2019 Roster

[Bench]

What, too soon?

Players who will now become free agents:

Keuchel
Morton
Sipp
Marwin
Maldonado
Gattis

I assume Harris' club option won't be signed.

Anyone else?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Sign Marwin.

[Bench]

Sign Marwin.

And Morton who has already said he wants to stay with the Astros.

Here's a list of all free agents broken down by position and ranked by WAR.

[BudGirl]

Morton and Marwin can stay.  Maldonado is a FA?  Seems an odd trade by Luhnow.

[Nate Colbert]

And Morton who has already said he wants to stay with the Astros.

It better be highly incentivized to take into account the risk of a possible bum shoulder.

[Nate Colbert]

Maldonado is a FA?

Yes.

[Nate Colbert]

McCullers (as was noted in the other thread) is arb-eligible. If he does go under the knife, what does Luhnow do? Pay Lance $4.6MM (MLBTR's estimate of his 2019 salary) to rehab the entire season at FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches?

That will be an interesting call.

ETA:
Perhaps not such a tough call after all.  Prior to the non-tender date, a deal simply gets worked out and Lance gets a chunk o' change that will be nowhere near the above amount.

[doyce7]

What, too soon?

Players who will now become free agents:

Keuchel
Morton
Sipp
Marwin
Maldonado
Gattis

I assume Harris' club option won't be signed.

Anyone else?

McCann also has a team option of I think 14 or 15 million.

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[Texifornia]

My guess is Keuchel is gone, Morton retires, Marwin is signed, Gattis is gone, Sipp may get signed for one or two years maximum and Maldonado gets signed.

[moriartp]

McCullers (as was noted in the other thread) is arb-eligible. If he does go under the knife, what does Luhnow do? Pay Lance $4.6MM (MLBTR's estimate of his 2019 salary) to rehab the entire season at FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches?

That will be an interesting call.

ETA:
Perhaps not such a tough call after all.  Prior to the non-tender date, a deal simply gets worked out and Lance gets a chunk o' change that will be nowhere near the above amount.

I don't know what the history is on arb guys facing TJS, but I think it would clearly be worth it to put a $4.6 million down payment on his 2020 & 2021 seasons unless his arm is totally shot.

As always, the not-my-money caveat applies.

[BUWebguy]

McCann also has a team option of I think 14 or 15 million.

Gonna be interesting to see what the Astros do at catcher. Decline the option, but resign McCann for less? Resign Maldonado after a shaky postseason? Depend on Stassi as the starter? Trade or free agent?

[doyce7]

Gonna be interesting to see what the Astros do at catcher. Decline the option, but resign McCann for less? Resign Maldonado after a shaky postseason? Depend on Stassi as the starter? Trade or free agent?

Maldonado might be back but I doubt McCann will be. Stassi is not a starting catcher, good backup but definitely not starter quality for a team with high expectations. I'd bet they take a look at Realmuto, maybe Grandal, or somebody out of the blue

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[MusicMan]

And Morton who has already said he wants to stay with the Astros.

Here's a list of all free agents broken down by position and ranked by WAR.

From that link, this made me laugh out loud:

Jason Heyward (29, 2.0) -- Can opt out of the five years and $106 million remaining on his contract


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[Bench]

McCann also has a team option of I think 14 or 15 million.

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I was looking around for details on the option and found this web site:

2019 option vests with:
1,000 PAs from 2017-18
90 games caught in 2018
Does not end 2018 on the DL

Neither of the first two conditions were met. 

According to chron.com he "can become a free agent after this season."

[juliogotay]

I was looking around for details on the option and found this web site:

2019 option vests with:
1,000 PAs from 2017-18
90 games caught in 2018
Does not end 2018 on the DL

Neither of the first two conditions were met. 

According to chron.com he "can become a free agent after this season."

I seem to remember he was going to retire after this contract. May go back to Atlanta if they would have him.

[Bench]

I seem to remember he was going to retire after this contract. May go back to Atlanta if they would have him.

I recall him saying that he wanted to finish his career in Atlanta, but he wasn't looking at retirement anytime in the immediate future.

[geezerdonk]

I would like to see them take a run at Corbin. I would think that any free agent pitcher would take a close look at the Astros given their recent successes in improving pitchers' performance.

[geezerdonk]

I would like to see them take a run at Corbin. I would think that any free agent pitcher would take a close look at the Astros given their recent successes in improving pitchers' performance.

[juliogotay]

I would like to see them take a run at Corbin. I would think that any free agent pitcher would take a close look at the Astros given their recent successes in improving pitchers' performance.

you must feel strongly about this to post it twice.

[doyce7]

I would like to see them take a run at Corbin. I would think that any free agent pitcher would take a close look at the Astros given their recent successes in improving pitchers' performance.

I like corbin but I kinda feel like hes basically the same pitcher as Keuchel, just a year younger and less past success.

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[vadave]

I think you let all free agents go and bring up some of our new guys.  You have to unblock some positions so we get some playing time for the young guys.  Catching is the only issue.  We might not have a replacement in the minors yet so resign Martin or find a replacement in FA.  Need some more left right balance so I would like to see KempWhite take over for Marwin and find a left hitting DH with power.  Obviously keep Mortin if he wants to stay.  JT Realmulto would be a nice addition but would cost a lot.  The best thing is that we have money to spend and also young players coming up - use some of that to lock up the core. 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I want Marwin back.

[Waldo]

Marwin has to be priority #1.

[Ty in Tampa]

Team Marwin!

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Marwin is my King.

[Navin R Johnson]

I’m hoping they resign Marwin, and they definitely need to sign  another bat. Assuming we lose Keuchel, but the starting rotation should still be excellent especially if they sign Charlie, who clearly wants to be back.

[Navin R Johnson]

Speaking of bats.  The FA market is pretty meh.  Wonder what 1st/LF/DH options are out there to trade for.

[DVauthrin]

I want Marwin back.

Everyone should want Marwin back.  His versatility gives Hinch a lot of lineup flexibility, he’s respected in the clubhouse, and he has proven he can elevate his play in the postseason.  Perfect for a contender like the Astros.

For me, Marwin and Morton are top priorities, as is bringing back Maldonado (hard to find catchers that can completely eliminate the running game like he can).

[DVauthrin]

Speaking of bats.  The FA market is pretty meh.  Wonder what 1st/LF/DH options are out there to trade for.

At DH, Nelson Cruz is a free agent, and, at 1B, Paul Goldschmidt has one year left on his contract.

[austro]

Tucker is going to be given every opportunity to be the regular LF. I doubt that they'll be shopping for LF-type person in the off-season.

[Navin R Johnson]

Tucker is going to be given every opportunity to be the regular LF. I doubt that they'll be shopping for LF-type person in the off-season.

That makes sense and if you resign Marwin, then there ain’t much room to add a bat.  Give Tucker a shot for a bit and then make a trade in season if needed.

[doyce7]

Speaking of bats.  The FA market is pretty meh.  Wonder what 1st/LF/DH options are out there to trade for.

I wouldn't hold my breath for a LFer. They are going to give tucker an extended look to win and keep that job. 1B is yuli for at least the next 2 seasons unless hes going to fill the marwin role on the infield(please resign marwin). DH and C are the only two places where I can see possible upgrades coming. I would like them to see what it would take to pry Realmuto away from the Marlins for C. I haven't looked to see what DH options are out there but it'd be nice to have power LH bat to add to this extremely RH lineup

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[doyce7]

At DH, Nelson Cruz is a free agent, and, at 1B, Paul Goldschmidt has one year left on his contract.

Adding Goldschmidt would be a wet dream but he would be pretty expensive and likely cost you Whitley

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[hostros7]

re: Morton - The best case scenario is if Morton wants to come back, but he’s not sure how long he wants to play and so is open to keep re-upping to one year deals or a second year option type contract at or around qualifying offer money


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[Navin R Johnson]

Morton has already stated that he wants to pitch for the Astros next year, if they want him back.

[doyce7]

I'm kind of taking it for granted that morton will be an Astro in 2019. He has said he wants to be back and I cant see the Astros not wanting him back.

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[Bench]

What’s Whitley’s timeframe?

[Nate Colbert]

What’s Whitley’s timeframe?

From the response I'm seeing re his AFL performance--he's ready now.

[doyce7]

What’s Whitley’s timeframe?

If it wasnt for his suspension, I bet he would have gotten the call james got

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[moriartp]

What’s Whitley’s timeframe?

Pretty ready. Luhnow considered calling him up in late 2017.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Adding Goldschmidt would be a wet dream but he would be pretty expensive and likely cost you Whitley

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If they want him,  target him in FA next year.

Agree that LF is Tucker's to lose.

[das]

The most important addition to this lineup for 2019 is a healthy Correa and Altuve (and a full season of Springer). 

I want Marwin back. His mid-course correction this season was a beautiful thing to watch. They stopped throwing him fastballs and, he eventually started hitting the breaking stuff which made them start to throw fastballs again.

Maldanodo is a curiosity. Great at mowing down base stealers and forcing small leads but he seemed confused by the complex sign protocol, leading to a bunch of cross ups and passed balls. No wonder Verlander wants a technology solution.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

The most important addition to this lineup for 2019 is a healthy Correa and Altuve (and a full season of Springer). 

I want Marwin back. His mid-course correction this season was a beautiful thing to watch. They stopped throwing him fastballs and, he eventually started hitting the breaking stuff which made them start to throw fastballs again.

Maldanodo is a curiosity. Great at mowing down base stealers and forcing small leads but he seemed confused by the complex sign protocol, leading to a bunch of cross ups and passed balls. No wonder Verlander wants a technology solution.

The Game 5 article ws illuminating: FTD kept saying that they had to get thru the top 4 in the lineup, top 4, top 4.

2 of those were below even their average level of performance for half the season.  Healthy Correa/Altuve, year 3 Instagrammer, and peak Springer = scary lineup.

[Nate Colbert]

MLB.com writer pulls stuff from ass re trade possibilities, says Astros "possible fits" for Realmuto, MadBum, Schwarber, Nicholas Castellanos and Jon Gray.

https://www.mlb.com/news/best-2018-19-hot-stove-value-may-be-in-trade/c-298301320

[doyce7]

MLB.com writer pulls stuff from ass re trade possibilities, says Astros "possible fits" for Realmuto, MadBum, Schwarber, Nicholas Castellanos and Jon Gray.

https://www.mlb.com/news/best-2018-19-hot-stove-value-may-be-in-trade/c-298301320

Yes, maybe, no, maybe and no

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[Nate Colbert]

From Nick Cafardo's Sunday Baseball Notes with his (questionable) take on pending free agents and other issues:

• J.A. Happ--"...likely will garner interest from the Yankees, but he may garner other interest if he’s willing to sign a three-year deal, which might be his max given his age. The Astros could be among the bidders."
• Charlie Morton--"...is from Connecticut and if he doesn’t re-sign in Houston, you could see interest from the Red Sox or Yankees. The Red Sox do need to be a bit more righthanded in their rotation and if Eovaldi departs, Morton could be a short-term fix."
• Marwin--"...could wind up being a permanent positional player for someone such as the Giants, who are hunting for offense."
• Spying--"Stunning Major League Baseball didn’t enforce major penalties on the Astros for their spy work, which goes beyond videotaping the Red Sox dugout at the start of the playoffs. Don’t know if MLB wanted to silence the story quickly as to not have the attention focused on something so negative during the postseason. But league sources tell me there’s a long pattern of indiscretions even after MLB came down on the Red Sox after they used an electronic device to relay signals last year. The Astros are a great organization and they push the envelope on information-gathering and trying to gain an edge on the competition with their methods. Dombrowski hinted he doesn’t think the investigation is over, so we’ll see if there are more penalties. Let’s face it, these maneuvers will only be a deterrent if there are penalties."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2018/10/20/after-two-terrific-postseason-starts-nathan-eovaldi-should-hit-big-free-agency/mb4cg5mlbLt70zvUjnA2MP/story.html

[Astros Fan in Big D]

 Don’t know if MLB wanted to silence the story quickly as to not have the attention focused on something so negative during the postseason. But league sources tell me there’s a long pattern of indiscretions even after MLB came down on the Red Sox after they used an electronic device to relay signals last year. The Astros are a great organization and they push the envelope on information-gathering and trying to gain an edge on the competition with their methods. Dombrowski hinted he doesn’t think the investigation is over, so we’ll see if there are more penalties. Let’s face it, these maneuvers will only be a deterrent if there are penalties."[/li]
[/list]

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2018/10/20/after-two-terrific-postseason-starts-nathan-eovaldi-should-hit-big-free-agency/mb4cg5mlbLt70zvUjnA2MP/story.html

FTRS

Thanks for the post,  Nate.

[NeilT]

With most of NASA Astros fans, they should really be able to come up with stuff undetectable by MLB.  Just sayin'.

[Nate Colbert]

McT's article re the press conference today:

• McCann's option won't be exercised (yeah, that's a shocker)
• Pitching and catching is the priority says Luhnow (yeah, that's another shocker)

"We need to have three or four more catchers we can rely on that can catch this pitching staff," Luhnow said. "They'll be working for a manager who was a catcher and the demands are pretty high for our catchers. It's definitely an area of focus for us this offseason, no question."

We've got the top two guys coming back, and they're going to be pretty solid and ready to go. The question is how we fill out the rest of the rotation."

• McHugh, Peacock, James, Framber and Whitley all candidates for the rotation next spring (no surprises there either)

https://www.mlb.com/news/jeff-luhnow-previews-astros-offseason-plans/c-299471702

[AtascAstro]

McHugh, Peacock, James, Framber and Whitley all candidates for the rotation next spring (no surprises there either)[/li][/list]

McCullers name notably absent in that discussion.

[Waldo]

McCullers name notably absent in that discussion.

That can be read one of two ways:

1.  They think McCullers will miss 2019 with TJS, OR
2.  McCullers was already a lock for the rotation anyway, and Luhnow is only addressing who might fill the Keuchel/Morton slots

[Nate Colbert]

That can be read one of two ways:

1.  They think McCullers will miss 2019 with TJS, OR
2.  McCullers was already a lock for the rotation anyway, and Luhnow is only addressing who might fill the Keuchel/Morton slots

I think you missed the above quote from Luhnow:

"We've got the top two guys coming back, and they're going to be pretty solid and ready to go. The question is how we fill out the rest of the rotation."

[NeilT]

Is there any doubt McCullers will miss 2019?

[MusicMan]

Is there any doubt McCullers will miss 2019?

My only doubt comes from the fact he hasn’t had the surgery yet.


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[Waldo]

I think you missed the above quote from Luhnow:

"We've got the top two guys coming back, and they're going to be pretty solid and ready to go. The question is how we fill out the rest of the rotation."

Fair point, but I still think Luhnow's quote is ambiguous, perhaps intentionally so.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

He was certainly being careful not to tip his hand,  even with Morton.

[JimR]

I think you let all free agents go and bring up some of our new guys.  You have to unblock some positions so we get some playing time for the young guys.  Catching is the only issue.  We might not have a replacement in the minors yet so resign Martin or find a replacement in FA.  Need some more left right balance so I would like to see KempWhite take over for Marwin and find a left hitting DH with power.  Obviously keep Mortin if he wants to stay.  JT Realmulto would be a nice addition but would cost a lot.  The best thing is that we have money to spend and also young players coming up - use some of that to lock up the core.

You are 100% crazy.

[BizidyDizidy]

Astros are planning to extend the $17.9M qualifying offer to Dallas Keuchel. They are planning not to extend it to Marwin Gonzalez. No word yet on Charlie Morton, who may be a close call.

[Jacksonian]

You may not extend one to some you think you can resign for less.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

You may not extend one to some you think you can resign for less.

Scott Boras is Marwin's agent.

[moriartp]

Boras always wants to reject the QO and take his client to the open market. To consider accepting, he'd really have to think the market for Marwin will be weak.

[HudsonHawk]

Boras always wants to reject the QO and take his client to the open market. To consider accepting, he'd really have to think the market for Marwin will be weak.

It's Marwin's decision.  Perhaps he wants to stay with the Astros?

[juliogotay]

Isn't Boras Altuve's agent?

[Bench]

It's Marwin's decision.  Perhaps he wants to stay with the Astros?

It's the Astros decision to offer or not, and it seems pretty evident they think they can work out a multi year deal at less than $17.5mm per year.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

It's Marwin's decision.  Perhaps he wants to stay with the Astros?

This is what I'm hoping.

There's no downside to a QO if the player signs elsewhere,  is there?

[Bench]

This is what I'm hoping.

There's no downside to a QO if the player signs elsewhere,  is there?

Team gets a compensatory pick.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Team gets a compensatory pick.

Right.  In Marwin's case no downside to a QO.

[AtascAstro]

Right.  In Marwin's case no downside to a QO.

Maybe a relational downside with the player?  If they extend the offer and he signs with another team then that team loses a compensatory pick.  I have no idea how much, but maybe that diminishes his market value somewhat and would be viewed as bad form.  From a perception standpoint it is certainly taken to mean that the team has no intent or little confidence in resigning and therefore might also be detrimental to negotiations with the player.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Best rationale I've seen echoes what someone here hinted:

$18M is more than the market would bear, so he'd likely sign for that year and hit FA again next season,  meanwhile the club would have more $ tied up in him than they'd want.

I hope he signs but whatever he does the team is at an important transition,  and I know some guys who have contributed will be elsewhere.

[HudsonHawk]

Isn't Boras Altuve's agent?

Yes. And he signed an extension, forgoing free agency because Altuve said he wanted to stay an Astro. There is a misconception that the agent calls the shots in negotiations, but it’s the other way around.

[drew corleone]

There is also a misconception that because the Astros had issues with Boras years and years ago there is some sort of bad blood or animus that would preclude Houston from dealing with him now.

[JimR]

Yes. And he signed an extension, forgoing free agency because Altuve said he wanted to stay an Astro. There is a misconception that the agent calls the shots in negotiations, but it’s the other way around.

This.

[Waldo]

It's the Astros decision to offer or not, and it seems pretty evident they think they can work out a multi year deal at less than $17.5mm per year.

Or, even if he signs a long-term deal for $17.5mm+ per, at least they've got him locked down and don't have that uncertainty to deal with next offseason.

[Bench]

Or, even if he signs a long-term deal for $17.5mm+ per, at least they've got him locked down and don't have that uncertainty to deal with next offseason.

Good point.

[Nate Colbert]

Jandel Gustave outrighted and becomes a free agent.

[Nate Colbert]

40-man roster currently at 33...

Pitchers (18)
Cole
Deetz
Devenski
Guduan
Harris
James
Martes
McCullers
McHugh
Osuna
Peacock
Perez
Pressly
Rodgers
Rondon
Smith
Valdez
Verlander

Catchers (1)
Stassi

Infielders (7)
Altuve
Bregman
Correa
Davis
Gurriel
Reed
White

Outfielders (7)
Fisher
Kemp
Marisnick
Reddick
Springer
Straw
Tucker

[JimR]

Jandel Gustave outrighted and becomes a free agent.

