Author Topic: 2019 Roster  (Read 108090 times)

Bench

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2019 Roster
« on: October 19, 2018, 10:57:45 am »
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?

« Last Edit: October 19, 2018, 11:15:10 am by Bench »
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Astros Fan in Big D

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2018, 11:05:58 am »
Sign Marwin.

Bench

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2018, 11:14:35 am »
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.
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BudGirl

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2018, 11:19:30 am »
Morton and Marwin can stay.  Maldonado is a FA?  Seems an odd trade by Luhnow.
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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2018, 11:19:43 am »
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.

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2018, 11:20:26 am »

Nate Colbert

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2018, 11:33:09 am »
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.

« Last Edit: October 19, 2018, 12:09:52 pm by Nate Colbert »

doyce7

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2018, 12:40:25 pm »
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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2018, 12:51:16 pm »
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.
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moriartp

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #9 on: October 19, 2018, 01:03:05 pm »


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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #10 on: October 19, 2018, 03:07:11 pm »
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?
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doyce7

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #11 on: October 19, 2018, 03:15:03 pm »
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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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #12 on: October 19, 2018, 04:08:24 pm »
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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #13 on: October 19, 2018, 04:19:29 pm »
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."
« Last Edit: October 19, 2018, 04:21:48 pm by Bench »
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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #14 on: October 19, 2018, 04:24:20 pm »
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.

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #15 on: October 19, 2018, 04:35:43 pm »
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.
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2019 Roster
« Reply #16 on: October 19, 2018, 05:05:49 pm »
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.
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2019 Roster
« Reply #17 on: October 19, 2018, 05:06:10 pm »
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.
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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #18 on: October 19, 2018, 07:54:39 pm »
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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #19 on: October 19, 2018, 09:53:15 pm »
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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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #20 on: October 20, 2018, 08:04:11 am »
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. 

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #21 on: October 20, 2018, 08:12:08 am »
I want Marwin back.
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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #22 on: October 20, 2018, 08:52:58 am »
Marwin has to be priority #1.

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #23 on: October 20, 2018, 08:57:56 am »
Team Marwin!
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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #24 on: October 20, 2018, 09:13:17 am »
Marwin is my King.

Navin R Johnson

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #25 on: October 20, 2018, 12:07:50 pm »
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.
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Navin R Johnson

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #26 on: October 20, 2018, 12:09:48 pm »
Speaking of bats.  The FA market is pretty meh.  Wonder what 1st/LF/DH options are out there to trade for.
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DVauthrin

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #27 on: October 20, 2018, 12:16:31 pm »
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).
« Last Edit: October 20, 2018, 12:20:01 pm by DVauthrin »
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DVauthrin

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #28 on: October 20, 2018, 12:18:16 pm »
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.
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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #29 on: October 20, 2018, 12:25:21 pm »
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.
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Navin R Johnson

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #30 on: October 20, 2018, 12:50:05 pm »
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.
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doyce7

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #31 on: October 20, 2018, 12:56:04 pm »
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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #32 on: October 20, 2018, 12:58:46 pm »
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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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #33 on: October 20, 2018, 01:07:49 pm »
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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #34 on: October 20, 2018, 01:25:45 pm »
Morton has already stated that he wants to pitch for the Astros next year, if they want him back.
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doyce7

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #35 on: October 20, 2018, 01:28:59 pm »
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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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #36 on: October 20, 2018, 01:54:11 pm »
What’s Whitley’s timeframe?
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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #37 on: October 20, 2018, 01:58:54 pm »
What’s Whitley’s timeframe?

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

doyce7

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #38 on: October 20, 2018, 02:00:07 pm »
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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #39 on: October 20, 2018, 02:13:42 pm »
What’s Whitley’s timeframe?

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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #40 on: October 20, 2018, 02:27:16 pm »
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.

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #41 on: October 20, 2018, 02:28:14 pm »
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.
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Astros Fan in Big D

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #42 on: October 20, 2018, 02:37:00 pm »
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.

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #43 on: October 20, 2018, 11:11:37 pm »
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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #44 on: October 20, 2018, 11:37:00 pm »
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
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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #45 on: October 21, 2018, 06:39:01 pm »
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

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Re: 2019 Roster
« Reply #46 on: October 21, 2018, 07:18:06 pm »

     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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #47 on: October 21, 2018, 09:25:04 pm »
    With most of NASA Astros fans, they should really be able to come up with stuff undetectable by MLB.  Just sayin'.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #48 on: October 22, 2018, 04:27:00 pm »
    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)
    Quote
    "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."
    Quote
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #49 on: October 22, 2018, 04:53:35 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #50 on: October 22, 2018, 10:32:37 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #51 on: October 22, 2018, 11:20:04 pm »
    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."

