bats.
We're in the same spot.

[MusicMan]

'Cause we'll have the bats.
We're in the same spot.

When you got Sipp in the game
You’re losing the game
You don’t get a win
Til Ken is saving the game


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NeilT]

“Actually, I would.”
“Well I propose the Bayou.”
“And I’ll provide us some runs?”
“Well, we’ll see how it goes.”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Without the internet I'd miss every pop cultural reference offered.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Without the internet I'd miss every pop cultural reference offered.

I'm completely flummoxed by the attraction. It wont be in San Antonio for a year and tickets on the resale market are ranging between $375 and $1,100. In San Antonio. A year from now.

[NeilT]

I'm completely flummoxed by the attraction. It wont be in San Antonio for a year and tickets on the resale market are ranging between $375 and $1,100. In San Antonio. A year from now.

Maybe it's this year's beanie baby?

[BizidyDizidy]

I'm completely flummoxed by the attraction. It wont be in San Antonio for a year and tickets on the resale market are ranging between $375 and $1,100. In San Antonio. A year from now.

I have to say, it is pretty awesome.

[Bench]

I'm completely flummoxed by the attraction. It wont be in San Antonio for a year and tickets on the resale market are ranging between $375 and $1,100. In San Antonio. A year from now.

I am sure you can be disappointed if you set your mind to it, but you would be one of the few.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I'm a simple caveman.   Your pop culture references frighten and confuse me.

What the hell are you guys talking about? Hamilton?

[Bench]

I'm a simple caveman.   Your pop culture references frighten and confuse me.

What the hell are you guys talking about? Hamilton?

The ten dollar founding father without a father.

[BudGirl]

If anyone wants to take me to see Hamilton, just let me know.  I'd be thrilled.

[JimR]

If anyone wants to take me to see Hamilton, just let me know.  I'd be thrilled.

I am going to see it on Broadway in Oct. You can meet me there.

[NeilT]

I read the book years ago. Anybody who could turn that into a musical is obviously a genius. 

[BudGirl]

I am going to see it on Broadway in Oct. You can meet me there.

You have a ticket for me?  Because I'll go.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I read the book years ago. Anybody who could turn that into a musical is obviously a genius.

A hit musical based on Alexander Hamilton. A crazy visionary genius.

[JimR]

You have a ticket for me?  Because I'll go.

Nope. Buy your own ticket. Oct. 14.