I am sad about this.

[austro]

I am sad about this.

I was a bit surprised by the announcement, but I'm going to interpret to mean that they're very confident about some of the young arms.

[Nate Colbert]

Joel Sherman with the rumor mongering regards Reamulto...

"...the Marlins will have many suitors, with multiple executives mentioning the Astros as an expected strong player and to a slightly lesser extent the Dodgers."

Sherman also tries to drum up the Yankees possibly getting involved by dangling Gary Sanchez as bait.

https://nypost.com/2018/10/31/j-t-realmuto-wants-out-so-here-comes-gary-sanchez-swap-talk/

[Bench]

Joel Sherman with the rumor mongering regards Reamulto...

"...the Marlins will have many suitors, with multiple executives mentioning the Astros as an expected strong player and to a slightly lesser extent the Dodgers."

Sherman also tries to drum up the Yankees possibly getting involved by dangling Gary Sanchez as bait.

https://nypost.com/2018/10/31/j-t-realmuto-wants-out-so-here-comes-gary-sanchez-swap-talk/

The Marlins traded the all-star outfield of Stanton, Yelich and Ozuna and managed to not acquire any prospect in MLB's top 100.

[moriartp]

The Marlins traded the all-star outfield of Stanton, Yelich and Ozuna and managed to not acquire any prospect in MLB's top 100.

I was so hopeful when it came out Loria was going to sell the team. There was no reason the franchise had to be such a clusterfuck. Then Jeter & Co. took over, and somehow it's gotten worse. At this point I would vote to contract them and let the Rays move into their stadium.

[MusicMan]

I am sad about this.

I wonder if they had concerns about his surgery recovery.


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[JimR]

I wonder if they had concerns about his surgery recovery.


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Has to be the reason.

[Nate Colbert]

A comparison of Heyman to MLBTR's estimates reveals in many cases some wide discrepancies on free agent contracts (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@19 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 3@15 vs 4@15
• Marwin: 4@13 vs 4@9
• Grandal: 2@10 vs 4@16
• Nelson Cruz: 2@15 vs 2@15
• Machete: 2@8 vs 2@4
• Chirinos: 2@6 vs N/A
• Morton: [email protected] vs 2@16
• Wilson Ramos: 1@9 vs 3@12
• Britton: 4@15 vs 3@11

FWIW, MLBTR has the Astros hooking up with Ramos and Britton.

[geezerdonk]

I see buyer's remorse in the near and the long term for Keuchel's new team.
The sooner they sign Marwin the better.
Eovaldi's projection looks like a bargain, especially after Strom and company get through with him.
Is Ramos a good guy in the clubhouse? If so, sign him up.

[Lefty]

Dojers gave Grandal the QO today

[Nate Colbert]

Passan says no QO for Morton.

[Nate Colbert]

Robinson Chirinos another catcher hitting FA market as Rangers decline his $4.5MM option for 2019.

[MusicMan]

If those were actual final numbers, there would be zero reason for not signing Eovaldi and Cruz.


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[AtascAstro]

Passan reports Astros not expected to extend QO to Morton.

Maybe they don't think he'll sign a contract > $50 million.

[Nate Colbert]

Passan reports Astros not expected to extend QO to Morton.

Maybe they don't think he'll sign a contract > $50 million.

Cabrera says hi.

And the $50MM does not apply to the Astros. The article this is from was previously linked to in the "Important Dates 2018-2019 Offseason" thread:

If the team that loses the player does not receive revenue sharing and did not exceed the luxury-tax salary threshold the previous season, its compensatory pick will come after Competitive Balance Round B. The value of the player's contract doesn't matter in this case. The 12 clubs that fall into this category are the Angels, Astros, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Phillies, Rangers, White Sox and Yankees.

[JimR]

Passan says no QO for Morton.

I do not understand the strategy here. Does this mean they will try to sign him for less or is it a signal they will let him walk? If he wants to play and to stay in Houston, I cannot fathom the team’s not wanting to sign him.

[Jacksonian]

I do not understand the strategy here. Does this mean they will try to sign him for less or is it a signal they will let him walk? If he wants to play and to stay in Houston, I cannot fathom the team’s not wanting to sign him.

I would think it gives them the flexibility to negotiate a one year deal rather than being locked into one.

[AtascAstro]

Cabrera says hi.

And the $50MM does not apply to the Astros. The article this is from was previously linked to in the "Important Dates 2018-2019 Offseason" thread:

:Facepalm....not sure what I was thinking or how I missed it.

[Nate Colbert]

I would think it gives them the flexibility to negotiate a one year deal rather than being locked into one.

And if the Astros have lingering concerns regarding Morton's shoulder, it also allows them the flexibility to structure a deal with a lower base plus incentives for innings pitched rather than be on the hook for the entire $17.9MM if things go south.

[JimR]

And if the Astros have lingering concerns regarding Morton's shoulder, it also allows them the flexibility to structure a deal with a lower base plus incentives for innings pitched rather than be on the hook for the entire $17.9MM if things go south.

Makes sense. Thanks guys.

[TerryPuhl21]

Passan says no QO for Morton.

Richard Justice said on MLB Network TV on Monday that Morton would not get the QO. He said to expect Keuchel to get the QO even though he may be the one player between Morton, Marwin and Dallas that the Astros least want back. When he first said it, I felt like he didn’t have a clue. The more I’ve thought about it since, I can make some sense of it in my head. Here is how.

Let’s look at Marwin. This is his chance to get paid and he is gonna want a long term deal. I don’t think he would accept a QO for one year even if it was at a higher AAV, if he can get 5 to 7 years locked in at say 13-15/year. If the Astros decide they want to keep Marwin then they are going to pay him what he is worth and lock him up. Using the QO on him is kind of a waste if you indeed want him back, and I’m betting they do.

Let’s look at Morton. His health is an issue and perhaps between that and the youth coming up, they Astros may not see CFM as being worth the dollars that come with the QO. Of course only thy have access to the medicals and know what kind of shape he is really in. If they do want Charlie back, and I’m betting they do, I think it would be a reasonable gamble on their part to think they could get him to sign a one year deal at less than the QO’s value. Yes, you are taking a chance that some team from the northeast which is close to home may offer him more, but I think if the numbers are close he would rather play in Houston. If he leaves, there are other free agent options along with Whitley, James, Peacock and McHugh who could take the spot.

Now let’s look at Keuchel. Like Marwin, this is his chance to lock up a long term deal. To me it makes sense to offer him the QO because he will definitely turn it down and therefore the Astros will get some compensation back for him when he signs elsewhere. I think there will be at least a couple of teams that will offer him 5 at 20/year. Minnesota could be one of them or perhaps Atlanta. If Dallas calls your bluff and take the QO, it certainly wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for the Astros given the uncertainty surrounding McCullers and Morton.


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[Nate Colbert]

Let’s look at Marwin. This is his chance to get paid and he is gonna want a long term deal. I don’t think he would accept a QO for one year even if it was at a higher AAV, if he can get 5 to 7 years locked in at say 13-15/year.

Did folks see the contract Eduardo Escobar recently signed? 3 yrs at $7MM per. Same age as Marwin, same positional flexibility, roughly the same numbers over the last 2 seasons (.274/.349/.467 for Marwin vs .264/.323/.471 for EE with the latter having a significant edge at the plate in 2018). So either EE left tens of millions of dollars on the table to re-sign with Arizona or folks are vastly over-valuing the contract Marwin will get.

(And before anyone brings it up, yes I did read Rosenthal's take on this in his column today for The Athletic but that left more questions than answers other than perhaps last year's depressed FA market had something to do with EE's decision. And apparently that he really, really liked Arizona.)

[Nate Colbert]

Catcher Chris Herrmann claimed on waivers from the Mariners bringing the roster to 34...

Pitchers (18)
Cole
Deetz
Devenski
Guduan
Harris
James
Martes
McCullers
McHugh
Osuna
Peacock
Perez
Pressly
Rodgers
Rondon
Smith
Valdez
Verlander

Catchers (2)
Herrmann
Stassi

Infielders (7)
Altuve
Bregman
Correa
Davis
Gurriel
Reed
White

Outfielders (7)
Fisher
Kemp
Marisnick
Reddick
Springer
Straw
Tucker

[TerryPuhl21]

Did folks see the contract Eduardo Escobar recently signed? 3 yrs at $7MM per. Same age as Marwin, same positional flexibility, roughly the same numbers over the last 2 seasons (.274/.349/.467 for Marwin vs .264/.323/.471 for EE with the latter having a significant edge at the plate in 2018). So either EE left tens of millions of dollars on the table to re-sign with Arizona or folks are vastly over-valuing the contract Marwin will get.

(And before anyone brings it up, yes I did read Rosenthal's take on this in his column today for The Athletic but that left more questions than answers other than perhaps last year's depressed FA market had something to do with EE's decision. And apparently that he really, really liked Arizona.)

I honestly have no idea what Marwin is going to get on the open market. I do know that I have heard talking heads say that he could get close to what Zobrist got, which was what, about 15 million per?? Is he worth that kind of money? I have no idea. I guess we’ll see what happens in the very near future.




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[moriartp]

I would be really surprised to see him match the Zobrist deal, though I'll be thrilled if he does. 3/$30MM or so seems realistic. But who the hell knows.

[Nate Colbert]

Catcher Chris Herrmann claimed on waivers from the Mariners bringing the roster to 34...

Hermm the Worm:

• Age 30 from Tomball who went to Alvin CC before going on to the U of Miami.
• Lefty hitter.
• 6th round pick of the Twins in 2009.
• Traded to the D-Backs in 2015.
• Released by Arizona in ST last year and then signed with the Mariners.
• Has spent parts of the last 7 years in the bigs.
• Only full season in the majors was 2017 with Arizona where he hit .181/.273/.345.
• Hit .237/.322/.421 in 36 games for Seattle last year.
• Threw out 22% of basestealers in 2018 and is 32% for his career.
• The pitch-framing metric doesn't seem to particularly like him.

[doyce7]

Hermm the Worm:

• Age 30 from Tomball who went to Alvin CC before going on to the U of Miami.
• 6th round pick of the Twins in 2009.
• Traded to the D-Backs in 2015.
• Released by Arizona in ST last year and then signed with the Mariners.
• Has spent parts of the last 7 years in the bigs.
• Only full season in the majors was 2017 with Arizona where he hit .181/.273/.345.
• Hit .237/.322/..421 in 36 games for Seattle last year.
• Threw out 22% of basestealers in 2018 and is 32% for his career.
• The pitch-framing metric doesn't seem to particularly like him.

Interesting pickup. I wonder if this means stassi is gone before the season starts

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[Lefty]

Luhnow said something along the lines of them needing 4-5 MLB capable catchers, so I'd imagine he, Stassi and maybe Stubbs are the 3-5 group.

[doyce7]

Luhnow said something along the lines of them needing 4-5 MLB capable catchers, so I'd imagine he, Stassi and maybe Stubbs are the 3-5 group.

You need at least 3 usually but both herrmann and stassi are out of options and you dont usually carry 3 until September

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[Nate Colbert]

Luhnow said something along the lines of them needing 4-5 MLB capable catchers, so I'd imagine he, Stassi and maybe Stubbs are the 3-5 group.

Speaking (indirectly) of the #1 and #2 guys, in case you missed it McTaggart ran thru some possibilities via trade or free agency. Of the five mentioned, the QO on Grandal probably makes staying with the Dodgers the likeliest outcome for him.

Salvy Perez anyone?

[Nate Colbert]

Doyce's comment about options reminded me that I wanted to add that here...

Pitchers (18)
Cole
Deetz
Devenski
Guduan
Harris
James
Martes
McCullers
McHugh
Osuna
Peacock (out of options)
Perez
Pressly
Rodgers
Rondon
Smith
Valdez
Verlander

Catchers (2)
Herrmann (out of options)
Stassi (out of options)

Infielders (7)
Altuve
Bregman
Correa
Davis
Gurriel
Reed
White (out of options)

Outfielders (7)
Fisher
Kemp (out of options)
Marisnick
Reddick
Springer
Straw
Tucker

[doyce7]

Speaking (indirectly) of the #1 and #2 guys, in case you missed it McTaggart ran thru some possibilities via trade or free agency. Of the five mentioned, the QO on Grandal probably makes staying with the Dodgers the likeliest outcome for him.

Salvy Perez anyone?

I would love for perez to be the answer at catcher. Hes been around forever but hes only 28, on a pretty good contract for 3 more years

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[VirtualBob]

I wonder if they had concerns about his surgery recovery.


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Has to be the reason.

I agree.

[moriartp]

MLBTR's guesses are up. It's pure speculation on players' landing spots, but I find things like this useful for contract expectations. For instance, their guess for Marwin seems pretty reasonable in dollars & years.

[doyce7]

If 4/36 gets it done for marwin and he's not an Astro, I'll be pretty pissed

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[Nate Colbert]

MLBTR's guesses are up. It's pure speculation on players' landing spots, but I find things like this useful for contract expectations. For instance, their guess for Marwin seems pretty reasonable in dollars & years.

Just an FYI (and yes their Marwin estimate seems more spot on than Heyman's)--
 

A comparison of Heyman to MLBTR's estimates reveals in many cases some wide discrepancies on free agent contracts (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@19 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 3@15 vs 4@15
• Marwin: 4@13 vs 4@9
• Grandal: 2@10 vs 4@16
• Nelson Cruz: 2@15 vs 2@15
• Machete: 2@8 vs 2@4
• Chirinos: 2@6 vs N/A
• Morton: [email protected] vs 2@16
• Wilson Ramos: 1@9 vs 3@12
• Britton: 4@15 vs 3@11

FWIW, MLBTR has the Astros hooking up with Ramos and Britton.

[moriartp]

Dammit. The MLBTR post was timestamped to early this morning, so I didn't look back farther than that. Come to think of it, you having a time machine would explain how you stay on top of everything....

[Nate Colbert]

At DH, Nelson Cruz is a free agent, and, at 1B, Paul Goldschmidt has one year left on his contract.

Trade for C.J. Cron as a cheaper ($5.2MM projected arb salary for 2019), younger alternative?

C.J. Cron hit 30 homers last year, splitting time between DH and first base, but they seek more of a feared overall hitter, and could use some positional versatility...

If they are trading Cron, as seems likely, doing so before the Nov. 30 non-tender deadline makes sense.

https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/11/03/rays-tales-laying-out-the-agenda-for-a-busy-offseason/

[Nate Colbert]

I've added Jim Bowden's predictions (from an article in The Athletic) to the poo being flung . Also if you read Heyman's article you also saw guesstimates from an anonymous baseball "expert". I've added those as well (even though from the inflated numbers I'm almost certain an agent shill was involved).

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

[Nate Colbert]

In the category of 1B and/or DH names (Nelson Cruz, Goldy, CJ Cron)...

Mark Feinsand throws out Jose Abreu as a name that "could" be available in trade talks because he's one year away from free agency. Not sure that's true because the White Sox don't appear to be sellers but an intriguing name nonetheless. Amongst other things, because the Astros tried to sign him back in 2013. Some deets for the less-informed among us:

• Entering age 32 season.
• Owed $16MM for 2019.
• Spent 3 weeks on the DL in Aug/Sep 2018 after undergoing testicular torsion surgery.
• Fell off to .265/.325/.473 last season after putting up .304/.354/.552 numbers the year before.
• Despite the nut problem, he did hit .294/.364/.559 in the second half.
• A righty swinger (like Cruz, Goldy and Cron) so a bit problematic if looking for better balance in the lineup

And don't give me any "but we already have a Cuban 1B" shit...

[austro]

And don't give me any "but we already have a Cuban 1B" shit...

That's "a RH-hitting Cuban 1B", sir.

[Nate Colbert]

One more (Ken Davidoff of the NY Post)...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

Also, the FG Free Agent Tracker has crowd-sourced contract guesses.

[Jacksonian]

From the Chron, Luhnow including an interesting note on McCullers.

[AtascAstro]

From the Chron, Luhnow including an interesting note on McCullers.

I think that this is the article you intended to link.

[HudsonHawk]

I don't want to even *think* about "testicular torsion surgery".

[das]

I don't want to even *think* about "testicular torsion surgery".

If I had testicular torsion, I'd be inclined to get the surgery right away.  Yikes.

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Rosenthal says Astros and A's interested in CC Sabathia if he doesn't re-sign with the Yankees.

ETA:
Reports coming in now that he will be returning to NY.

[Nate Colbert]

Joel Sherman  @Joelsherman1 6m ago
Put this down as mainly due diligence this early in the process but #Yankees did ask for medicals from agent for clients Charlie Morton, Daniel Hudson and David Phelps, the former Yank who missed all of 2018 following Tommy John surgery.

[Nate Colbert]

JP Morosi identifies some free agents who could sign prior to Thanksgiving, including Michael Brantley who he tries to match up with the Astros as a lefty hitter.

[Jacksonian]

At this time of year it's important for everyone to remember that Luhnow is the master of the off-season smokescreen.

[jaklewein]

JP Morosi identifies some free agents who could sign prior to Thanksgiving, including Michael Brantley who he tries to match up with the Astros as a lefty hitter.

I would love to see Brantley in an Astros uni.

[Nate Colbert]

Multiple reports of Mariners undergoing a complete tear-down, which would include making catcher Mike Zunino available.

• Club control for two more seasons with a $4.2MM est. 2019 salary
• .201/.251/.410 this year after posting .251/.331/.559 numbers the year before
• Tossed out 35% of basestealers in 2018, career 28%
• Does okay on the framing metrics

[Jacksonian]

Multiple reports of Mariners undergoing a complete tear-down, which would include making catcher Mike Zunino available.

• Club control for two more seasons with a $4.2MM est. 2019 salary
• .201/.251/.410 this year after posting .251/.331/.559 numbers the year before
• Tossed out 35% of basestealers in 2018, career 28%
• Does okay on the framing metrics

Interesting, though my first thought was Paxton.

[austro]

Interesting, though my first thought was Paxton.

Paxton will probably cost you Whitley and then some. Not that that kills the deal: Paxton's proven, and Whitley hasn't thrown an inning in the majors . But it would still take guts to make the trade.

[JimR]

Paxton will probably cost you Whitley and then some. Not that that kills the deal: Paxton's proven, and Whitley hasn't thrown an inning in the majors . But it would still take guts to make the trade.

They ain’t trading Whitley.

[TerryPuhl21]

LMJ had Tommy John surgery according to MLB trade rumors.

He will miss the entire 2019 season.

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[VirtualBob]

At this time of year it's important for everyone to remember that Luhnow is the master of the off-season smokescreen.

Exactly.  And I think that is a good thing!