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #52 on: October 23, 2018, 07:22:00 am »
    Is there any doubt McCullers will miss 2019?
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    « Reply #53 on: October 23, 2018, 08:45:07 am »
    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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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #54 on: October 23, 2018, 09:51:26 am »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #55 on: October 23, 2018, 10:05:41 am »
    He was certainly being careful not to tip his hand,  even with Morton.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #56 on: October 27, 2018, 02:09:45 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #57 on: October 29, 2018, 04:43:33 pm »
    Quote from: JonHeyman on Twitter
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #58 on: October 29, 2018, 04:50:48 pm »


    You may not extend one to some you think you can resign for less.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #59 on: October 29, 2018, 05:18:53 pm »
    You may not extend one to some you think you can resign for less.

    Scott Boras is Marwin's agent.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #60 on: October 29, 2018, 05:48:12 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #61 on: October 29, 2018, 07:00:10 pm »
    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?
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    « Reply #62 on: October 30, 2018, 09:21:58 am »
    Isn't Boras Altuve's agent?

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #63 on: October 30, 2018, 09:30:38 am »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #64 on: October 30, 2018, 10:03:06 am »
    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?

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    « Reply #65 on: October 30, 2018, 10:06:03 am »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #66 on: October 30, 2018, 10:28:32 am »
    Team gets a compensatory pick.

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


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    « Reply #67 on: October 30, 2018, 11:04:45 am »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #68 on: October 30, 2018, 07:19:05 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #69 on: October 30, 2018, 09:39:58 pm »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #70 on: October 30, 2018, 10:20:51 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #71 on: October 31, 2018, 07:04:51 am »
    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.

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    « Reply #72 on: October 31, 2018, 10:17:11 am »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #73 on: October 31, 2018, 10:40:50 am »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #74 on: October 31, 2018, 07:01:35 pm »
    Jandel Gustave outrighted and becomes a free agent.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #75 on: October 31, 2018, 07:10:41 pm »
    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
    « Last Edit: October 31, 2018, 07:48:24 pm by Nate Colbert »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #76 on: October 31, 2018, 10:40:03 pm »
    Jandel Gustave outrighted and becomes a free agent.

    I am sad about this.
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    « Reply #77 on: November 01, 2018, 06:21:24 am »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #78 on: November 01, 2018, 09:21:04 am »
    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/

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #79 on: November 01, 2018, 11:00:16 am »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #80 on: November 01, 2018, 11:29:21 am »
    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.
    « Last Edit: November 01, 2018, 11:31:11 am by moriartp »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #81 on: November 01, 2018, 12:25:23 pm »
    I am sad about this.

    I wonder if they had concerns about his surgery recovery.


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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #82 on: November 01, 2018, 12:28:01 pm »
    I wonder if they had concerns about his surgery recovery.


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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #83 on: November 02, 2018, 03:06:38 pm »
    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.
    « Last Edit: November 02, 2018, 08:55:27 pm by Nate Colbert »

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    « Reply #84 on: November 02, 2018, 03:16:00 pm »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #85 on: November 02, 2018, 03:19:05 pm »
    Dojers gave Grandal the QO today
    You may ask yourself, "How do I work this?"

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    « Reply #86 on: November 02, 2018, 03:28:06 pm »
    Passan says no QO for Morton.

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    « Reply #87 on: November 02, 2018, 03:30:12 pm »
    Robinson Chirinos another catcher hitting FA market as Rangers decline his $4.5MM option for 2019.

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    « Reply #88 on: November 02, 2018, 03:34:03 pm »
    If those were actual final numbers, there would be zero reason for not signing Eovaldi and Cruz.


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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #89 on: November 02, 2018, 03:54:56 pm »
    Passan reports Astros not expected to extend QO to Morton.

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

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    « Reply #90 on: November 02, 2018, 04:00:14 pm »
    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:

    Quote
    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.
    « Last Edit: November 02, 2018, 04:07:22 pm by Nate Colbert »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #91 on: November 02, 2018, 04:21:29 pm »
    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.
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    « Reply #92 on: November 02, 2018, 04:27:59 pm »
    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.
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    « Reply #93 on: November 02, 2018, 04:30:16 pm »
    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:

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    « Reply #94 on: November 02, 2018, 04:38:19 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #95 on: November 02, 2018, 04:42:39 pm »
    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.
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    « Reply #96 on: November 02, 2018, 04:42:54 pm »
    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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    « Last Edit: November 02, 2018, 04:45:29 pm by TerryPuhl21 »

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    « Reply #97 on: November 02, 2018, 05:29:58 pm »
    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.)

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #98 on: November 02, 2018, 05:33:39 pm »
    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
    « Last Edit: November 02, 2018, 05:36:33 pm by Nate Colbert »

    TerryPuhl21

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    « Reply #99 on: November 02, 2018, 05:33:44 pm »
    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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    « Last Edit: November 02, 2018, 05:45:01 pm by TerryPuhl21 »

    moriartp

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #100 on: November 02, 2018, 05:49:27 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #101 on: November 02, 2018, 05:53:24 pm »
    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.
    « Last Edit: November 02, 2018, 06:10:46 pm by Nate Colbert »

    doyce7

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #102 on: November 02, 2018, 06:11:30 pm »
    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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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #103 on: November 02, 2018, 06:18:08 pm »
    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 may ask yourself, "How do I work this?"

    doyce7

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #104 on: November 02, 2018, 06:56:11 pm »
    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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    « Reply #105 on: November 02, 2018, 06:59:10 pm »
    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?

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #106 on: November 02, 2018, 07:03:40 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #107 on: November 02, 2018, 07:12:49 pm »
    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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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #108 on: November 02, 2018, 07:37:47 pm »
    I wonder if they had concerns about his surgery recovery.


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    Has to be the reason.
    I agree.
    Up in the Air

    moriartp

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #109 on: November 03, 2018, 12:43:10 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #110 on: November 03, 2018, 12:53:01 pm »
    If 4/36 gets it done for marwin and he's not an Astro, I'll be pretty pissed

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    « Reply #111 on: November 03, 2018, 04:48:29 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #112 on: November 03, 2018, 05:43:39 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #113 on: November 04, 2018, 01:14:26 am »
    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?

    Quote
    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/


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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #114 on: November 05, 2018, 04:03:36 pm »
    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):

    Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

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    « Reply #115 on: November 05, 2018, 07:00:44 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #116 on: November 05, 2018, 07:30:14 pm »
    And don't give me any "but we already have a Cuban 1B" shit...

    That's "a RH-hitting Cuban 1B", sir.
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    « Reply #117 on: November 06, 2018, 01:57:27 am »
    One more (Ken Davidoff of the NY Post)...

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

    Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

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

    Jacksonian

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #118 on: November 06, 2018, 09:46:00 am »
    Goin' for a bus ride.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #120 on: November 06, 2018, 12:47:28 pm »
    I don't want to even *think* about "testicular torsion surgery".
    The rules of distinction were thrown out with the baseball cap.  It does not lend itself to protocol.  It is found today on youth in homes, classrooms, even in fine restaurants.  Regardless of its other consequences, this is a breach against civility.  A civilized man should avoid this mania.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #121 on: November 06, 2018, 01:15:45 pm »
    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.
    Another trenchant comment by a jealous lesser intellect.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #122 on: November 06, 2018, 01:42:57 pm »
    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.
    « Last Edit: November 06, 2018, 06:28:07 pm by Nate Colbert »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #123 on: November 06, 2018, 01:50:22 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #124 on: November 06, 2018, 02:15:30 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #125 on: November 06, 2018, 02:47:05 pm »
    At this time of year it's important for everyone to remember that Luhnow is the master of the off-season smokescreen.
    Goin' for a bus ride.

    jaklewein

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #126 on: November 06, 2018, 02:48:18 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #127 on: November 06, 2018, 02:51:19 pm »
    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

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    « Reply #128 on: November 06, 2018, 02:58:46 pm »
    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.
    Goin' for a bus ride.

    austro

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #129 on: November 06, 2018, 04:50:07 pm »
    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.
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    JimR

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #130 on: November 06, 2018, 04:56:30 pm »
    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.
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    TerryPuhl21

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #131 on: November 06, 2018, 05:29:20 pm »
    LMJ had Tommy John surgery according to MLB trade rumors.

    He will miss the entire 2019 season.

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    « Reply #132 on: November 06, 2018, 05:36:18 pm »
    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!
    Up in the Air

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    « Reply #133 on: November 06, 2018, 05:54:02 pm »
    Added a few names...

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

    Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

    *Lefty hitter
    « Last Edit: November 06, 2018, 06:27:00 pm by Nate Colbert »

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    « Reply #134 on: November 06, 2018, 05:56:54 pm »
    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.

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    « Reply #135 on: November 06, 2018, 06:12:53 pm »
    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.
    Y todo lo que sube baja
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #136 on: November 06, 2018, 07:53:00 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #137 on: November 06, 2018, 08:45:24 pm »
    LMJ had Tommy John surgery according to MLB trade rumors.

    He will miss the entire 2019 season.