[Nate Colbert]

Added a few names...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[Nate Colbert]

LMJ had Tommy John surgery according to MLB trade rumors.

He will miss the entire 2019 season.

Someone hire that Mets blogger!

And fuck you McTaggart, Rome and Kaplan.

[chuck]

Someone hire that Mets blogger!

And fuck you McTaggart, Rome and Kaplan.

I don't care about it enough anymore to complain (although why should that stop me?), but it really is shocking how terrible these guys are.

[Nate Colbert]

Quote from Luhnow per Rome:

"I do believe that we can probably fit one bat into our lineup and figure out where that person plays. Hopefully it’s someone that can play a position. If not, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that we could sign a DH."

Also talked about using Gurriel as "Marwin Lite" filling in at 2B and 3B if the original version doesn't return.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

LMJ had Tommy John surgery according to MLB trade rumors.

He will miss the entire 2019 season.

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The 2018 Astros finished the season with several guys not just playing hurt but playing injured.

Those guys were all fully invested.

[subnuclear]

The 2018 Astros finished the season with several guys not just playing hurt but playing injured.

Those guys were all fully invested.

You don't get many chances at it.

[MusicMan]

Jim Bowden at the Athletic proposes Josh James and Tony Kemp for Realmuto. If I’m Luhnow, I jump all over that.


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[moriartp]

Jim Bowden at the Athletic proposes Josh James and Tony Kemp for Realmuto. If I’m Luhnow, I jump all over that.


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In a heartbeat. Bowden is delusional.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Jim Bowden at the Athletic proposes Josh James and Tony Kemp for Realmuto. If I’m Luhnow, I jump all over that.

I hope they are working on something. Would love to have Realmuto but have really grown fond of James and Kemp..

[Fredia]

that's the bad thing someone has to go and especially with pitching there are probably trades that need to be made

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I looks like Boras is shopping Marwin pretty hard. Via MLB.com:

"We have met with 14 teams to date ... in different states of development -- some championship caliber, some stepping into a winning trend. All those things," Boras said. "And we're saying, 'What club is not going to bring up Marwin Gonzalez?'" "We call him Swiss cheese (WTF?!?!? (maybe he said, Swiss Gzz.)) because he is the Swiss army knife of every club," Boras said. "He fulfills every need." "I had dinner with him recently, and I said, 'Marwin … Why are you so comfortable at all positions?'" Boras recalled. "And he said to me, 'Everybody put me at shortstop when I was young. Always wanted to put me at shortstop. I like to look at the field from different places. I couldn't wait to play center field, left field. I couldn't wait to play first base. Even one year they let me catch.' And I said, 'You're the only shortstop I've ever known that doesn't have complete ownership of that position; never wants to give it up. But you have this rather artistic view of wanting to see the field and the ball and catch it and play all different positions.'  "It was truly as manifest destiny to be that good at all positions, and it's very natural to him."

[Nate Colbert]

I looks like Boras is shopping Marwin pretty hard. Via MLB.com:

Probably not a good sign that Luhnow the past few days keeps referring to a "post Marwin" world. Since Marwin Lite can't play the outfield, McTaggart speculating CarGo, Cutch or Brantley might be possible signees.

https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/yuli-gurriel-to-take-on-utility-role-in-2019/c-300369100

[Jacksonian]

Probably not a good sign that Luhnow the past few days keeps referring to a "post Marwin" world. Since Marwin Lite can't play the outfield, McTaggart speculating CarGo, Cutch or Brantley might be possible signees.

https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/yuli-gurriel-to-take-on-utility-role-in-2019/c-300369100

I'm split.  Love Marwin.  Need to churn your roster a little every year.

[JimR]

I'm split.  Love Marwin.  Need to churn your roster a little every year.

Everything happening now on both sides is posturing.

[Nate Colbert]

Added a few more names...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[JimR]

Added a few more names...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

Brantley, please

[doyce7]

If marwin isn't coming back then that makes adding a lefty hitter even more important. Putting Brantley in LF would be great but i wonder if they would do that because of Tucker, unless you expect Brantley to DH a lot.

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[JimR]

If marwin isn't coming back then that makes adding a lefty hitter even more important. Putting Brantley in LF would be great but i wonder if they would do that because of Tucker, unless you expect Brantley to DH a lot.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I would not hesitate to add Brantley regardless of what Tucker might do. He has not yet shown he can hit MLB pitching.

[geezerdonk]

Tucker has shown that he can't hit major league pitching - at least so far. As it stands now, the Astros can't count on him for anything next year.
Who says Marwin can't play the outfield?

[geezerdonk]

Churning the roster sounds great - just don't churn Marwin.

[geezerdonk]

Everything happening now on both sides is posturing.

Luhnow playing coy with Boras.

[Jacksonian]

Everything happening now on both sides is posturing.

Smokescreens aplenty.  I'm looking forward to actual decisions made.

[Nate Colbert]

Jon Morosi  @jonmorosi 1h ago
#Mets and #Astros among the teams with interest in free agent Yasmani Grandal, source says, although qualifying offer is one potential barrier

[Bench]

Who says Marwin can't play the outfield?

Nobody. I assume you misread the comment about Yuli being Marwin-lite, but Yuli doesn't play outfield.

[Nate Colbert]

Multiple reports of Mariners undergoing a complete tear-down, which would include making catcher Mike Zunino available.

• Club control for two more seasons with a $4.2MM est. 2019 salary
• .201/.251/.410 this year after posting .251/.331/.559 numbers the year before
• Tossed out 35% of basestealers in 2018, career 28%
• Does okay on the framing metrics

Just announced Wilson Defensive Player of the Year winners for 2018:

C: Mike Zunino, Mariners (first Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award)
1B: Freddie Freeman, Braves (first)
2B: DJ LeMahieu, Rockies (third)
3B: Matt Chapman, Athletics (first)
SS: Andrelton Simmons, Angels (fifth)
LF: Alex Gordon, Royals (third)
CF: Kevin Kiermaier, Rays (second)
RF: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (second)
P: Zack Greinke, D-backs (second)

"The winners are determined using a formula that combines traditional defensive stats with advanced metrics, as well as the data logged by the baseball experts working for the scouting service Inside Edge."

https://www.mlb.com/news/2018-defensive-player-of-year-awards-announced/c-300375608

[austro]

Brantley, please

Brantley is a quality player when he's healthy. But that's been a real problem the last three or four years. He'll turn 32 in May, so I worry about the injury problems.

[Navin R Johnson]

We're excited to announce that we've hired Dave Hudgens as our Bench Coach.

Most recently, Dave served as the @Astros' Hitting Coach & won a World Series Championship in 2017.

Welcome to the #BlueJays, @dmhudgens!

Per Bluejays twitter

[moriartp]

We're excited to announce that we've hired Dave Hudgens as our Bench Coach.

Most recently, Dave served as the @Astros' Hitting Coach & won a World Series Championship in 2017.

Welcome to the #BlueJays, @dmhudgens!

Per Bluejays twitter

Dammit. Jeff Albert presumably would've replaced him if he hadn't taken the STL job a week or so ago. Now both are gone.

[austro]

Calling Mr. Beltran...

[Nate Colbert]

LMJ had Tommy John surgery according to MLB trade rumors.

If Boras is to believed (and I see no reason to doubt him), Lance was told in August he would need the surgery.

[TerryPuhl21]

Calling Mr. Beltran...

My first thought as well....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nate Colbert]

Ryan Divish @RyanDivish 15m ago
Sources: The Mariners are working to finish a trade that would send catcher Mike Zunino and outfielder Guillermo Heredia to the Rays in exchange for outfielder Mallex Smith. Deal could be finalized in the next day.

[juliogotay]

If Boras is to believed (and I see no reason to doubt him), Lance was told in August he would need the surgery.

https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1060357592093020160

Luhnow:
(McCullers) was very willing and capable to give us innings and it wouldn't change the outcome, that's why we went down that path. We put him on TrackMan, we knew what the stuff was like. It was elite stuff. If he wasn't a weapon, we wouldn't have put him on (the playoff rosters).

[Nate Colbert]

Ryan Divish @RyanDivish 15m ago
Sources: The Mariners are working to finish a trade that would send catcher Mike Zunino and outfielder Guillermo Heredia to the Rays in exchange for outfielder Mallex Smith. Deal could be finalized in the next day.

Deal complete.

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal in The Athletic sees a fit with the Astros for Josh Harrison in a PMW...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[BizidyDizidy]

Apropos of nothing, I just sat next to Dellin Betances and his pregnant wife at dinner. They are extremely nice. To keep it on topic, he went out of his way to mention how much they like Houston.

[subnuclear]

Apropos of nothing, I just sat next to Dellin Betances and his pregnant wife at dinner. They are extremely nice. To keep it on topic, he went out of his way to mention how much they like Houston.

Did he look 6'8"?

[BizidyDizidy]

Every inch of it

[HudsonHawk]

Apropos of nothing, I just sat next to Dellin Betances and his pregnant wife at dinner. They are extremely nice. To keep it on topic, he went out of his way to mention how much they like Houston.

You sat between them?

[BizidyDizidy]

Don't be ridiculous, I sat on Dellin's lap

You sat between them?

[Outlawscotty]

Don't be ridiculous, I sat on Dellin's lap

But was your server wearing a Yankees' cap?

[Mr. Happy]

But was your server wearing a Yankees' cap?

A hat? Inside? Que HH in 3,2,1...

[Nate Colbert]

If you missed it, Mike Petriello of MLB.com threw out some names of pitchers that the Astros could "unlock" a la Cole, Morton, Pressly, etc. Besides Sonny Gray as a trade target, he identifies free agents Trevor Cahill, Drew Pomeranz and Jeremy Hellickson as possibilities (along with Garrett Richards who like LMJ is out until 2020 with TJS).


Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Interesting, though my first thought was Paxton.

Ken Rosenthal  @Ken_Rosenthal 3h ago
#Yankees among teams that have spoken to #Mariners about a trade for LHP James Paxton, sources tell The Athletic. Paxton has two years of control left and is projected by @mlbtraderumors to earn $9M in arbitration next season.

[Nate Colbert]

Trade for C.J. Cron as a cheaper ($5.2MM projected arb salary for 2019), younger alternative?

C.J. Cron hit 30 homers last year, splitting time between DH and first base, but they seek more of a feared overall hitter, and could use some positional versatility...

If they are trading Cron, as seems likely, doing so before the Nov. 30 non-tender deadline makes sense.

https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/11/03/rays-tales-laying-out-the-agenda-for-a-busy-offseason/

Passan says Cron is "likely" to be non-tendered.

[Nate Colbert]

Scanning 1B/DH free agent types for lefty hitters, one comes across Logan Morrison. 2018 was putrid for him but there might have been a reason for it:

Morrison was placed on the 10-day disabled list on July 12 with a left hip impingement, an injury that had been lingering with him for most of the season, dating as far back as Spring Training. He was activated from the DL on July 22 and played in 15 games after that [before going back on the DL]. There isn't a date set for Morrison's surgery, but he guessed it will happen in the next two weeks.

Ended up having the surgery on Aug. 20 where he had a torn labrum repaired and a bone spur removed. Apparently will be good to go by spring training. Other things to note:

• Will be entering his age 31 season.
• Though 2018 was a huge struggle, he put up the best numbers of his career (.246/.353/.516) in 2017.
• Luhnow has liked him previously, although that was way back in the winter of 2013 when he tried to trade for him.
• As noted below, he'll come really, really cheap.

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Brian McTaggart  @brianmctaggart 2h ago
Reddick said free agent C Jonathan Lucroy would be a good fit for Astros: "Figuring out that back end of the Oakland bullpen seemed to be a struggle for us last year so I think he'd be nothing but positive on that front."

Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26 2h ago
.@RealJoshReddick believes free agent catcher Jonathan Lucroy (@JLucroy20), two-time All-Star catcher who was with Oakland in 2018, "would be a great option..He'd be nothing but positive on that front..A guy who can really call a baseball game."

Bat of course continues to fall off a cliff...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12

Catchers

• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[TerryPuhl21]

So we almost had Bryce Harper or Avasail Garcia. Interesting if true....


Trade Deadline Retrospective: Harper, Astros, Garcia, Nats, Puighttps://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/11/trade-deadline-retrospective-harper-astros-garcia-nats-puig.html


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sambito Redux]

Ryan Divish @RyanDivish 15m ago
Sources: The Mariners are working to finish a trade that would send catcher Mike Zunino and outfielder Guillermo Heredia to the Rays in exchange for outfielder Mallex Smith. Deal could be finalized in the next day.

If Seattle is in full throttle rebuild mode, what about Haniger?  He's been freaking on fire for a season and a half?

[Nate Colbert]

If Seattle is in full throttle rebuild mode, what about Haniger?  He's been freaking on fire for a season and a half?

Certainly an interesting guy but multiple reports have suggested Haniger, Edwin Diaz and Marco Gonzales (each with 4 or more years of club control remaining) are probably off limits.

[Sambito Redux]

Certainly an interesting guy but multiple reports have suggested Haniger, Edwin Diaz and Marco Gonzales (each with 4 or more years of club control remaining) are probably off limits.

Thanks Nate!

[Nate Colbert]

Rounding up some of the trade possibilities (some previously mentioned in the thread, some not)...

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM
• Justin Bour*--2 yrs/$5.2MM
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Avisail Garcia--1 yr/$8MM

Bold = Non tender candidate

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 4 hours ago
#Astros on list of teams talking to #Mariners about a trade for LHP James Paxton, sources say. Market described as “active,” including HOU, NYY and a wide variety of other clubs. Paxton in his career against HOU: 2.89 ERA in 71 2/3 innings, .605 opponents’ OPS.

[JimR]

Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 4 hours ago
#Astros on list of teams talking to #Mariners about a trade for LHP James Paxton, sources say. Market described as “active,” including HOU, NYY and a wide variety of other clubs. Paxton in his career against HOU: 2.89 ERA in 71 2/3 innings, .605 opponents’ OPS.

I would love this.

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal (in a column for The Athletic) quotes an exec who says the Phillies are "shopping the hell" out of 1B Carlos Santana. Cash will need to be stapled to his backside given the steep contract a buyer will be taking on...

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$20.33MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM
• Justin Bour*--2 yrs/$5.2MM
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Avisail Garcia--1 yr/$8MM

Bold = Non tender candidate

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Given his pending free agency, Tigers' beat writer Anthony Fenech writes that the club might be open to trading defensively-challenged 3B/RF (more likely 1B/DH in the very near future) Nick Castellanos. Fenech also tweeted:
 
@anthonyfenech 6 hours ago
One team who could be a fit for Castellanos: The Astros, who made an offer for him before the July 31 trade deadline last year.



(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$20.33MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM
• Justin Bour*--2 yrs/$5.2MM
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Avisail Garcia--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM

Bold = Non tender candidate

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Sambito Redux]

How about this:


Paxton for J James, T White, Fisher/Marisnick type                                         OR     Sign Eovaldi as Free Agent
Goldschmidt for JD Davis, Deetz, low level prospect                                                Realmuto for James, Deetz, Stassi
Sign Grandal as a Free Agent                                                                                        Sign Brantley as Free Agent
Re-sign Morton if shoulder looks good to 2 year 8-9 million deal                          Re-sign Morton for 1 year
                                                                                                                                       ** work on extension for Springer, Cole, Bregs

SP Verlander                                                                                                                   SP Verlander
SP Cole                                                                                                                             SP Cole
SP Paxton                                                                                                                         SP Eovaldi
SP McHugh                                                                                                                      SP McHugh
SP Morton/Peacock/Whitley/Roger A                                                                         SP Similar Committee


CF Springer                                                                                                                     CF  Springer
2B Altuve                                                                                                                         2B  Altuve
3B Bregman                                                                                                                    LF  Brantley
1B Golschmidt                                                                                                                3B  Bregman
SS Correa                                                                                                                         C    Realmuto
DH Gurriel                                                                                                                       SS   Correa
C    Grandal                                                                                                                     1B   Gurriel
LF  Reddick                                                                                                                      DH  White
RF  Kemp                                                                                                                         RF   Kemp

*** Upgrade outfield at trade deadline 2019                                               ***  Upgrade Pitching and 1B/OF at trade window



Thoughts?   

Let me rephrase:  Thoughts, beside stop posting here you do not belong

[doyce7]

How about this:


Paxton for J James, T White, Fisher/Marisnick type                                         OR     Sign Eovaldi as Free Agent
Goldschmidt for JD Davis, Deetz, low level prospect                                                Realmuto for James, Deetz, Stassi
Sign Grandal as a Free Agent                                                                                        Sign Brantley as Free Agent
Re-sign Morton if shoulder looks good to 2 year 8-9 million deal                          Re-sign Morton for 1 year
                                                                                                                                       ** work on extension for Springer, Cole, Bregs

SP Verlander                                                                                                                   SP Verlander
SP Cole                                                                                                                             SP Cole
SP Paxton                                                                                                                         SP Eovaldi
SP McHugh                                                                                                                      SP McHugh
SP Morton/Peacock/Whitley/Roger A                                                                         SP Similar Committee


CF Springer                                                                                                                     CF  Springer
2B Altuve                                                                                                                         2B  Altuve
3B Bregman                                                                                                                    LF  Brantley
1B Golschmidt                                                                                                                3B  Bregman
SS Correa                                                                                                                         C    Realmuto
DH Gurriel                                                                                                                       SS   Correa
C    Grandal                                                                                                                     1B   Gurriel
LF  Reddick                                                                                                                      DH  White
RF  Kemp                                                                                                                         RF   Kemp

*** Upgrade outfield at trade deadline 2019                                               ***  Upgrade Pitching and 1B/OF at trade window



Thoughts?   

Let me rephrase:  Thoughts, beside stop posting here you do not belong

Too much for Paxon, not enough for Goldschmidt, probably not enough for Realmuto.

Not sure I trust Eovaldi to stay healthy, 2018 was the first time but then, Morton had the same issues. Speaking of Morton, resign Morton.

Brantley I'm am %100 on board with.

I'm placing myself in the "trade for Salvador Perez" camp. Cheaper than Realmuto prospects wise, under contract for longer, roughly same age.

Also bring back Marwin please.

I'm willing to start the season with a rotation of Verlander/Cole/Mchugh/Morton and one of Whitley/James/Valdez/Peacock/random under the radar signing

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Nate Colbert]

JP Morosi's notes from the Hot Stove:

• Marlins want Tucker OR Whitley included in any package for Realmuto.
• Astros more active recently in trying to add starting pitching via trade rather than free agency.

[Nate Colbert]

Haven't seen the Astros specifically connected to either but multiple reports recently of the D-Backs making available Zack Greinke (and his major salary commitment which almost certainly will require cash being included) and Robbie Ray so thought I'd add them below...

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM
• Zack Greinke--3 yrs/$34.1MM
• Robbie Ray--2 yrs/$6.1MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$15MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM
• Justin Bour*--2 yrs/$5.2MM (currently on waivers)
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Avisail Garcia--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM

Bold = Non tender candidate

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 27m ago
One veteran market reader today predicted a larger-than-usual number of non-tenders at the end of this month. With free agent volume so high, adding more players to the market could depress prices even more and drive players to accept what in the past would've been subpar deals.

[juliogotay]

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 27m ago
One veteran market reader today predicted a larger-than-usual number of non-tenders at the end of this month. With free agent volume so high, adding more players to the market could depress prices even more and drive players to accept what in the past would've been subpar deals.

sounds like a classic market adjustment.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

sounds like a classic market adjustment.

Stringer Bell explains market saturation.

[Lefty]

Stringer Bell explains market saturation.

You got to diversify yo bonds

[JimR]

JP Morosi's notes from the Hot Stove:

• Marlins want Tucker OR Whitley included in any package for Realmuto.
• Astros more active recently in trying to add starting pitching via trade rather than free agency.

I think I would trade Tucker if necessary to get him but not Whitley.

[MusicMan]

I think I would trade Tucker if necessary to get him but not Whitley.

Trade Tucker. Sign Harper. Go all in for the next few years.


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[JimR]

Trade Tucker. Sign Harper. Go all in for the next few years.


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Dunno about Harper. The proposed rental, yes.

[Jacksonian]

I think I would trade Tucker if necessary to get him but not Whitley.

I agree.

[Nate Colbert]

Roster at 35 with the trade today...

Pitchers (18)
Cole
Deetz
Devenski
Guduan
Harris
James
Martes
McCullers
McHugh
Osuna
Peacock (out of options)
Perez
Pressly
Rodgers
Rondon
Smith
Valdez
Verlander

Catchers (2)
Herrmann (out of options)
Stassi (out of options)

Infielders [8]
Altuve
Bregman
Correa
Davis
Diaz
Gurriel
Reed
White (out of options)

Outfielders (7)
Fisher
Kemp (out of options)
Marisnick
Reddick
Springer
Straw
Tucker

[Nate Colbert]

Bob Nightengale  @BNightengale 12m ago
The Houston #Astos, who would love to keep Charlie Morton, have made initial offer of one year and an option for him to stay.

[Waldo]

Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 4 hours ago
#Astros on list of teams talking to #Mariners about a trade for LHP James Paxton, sources say. Market described as “active,” including HOU, NYY and a wide variety of other clubs. Paxton in his career against HOU: 2.89 ERA in 71 2/3 innings, .605 opponents’ OPS.

Well shit.

Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
5 minutes ago
James Paxton dealt to #Yankees, source confirms @JeffPassan report. @MLB @MLBNetwork

[Bench]

Well shit.

Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
5 minutes ago
James Paxton dealt to #Yankees, source confirms @JeffPassan report. @MLB @MLBNetwork

Greg Johns:
‏
Per sources, Mariners getting Yankees' No. 1 prospect, LH Justus Sheffield, plus No. 22 prospect RH Erik Swanson and OF Dom Thompson-Williams in exchange for Paxton, who has 2 years of arbitration control left and is a big-time stud when healthy.

[hostros7]

Greg Johns:
‏
Per sources, Mariners getting Yankees' No. 1 prospect, LH Justus Sheffield, plus No. 22 prospect RH Erik Swanson and OF Dom Thompson-Williams in exchange for Paxton, who has 2 years of arbitration control left and is a big-time stud when healthy.

Justus is #31 on the MLB.com top 100 prospects.

For reference, Tucker and Whitley are #5 and #8, respectively.

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[TerryPuhl21]

Well shit.

Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
5 minutes ago
James Paxton dealt to #Yankees, source confirms @JeffPassan report. @MLB @MLBNetwork

I think this puts a little pressure on the other top teams in the AL to be sure.

At this point, I could live with putting Tucker in a deal to get either Syndergaard or Realmuto, but under no circumstances is Whitley available.


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[austro]

Yeah, I wouldn't have thought twice about making Tucker the centerpiece of a trade for Paxton, but from the looks of who they got from the Yankees, they wanted pitching.

[Nate Colbert]

Jon Morosi  @jonmorosi 1h ago
Source: #Astros’ refusal to include Forrest Whitley in their offer for James Paxton precipitated #Mariners decision to trade Paxton to #Yankees.

[Nate Colbert]

Mariners beat writer...

Ryan Divish @RyanDivish 35m ago
In talking with some scouts around baseball, they are less than impressed with what the M's got in return for Paxton. Many have questions about Sheffield's future as a starter and ability to throw enough strikes.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

FTY

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Rosenthal  @Ken_Rosenthal 31m ago
#Astros, #STLCards are the two teams that have had the most meaningful discussions with the #DBacks about a trade for Paul Goldschmidt, sources tell The Athletic. No deal is close; talks not yet advanced.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I sure hope Tucker pans out. His 72 PAs last year didn't show much. Luhnow seems to be all in on the kid.

[juliogotay]

I sure hope Tucker pans out. His 72 PAs last year didn't show much. Luhnow seems to be all in on the kid.

I have a feeling Tucker is dealt this off-season.

[JimR]

I have a feeling Tucker is dealt this off-season.

I agree. Realmuto, I hope.

I am very glad Luhnow said no on Whitley.

[juliogotay]

I agree. Realmuto, I hope.

I am very glad Luhnow said no on Whitley.

In Luhnow I trust. It looks to me like Whitley has turned another corner or two this off-season.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

We need a rotation in 2019, but we'll need one in 2021 too.

Glad they kept Whitley too.

[MusicMan]

In Luhnow I trust. It looks to me like Whitley has turned another corner or two this off-season.

I would trade Whitley for Trout, Betts, or DeGrom. That’s about it.


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[Nate Colbert]

Roster at 38 with the additions today...

Pitchers (20)
Abreu
Armenteros
Cole
Deetz
Devenski
Guduan
Harris
James
Martes
McCullers
McHugh
Osuna
Peacock (out of options)
Perez
Pressly
Rodgers
Rondon
Smith
Valdez
Verlander

Catchers (3)
Herrmann (out of options)
Stassi (out of options)
Stubbs

Infielders [8]
Altuve
Bregman
Correa
Davis
Diaz
Gurriel
Reed
White (out of options)

Outfielders (7)
Fisher
Kemp (out of options)
Marisnick
Reddick
Springer
Straw
Tucker

[geezerdonk]

If they are keeping Rodgers, Reed, Davis and Fisher on the 40 man roster, there must not be anybody they are worried about losing in the Rule 5 draft.

[Nate Colbert]

Rays designate CJ Cron...

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM
• Zack Greinke--3 yrs/$34.1MM
• Robbie Ray--2 yrs/$6.1MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Yan Gomes--3 yrs/$7.1MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$15MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM (DFA'd today)
• Justin Bour*--2 yrs/$5.2MM (currently on waivers)
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Avisail Garcia--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM

Bold = Non tender candidate

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Derek Dietrich was DFA'd by the Marlins today. The recent acquisition of Aledmys Diaz probably precludes any interest by the Astros but some points in his favor or at least semi-interesting:

• Lefty hitter.
• Has played 1B/2B/3B but also has played quite a bit of LF (including 97 games this past season).
• Remarkably consistent--his .265/.330/.421 line in 2018 was very much in line with his .254/.335/.421 career numbers.
• Entering age 29 season.
• Several regimes ago but a one-time 3rd round pick of the Astros back in 2007.

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM
• Zack Greinke--3 yrs/$34.1MM
• Robbie Ray--2 yrs/$6.1MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Yan Gomes--3 yrs/$7.1MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$15MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM (DFA'd today)
• Justin Bour*--2 yrs/$5.2MM (currently on waivers)
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Avisail Garcia--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM
• Derek Dietrich*--2 yrs/$4.8MM (DFA'd today)

Bold = Non tender candidate

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Coaching staff announced.

Cintron/Snitker hitting coaches
Don Kelly 1B coach
Josh Miller bullpen coach

https://twitter.com/astros/status/1065363145697329152?s=19

[Nate Colbert]

JP Morosi says Astros one of the many teams interested in J.A. Happ.

Also says the Nats signing of Kurt Suzuki the other day eliminates them as a player for Grandal, Ramos or Realmuto.


Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16

Catchers

• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[JimR]

Nate, others have said this many times, but your contribution to this site is immense.

[Nate Colbert]

Thanks, Jim. Always feels good to get that kind of positive feedback.

[Mr. Happy]

Nate, others have said this many times, but your contribution to this site is immense.

No shit. As I've said before, NC is our substantive MVP.

[Texifornia]

No shit. As I've said before, NC is our substantive MVP.

Stipulate.
Who is our whimsical MVP?

[JimR]

Stipulate.
Who is our whimsical MVP?

Zipp once was. Those were the days.

[Texifornia]

Zipp once was. Those were the days.

He and Alkie provided a steady supply of mirth.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

He and Alkie provided a steady supply of mirth.

Along with JackAstro.

[juliogotay]

McTaggart answers some questions that are on everybody's mind. https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-inbox-focuses-on-free-agent-signings/c-301016770?tid=218325368

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Rosenthal  @Ken_Rosenthal 31m ago
#Astros, #STLCards are the two teams that have had the most meaningful discussions with the #DBacks about a trade for Paul Goldschmidt, sources tell The Athletic. No deal is close; talks not yet advanced.

Buster Olney (via MLBTR) confirms the Rosenthal report that Cards and Astros are both interested in Goldy. As far as outfielder types, besides previously-linked McCutcheon and Brantley Olney says stros also targeting AJ Pollock.

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16

Catchers

• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[austro]

Buster Olney (via MLBTR) confirms the Rosenthal report that Cards and Astros are both interested in Goldy. As far as outfielder types, besides previously-linked McCutcheon and Brantley Olney says stros also targeting AJ Pollock.

I love Pollock when he's healthy, but he makes Brantley look like an ironman. He has terrible luck with injuries, and he'll be 31 when next season starts.

[toddthebod]

If the Astros are really looking for an outfielder, I think it means that they have determined that they will trade Tucker for the right starting pitcher. 

[moriartp]

We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

[JimR]

We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

He was a great Astro.

[juliogotay]

We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

Good for him. He lives there and had said he would like to finish there.

[doyce7]

We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

Perfect way for him to finish his career at home where it all started. He will be missed

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[BudGirl]

He was a great Astro.

Would not have won it without him.

[moriartp]

Looks like two more 1B/DH options are off the market. The Twins claimed CJ Cron from the Rays, and the Braves are close to signing Josh Donaldson (according to Steve Phillips, anyway).

ETA: Rosenthal says Donaldson to Atlanta is done. 1 year, $23 million.

[Bench]

We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

1 year/$2 million

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Sounds like a swan song deal for McCann.

He was a great example of what a veteran leader can be.  I'll already remember his clutch his against NY in games 6 and 7, his solo shot in game 5 of the WS, his hbp in the 10th, and chugging from 1st to 3rd in game 7 on Marwin's double, then hoofing it in safely on the grounder and being greeted by Correa imitating him by running in place.  Lastly,  the scene that gets me every time,  was when he and Gattis embraced after the game both with tears running down their burly faces.

His contributions of course ran deeper than just those moments of production.  Good luck to him,  very glad he was an Astro.

[juliogotay]

Sounds like a swan song deal for McCann.

He was a great example of what a veteran leader can be.  I'll already remember his clutch his against NY in games 6 and 7, his solo shot in game 5 of the WS, his hbp in the 10th, and chugging from 1st to 3rd in game 7 on Marwin's double, then hoofing it in safely on the grounder and being greeted by Correa imitating him by running in place.  Lastly,  the scene that gets me every time,  was when he and Gattis embraced after the game both with tears running down their burly faces.

His contributions of course ran deeper than just those moments of production.  Good luck to him,  very glad he was an Astro.

I will never forget this. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/10/houston-astros-alex-bregman-game-7-throw-greg-bird-whoa-play-mlb-yankees-alcs

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I will never forget this. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/10/houston-astros-alex-bregman-game-7-throw-greg-bird-whoa-play-mlb-yankees-alcs

Yes, that one too.  What a 5-2 FC that was.

[BlownRanger]

I suspect McCann's contribution to the 2019 Braves will be very similar to that of Beltran to the 2017 Astros.  The stats won't even begin to tell the story.

[homer]

I will never forget this. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/10/houston-astros-alex-bregman-game-7-throw-greg-bird-whoa-play-mlb-yankees-alcs

Working the 2 out, 2 strike HBP in the 10th of Game 5 is my favorite McCann moment.

[JimR]

Working the 2 out, 2 strike HBP in the 10th of Game 5 is my favorite McCann moment.

He hit homers in three ABs in that game, but two were foul.

[JimR]

Sounds like a swan song deal for McCann.

He was a great example of what a veteran leader can be.  I'll already remember his clutch his against NY in games 6 and 7, his solo shot in game 5 of the WS, his hbp in the 10th, and chugging from 1st to 3rd in game 7 on Marwin's double, then hoofing it in safely on the grounder and being greeted by Correa imitating him by running in place.  Lastly,  the scene that gets me every time,  was when he and Gattis embraced after the game both with tears running down their burly faces.

His contributions of course ran deeper than just those moments of production.  Good luck to him,  very glad he was an Astro.

The players-only meeting after the catatonic performance in Game 5 at NYY was a largely unsung heroic moment for him and Beltran. They got the team ready to compete back in Houston.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Here's   McHugh's tribute:
https://twitter.com/Collin_McHugh/status/1067195203080110085?s=19

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

This team is going to look a little different. No McCann, no Keuchel, probably no Marwin… I'm gonna miss them all.

[JimR]

Here's   McHugh's tribute:
https://twitter.com/Collin_McHugh/status/1067195203080110085?s=19

Greatness

[VirtualBob]

Greatness

+1

[JimR]

This team is going to look a little different. No McCann, no Keuchel, probably no Marwin… I'm gonna miss them all.

I will not miss the Keuchel he became the last couple of years, and I am not talking about his pitching.

[Nate Colbert]

In his latest notes column for The Athletic, Rosenthal plays GM and throws out a couple of scenarios for the Astros:

Tucker +  Josh James for 2 years of Realmuto.

OR

Trade for 1 yr of Goldschmidt  +  sign a FA outfielder  +  settle for a lesser catcher.


If the "lesser catcher" is Wilson Ramos, I'm not sure there would be a need to sign a FA outfielder.

[toddthebod]

Trade for Goldschmidt, sign Ramos, and let Tucker develop in LF.

[Nate Colbert]

Trade for Goldschmidt, sign Ramos, and let Tucker develop in LF.

That's the direction I would head in. That would be roughly a $25MM add to 2019 payroll. Hopefully that would still allow room to add a starting pitcher at $15MM per.

[JimR]

That's the direction I would head in. That would be roughly a $25MM add to 2019 payroll. Hopefully that would still allow room to add a starting pitcher at $15MM per.

What do you do if Tucker does not hit, which I think is a 50-50 possibility?

[Nate Colbert]

What do you do if Tucker does not hit, which I think is a 50-50 possibility?

Kemp.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I'm really hoping the Goldschmidt thing happens.

These windows don't stay open forever.

[moriartp]

I'm really hoping the Goldschmidt thing happens.

These windows don't stay open forever.

Me too. Given the reports that there aren't many other contenders in the hunt for Goldy, this looks like a rare opportunity to get an elite bat without paying through the nose.

[toddthebod]

Kemp.

Yep.  Or Myles Straw.  Or Derek Fisher.  Or maybe even Alvarez (in a mid-season callup).  And there will always be left-fielders available at the trade deadline. 

But in the meantime, if you have Goldschmidt and Ramos in the lineup, Tucker doesn't have to immediately produce.

That being said, if the price for Kluber or another top pitcher (under control) is Tucker, by all means trade Tucker and then you can go out and find a free agent outfielder. 

[JimR]

Yep.  Or Myles Straw.  Or Derek Fisher.  Or maybe even Alvarez (in a mid-season callup).  And there will always be left-fielders available at the trade deadline. 

But in the meantime, if you have Goldschmidt and Ramos in the lineup, Tucker doesn't have to immediately produce.

That being said, if the price for Kluber or another top pitcher (under control) is Tucker, by all means trade Tucker and then you can go out and find a free agent outfielder.

Alvarez is my hope. No, no, no to Fisher.

[toddthebod]

I am with you on Fisher and on Alvarez.  I'm just saying that the team has some options if Tucker REALLY can't hit.   

[doyce7]

I know many are down on Tucker because of his lack of hitting major league pitching last season. But keep in mind that many great players struggle with initial major league experience, Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, and Alex Bregman were all 3 terrible at the start. Bregman turned it around that same season but Judge and Trout were both great the next season.

Now, I'm not saying WILL be great in 2019 but his struggles in 2018 shouldn't preclude him from getting a shot to start the season.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Bench]

I know many are down on Tucker because of his lack of hitting major league pitching last season. But keep in mind that many great players struggle with initial major league experience, Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, and Alex Bregman were all 3 terrible at the start. Bregman turned it around that same season but Judge and Trout were both great the next season.

Now, I'm not saying WILL be great in 2019 but his struggles in 2018 shouldn't preclude him from getting a shot to start the season.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Also, aren't early struggles at the next level consistent with his developmental history?

[doyce7]

Also, aren't early struggles at the next level consistent with his developmental history?

I believe that is correct

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Nate Colbert]

From Nick Piecoro, D-Backs beat writer:

Rival executives told ESPN’s Buster Olney the club could expect a package [for Goldschmidt] somewhere above the Pirates’ return for Andrew McCutchen but perhaps below what the Orioles received for Manny Machado.

Future Value (FV) grades are by Fangraphs at the time of the trades.

For Cutch, the Pirates received OF prospect Bryan Reynolds and pitching prospect Kyle Crick. Reynolds, at the time, was given an FV rating of 45. Crick was given an FV rating of 40.

In the Machado deal, the Orioles received OF Yusniel Diaz (FV 45+),  RHP Dean Kremer (40), RHP Zach Pop (40), INF Breyvic Valera (40) and INF Rylan Bannon (35+).

One of those transactions definitely was not like the other: a 2 for 1 trade vs a 5 for 1 trade with each trade led by a 45ish prospect. So for Goldy, might the D-Backs expect something like 3/4 prospects in return? Using the FG scouting grades, the Astros could offer up Bukauskas (45), Riley Ferrell (40), Jeremy Pena (40) and Kit Scheetz (35+).

In already cliched parlance, who says no?

[MusicMan]

I forget the source, but I read recently that the Astros were really pushing Bukauskas in trade talks.


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[Nate Colbert]

I forget the source, but I read recently that the Astros were really pushing Bukauskas in trade talks.

Beyond being part of the Harper package last year, Olney has said the Astros have been shopping him of late.