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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

    Those guys were all fully invested.

    subnuclear

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #138 on: November 06, 2018, 08:53:28 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #139 on: November 07, 2018, 09:09:33 am »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #140 on: November 07, 2018, 09:46:17 am »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #141 on: November 07, 2018, 09:47:45 am »
    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..
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #142 on: November 07, 2018, 09:52:04 am »
    that's the bad thing someone has to go and especially with pitching there are probably trades that need to be made
    forever is composed entirely of nows

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #143 on: November 07, 2018, 10:09:58 am »
    I looks like Boras is shopping Marwin pretty hard. Via MLB.com:

    Quote
    "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."
    « Last Edit: November 07, 2018, 10:12:11 am by Col. Sphinx Drummond »
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #144 on: November 07, 2018, 02:07:01 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #145 on: November 07, 2018, 02:36:44 pm »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #146 on: November 07, 2018, 02:47:21 pm »
    I'm split.  Love Marwin.  Need to churn your roster a little every year.

    Everything happening now on both sides is posturing.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #147 on: November 07, 2018, 02:54:42 pm »
    Added a few more names...

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

    Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

    *Lefty hitter

    JimR

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #148 on: November 07, 2018, 03:14:46 pm »
    Added a few more names...

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

    Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

    *Lefty hitter

    Brantley, please
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

    doyce7

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #149 on: November 07, 2018, 03:27:09 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #150 on: November 07, 2018, 03:35:38 pm »
    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.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #151 on: November 07, 2018, 03:46:12 pm »
    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?
    E come vivo? Vivo.

    geezerdonk

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #152 on: November 07, 2018, 03:49:29 pm »
    Churning the roster sounds great - just don't churn Marwin.
    E come vivo? Vivo.

    geezerdonk

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #153 on: November 07, 2018, 04:10:25 pm »
    Everything happening now on both sides is posturing.

    Luhnow playing coy with Boras.
    E come vivo? Vivo.

    Jacksonian

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #154 on: November 07, 2018, 04:20:42 pm »
    Everything happening now on both sides is posturing.

    Smokescreens aplenty.  I'm looking forward to actual decisions made.
    Goin' for a bus ride.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #155 on: November 07, 2018, 04:24:54 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #156 on: November 07, 2018, 04:38:09 pm »
    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.
    "Holy shit, Mozart. Get me off this fucking thing."

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #157 on: November 07, 2018, 05:58:06 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #158 on: November 07, 2018, 06:54:44 pm »
    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.
    I remember all the good times me 'n Miller enjoyed
    Up and down the M1 in some luminous yo-yo toy
    But the future has to change - and to change I've got to destroy
    Oh look out Lennon here I come - land ahoy-hoy-hoy

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #159 on: November 07, 2018, 07:23:31 pm »
    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
    There are three rules that I live by: never get less than twelve hours sleep; never play cards with a guy who has the same first name as a city; and never get involved with a woman with a tattoo of a dagger on her body. Now you stick to that, and everything else is cream cheese.

    moriartp

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #160 on: November 07, 2018, 07:35:47 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #161 on: November 07, 2018, 07:44:08 pm »
    Calling Mr. Beltran...
    I remember all the good times me 'n Miller enjoyed
    Up and down the M1 in some luminous yo-yo toy
    But the future has to change - and to change I've got to destroy
    Oh look out Lennon here I come - land ahoy-hoy-hoy

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #162 on: November 07, 2018, 08:13:04 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #163 on: November 07, 2018, 08:18:28 pm »
    Calling Mr. Beltran...
    My first thought as well....


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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #164 on: November 07, 2018, 08:36:56 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #165 on: November 08, 2018, 08:24:42 am »
    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).
    « Last Edit: November 08, 2018, 08:26:24 am by juliogotay »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #166 on: November 08, 2018, 12:46:48 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #167 on: November 08, 2018, 08:29:36 pm »
    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):

    Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

    *Lefty hitter

    BizidyDizidy

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #168 on: November 08, 2018, 09:06:02 pm »
    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.
    "My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people."
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    subnuclear

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #169 on: November 08, 2018, 09:35:03 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #170 on: November 08, 2018, 09:38:20 pm »
    Every inch of it
    "My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people."
      -  Orson Welles

    HudsonHawk

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #171 on: November 09, 2018, 09:46:02 am »
    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?
    The rules of distinction were thrown out with the baseball cap.  It does not lend itself to protocol.  It is found today on youth in homes, classrooms, even in fine restaurants.  Regardless of its other consequences, this is a breach against civility.  A civilized man should avoid this mania.

    BizidyDizidy

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #172 on: November 09, 2018, 09:54:25 am »
    Don't be ridiculous, I sat on Dellin's lap
    You sat between them?
    "My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people."
      -  Orson Welles

    Outlawscotty

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #173 on: November 09, 2018, 09:56:40 am »
    Don't be ridiculous, I sat on Dellin's lap

    But was your server wearing a Yankees' cap?