[JimR]

I am ready for something to happen.

[Navin R Johnson]

I am ready for something to happen.

Was thinking the same thing when I opened the thread this morning.   Antsy for someone actually getting acquired by the Astros.

[jaklewein]

I am ready for something to happen.

Me as well, and this is why Nate rocks!  I literally was surfing the net the last two days...looking for something....anything about the Astros regarding rumor mill type info.  I came up empty.  I was frustrated, having nothing to roll around in my brain.  Then I come here and Nate cranks out the blurb from the DBacks writer, along with his awesome take.  Now I have something for my brain to chew on.  Thank you Nate!

[Sambito Redux]

I am hoping for

Salvy Perez - C
Goldy - 1B
Happ - SP - Solid FA 3rd Starter Pitcher

Sort out Outfield Summer trade deadline...

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I am hoping for

Salvy Perez - C
Goldy - 1B
Happ - SP - Solid FA 3rd Starter Pitcher

Sort out Outfield Summer trade deadline...

Salvy is ancient.  I have a hard time believing that he plays more games than McCann did last year.

[Sambito Redux]

Salvy is ancient.  I have a hard time believing that he plays more games than McCann did last year.

Allow me to make the case

Age: 28
6 time All Star
5 Gold Gloves
2 Silver Sluggers
1 WS MVP

I live in KC and while not a fan, the entire community loves this guy.  He is a quality backstop and 35million left on his contract until 2021.  Could be a package with Merrifield as well -- but not imperative.

Had major injury to his MCL accidental suit case fall last year and still had 27 HRs and 80 rbis 

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Allow me to make the case

Age: 28
6 time All Star
5 Gold Gloves
2 Silver Sluggers
1 WS MVP

I live in KC and while not a fan, the entire community loves this guy.  He is a quality backstop and 35million left on his contract until 2021.  Could be a package with Merrifield as well -- but not imperative.

Had major injury to his MCL accidental suit case fall last year and still had 27 HRs and 80 rbis

Apologies, I thought he was closer to 38 than 28.  Must be getting him confused with Yadier Molina.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

McTaggart says they're still interested in Eovaldi:

https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1067807116734418945?s=19

[juliogotay]

McTaggart says they're still interested in Eovaldi:

https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1067807116734418945?s=19

I likey. Let's do this. Between Eovaldi and Goldy the club could improve greatly with Houston-area guys.

[BlownRanger]

Allow me to make the case

Age: 28
6 time All Star
5 Gold Gloves
2 Silver Sluggers
1 WS MVP

I live in KC and while not a fan, the entire community loves this guy.  He is a quality backstop and 35million left on his contract until 2021.  Could be a package with Merrifield as well -- but not imperative.

Had major injury to his MCL accidental suit case fall last year and still had 27 HRs and 80 rbis

Because of the workload he's endured, that's going to be an "old" 28, but I would still love to see Perez behind the plate for the Astros in 2019.

[Sambito Redux]

Justice says Stros are casting a wide net to gauge the market dynamics

Catcher
Starting Pitching
1B
OF

A lot of combinations -- some scarce and some abundant. 

Looks like the Realmuto market is contracting a bit --- really hope the Marlins get the poison pill of holding onto him too long and his productivity wanes as a result. 

Dream Off season

1. S Perez - C  for (Stassi, Bukauskas and Fisher)
2. N Eovaldi - SP
3. P. Goldschmidt - 1B (JD Davis/AJ Reed, Josh James and low level guy)
4. M. Brantley - OF

*** not going to happen, but its still December and we can dream

[toddthebod]

I likey. Let's do this. Between Eovaldi and Goldy the club could improve greatly with Houston-area guys.

I used to be big on the "let bring the Houston guys home" but then Doug Drabek and Greg Swindell happened. 

Now I'm like, lets just bring the best players here. 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I used to be big on the "let bring the Houston guys home" but then Doug Drabek and Greg Swindell happened. 

Now I'm like, lets just bring the best players here.

And if they have a ranch nearby it's just more on the buffet.

[geezerdonk]

I long for the days when buffet talk was a staple of this site.

[toddthebod]

If the Astros trade for Goldschmidt and Bumgarner, they could theoretically make 4 qualifying offers next season and none would likely be accepted.  I guess that's one way to replenish the farm system with high draft picks. 

[Jacksonian]

If the Astros trade for Goldschmidt and Bumgarner, they could theoretically make 4 qualifying offers next season and none would likely be accepted.  I guess that's one way to replenish the farm system with high draft picks.

I would think, like this year, they'd be third roundish.  Not terrible but not exactly high.

[toddthebod]

Second round after the bullshit competitive balance round B picks.  This past year, they were picks 75-78. 

[Nate Colbert]

Catching market continues to be flooded with options. Jeff Passan says that the BJs are making Russell Martin available in trade talks (and willing to throw in cash) and the Pirates are offering Francisco Cervelli. Beyond the salary issue, Martin will be 36 and his offense has been declining for the last 4 seasons. Cervelli will be 33 and had arguably the best offensive season of his career in 2018. Behind the plate, Martin out-shines Cervelli in the defensive metrics.

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM
• Zack Greinke--3 yrs/$34.1MM
• Robbie Ray--2 yrs/$6.1MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Yan Gomes--3 yrs/$7.1MM
• Russell Martin--1 yr/$20MM
• Francisco Cervelli--1 yr/$11.5MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$15MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM (DFA'd & then claimed by the Twins)
• Justin Bour*--2 yrs/$5.2MM (currently on waivers)
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Avisail Garcia--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM

Bold = Non tender candidate

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[toddthebod]

Martin or Cervelli?  No and No. 

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal reporting that the Brewers non-tendering Jonathan Schoop is a strong possibility. Bounce-back candidate after a lousy 2018 but he did hit .293/.338/.503 for the O's in 2017 with 32 HRs and 105 RBIs. 2B/3B/SS over his playing career but don't think it's a stretch to envision him playing some LF/1B along with doing some DH'ing. One could argue he's redundant given the Aledmys Diaz acquisition but if you think he could play a credible LF then perhaps not so much. A righty hitter so possibly not a good fit there (though he's actually hit RHPs better over the course of his career).

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM
• Zack Greinke--3 yrs/$34.1MM
• Robbie Ray--2 yrs/$6.1MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Yan Gomes--3 yrs/$7.1MM
• Russell Martin--1 yr/$20MM
• Francisco Cervelli--1 yr/$11.5MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$15MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM (DFA'd & then claimed by the Twins)
• Justin Bour*--2 yrs/$5.2MM (currently on waivers)
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Avisail Garcia--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM
• Jonathan Schoop--1 yr/$10.1MM

Bold = Non tender candidate

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Garrett Richards (who wouldn't have pitched in 2019 anyway) off the table as he signs a 2-yr deal with Padres at a price considerably above estimates...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16

Catchers

• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Derek Dietrich*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[moriartp]

Another catcher off the market. Natinals are reportedly getting Yan Gomes from Cleveland.

[doyce7]

I might be crazy, probably am. Would anybody else be willing to take a flyer on Shelby Miller?

I know he hasn't been healthy and hasn't been good for a few years but he's still pretty young, 28. I also looked at his Brooks baseball page, and he hasn't lost any velocity, seems to still have pretty decent stuff, I haven't watched him pitch so maybe he just doesn't have it.

I just feel like this staff could figure out how to get a lot out of him, if he could stay healthy.

Like I said, I'm probably crazy and I'm not sure how you can put him on 40 at this point with what else needs to be added.

Just see it as a low risk, potential huge reward if you help him figure out that arm talent again

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[juliogotay]

I might be crazy, probably am. Would anybody else be willing to take a flyer on Shelby Miller?

I know he hasn't been healthy and hasn't been good for a few years but he's still pretty young, 28. I also looked at his Brooks baseball page, and he hasn't lost any velocity, seems to still have pretty decent stuff, I haven't watched him pitch so maybe he just doesn't have it.

I just feel like this staff could figure out how to get a lot out of him, if he could stay healthy.

Like I said, I'm probably crazy and I'm not sure how you can put him on 40 at this point with what else needs to be added.

Just see it as a low risk, potential huge reward if you help him figure out that arm talent again

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I seem to remember Ryan scouting him. Then Luhnow drafted him. Could Strom fix him? It would have to be a Minor League deal.

[Reuben]

Another catcher off the market. Natinals are reportedly getting Yan Gomes from Cleveland.

For, as far as I can tell, the Nats’ equivalent of Ronnie Dawson.

[TerryPuhl21]

The Astros have non-tendered Herman. Little doubt now that a move for a catcher is in the works.

Realmuto??? Ramos???Maldonado???

Question for the board. How much does Ramos’ ACL issues trouble you???

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[moriartp]

Lots of notable non-tenders around the league.

[Nate Colbert]

Roster now at 37...

Pitchers (20)
Abreu
Armenteros
Cole
Deetz
Devenski
Guduan
Harris
James
Martes
McCullers
McHugh
Osuna
Peacock (out of options)
Perez
Pressly
Rodgers
Rondon
Smith
Valdez
Verlander

Catchers (2)
Stassi (out of options)
Stubbs

Infielders [8]
Altuve
Bregman
Correa
Davis
Diaz
Gurriel
Reed
White (out of options)

Outfielders (7)
Fisher
Kemp (out of options)
Marisnick
Reddick
Springer
Straw
Tucker

[Nate Colbert]

The Astros have non-tendered Herman. Little doubt now that a move for a catcher is in the works.

Wouldn't surprise me if Herrmann gets re-signed to a minor league deal with ST invite.

[Nate Colbert]

Cleaning up the trade possibilities list...

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM
• Zack Greinke--3 yrs/$34.1MM
• Robbie Ray--2 yrs/$6.1MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Yan Gomes--3 yrs/$7.1MM (traded to Nats)
• Russell Martin--1 yr/$20MM
• Francisco Cervelli--1 yr/$11.5MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$15MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM (DFA'd & then claimed by the Twins)
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Another catcher off the market. Nationals are reportedly getting Yan Gomes from Cleveland.

For, as far as I can tell, the Nats’ equivalent of Ronnie Dawson.

Probably not a bad comp. It was actually a 3 for 1 deal with a major league pitcher (Jefry Rodriguez) and a PTBNL also going to Cleveland.

[Nate Colbert]

Adding some of the non-tenders to the free agent list...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16

Catchers

• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Justin Bour*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Avisail Garcia: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Derek Dietrich*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Jonathan Schoop: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

[MusicMan]

Avisail Garcia nontendered by CWS. Rumored trade deadline target of Luhnow’s.


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[austro]

Avisail Garcia nontendered by CWS. Rumored trade deadline target of Luhnow’s.

I hope not. His numbers are not headed in the right direction.

[moriartp]

Had they traded for him, the Astros probably would've non-tendered him yesterday too.

ETA: referring to Garcia.

[Nate Colbert]

Noting Marisnick's status for 2019 vis-a-vis sending him to minors...

Pitchers (20)
Abreu
Armenteros
Cole
Deetz
Devenski
Guduan
Harris
James
Martes
McCullers
McHugh
Osuna
Peacock (out of options)
Perez
Pressly
Rodgers
Rondon
Smith
Valdez
Verlander

Catchers (2)
Stassi (out of options)
Stubbs

Infielders [8]
Altuve
Bregman
Correa
Davis
Diaz
Gurriel
Reed
White (out of options)

Outfielders (7)
Fisher
Kemp (out of options)
Marisnick (can elect free agency under Article XIX(A) if sent to minors 40 days after the season starts)
Reddick
Springer
Straw
Tucker

[Nate Colbert]

Astros sign Robinson Chirinos. Deal in place, pending physical says Rosenthal.

Appears they went with a bat-first guy here. BP defensive metrics ranked him 114th (out of 117 catchers).

One year deal is the report.

[Bench]

Astros sign Robinson Chirinos. Deal in place, pending physical says Rosenthal.

Appears they went with a bat-first guy here. BP defensive metrics ranked him 114th (out of 117 catchers).

Huh.  I didn't realize he was an everyday catcher.

[Jacksonian]

Astros sign Robinson Chirinos. Deal in place, pending physical says Rosenthal.

Appears they went with a bat-first guy here. BP defensive metrics ranked him 114th (out of 117 catchers).

Bat first is kind. He’s got some pop but he can’t hit .240.  He’ll be 35 during next season.  I’m looking forward to the explanation from Luhnow.

[jaklewein]

Bat first is kind. He’s got some pop but he can’t hit .240.  He’ll be 35 during next season.  I’m looking forward to the explanation from Luhnow.

Something tells me he was signed to be the backup.  Could Stassi be heading elsewhere and the team on the cusp of acquiring a second catching option to be the "starter"?

[Jacksonian]

Something tells me he was signed to be the backup.  Could Stassi be heading elsewhere and the team on the cusp of acquiring a second catching option to be the "starter"?

McTag just tweeted it’s a one year deal.  Your guess is also my guess.

[MusicMan]

2018 line of .222/.318/.419 was very much in line with his career averages (.233/.324/.438). Last year’s league average for catchers was .233/.304/.374. Seems like about an average bat with a poor glove - not starter stuff.


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[toddthebod]

140 Ks in 360 ABs last season.  I thought the Astros wanted to move away from that kind of hitter.  He has some pop but at what cost?

[jwhudson]

In Luhnow I trust, but I am skeptical regarding this move.  Rather have Maldonado.

[moriartp]

I don't get this at all unless they're about to include Stassi in a deal for another catcher.

[TerryPuhl21]

Astros sign Robinson Chirinos. Deal in place, pending physical says Rosenthal.

Appears they went with a bat-first guy here. BP defensive metrics ranked him 114th (out of 117 catchers).

One year deal is the report.

I for one am disappointed in this signing. If your gonna sign a catcher that can’t hit then why not get the best defensive catcher you can?? Would rather had Maldonado but I’m sure with Boras (didn’t he switch to Scott???) money could be an issue there. Really wanted Ramos but I image two ACL issues for a catcher was too risky.

If our catcher duo is gonna be Chirinos and Stassi, a move for an outfield bat or DH better be next.


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[Bench]

If our catcher duo is gonna be Chirinos and Stassi...

I find it hard to believe this will be the situation.

[juliogotay]

I find it hard to believe this will be the situation.

Me, too.

[jaklewein]

Chirinos is a right handed option at the plate. I’m betting Luhnow pairs him with a lefty option....putting my chips on Grandal.

[TerryPuhl21]

Chirinos is a right handed option at the plate. I’m betting Luhnow pairs him with a lefty option....putting my chips on Grandal.

I find it hard to believe we would pay Grandal the kind of money they say he’s asking for.

I have always felt that Realmuto was a pipe dream. I have felt all off season that we would spend our money or trade our assets for a starting pitcher and a bat. Today may be somewhat of a hint that thinking could be correct. I just think if you were going to go cheap on a catcher that there could’ve been better defensive options.


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[Nate Colbert]

Altuve buddy? Recs by Strom and McHugh? Crawford Box bump?

Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26 1h ago
Catcher Robinson Chirinos (@robinson28ch) on being teammates now with @JoseAltuve27: "Jose and I are really good friends. He said last year he was talking about dreaming to play on the same team (with me) and it's gonna happen. I'm excited to play with him."

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 54m ago
Robinson Chirinos was on the MLB team for the MLB Japan All-Star Series last month. Astros pitching coach Brent Strom was on the staff and reliever Collin McHugh was in the bullpen.

Phil Rogers  @philgrogers 41m ago
Robinson Chirinos and #Astros look like a great fit. He's had a .793 OPS since 2015 and is a right-handed pull hitter, so should benefit from Crawford Boxes.

[JimR]

McTag just tweeted it’s a one year deal.  Your guess is also my guess.

Mine too.

[jaklewein]

I find it hard to believe we would pay Grandal the kind of money they say he’s asking for.

I have always felt that Realmuto was a pipe dream. I have felt all off season that we would spend our money or trade our assets for a starting pitcher and a bat. Today may be somewhat of a hint that thinking could be correct. I just think if you were going to go cheap on a catcher that there could’ve been better defensive options.


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What options? 

[moriartp]

I find it hard to believe we would pay Grandal the kind of money they say he’s asking for.

I have always felt that Realmuto was a pipe dream. I have felt all off season that we would spend our money or trade our assets for a starting pitcher and a bat. Today may be somewhat of a hint that thinking could be correct. I just think if you were going to go cheap on a catcher that there could’ve been better defensive options.


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What is Grandal asking for? The $$ predictions I've seen for him look pretty reasonable for a guy of his talent.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

140 Ks in 360 ABs last season.  I thought the Astros wanted to move away from that kind of hitter.  He has some pop but at what cost?

There is no getting away from this type of hitter, at least at that tier of free agency.

[Jacksonian]

I find it hard to believe we would pay Grandal the kind of money they say he’s asking for.

I have always felt that Realmuto was a pipe dream. I have felt all off season that we would spend our money or trade our assets for a starting pitcher and a bat. Today may be somewhat of a hint that thinking could be correct. I just think if you were going to go cheap on a catcher that there could’ve been better defensive options.


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It would go against everything Luhnow has done to sign Grandal.  He’s never given up his draft picks to sign a free agent.

[jaklewein]

It would go against everything Luhnow has done to sign Grandal.  He’s never given up his draft picks to sign a free agent.

Good point, but 1),  having a draft pick attached to him is what will keep the cost down a bit and two, the draft pick that Luhnow would be losing is not nearly as valuable as in years past. Does that matter? Not sure but throwing it out there.

[TerryPuhl21]

What options?

Maldonado for one. If he’s ranked as low of a defender as mentioned in the post above then pretty much any other free agent catcher was a better option since it appears they may not want to spend the money for Grandal.


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[TerryPuhl21]

What is Grandal asking for? The $$ predictions I've seen for him look pretty reasonable for a guy of his talent.

Thought to be 15 mil or more per season. He turned down the almost 18 mil QO.

I can’t see paying that for a catcher unless you are truly elite.


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[jaklewein]

Maldonado for one. If he’s ranked as low of a defender as mentioned in the post above then pretty much any other free agent catcher was a better option since it appears they may not want to spend the money for Grandal.


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 This is just idol speculation on my part, but I’m guessing Maldonado was a bigger hole in the lineup then Luhnow and others anticipated. In addition, his reputation as a plus plus defender  was not obvious to me  from my viewpoint watching the games, especially in the postseason. Maybe he just had a bad run but calling it how I see it.

[TerryPuhl21]

This is just idol speculation on my part, but I’m guessing Maldonado was a bigger hole in the lineup then Luhnow and others anticipated. In addition, his reputation as a plus plus defender  was not obvious to me  from my viewpoint watching the games, especially in the postseason. Maybe he just had a bad run but calling it how I see it.

You could be right. Even I will admit that he didn’t block balls as well as I’d have liked but he has a gold glove under his belt and his arm is elite. His squatting behind home almost totally shuts down the opposing run game.

I still trust in Luhnow for sure. This move just puzzles me. We’ll see what else happens.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Astros Fan in Big D]

What was it,  3 passed balls in ONE inning in the ALCS?

(Or 2 and a blockable wp)

I enjoyed his cannon arm, but he weren't no Johnny Bench.

[Snuffy]

What was it,  3 passed balls in ONE inning in the ALCS?

(Or 2 and a blockable wp)

I enjoyed his cannon arm, but he weren't no Johnny Bench.

2nd that.  Wasn't that the same game where he forgot to tag the runner who overshot home plate and crawled back to score?

Not a surprise that he missed a 2nd GG this year.

[juliogotay]

2nd that.  Wasn't that the same game where he forgot to tag the runner who overshot home plate and crawled back to score?

Not a surprise that he missed a 2nd GG this year.

Ironic post, Snuf. He has was poor defensively last year. And he has a Gold Glove.

[JimR]

This is just idol speculation on my part, but I’m guessing Maldonado was a bigger hole in the lineup then Luhnow and others anticipated. In addition, his reputation as a plus plus defender  was not obvious to me  from my viewpoint watching the games, especially in the postseason. Maybe he just had a bad run but calling it how I see it.

He was great defensively until the two Boston games. Great.

I do agree about the hole in the lineup.

[Reuben]

Chirinos deal is $5.75M. That seems like more than backup C money.

[Bench]

Berman has a Bannister quote praising Chirinos's leadership and saying he "was the unsung glue that held everything together."

That last bit seems like damning with faint praise given the Rangers' fate the last few years.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Berman has a Bannister quote praising Chirinos's leadership and saying he "was the unsung glue that held everything together."

That last bit seems like damning with faint praise given the Rangers' fate the last few years.

As opposed I suppose to the sung glue.

[Reuben]

As opposed I suppose to the sung glue.

Like this?

Or maybe this?

[BlownRanger]

According to this, Chirinos "grades well in terms of blocking pitches in the dirt".  Considering Astros catchers are thrown one on nearly every 0-2 and 1-2 count, that's not something to scoff at.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/12/astros-nearing-deal-with-robinson-chirinos.html

[Snuffy]

Ironic post, Snuf. He has was poor defensively last year. And he has a Gold Glove.

He was on the GG 2018 nomination list, but did not get it.
https://www.mlb.com/news/gold-glove-award-finalists-named/c-299683866

Could his lapses during the playoff game have impacted the GG? 

[HudsonHawk]

Berman has a Bannister quote praising Chirinos's leadership and saying he "was the unsung glue that held everything together."

That last bit seems like damning with faint praise given the Rangers' fate the last few years.

That "glue" functioned more like a really old and fragile rubber band.  The Rangers were a mess. 

[Nate Colbert]

Back at 38 with the new catcher...

Pitchers (20)
Abreu
Armenteros
Cole
Deetz
Devenski
Guduan
Harris
James
Martes
McCullers
McHugh
Osuna
Peacock (out of options)
Perez
Pressly
Rodgers
Rondon
Smith
Valdez
Verlander

Catchers (3)
Chirinos
Stassi (out of options)
Stubbs

Infielders [8]
Altuve
Bregman
Correa
Davis
Diaz
Gurriel
Reed
White (out of options)

Outfielders (7)
Fisher
Kemp (out of options)
Marisnick (can elect free agency under Article XIX(A) if sent to minors 40 days after the season starts)
Reddick
Springer
Straw
Tucker

[Nate Colbert]

Bob Nightengale  @BNightengale 3h ago
The #STLCards won't be granted a 72-hour window to sign Paul Goldschmidt to a contract extension in trade talks with the #Dbacks, , but Cards are confident that if Goldschmidt came to St. Louis, he'd fall in love with the place. The #Astros also are in play as potential suitors.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Bob Nightengale  @BNightengale 3h ago
The #STLCards won't be granted a 72-hour window to sign Paul Goldschmidt to a contract extension in trade talks with the #Dbacks, , but Cards are confident that if Goldschmidt came to St. Louis, he'd fall in love with the place. The #Astros also are in play as potential suitors.

Not the shitbirds.

[TerryPuhl21]

Chirinos deal is $5.75M. That seems like more than backup C money.

While my initial reaction is to agree with your statement, the Nats gave Kurt Suzuki 2 years at 10 to split time with Gomes so perhaps this is just the going rate.

And speaking of Suzuki, he’s a career .258 hitter who only strikes out 13% of the time. Those are far and away better than Chirinos, though over the course of a season Robinson would figure to hit a few more homers. No clue about his defense but if Chirinos was 114 out of 117 odds are Kurt was better there too. Still puzzled by this move but on the surface I’d damn sure rather had Suzuki.

Still trusting in Jeff though and waiting to see the bigger picture. Perhaps Robinson is gonna be some great clubhouse type of player?.?.?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nate Colbert]

Just updating...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16

Catchers

• Grandal**: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Justin Bour*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Avisail Garcia: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Derek Dietrich*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Jonathan Schoop: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter
**Switch-hitter

[moriartp]

Not the shitbirds.

Heyman says it's the shitbirds.

[Jacksonian]

Chirinos deal is $5.75M. That seems like more than backup C money.

It's the one year that gets me.  Luhnow specifically said catcher was a target this off-season.  It's hard to see as Chirinos fitting of such a statement.  Luhnow knows he'll have to go get another catcher by this time next year.

[TerryPuhl21]

Heyman says it's the shitbirds.

Yes, it is the Cardinals. They just said on MLB network radio that the Cardinals Twitter account is confirming the deal. It was a pretty steep price to pay for a guy who only has one year One his deal. But I think the Cardinals are confident about re-signing him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Noe]

Heyman is reporting Evoldi is going to sign with the BoSox at 4 years/17 million per year. Rumor is that he is more prime to be their closer than another starter. Deal not done, but very close.

[Nate Colbert]

So what to make of the return for the D-Backs in the Goldy deal? Don't ask the fucking experts...

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 1h ago
The allure of Carson Kelly: great glove, excellent makeup. If he hits -- he's got a good swing and is athletic -- he's a star. Luke Weaver was really good in 2017, mediocre in 2018. Trade may hinge on who he really is. I've heard from six front offices, and all love the return.

Ken Rosenthal  @Ken_Rosenthal 1h ago
Other execs not high on #DBacks’ return for Goldschmidt, with one saying, “Where is the star power?” Fair point, especially considering regressions of Weaver and Kelly. But young players do not always progress in linear fashion. Change of teams might do both good.

Joel Sherman  @Joelsherman1 1h ago
3 evaluators have generally said #Diamondbacks did not get 1 stud prospect back, but rather potential upside/control. But said considering 1b/31/1 yr to fr agcy the return was fine.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Heyman says it's the shitbirds.

I specifically said NOT THE SHITBIRDS!

It's like none of those involved paid attention.

[Reuben]

So what to make of the return for the D-Backs in the Goldy deal? Don't ask the fucking experts...

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 1h ago
The allure of Carson Kelly: great glove, excellent makeup. If he hits -- he's got a good swing and is athletic -- he's a star. Luke Weaver was really good in 2017, mediocre in 2018. Trade may hinge on who he really is. I've heard from six front offices, and all love the return.

Ken Rosenthal  @Ken_Rosenthal 1h ago
Other execs not high on #DBacks’ return for Goldschmidt, with one saying, “Where is the star power?” Fair point, especially considering regressions of Weaver and Kelly. But young players do not always progress in linear fashion. Change of teams might do both good.

Joel Sherman  @Joelsherman1 1h ago
3 evaluators have generally said #Diamondbacks did not get 1 stud prospect back, but rather potential upside/control. But said considering 1b/31/1 yr to fr agcy the return was fine.

It’s certainly clear that the Astros could’ve offered better pieces without including Whitley or Tucker. Maybe they balked at Alvarez, or Josh James. Maybe something like Martes/Stubbs/Dawson/? wasn’t quite as good as what the Cards gave them. Doesn’t seem far off though.

[VirtualBob]

I specifically said NOT THE SHITBIRDS!

It's like none of those involved paid attention.

Exactly like that. Yes.

[toddthebod]

I'm starting to get a little concerned about this offseason.  The Astros lose a ton of their front office and analytical personnel.  That's not good.

The Astros need at least one starting pitcher -- maybe two.  And could use long-term help with Verlander and Cole being free agents after next season.  But Corbin and probably Eovaldi are now off the market and I don't think that Keuchel is coming back.  Paxton is traded to the Yankees.  And it seems that Syndergard is being pulled back by the Mets who are now going for it.  So what does that leave for the Astros? Hopefully Morton comes back.  Greinke?  Baumgarten?  The market wasn't great to start.   

The Astros desperately need a catcher.  Realmuto is available in a trade.  Probably Cervelli.  Ramos, Grandal and Maldanado are free agents.  And the Astros go out and sign a below-average defensive catcher who strikes out a ton and can't hit for average but has some power.  It is a truly strange signing.  What gives me optimism is the fact that McHugh and Strom were with Chrinos in Japan and hopefully saw something there.  And Altuve likes him.  But it's a weird signing.

Goldschmidt goes to the Cardinals in a deal that the Astros could have easily beaten.

There are plenty of good free agent hitters available.  My view of the offseason could change in a heartbeat.  And it wouldn't take signing Harper to do so. 

Looking forward to seeing what the Astros do at the winter meetings.

[Lefty]

Exactly like that. Yes.

He's not in the AL.  Who cares about those other guys?

[Nate Colbert]

Eovaldi deal is done pending physical with the terms pretty much spot on per Heyman's earlier reporting...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15  [Actual: 4@17]
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16

Catchers

• Grandal**: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Justin Bour*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Avisail Garcia: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Derek Dietrich*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Jonathan Schoop: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter
**Switch-hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Indians sign contract extension thru (at least) 2022 with Carrasco taking him off the market...

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM
• Zack Greinke--3 yrs/$34.1MM
• Robbie Ray--2 yrs/$6.1MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Yan Gomes--3 yrs/$7.1MM (traded to Nats)
• Russell Martin--1 yr/$20MM
• Francisco Cervelli--1 yr/$11.5MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$15MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM (DFA'd & then claimed by the Twins)
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[Nate Colbert]

Ken Rosenthal  @Ken_Rosenthal 7m ago
Michael Brantley’s reps are telling clubs he is willing and able to play 1B for the first time as a major leaguer. No team is looking at Brantley full-time at 1B, but those interested in him are aware of his versatility. Brantley played 53 games at 1B in the minors in 2007-08.

[JimR]

I'm starting to get a little concerned about this offseason.  The Astros lose a ton of their front office and analytical personnel.  That's not good.

The Astros need at least one starting pitcher -- maybe two.  And could use long-term help with Verlander and Cole being free agents after next season.  But Corbin and probably Eovaldi are now off the market and I don't think that Keuchel is coming back.  Paxton is traded to the Yankees.  And it seems that Syndergard is being pulled back by the Mets who are now going for it.  So what does that leave for the Astros? Hopefully Morton comes back.  Greinke?  Baumgarten?  The market wasn't great to start.   

The Astros desperately need a catcher.  Realmuto is available in a trade.  Probably Cervelli.  Ramos, Grandal and Maldanado are free agents.  And the Astros go out and sign a below-average defensive catcher who strikes out a ton and can't hit for average but has some power.  It is a truly strange signing.  What gives me optimism is the fact that McHugh and Strom were with Chrinos in Japan and hopefully saw something there.  And Altuve likes him.  But it's a weird signing.

Goldschmidt goes to the Cardinals in a deal that the Astros could have easily beaten.

There are plenty of good free agent hitters available.  My view of the offseason could change in a heartbeat.  And it wouldn't take signing Harper to do so. 

Looking forward to seeing what the Astros do at the winter meetings.

We are doomed.

[doyce7]

We are doomed.

Yep. Blow it up and start the rebuild

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[moriartp]

Of the (realistic) options still available, I think the one I'd like the most would be Nelson Cruz.

[doyce7]

I would go after Jose Martinez from the Cardinals. Now that they have Goldschmidt I can't really see them keeping Martinez. Would be a pretty good DH option that shouldn't cost too much to get.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Nate Colbert]

I would go after Jose Martinez from the Cardinals. Now that they have Goldschmidt I can't really see them keeping Martinez. Would be a pretty good DH option that shouldn't cost too much to get.

FWIW, apparently he's also a buddy of Altuve.

[Nate Colbert]

Marc Topkin  @TBTimes_Rays 42m ago
Among several options #Rays have explored to add a starting pitcher, they've expressed interest and had initial conversations with free-agent RHP Charlie Morton, most recently with #Astros.

[Nate Colbert]

The Luhnow agenda, post-Chirinos:

"We're still evaluating different ways to improve the team, but starting pitcher is one of the areas where we're looking at, maybe an arm to the bullpen and also another bat for the lineup," [Luhnow] said. "Those are three avenues we're exploring."

[Nate Colbert]

Rosenthal in The Athletic sees a fit with the Astros for Josh Harrison in a PMW...

Heyman echoes...

"The Astros have considered Josh Harrison, who could be a decent replacement for Marwin Gonzalez, at a much lower cost, if they can’t sign Gonzalez."

[JimR]

The Luhnow agenda, post-Chirinos:

"We're still evaluating different ways to improve the team, but starting pitcher is one of the areas where we're looking at, maybe an arm to the bullpen and also another bat for the lineup," [Luhnow] said. "Those are three avenues we're exploring."

Looks like the Astros are done, for now, at catcher. Of course, Luhnow is a master at not giving clueless folks like I am a helpful clue about what he really is doing.

[jaklewein]

Since the Diamondbacks are selling, what about David Peralta?  And then possibly could include Greinke in the deal?  Also like Archie Bradley.

[JimR]

Since the Diamondbacks are selling, what about David Peralta?  And then possibly could include Greinke in the deal?  Also like Archie Bradley.

No Greinke, please.

[Nate Colbert]

Jon Heyman  @JonHeyman 32m ago
In astros talks for Goldy, JB Bukauskas and Cionel Perez were in play. D-Backs took the surer bet and more diversified package from #STLCards instead.

[Nate Colbert]

In an article for The Athletic, Jake Kaplan mentions lefty bat Daniel Murphy as a possible fit for the Astros who could slot in at DH/1B...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15  [Actual: 4@17]
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16

Catchers

• Grandal**: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Justin Bour*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Avisail Garcia: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Daniel Murphy*: 2@9 vs 2@10 vs 2@10 vs 2@10 vs 2@13

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Derek Dietrich*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Jonathan Schoop: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter
**Switch-hitter

[juliogotay]

No Greinke, please.

I agree. Just something about the guy I don't trust.

[juliogotay]

The Luhnow agenda, post-Chirinos:

"We're still evaluating different ways to improve the team, but starting pitcher is one of the areas where we're looking at, maybe an arm to the bullpen and also another bat for the lineup," [Luhnow] said. "Those are three avenues we're exploring."

In other words, "we're looking at everything".

[toddthebod]

I like Daniel Murphy, although I feel Tyler White may be developing into a right-handed version of Murphy.  So I don't think I would go in that direction.  And I really don't get the rumors that the Astros are interested in Josh Harrison. 

I still feel that bringing Nelson Cruz to DH is the best fit for the Astros. 

And I like the idea of Jose Abreu.

But at the end of the day, starting pitching is still the biggest off-season need.

[Nate Colbert]

Jon Morosi  @jonmorosi 32m ago
Sources: Corey Kluber trade talks have intensified. #Dodgers are among the teams involved.

[TerryPuhl21]

I like Daniel Murphy, although I feel Tyler White may be developing into a right-handed version of Murphy.  So I don't think I would go in that direction.  And I really don't get the rumors that the Astros are interested in Josh Harrison. 

I still feel that bringing Nelson Cruz to DH is the best fit for the Astros. 

And I like the idea of Jose Abreu.

But at the end of the day, starting pitching is still the biggest off-season need.

I don’t see the benefit of adding Harrison either. I like Abreu but I’d prefer to have my cake and eat it to by filling some of the holes via free agency rather than trade. As such, Cruz would be fine.  But if they want a DH who is more flexible and can play in the field as well then perhaps someone like Brantley is a better option.

One pitcher that was mentioned on the radio this morning was Robbie Ray. It was specifically mentioned by Steve Phillips that he would be perfect for the Astros as he could probably be had without parting with Whitley or Tucker and is a lefty who could replace Keuchel in the rotation. Interesting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nate Colbert]

Jon Morosi  @jonmorosi 32m ago
Sources: Corey Kluber trade talks have intensified. #Dodgers are among the teams involved.

Jon Morosi  @jonmorosi 14s ago
Source: #Indians interested in #Dodgers OF Alex Verdugo as part of Corey Kluber trade talks. Cleveland is looking for outfield bats, and Verdugo is the Dodgers' top prospect, according to @MLBPipeline.

Jon Morosi  @jonmorosi 8m ago
If #Indians trade Corey Kluber, they would like to receive a young outfielder in the deal. So it is not a surprise that the #Dodgers (Alex Verdugo), #Yankees (Estevan Florial) and #Brewers (Corey Ray) all are potential landing spots for Kluber.

[toddthebod]

One pitcher that was mentioned on the radio this morning was Robbie Ray.

According to Nightengale, Arizona is telling teams that Ray is not available.

[Bench]

In other words, "we're looking at everything".

"We're still evaluating adding options at starting pitching, relief pitching, batting and defense."

[toddthebod]

Jon Morosi  @jonmorosi 14s ago
Source: #Indians interested in #Dodgers OF Alex Verdugo as part of Corey Kluber trade talks. Cleveland is looking for outfield bats, and Verdugo is the Dodgers' top prospect, according to @MLBPipeline.

Jon Morosi  @jonmorosi 8m ago
If #Indians trade Corey Kluber, they would like to receive a young outfielder in the deal. So it is not a surprise that the #Dodgers (Alex Verdugo), #Yankees (Estevan Florial) and #Brewers (Corey Ray) all are potential landing spots for Kluber.

Rosenthal is saying that the Indians want to package one of their big price contracts with Kluber or Bauer.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/12/central-trade-rumblings-indians-starters-castellanos-cervelli.html

This actually sounds pretty good.  Encarnacion is getting paid $20 million for 2019 and has an option for 2020 with a $5 million buyout.  I don't see any reason why the Astros couldn't trade for a package of Kluber and Encarnacion.  It actually solves a couple of problems and there is little long-term commitment for Encarnacion. 

[moriartp]

I would be entirely on board with that.

[Nate Colbert]

Evan Drellich  @EvanDrellich 21m ago
There were 4 finalists for Nate Eovaldi, source says. Eovaldi himself said he gave a lot of consideration to Houston bc it's home. Angels indeed one of the other. Yankees were in on Eovaldi, but may not have been finalist. Eovaldi decided early he would only go to winning team.