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #174 on: November 09, 2018, 11:05:32 am »
    But was your server wearing a Yankees' cap?

    A hat? Inside? Que HH in 3,2,1...
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #175 on: November 09, 2018, 03:42:09 pm »
    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):

    Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

    *Lefty hitter
    « Last Edit: November 09, 2018, 04:05:22 pm by Nate Colbert »

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #176 on: November 09, 2018, 05:47:58 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #177 on: November 09, 2018, 06:10:54 pm »
    Trade for C.J. Cron as a cheaper ($5.2MM projected arb salary for 2019), younger alternative?

    Quote
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #178 on: November 10, 2018, 10:43:37 am »
    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:
    Quote
    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):

    Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

    *Lefty hitter


    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #179 on: November 10, 2018, 04:09:40 pm »
    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
    Catchers
    1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #180 on: November 10, 2018, 05:02:41 pm »
    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


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    Sambito Redux

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #181 on: November 10, 2018, 06:23:57 pm »
    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?
    "Look at the size of that boy's head! It's like an orange on toothpick, a virtual planetoid.  Head move! 

    Aye, that was offsides, he'll be crying himself to sleep tonight on his big pilla"

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    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #182 on: November 10, 2018, 06:34:31 pm »

    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #183 on: November 10, 2018, 07:23:15 pm »
    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!
    "Look at the size of that boy's head! It's like an orange on toothpick, a virtual planetoid.  Head move! 

    Aye, that was offsides, he'll be crying himself to sleep tonight on his big pilla"

    Scottish Father (So I Married An Axe Murderer)

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #184 on: November 11, 2018, 11:26:45 am »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #185 on: November 11, 2018, 12:18:30 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #186 on: November 11, 2018, 08:26:53 pm »
    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.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #187 on: November 12, 2018, 05:12:31 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #188 on: November 12, 2018, 05:52:43 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #189 on: November 15, 2018, 09:53:07 pm »
    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 :)
    "Look at the size of that boy's head! It's like an orange on toothpick, a virtual planetoid.  Head move! 

    Aye, that was offsides, he'll be crying himself to sleep tonight on his big pilla"

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    doyce7

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #190 on: November 15, 2018, 11:07:13 pm »


    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #191 on: November 16, 2018, 11:51:49 am »
    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.
    « Last Edit: November 16, 2018, 12:06:39 pm by Nate Colbert »

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #192 on: November 16, 2018, 12:31:56 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #193 on: November 16, 2018, 12:57:31 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #194 on: November 16, 2018, 01:00:40 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #195 on: November 16, 2018, 02:19:01 pm »
    Everyone's talking, few of them know
    The rest are pretending, they put on a show
    And if there's a message I guess this is it
    Truth isn't easy, the easy part's shit

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    JimR

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #197 on: November 17, 2018, 10:37:15 am »
    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.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

    MusicMan

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #198 on: November 17, 2018, 10:38:29 am »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #199 on: November 17, 2018, 10:54:38 am »
    Trade Tucker. Sign Harper. Go all in for the next few years.


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    Dunno about Harper. The proposed rental, yes.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

    Jacksonian

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #200 on: November 17, 2018, 12:51:11 pm »
    I think I would trade Tucker if necessary to get him but not Whitley.

    I agree.
    Goin' for a bus ride.

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #201 on: November 17, 2018, 01:07:56 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #202 on: November 19, 2018, 09:11:03 am »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #203 on: November 19, 2018, 04:48:07 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #204 on: November 19, 2018, 05:31:59 pm »
    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.
    "Holy shit, Mozart. Get me off this fucking thing."

    hostros7

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #205 on: November 19, 2018, 05:42:38 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #206 on: November 19, 2018, 06:16:11 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #207 on: November 19, 2018, 06:18:32 pm »
    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.
    I remember all the good times me 'n Miller enjoyed
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #208 on: November 19, 2018, 06:24:51 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #209 on: November 19, 2018, 06:30:01 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #210 on: November 19, 2018, 06:51:14 pm »
    FTY

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #211 on: November 19, 2018, 08:52:08 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #212 on: November 19, 2018, 09:07:39 pm »
    I sure hope Tucker pans out. His 72 PAs last year didn't show much. Luhnow seems to be all in on the kid.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #213 on: November 20, 2018, 08:34:09 am »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #214 on: November 20, 2018, 08:58:57 am »
    I have a feeling Tucker is dealt this off-season.

    I agree. Realmuto, I hope.

    I am very glad Luhnow said no on Whitley.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #215 on: November 20, 2018, 09:06:37 am »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #216 on: November 20, 2018, 10:25:49 am »
    We need a rotation in 2019, but we'll need one in 2021 too.

    Glad they kept Whitley too.