[Nate Colbert]

Folty???

Mark Bowman  @mlbbowman 2m ago
Some teams have gotten the sense the Braves are willing to trade both Inciarte and Foltynewicz. Acuna's presence make Inciarte understandable. To move Folty, the Braves would likely need to fill multiple needs and/or have the confidence another deal would land a front-line SP.


(Bowman is the Braves' beat writer)

ETA:

And then pretty much says never mind...

Mark Bowman@mlbbowman 11 minutes ago
Teams have asked, but the Braves have made it clear they will not be trading Foltynewicz.

[Nate Colbert]

Bob Nightengale reported earlier today that Giants are making Brandon Belt available. A career .266/.356/.455 hitter, the Longhorn-ex and lefty hitter is heading into his age 31 season, has had trouble staying healthy and is owed a shitload on the remainder of his contract...

(years of control/2019 salary)

Pitchers

• Sonny Gray--1 yr/$9.1MM
• James Paxton--2 yrs/$9MM
• Corey Kluber--3 yrs/$17MM
• Carlos Carrasco--2 yrs/$9.75MM
• Zack Greinke--3 yrs/$34.1MM
• Robbie Ray--2 yrs/$6.1MM

Catchers

• J.T. Realmuto--2 yrs/$6.1MM
• Salvador Perez--3 yrs/$11.2MM
• Yan Gomes--3 yrs/$7.1MM (traded to Nats)
• Russell Martin--1 yr/$20MM
• Francisco Cervelli--1 yr/$11.5MM
• Mike Zunino--2 yrs/$4.2MM

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Paul Goldschmidt--1 yr/$14.5MM
• Jose Abreu--1 yr/$16MM
• Carlos Santana**--2 yrs/$15MM
• CJ Cron--2 yrs/$5.2MM (DFA'd & then claimed by the Twins)
• Jose Martinez--4 yrs/$600K
• Justin Smoak**--1 yr/$8MM
• Nick Castellanos--1 yr/$11.3MM
• Brandon Belt*--3 yrs/$17.2MM

*Lefty hitter
**Switch hitter

[toddthebod]

Morosi tweets Astros are "interested" in Michael Brantley but don't want to block Tucker long-term.

Heyman tweets Astros still in on Realmuto.

[TerryPuhl21]

Morosi tweets Astros are "interested" in Michael Brantley but don't want to block Tucker long-term.

Heyman tweets Astros still in on Realmuto.

I understand not wanting to block Tucker if they don’t trade him, but if I had a chance to get Brantley I’d think I’d try to find a way to fit him in. He is a professional hitter who will hit .300 and strikes out only 11 percent of the time. He isn’t going to hit for much power but you could do a lot worse at DH than Brantley if you didn’t want to spend the dollars for Cruz’s power.


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[juliogotay]

I understand not wanting to block Tucker if they don’t trade him, but if I had a chance to get Brantley I’d think I’d try to find a way to fit him in. He is a professional hitter who will hit .300 and strikes out only 11 percent of the time. He isn’t going to hit for much power but you could do a lot worse at DH than Brantley if you didn’t want to spend the dollars for Cruz’s power.


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A Brantley deal would proceed a Tucker deal I suspect.

[jaklewein]

A Brantley deal would proceed a Tucker deal I suspect.

Exactly what I was thinking!

[jaklewein]

Btw, does anyone else feel like calling bullshit on Cashmen's comments regarding Harper?  He is saying they have enough OFs and have no interest in the player.  I'm thinking he's saying that simply to keep the price down and will pick him off in the 11th hour, seemingly out of nowhere. 

[JimR]

A Brantley deal would proceed a Tucker deal I suspect.

Proceed? What do you mean?

[TerryPuhl21]

Phillies just signed MuCutchen, 3 years at 50. I know we were linked to him once but doubt we were serious. Would think this could make things go quicker with Brantley as he is probably the best corner bat available after Harper.


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[TerryPuhl21]

Btw, does anyone else feel like calling bullshit on Cashmen's comments regarding Harper?  He is saying they have enough OFs and have no interest in the player.  I'm thinking he's saying that simply to keep the price down and will pick him off in the 11th hour, seemingly out of nowhere.

I think a lot of teams not named Philly are taking that stance with Harper, privately and publicly, in an attempt to keep the final dollars as low as possible like with JD last year.


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[Nate Colbert]

As noted above, scratch off McCutchen...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15  [Actual: 4@17]
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16

Catchers

• Grandal**: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Justin Bour*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Avisail Garcia: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Daniel Murphy*: 2@9 vs 2@10 vs 2@10 vs 2@10 vs 2@13

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Derek Dietrich*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Jonathan Schoop: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter
**Switch-hitter

[jaklewein]

Proceed? What do you mean?

Can't speak for JulioGotay, but I was thinking if you can sign Brantley then you can afford to pull the trigger on a deal for Realmuto involving Tucker.

ETA: or to move Tucker in any other deal you think can help the team.

[doyce7]

I know I might be the last one left but I would not trade Tucker for Realmuto. It's not like Realmuto is 24 with 4 years of club control. 2 years of Realmuto vs 6 years of Tucker, maybe I'm crazy but I'll take Tucker. 

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[juliogotay]

Proceed? What do you mean?

Come before and allow a Tucker deal to happen.

[JimR]

Come before and allow a Tucker deal to happen.

Ok. Precede

[Nate Colbert]

Joel Sherman  @Joelsherman1 9m ago
Heard #Phillies choice came down to McCutchen vs Brantley at similar prices. Brantley’s LH bat fit better but durability was huge issue and Pha went with McCutchen.

[juliogotay]

Ok. Precede

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/proceed

[Outlawscotty]

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/proceed

Are you fucking with him?

[JimR]

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/proceed

Your English teachers should be fired retroactively.

[Bench]

One needs to precede so the other can proceed.

[moriartp]

Your English teacher’s should be fired retroactively.

Subtle joke or autocorrect?

[JimR]

Autocorrect. I would not do that on purpose.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Autocorrect. I would not do that on purpose.

Your journalism teacher should be retroactively fired for not teaching proof reading.... I know, all my teachers need to be fired.

[Nate Colbert]

Wouldn't surprise me if Herrmann gets re-signed to a minor league deal with ST invite.

Or not--he's signed with the A's.

[JimR]

Your journalism teacher should be retroactively fired for not teaching proof reading.... I know, all my teachers need to be fired.

I learned to proofread but am lazy about it on message boards. I also never expected autocorrect to change every plural into possessive.

[JimR]

Can't speak for JulioGotay, but I was thinking if you can sign Brantley then you can afford to pull the trigger on a deal for Realmuto involving Tucker.

ETA: or to move Tucker in any other deal you think can help the team.

Sure, I know. Word usage, not concept.

[JimR]

Or not--he's signed with the A's.

Really? So much for his being thrilled to be an Astro.

[JimR]

I know I might be the last one left but I would not trade Tucker for Realmuto. It's not like Realmuto is 24 with 4 years of club control. 2 years of Realmuto vs 6 years of Tucker, maybe I'm crazy but I'll take Tucker. 

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Not trying to start a fight here. Tucker showed tons of potential, but so did AJ Reed. If he stays, I hope Tucker achieves in Houston what he has shown in the minors, but I am not sold on him.

[mrpink]

Not trying to start a fight here. Tucker showed tons of potential, but so did AJ Reed. If he stays, I hope Tucker achieves in Houston what he has shown in the minors, but I am not sold on him.

Two comments on that...Reed has not gotten another opportunity in the majors since his disastrous 2016 and Tucker was 21 in AAA last year.  When Reed was 21 he was in Quad Cities.

[doyce7]

Not trying to start a fight here. Tucker showed tons of potential, but so did AJ Reed. If he stays, I hope Tucker achieves in Houston what he has shown in the minors, but I am not sold on him.

I'm not trying to fight either. And I'm not attacking you for your opinion, you've earned it. I just disagree. I very well could be wrong, wouldn't be the first nor the last time. With that said...

150 PAs at 23 and 72 PAs at 21 are not the same thing.

Reed also struckout 50 times in those 150 PAs.

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[JimR]

Two comments on that...Reed has not gotten another opportunity in the majors since his disastrous 2016 and Tucker was 21 in AAA last year.  When Reed was 21 he was in Quad Cities.

Wasn’t Reed a college player? Tucker signed out of HS.

I am not saying Tucker is a bust. I am saying I am not sold on him. I usually am wrong.

[Nate Colbert]

Report out of the DR...

Hector Gomez @ hgomez27 11 minutes ago
SOURCE: The race to sign DH Nelson Cruz is down to two teams - the # Twins and the # Rays.

[toddthebod]

Ugh.  Where is that impact bat going to come from?  Brantley?  Daniel Murphy?

[toddthebod]

Jon Morosi‏Verified account @jonmorosi · 5m5 minutes ago 

Nelson Cruz’s agent, Bryce Dixon, tells me he’s talking with additional teams beyond the Twins and Rays. @MLB @MLBNetwork

[Jacksonian]

Ugh.  Where is that impact bat going to come from?  Brantley?  Daniel Murphy?

Luhnow’s talked about position versatility.  Cruz is the opposite of that.

[JimR]

Luhnow’s talked about position versatility.  Cruz is the opposite of that.

Luhnow’s talked about position versatility.  Cruz is the opposite of that.

Doubt he would rigidly require that of a power hitting DH.

[Nate Colbert]

Mark Feinsand  @Feinsand 6m ago
The markets for J.A. Happ and Lance Lynn are emerging - and look eerily similar. According to sources, the Astros, Yankees, Reds, Rangers and Blue Jays are engaged with both pitchers. The Phillies are also interested in Happ, while the White Sox have expressed interest in Lynn.

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

Pitchers

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15  [Actual: 4@17]
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Cahill: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs 2@11 vs N/A vs N/A
• Pomeranz: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A
• Hellickson: 1@6 vs 1@5 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Richards: [email protected] vs 2@5 vs 2@5 vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Happ: 2@13 vs 2@13 vs 3@16 vs 2@15 vs 3@16
• Lynn: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@8 vs N/A vs N/A

Catchers

• Grandal**: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Lucroy: 1@5 vs 1@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A

1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)

• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Logan Morrison*: [email protected] vs 1@2 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]  [Actual: [email protected]]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A
• Justin Bour*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Avisail Garcia: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Daniel Murphy*: 2@9 vs 2@10 vs 2@10 vs 2@10 vs 2@13

Multi-Position

• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Josh Harrison: 2@5 vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Derek Dietrich*: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Jonathan Schoop: N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A  [Actual: [email protected]]

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter
**Switch-hitter

[mrpink]

Wasn’t Reed a college player? Tucker signed out of HS.

I am not saying Tucker is a bust. I am saying I am not sold on him. I usually am wrong.

Yes he was. I still think Reed will become a solid major leaguer, but I think Tucker will be an All-Star.

Of course, I’m usually wrong too so...

[Nate Colbert]

Jake Kaplan  @jakemkaplan 1h ago
The Astros will work to increase the versatility of Aledmys Díaz in spring training. A.J. Hinch said today he plans to try Diaz at first base, second base, third base and left field in addition to shortstop in Grapefruit League games. "He's got to get a glove for everything."

[Jacksonian]

Jake Kaplan  @jakemkaplan 1h ago
The Astros will work to increase the versatility of Aledmys Díaz in spring training. A.J. Hinch said today he plans to try Diaz at first base, second base, third base and left field in addition to shortstop in Grapefruit League games. "He's got to get a glove for everything."

In an article on astros.com Hinch suggests, IMO strongly, that McHugh will be back in the rotation.

[Reuben]

In an article on astros.com Hinch suggests, IMO strongly, that McHugh will be back in the rotation.

I wonder if Peacock will at least get stretched out in ST as well. He didn’t exactly prove that he’s best in the bullpen.

[JimR]

Jake Kaplan  @jakemkaplan 1h ago
The Astros will work to increase the versatility of Aledmys Díaz in spring training. A.J. Hinch said today he plans to try Diaz at first base, second base, third base and left field in addition to shortstop in Grapefruit League games. "He's got to get a glove for everything."

Strong hint Marwin is leaving for more $.

[JimR]

I wonder if Peacock will at least get stretched out in ST as well. He didn’t exactly prove that he’s best in the bullpen.

Perhaps to you. I think he is more valuable in the pen. Wherever they use him, he must rediscover his slider.

[juliogotay]

Perhaps to you. I think he is more valuable in the pen. Wherever they use him, he must rediscover his slider.

I agree regarding Peacock's usage.

Meanwhile,  https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1072668168995385345

[Jacksonian]

I wonder if Peacock will at least get stretched out in ST as well. He didn’t exactly prove that he’s best in the bullpen.

Here's the link.  Only McHugh is mentioned as being stretched out.  I suspect Peacock to the rotation is a last resort move.

My bet is the Astros will procure one starting pitcher and then a youngster will fill the 5th spot.

[Jacksonian]

I agree regarding Peacock's usage.

Meanwhile,  https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1072668168995385345

It would not surprise me a bit if he pulls off a Kluber deal.

[Bench]

Here's the link.  Only McHugh is mentioned as being stretched out.  I suspect Peacock to the rotation is a last resort move.

My bet is the Astros will procure one starting pitcher and then a youngster will fill the 5th spot.

Verlander, Cole, Pitcher X, McHugh, James?

[JimR]

Verlander, Cole, Pitcher X, McHugh, James?

Good guess. I watched Hinch’s interview yesterday, and my strong inference was his is expecting a deal or deals.

ETA: Happ to NYY.

[JimR]

It would not surprise me a bit if he pulls off a Kluber deal.

I would love this.

[TerryPuhl21]

MLB Radio is reporting Charlie Morton has multiple 2 year deals on the table and is expected to decide soon, possibly as early as today.


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[TeeJoe]

It would not surprise me a bit if he pulls off a Kluber deal.

To get Kluber the Astros would have to give up A LOT...But what a rotation if it were to happen!

[TerryPuhl21]

I would love this.

I would to. Only concern with Kluber is the fact that he seems to fade come playoff time. I would expect us to be in a position to help manage his innings better than Cleveland did given our pitching depth. Tucker will definitely be in that deal and that would be fine with me. If it happens, would not be surprised to see Encarnacion in the deal as well but the package would be big. Indians reportedly are looking to dump salary and EE could be had.

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[moriartp]

Edit: never mind. I didn't realize Kluber has two more option years on his deal.

[Jacksonian]

I don't think it would cost Tucker. Kluber's a free agent after the season, and the price for just one year of even the best player usually isn't that high.

I read he has options through 2021.

[JimR]

MLB Radio is reporting Charlie Morton has multiple 2 year deals on the table and is expected to decide soon, possibly as early as today.


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If Morton signs somewhere else, I am going to be surprised, no, shocked.

[chuck]

I've heard from people who supposedly know that the team is trying hard to land a very high profile player, and the impression I have is that it is a bat and that it is not Harper. That doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense, really, but who knows. Someone like Kluber actually makes a lot of sense. With a rotation like that you could just stick Ted out in left until he decides he's ready to hit and not worry too much about it.

[doyce7]

I would to. Only concern with Kluber is the fact that he seems to fade come playoff time. I would expect us to be in a position to help manage his innings better than Cleveland did given our pitching depth. Tucker will definitely be in that deal and that would be fine with me. If it happens, would not be surprised to see Encarnacion in the deal as well but the package would be big. Indians reportedly are looking to dump salary and EE could be had.

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While Kluber wasn't very good in the 17 or 18 postseasons, he was great in 16. I wouldn't worry too much about 3 bad postseason starts.

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[BudGirl]

I'd love Kluber, but I'm going to be cautious and not get my hopes up.  But, damm, he'd look good in orange.

[toddthebod]

Kluber would be awesome and is what I have been rooting for.  Adding Encarnacion would be a bonus -- especially since it is only a one year commitment.  I'm assuming that Tucker, JBB and others go in this deal. 

Playing things out, Astros rotation in 2020 -- Kluber, Whitley, McCullers, James, pitcher X. 

I can't imagine the Astros would sign Harper, but damn. 

[BudGirl]

Kluber would be awesome and is what I have been rooting for.  Adding Encarnacion would be a bonus -- especially since it is only a one year commitment.  I'm assuming that Tucker, JBB and others go in this deal. 

Playing things out, Astros rotation in 2020 -- Kluber, Whitley, McCullers, James, pitcher X. 

I can't imagine the Astros would sign Harper, but damn. 

You assume Cole would leave too?

[Lefty]

Here's the link.  Only McHugh is mentioned as being stretched out. 

Saw Luhnow say that a LHRP is not a huge priority right now and that Col Perez and Framber are in the mix for a bullpen role but will be treated as starters in ST

Not sure if already posted.

[Jacksonian]

On the flip side Luhnow drafted Lance Lynn while he was with the Cardinals.

[TerryPuhl21]

I've heard from people who supposedly know that the team is trying hard to land a very high profile player, and the impression I have is that it is a bat and that it is not Harper. That doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense, really, but who knows. Someone like Kluber actually makes a lot of sense. With a rotation like that you could just stick Ted out in left until he decides he's ready to hit and not worry too much about it.

Richard Justice said Monday night that with the Astros window to win open right now, Crane has told Luhnow he has the green light to spend up to the luxury tax number if he deems it necessary to win another title. That would be around $207-208 million and a drastic increase unheard of from this franchise. If that report is accurate, then perhaps there are ways to get Harper. If he was in the 2 hole behind Springer and in front of Altuve where teams had to pitch to him, he would light up MMP. Still seems far fetched though.

I can’t think of another high profile bat via free agency besides Machado and the Astros don’t need him. Is Cruz considered high profile?

Would have to be via trade. Is Realmuto “high profile?” Perhaps.


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[chuck]

I can't think of a particularly high profile bat other than Harper, either, which is why I found the information so confusing.

[JimR]

I've heard from people who supposedly know that the team is trying hard to land a very high profile player, and the impression I have is that it is a bat and that it is not Harper. That doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense, really, but who knows. Someone like Kluber actually makes a lot of sense. With a rotation like that you could just stick Ted out in left until he decides he's ready to hit and not worry too much about it.

Makes a little more sense if they think Morton is returning.

Intriguing.

[juliogotay]

Richard Justice said Monday night that with the Astros window to win open right now, Crane has told Luhnow he has the green light to spend up to the luxury tax number if he deems it necessary to win another title. That would be around $207-208 million and a drastic increase unheard of from this franchise. If that report is accurate, then perhaps there are ways to get Harper. If he was in the 2 hole behind Springer and in front of Altuve where teams had to pitch to him, he would light up MMP. Still seems far fetched though.

I can’t think of another high profile bat via free agency besides Machado and the Astros don’t need him. Is Cruz considered high profile?

Would have to be via trade. Is Realmuto “high profile?” Perhaps.