    MusicMan

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #217 on: November 20, 2018, 11:43:37 am »
    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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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #218 on: November 20, 2018, 03:26:14 pm »
    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

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #219 on: November 20, 2018, 04:27:38 pm »
    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.
    E come vivo? Vivo.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #220 on: November 20, 2018, 07:07:22 pm »
    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
    « Last Edit: November 20, 2018, 07:17:28 pm by Nate Colbert »

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #221 on: November 20, 2018, 09:13:24 pm »
    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
    « Last Edit: November 20, 2018, 09:42:57 pm by Nate Colbert »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #222 on: November 21, 2018, 05:26:43 pm »
    Coaching staff announced.

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

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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #223 on: November 22, 2018, 11:25:14 pm »
    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
    1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #224 on: November 23, 2018, 08:28:44 am »
    Nate, others have said this many times, but your contribution to this site is immense.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #225 on: November 23, 2018, 04:33:45 pm »
    Thanks, Jim. Always feels good to get that kind of positive feedback.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #226 on: November 23, 2018, 05:01:47 pm »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #227 on: November 24, 2018, 04:38:44 pm »
    No shit. As I've said before, NC is our substantive MVP.
    Stipulate.
    Who is our whimsical MVP?
    He breezed him, one more time!

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #228 on: November 24, 2018, 05:41:08 pm »
    Stipulate.
    Who is our whimsical MVP?

    Zipp once was. Those were the days.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

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    « Reply #229 on: November 24, 2018, 08:08:13 pm »
    Zipp once was. Those were the days.
    He and Alkie provided a steady supply of mirth.
    He breezed him, one more time!

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    « Reply #230 on: November 25, 2018, 06:23:53 am »
    He and Alkie provided a steady supply of mirth.
    Along with JackAstro.
    Everyone's talking, few of them know
    The rest are pretending, they put on a show
    And if there's a message I guess this is it
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #231 on: November 25, 2018, 10:19:05 am »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #232 on: November 25, 2018, 11:15:37 am »
    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
    1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #233 on: November 25, 2018, 01:36:33 pm »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #234 on: November 26, 2018, 11:04:17 am »
    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. 
    Boom!

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #235 on: November 26, 2018, 01:01:42 pm »
    We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #236 on: November 26, 2018, 01:05:57 pm »
    We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

    He was a great Astro.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

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    « Reply #237 on: November 26, 2018, 01:08:17 pm »
    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

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    « Reply #238 on: November 26, 2018, 01:16:51 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #239 on: November 26, 2018, 01:21:09 pm »
    He was a great Astro.

    Would not have won it without him.
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    moriartp

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #240 on: November 26, 2018, 01:36:05 pm »
    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.
    « Last Edit: November 26, 2018, 01:37:40 pm by moriartp »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #241 on: November 26, 2018, 02:00:26 pm »
    We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

    1 year/$2 million
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    « Reply #242 on: November 26, 2018, 02:24:36 pm »
    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.

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    « Reply #243 on: November 26, 2018, 03:08:53 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #244 on: November 26, 2018, 03:25:20 pm »

    BlownRanger

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #245 on: November 26, 2018, 03:31:01 pm »
    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.
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    homer

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #246 on: November 26, 2018, 04:13:11 pm »
    Oye. Vamos, vamos.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #247 on: November 26, 2018, 05:20:54 pm »
    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.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #248 on: November 26, 2018, 05:23:59 pm »
    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.
    Often wrong, but never in doubt.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #249 on: November 26, 2018, 06:35:23 pm »

    Col. Sphinx Drummond

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #250 on: November 26, 2018, 07:17:21 pm »
    This team is going to look a little different. No McCann, no Keuchel, probably no Marwin… I'm gonna miss them all.
    Everyone's talking, few of them know
    The rest are pretending, they put on a show
    And if there's a message I guess this is it
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #252 on: November 27, 2018, 07:33:22 am »
    Up in the Air

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #253 on: November 27, 2018, 08:52:41 am »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #254 on: November 27, 2018, 09:13:28 am »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #255 on: November 27, 2018, 10:13:45 am »
    Trade for Goldschmidt, sign Ramos, and let Tucker develop in LF.

    Boom!

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    « Reply #256 on: November 27, 2018, 10:33:55 am »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #257 on: November 27, 2018, 10:57:58 am »
    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?
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #258 on: November 27, 2018, 10:58:45 am »
    What do you do if Tucker does not hit, which I think is a 50-50 possibility?

    Kemp.

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    « Reply #259 on: November 27, 2018, 12:58:10 pm »
    I'm really hoping the Goldschmidt thing happens.

    These windows don't stay open forever.

    moriartp

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    « Reply #260 on: November 27, 2018, 01:00:35 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #261 on: November 27, 2018, 01:01:05 pm »
    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. 
    Boom!

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #262 on: November 27, 2018, 01:26:17 pm »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #263 on: November 27, 2018, 01:56:40 pm »
    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.   
    Boom!

    doyce7

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #264 on: November 27, 2018, 02:19:25 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #265 on: November 27, 2018, 02:36:47 pm »
    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.

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    Also, aren't early struggles at the next level consistent with his developmental history?
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    doyce7

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #266 on: November 27, 2018, 02:40:02 pm »
    Also, aren't early struggles at the next level consistent with his developmental history?
    I believe that is correct

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    « Reply #267 on: November 27, 2018, 06:15:05 pm »
    From Nick Piecoro, D-Backs beat writer:

    Quote
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #268 on: November 27, 2018, 07:03:12 pm »
    I forget the source, but I read recently that the Astros were really pushing Bukauskas in trade talks.


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    « Reply #269 on: November 27, 2018, 07:20:15 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #270 on: November 28, 2018, 06:44:57 am »
    I am ready for something to happen.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #271 on: November 28, 2018, 07:23:05 am »
    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.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #272 on: November 28, 2018, 07:48:04 am »
    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!

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #273 on: November 28, 2018, 08:54:21 am »
    I am hoping for

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

    Sort out Outfield Summer trade deadline...
    "Look at the size of that boy's head! It's like an orange on toothpick, a virtual planetoid.  Head move! 

    Aye, that was offsides, he'll be crying himself to sleep tonight on his big pilla"

    Scottish Father (So I Married An Axe Murderer)

    GreatBagwellsBeard

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #274 on: November 28, 2018, 09:07:22 am »
    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.
    Drinking for two.

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    Sambito Redux

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #275 on: November 28, 2018, 09:19:08 am »
    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 
    "Look at the size of that boy's head! It's like an orange on toothpick, a virtual planetoid.  Head move! 

    Aye, that was offsides, he'll be crying himself to sleep tonight on his big pilla"

    Scottish Father (So I Married An Axe Murderer)

    GreatBagwellsBeard

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #276 on: November 28, 2018, 09:30:46 am »
    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.
    Drinking for two.

    “I want to paint a mural of Houston for the kids, but I’m terrible at drawing swamp humidity"

    Astros Fan in Big D

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #277 on: November 28, 2018, 10:02:37 am »
    McTaggart says they're still interested in Eovaldi:

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

    juliogotay

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #278 on: November 28, 2018, 10:07:43 am »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #279 on: November 28, 2018, 10:41:35 am »
    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.
    "He hit that one right up the poop chute, Bill" - Enos Cabell

    Sambito Redux

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #280 on: November 28, 2018, 10:44:54 am »
    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
    « Last Edit: November 28, 2018, 10:50:15 am by Sambito Redux »
    "Look at the size of that boy's head! It's like an orange on toothpick, a virtual planetoid.  Head move! 

    Aye, that was offsides, he'll be crying himself to sleep tonight on his big pilla"

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    toddthebod

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #281 on: November 28, 2018, 12:11:01 pm »
    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. 
    Boom!

    Col. Sphinx Drummond

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #282 on: November 28, 2018, 01:04:05 pm »
    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.
    Everyone's talking, few of them know
    The rest are pretending, they put on a show
    And if there's a message I guess this is it
    Truth isn't easy, the easy part's shit

    geezerdonk

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #283 on: November 28, 2018, 01:18:00 pm »
    I long for the days when buffet talk was a staple of this site.
    E come vivo? Vivo.

    toddthebod

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #284 on: November 28, 2018, 01:24:57 pm »
    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. 
    Boom!

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #285 on: November 28, 2018, 01:32:35 pm »
    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.
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    toddthebod

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #286 on: November 28, 2018, 02:00:52 pm »
    Second round after the bullshit competitive balance round B picks.  This past year, they were picks 75-78. 
    Boom!

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #287 on: November 29, 2018, 08:50:53 am »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #288 on: November 29, 2018, 11:04:53 am »
    Martin or Cervelli?  No and No. 
    Boom!

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #289 on: November 29, 2018, 01:33:15 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #290 on: November 29, 2018, 04:37:26 pm »
    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
    Catchers
    1B/DH and/or LF (mostly)
    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
    « Last Edit: November 29, 2018, 07:26:30 pm by Nate Colbert »

    moriartp

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #291 on: November 30, 2018, 04:44:16 pm »
    Another catcher off the market. Natinals are reportedly getting Yan Gomes from Cleveland.

    doyce7

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #292 on: November 30, 2018, 06:12:31 pm »
    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

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk


    juliogotay

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #293 on: November 30, 2018, 06:34:20 pm »
    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

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #294 on: November 30, 2018, 06:51:11 pm »
    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.
    "Come check us out in the Game Zone. We don’t bite. Unless you say something idiotic." -Mr. Happy

    TerryPuhl21

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #295 on: November 30, 2018, 07:51:06 pm »
    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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    « Last Edit: November 30, 2018, 07:53:19 pm by TerryPuhl21 »

    moriartp

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #296 on: November 30, 2018, 08:20:49 pm »
    Lots of notable non-tenders around the league.