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Realmuto has become high profile since his availability. I honestly had not heard of him previously but I don't see much NL anymore.

[Noe]

I can't think of a particularly high profile bat other than Harper, either, which is why I found the information so confusing.

A.J. Pollock?

[juliogotay]

A.J. Pollock?

NIce player but has averaged 106 games per season in his six year career. Has played in more than 113 games twice in which he played 137 and 157.

[hostros7]

I like that we seem to have convinced ourselves that Kluber to the Astros might happen.

My preference would be to sign grandal instead of trade for Realmuto, although it’s not my money and I’m not gung ho about investing heavily (money or trade assets) in the catcher position if the team can add an SP and an impact bat elsewhere.




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[Noe]

NIce player but has averaged 106 games per season in his six year career. Has played in more than 113 games twice in which he played 137 and 157.

Understood, but the rumor is he wants a 3 year deal and pretty much what McCutchen got in terms of money. That means around $17 million per year. That's quite a haul for a free agent and does mean Houston would need to spend a little. Pollock is a very good two way player and perhaps his devil may care play in centerfield  leads to the injuries. But then again, we've seen the same with Springer, not to the level of Pollock but it's the makeup you get with AJ. With AJ in center, you get what would be an outfield in the same mode as the BoSox. Defense up the middle wins ballgames for pitchers, so if you think you have a good rotation, well with a great up the middle defense, you just made yourself into a great rotation.

You know what you get with Pollock, an aggressive centerfielder who also has offensive skills that translate well as top of the lineup igniter with Springer, Altuve and Bregman. So when Crane said he would approve a "flex" in the payroll, I thought of Pollock and another Starter (Morton or Happ?) and we go to battle next season with what we have from there. DH? I dunno if that figures into the "flexing" Crane would approve but I think you could afford to wait for a slugger at DH at the trading deadline next year.

Back to Pollock's propensity for injuries due to his aggressive play in center, that is why you need a Marisnick, Straw, or Kemp next year too. As far as Tucker is concerned, I see him replacing Reddick at some point next year if two things happen: 1) Reddick struggles 2) Tucker does not (in AAA).

[JimR]

I like that we seem to have convinced ourselves that Kluber to the Astros might happen.

My preference would be to sign grandal instead of trade for Realmuto, although it’s not my money and I’m not gung ho about investing heavily (money or trade assets) in the catcher position if the team can add an SP and an impact bat elsewhere.

Totally agree re catcher v. bat and pitcher.


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[Nate Colbert]

Richard Justice said Monday night that with the Astros window to win open right now, Crane has told Luhnow he has the green light to spend up to the luxury tax number if he deems it necessary to win another title. That would be around $207-208 million and a drastic increase unheard of from this franchise. If that report is accurate, then perhaps there are ways to get Harper.

It's $206MM and it'd be virtually impossible for the Astros to sign Harper at close to $30MM per AND sign a starting pitcher of any consequence whatsoever and stay under the threshold.

[moriartp]

MLBTR posted a Q&A with Nelson Cruz's agent, who says making the postseason is Cruz's top priority. It's hard to see any NL team signing him, and most other AL contenders are set at DH.

No qualifying offer attached. Not much competition for him. I want this to happen.

[jaklewein]

It's $206MM and it'd be virtually impossible for the Astros to sign Harper at close to $30MM per AND sign a starting pitcher of any consequence whatsoever and stay under the threshold.

You'd have to move a contract like Reddick on to another team to do it.

[Noe]

Understood, but the rumor is he wants a 3 year deal and pretty much what McCutchen got in terms of money. That means around $17 million per year. That's quite a haul for a free agent and does mean Houston would need to spend a little. Pollock is a very good two way player and perhaps his devil may care play in centerfield  leads to the injuries. But then again, we've seen the same with Springer, not to the level of Pollock but it's the makeup you get with AJ. With AJ in center, you get what would be an outfield in the same mode as the BoSox. Defense up the middle wins ballgames for pitchers, so if you think you have a good rotation, well with a great up the middle defense, you just made yourself into a great rotation.

You know what you get with Pollock, an aggressive centerfielder who also has offensive skills that translate well as top of the lineup igniter with Springer, Altuve and Bregman. So when Crane said he would approve a "flex" in the payroll, I thought of Pollock and another Starter (Morton or Happ?) and we go to battle next season with what we have from there. DH? I dunno if that figures into the "flexing" Crane would approve but I think you could afford to wait for a slugger at DH at the trading deadline next year.

Back to Pollock's propensity for injuries due to his aggressive play in center, that is why you need a Marisnick, Straw, or Kemp next year too. As far as Tucker is concerned, I see him replacing Reddick at some point next year if two things happen: 1) Reddick struggles 2) Tucker does not (in AAA).

Okay, you can change what he wants from 3 years to 5 years and he wants $80 million instead of $50 million, so I was incorrect that the McCutchen deal set the market for Pollock. AJ wants a Lorenzo Cain contract which is of course 5 years/$80 million. *Ouch*, that would definitely put the "flex" into the payroll for sure. but only in terms of longer tenure and I'm not sure the Astros want to offer that many years. But Juneberno.

https://www.mlb.com/news/aj-pollock-rumors/c-297610726

Astros might be among suitors for Pollock
Nov. 25: A.J. Pollock's list of suitors appears to be wide open as he waits for a team to take a chance on both his talent and his injury history. And now it appears one can throw the Astros into that mix, per ESPN Buster Olney in his Sunday morning column (subscription required).

While the majority of Olney's column centers on the trade winds swirling around Pollock's former teammate, Paul Goldschmidt, Olney does mention that the Astros have been active in discussions with several free agents ranked below superstar outfielder Bryce Harper -- including Pollock. Houston is expected to be somewhat active this offseason after coming up short in defending its 2017 World Series title.

There would appear to be room in the Astros outfield for Pollock, who would figure to play center field, moving George Springer to a corner spot flanked by Josh Reddick on the other side. Injuries forced Houston to give significant playing time to unproven outfielders Tony Kemp and Kyle Tucker in last year's stretch run. When healthy, Pollock combines Gold Glove-caliber defense with a capable bat; he seems like the type of two-way player the Astros have valued amid their turnaround in recent years.

[Jacksonian]

I like that we seem to have convinced ourselves that Kluber to the Astros might happen.

My preference would be to sign grandal instead of trade for Realmuto, although it’s not my money and I’m not gung ho about investing heavily (money or trade assets) in the catcher position if the team can add an SP and an impact bat elsewhere.




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Grandal would cost Luhnow his first round draft pick and the money flexibility associated with it.  Not going to happen.

[Nate Colbert]

Okay, you can change what he wants from 3 years to 5 years and he wants $80 million instead of $50 million, so I was incorrect that the McCutchen deal set the market for Pollock. AJ wants a Lorenzo Cain contract which is of course 5 years/$80 million. *Ouch*, that would definitely put the "flex" into the payroll for sure. but only in terms of longer tenure and I'm not sure the Astros want to offer that many years. But Juneberno.

What he's *likely* to get will be closer to what you originally posted (McCutchen money):

AJ Pollock: 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]

[moriartp]

Grandal would cost Luhnow his first round draft pick and the money flexibility associated with it.  Not going to happen.

Would not cost a first round pick. It'd be the second-rounder plus $500k in international spending money.

[Nate Colbert]

Would not cost a first round pick. It'd be the second-rounder plus $500k in international spending money.

Correct.

[JimR]

Grandal would cost Luhnow his first round draft pick and the money flexibility associated with it.  Not going to happen.

Grandal does not matter to me, but I think we need a SP and bat far more than another C.

ETA: unless the C is the bat, and I think Yogi is retired.

[Jacksonian]

Would not cost a first round pick. It'd be the second-rounder plus $500k in international spending money.

Point remains.  That's about $2mil in flexibility.  Not going to happen.

[toddthebod]

You assume Cole would leave too?

Yes.  I assume that Verlander, Cole, and McHugh are all gone after 2019.

[toddthebod]

It's $206MM and it'd be virtually impossible for the Astros to sign Harper at close to $30MM per AND sign a starting pitcher of any consequence whatsoever and stay under the threshold.

Why couldn't the Astros structure the contract so that it pays him less this year and more in subsequent years?  With Verlander and probably Cole coming off the roster next season, there would seem be more financial flexibility. 

[Nate Colbert]

Why couldn't the Astros structure the contract so that it pays him less this year and more in subsequent years?  With Verlander and probably Cole coming off the roster next season, there would seem be more financial flexibility.

AAV is used for the CBT calculation so that doesn't gain you anything for 2019.

[Reuben]

Point remains.  That's about $2mil in flexibility.  Not going to happen.

Which would surprise you more, Luhnow surrendering the 2nd round draft pick to get a premium catcher, or Luhnow surrendering Kyle Tucker to get a premium catcher?

[TeeJoe]

Why couldn't the Astros structure the contract so that it pays him less this year and more in subsequent years?  With Verlander and probably Cole coming off the roster next season, there would seem be more financial flexibility.

Right before reading this, I read an article that Mike Hampton is receiving his final payment from the Rockies.

Deals like this have a history of not working out.

[Noe]

What he's *likely* to get will be closer to what you originally posted (McCutchen money):

I agree with your line of what would possibly be his get: 3@15-17 is the market right now. Lorenzo Cain may be seen as an overpay by the Brewers and an outlier.

[Noe]

Grandal does not matter to me, but I think we need a SP and bat far more than another C.

ETA: unless the C is the bat, and I think Yogi is retired.

Put me in the same camp and for what it's worth, the bat does not have be a DH slugger right now. There are going to be plenty of them available at the trade deadline next year. What Houston needs, IMHO, is another quality bat that works the strikezone and keeps the line moving. Last year's offense was great but how many times did this offense need that one key hit from someone not named Bregman? Granted Altuve and Correa were hurt as was Springer, but Reddick was up and down and Tucker did not work out. Kemp and White came out of nowhere to make valuable contributions, but if you have the chance to get a quality bat, you do it for this club. The added luxury of some defense would be icing on the cake.

[Nate Colbert]

If Morton signs somewhere else, I am going to be surprised, no, shocked.

I think you need to prepare yourself...

Marc Topkin  @TBTimes_Rays 1m ago
Hearing #Rays are closing in on deal with RHP Charlie Morton.

[Noe]

I think you need to prepare yourself...

Marc Topkin  @TBTimes_Rays 1m ago
Hearing #Rays are closing in on deal with RHP Charlie Morton.

Happ deal with Yankees is almost done too.

[Jacksonian]

Which would surprise you more, Luhnow surrendering the 2nd round draft pick to get a premium catcher, or Luhnow surrendering Kyle Tucker to get a premium catcher?

Are you really comparing Grandal to Realmuto?

Regardless, Luhnow has dealt top prospects.  He has not forfeited draft picks.

[JimR]

I think you need to prepare yourself...

Marc Topkin  @TBTimes_Rays 1m ago
Hearing #Rays are closing in on deal with RHP Charlie Morton.

I just read that.

What.The.Fuck.

[Nate Colbert]

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 46s
Free agent starter Charlie Morton and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal, sources told Yahoo Sports.

From accompanying article:

The deal also includes a third-year option that could be as low as $1 million if Morton misses significant time over the first two years because of injury and could be worth as much as $15 million if he remains healthy.

I think it was lingering concerns over the shoulder as to why the Astros didn't re-sign him.

[Bench]

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 46s
Free agent starter Charlie Morton and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal, sources told Yahoo Sports.

The story

The deal also includes a third-year option that could be as low as $1 million if Morton misses significant time over the first two years because of injury and could be worth as much as $15 million if he remains healthy.

[moriartp]

Fuck fuck fuck, fuck fuck, fuck fuck, fuck.

[hostros7]

That’s a bummer.


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[DVauthrin]

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 46s
Free agent starter Charlie Morton and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Didn’t see a team like the Rays being willing to pay $15 million a season for Morton, but good for him.

[moriartp]

The Astros' apparent lack of interest and the weird option on his Rays deal makes me think something might be up with Morton's arm. I sure hope not, but it's the only way I can make sense of this.

[das]

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 46s
Free agent starter Charlie Morton and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal, sources told Yahoo Sports.

From accompanying article:

I think it was lingering concerns over the shoulder as to why the Astros didn't re-sign him.

Grrrrr.  Darn.

[hostros7]

The Astros' apparent lack of interest and the weird option on his Rays deal makes me think something might be up with Morton's arm. I sure hope not, but it's the only way I can make sense of this.

The Rays are generally pretty shrewd. Happy for Charlie; his contributions to the club were a pleasant surprise to say the least, and he seems like a quality guy and was a good Astro...and we’ll always have game 7.


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[geezerdonk]

Tampa is renown for its excellent school system.

[subnuclear]

The Astros' apparent lack of interest and the weird option on his Rays deal makes me think something might be up with Morton's arm. I sure hope not, but it's the only way I can make sense of this.

This is my thought as well. One of the funnest Astros in his own way.

[TerryPuhl21]

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 46s
Free agent starter Charlie Morton and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal, sources told Yahoo Sports.

From accompanying article:

I think it was lingering concerns over the shoulder as to why the Astros didn't re-sign him.

Yes, injures had to be the concern. No doubt they made an offer but I doubt they were willing to sink that kind of money into that injury history. We got two great years out of Charlie and his injury history probably says we may have been fortunate to get that.

I LOVE CHARLIE AND WISH HIM THE BEST....except when we face him.

Now Mr Luhnow, what is next??

JP Morosi hinted on radio this morning that this was about to happen and mentioned that perhaps no other team has as much pressure on them now from a pitching standpoint than the Astros.


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[Fredia]

this is not  the direction  the astros  need to be heading

[JimR]

The Astros reportedly made him an offer weeks ago for two years and a club option year. No info as to money. If this was incorrect and there was no offer, ignore me. Should be easy.

Fuck. Call me Pollyanna, but I thought Morton was different and unique in this Age of the Almighty Dollar. How many times did he say “If I play next year, I want to stay in Houston?” The Astros plucked him out of mediocrity at a time when he worried he might not get an NRI offer, offered him two years and $14M, which everyone including him thought was cray,and the organization turned him into Charlie Fucking Morton. I seriously cannot believe he signed somewhere else, unless there was not a Houston offer, and I do not fucking care to read his rationale. To say I am disappointed and disillusioned by this signing is an understatement of epic proportions. As I said, call me Pollyanna.

[TerryPuhl21]

this is not  the direction  the astros  need to be heading

I think a big trade is about to happen. Syndergaard??? Kluber? Bumgarner??? I guess we will have to wait and see but....

Let’s assume for a minute, that the plan is to spend assets on bats and they have decided to go with Verlander, Cole, McHugh, some combo of Whitley, Valdez, James, Perez for one spot and then sign a free agent pitcher from the market to round it out. Sounds like Happ to Yankees is about done. So who to sign? Matt Harvey in the 5 spot would be interesting as would Ervin Santana. Santana has about 4-5 good years in a row and basically rested for all of last year with that cut on his hand. If that has healed, he could be cheap steal and a nice grab by Luhnow for that 5 spot on a one year deal for about 4/5 million plus incentives.

Still, I think a big trade is looming.


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[moriartp]

The report I saw was that the Astros offered one year plus an option. I loved having CFM in Houston, but I cannot possibly be upset with him if he was offered a significantly greater guarantee elsewhere.


On the plus side, I guess the Rays probably won't have the money to sign Cruz after this (I'm going to keep banging this drum until it happens).

[TerryPuhl21]

The Astros reportedly made him an offer weeks ago for two years and a club option year. No info as to money. If this was incorrect and there was no offer, ignore me. Should be easy.

Fuck. Call me Pollyanna, but I thought Morton was different and unique in this Age of the Almighty Dollar. How many times did he say “If I play next year, I want to stay in Houston?” The Astros plucked him out of mediocrity at a time when he worried he might not get an NRI offer, offered him two years and $14M, which everyone including him thought was cray,and the organization turned him into Charlie Fucking Morton. I seriously cannot believe he signed somewhere else, unless there was not a Houston offer, and I do not fucking care to read his rationale. To say I am disappointed and disillusioned by this signing is an understatement of epic proportions. As I said, call me Pollyanna.

I kind of agree Jim. Now I’m not ripping him. We may not have a ring without him, but we took a chance on him when he was sitting at home wondering if ANYONE would even give him a minor league look. We gave him 14 million over two years and EVERYONE in the industry thought we had lost our mind. When we didn’t give him the QO the injury issues came to my mind along with the fact that he said he really wanted to be an Astro. I thought then that Luhnow would give him a “fair” offer hoping he would take considering the limb we went out on when we signed him 2 years ago. If that was Jeff’s thinking, guess he and us were wrong.


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[Nate Colbert]

On the plus side, I guess the Rays probably won't have the money to sign Cruz after this (I'm going to keep banging this drum until it happens).

Not sure if that's a realistic hope...

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 31m
Before agreeing to a deal with Charlie Morton, the Tampa Bay Rays had just $10.2M committed to their 2019 club: $8.2M for Kevin Kiermaier and $2M to pay down Evan Longoria's deal. With an estimated $15M due arbitration-eligible players, Rays still at ~$40M. Lots left to spend.

[JimR]

The report I saw was that the Astros offered one year plus an option. I loved having CFM in Houston, but I cannot possibly be upset with him if he was offered a significantly greater guarantee elsewhere.


On the plus side, I guess the Rays probably won't have the money to sign Cruz after this (I'm going to keep banging this drum until it happens).

Two plus an option. I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that is what I read.

[Nate Colbert]

Two plus an option. I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that is what I read.

Bob Nightengale  @BNightengale 12m ago
The Houston #Astos, who would love to keep Charlie Morton, have made initial offer of one year and an option for him to stay.

[toddthebod]

We gave him 14 million over two years and EVERYONE in the industry thought we had lost our mind.

I read something that Morton thought that the 7 million he was getting per year was for two years and he was happy with that.  Yes, this is quite disappointing.  Between the front office defections and the Astros rotation taking a beating, this offseason is getting concerning.  Nothing a Kluber trade won't fix, however. 

[NeilT]

I read something that Morton thought that the 7 million he was getting per year was for two years and he was happy with that. 

That's true, but Morton also thought his career was over.

[toddthebod]

That's true, but Morton also thought his career was over.

Yes, obviously things change.  I'm just pointing out that the Astros treated him really well.  And but for the analytics that the Astros provided to Morton, he probably wouldn't have had the same success.  Which is why him going somewhere else feels so wrong.  Still, the Astros' offer seems to have been for a lot less.   So you can't blame Morton for moving on. 

[JimR]

Ok. I read it on an app, but you never are wrong. I am often.

[Reuben]

Are you really comparing Grandal to Realmuto?

Regardless, Luhnow has dealt top prospects.  He has not forfeited draft picks.

Yes, Realmuto is better, and 2 years younger. But they are comparable. Good bats with supposedly good defense.