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #297 on: November 30, 2018, 08:31:24 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #298 on: November 30, 2018, 08:37:09 pm »
    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.
    « Last Edit: November 30, 2018, 08:55:01 pm by Nate Colbert »

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #299 on: November 30, 2018, 08:41:58 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #300 on: November 30, 2018, 09:24:26 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #301 on: November 30, 2018, 09:56:28 pm »
    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
    Catchers
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #302 on: December 01, 2018, 08:19:06 am »
    Avisail Garcia nontendered by CWS. Rumored trade deadline target of Luhnow’s.


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    I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing AstroTurf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, torture of Bud Selig.

    austro

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #303 on: December 01, 2018, 11:43:08 am »
    Avisail Garcia nontendered by CWS. Rumored trade deadline target of Luhnow’s.

    I hope not. His numbers are not headed in the right direction.
    I remember all the good times me 'n Miller enjoyed
    Up and down the M1 in some luminous yo-yo toy
    But the future has to change - and to change I've got to destroy
    Oh look out Lennon here I come - land ahoy-hoy-hoy

    moriartp

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #304 on: December 01, 2018, 12:26:37 pm »
    Had they traded for him, the Astros probably would've non-tendered him yesterday too.

    ETA: referring to Garcia.
    « Last Edit: December 01, 2018, 12:28:17 pm by moriartp »

    Nate Colbert

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #305 on: December 03, 2018, 04:26:33 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #306 on: December 04, 2018, 03:01:27 pm »
    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.
    « Last Edit: December 04, 2018, 03:25:41 pm by Nate Colbert »

    Bench

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #307 on: December 04, 2018, 03:09:56 pm »
    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.
    "Holy shit, Mozart. Get me off this fucking thing."

    Jacksonian

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #308 on: December 04, 2018, 03:25:31 pm »
    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.
    Goin' for a bus ride.

    jaklewein

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #309 on: December 04, 2018, 03:28:07 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #310 on: December 04, 2018, 03:30:35 pm »
    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.
    Goin' for a bus ride.

    MusicMan

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #311 on: December 04, 2018, 03:44:52 pm »
    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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    I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing AstroTurf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, torture of Bud Selig.

    toddthebod

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #312 on: December 04, 2018, 03:56:33 pm »
    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?

    Boom!

    jwhudson

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #313 on: December 04, 2018, 04:54:04 pm »
    In Luhnow I trust, but I am skeptical regarding this move.  Rather have Maldonado.

    moriartp

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #314 on: December 04, 2018, 04:54:26 pm »
    I don't get this at all unless they're about to include Stassi in a deal for another catcher.

    TerryPuhl21

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #315 on: December 04, 2018, 04:54:53 pm »
    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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    « Last Edit: December 04, 2018, 04:58:10 pm by TerryPuhl21 »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #316 on: December 04, 2018, 04:58:18 pm »

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


    I find it hard to believe this will be the situation.
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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #317 on: December 04, 2018, 05:04:51 pm »
    I find it hard to believe this will be the situation.

    Me, too.

    jaklewein

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #318 on: December 04, 2018, 05:12:32 pm »
    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

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    2019 Roster
    « Reply #319 on: December 04, 2018, 05:22:29 pm »
    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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    « Last Edit: December 04, 2018, 05:26:51 pm by TerryPuhl21 »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #320 on: December 04, 2018, 05:25:55 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #321 on: December 04, 2018, 05:35:54 pm »
    McTag just tweeted it’s a one year deal.  Your guess is also my guess.

    Mine too.
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    jaklewein

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #322 on: December 04, 2018, 05:47:51 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #323 on: December 04, 2018, 05:51:51 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #324 on: December 04, 2018, 05:55:27 pm »
    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.

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #325 on: December 04, 2018, 06:33:27 pm »
    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.
    Goin' for a bus ride.

    jaklewein

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #326 on: December 04, 2018, 06:39:46 pm »
    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.
    « Last Edit: December 04, 2018, 06:45:09 pm by jaklewein »

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #327 on: December 04, 2018, 06:45:01 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #328 on: December 04, 2018, 06:46:43 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #329 on: December 04, 2018, 06:49:22 pm »
    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

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    Re: 2019 Roster
    « Reply #330 on: December 04, 2018, 06:54:16 pm »
    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.


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