The Yankees got a steal with Sonny Gray. Would have liked to have added him at the deadline based on the very reasonable cost associated.
Clearly the correct response is "both", but would you rather have Verlander this year and 2 more or Gray for this year and 2 more .
I think Verlander is the most significant addition to any of the contenders. Things worked out beautifully for the Astros at the end of all this.
Let's keep in mind OAK's asking price was likely more within the division. Verlander appears he will be pitching effectively in his late-30's.
Yep, he didn't look that good earlier in the year, but whatever he changed has got him back to where he was last year.
I think Verlander is the better pitcher and if I had to choose one, I would take Verlander because he is capable of being a genuine stopper. Obviously the age of Verlander and salary are a concern (although I don't think $20,000,000 is unreasonable) but Gray hasn't been able to stay healthy and is a #2/3 on a really strong staff. It is always easy to look in hindsight. Still a team like the Astros (or many others) could have addressed two top rotation spots for 2.5 years for moderate prospect costs.
I still think the prospect cost to the Astros for Gray would have been greater than what the Yankees provided. Oakland would be trading their top pitcher to the top team in their division for 2+ years. I think they'd have to be getting something of significant value back.
There are two changes. First his extension has increased with has increased his velocity, slowed the hitters reaction time. This has also resulted in fewer walks. Second Verlander has regained command of his slider. This is a good possibility, my only counter would be that the A's are not likely to contend in the next 2 years and they have been active dealing with the Astros recently. Either way, (I try to temper my expectations) but Verlander has a chance of being very good for the next 2+ years at least and he has shown he is very capable of making adjustments over his career. He has a similar craft for the game that Clemens and Ryan had. Also, his stuff should translate well to the post season and he will be leaned on a lot because he has pitched in big games and done well. If we get Dallas K straightened out and have a couple guys firing in the pen..... the #3-4 starters may not matter a whole lot. We have the upside potential of having the top of our rotation shut down offenses in 2-4 games in a 7 game series. Obviously it doesn't always happen (Dodgers the last 5 years) but it does sometimes (Diamondbacks). Everyone is complaining over the recent A's series but everyone should be excited because this team is talented and balanced enough to win a WS, and how often has that been the case in Houston sports? Maybe 5 times in the last 25 years?
Moderate, or not - trading away six prospects over the course of a single month is significant and probably ill-advised.
Also....the fact that lowly Oakland can sweep the Astros, gives credence to the fact that the Astros can beat whatever teams the play in the playoffs. I find it ironic that there are those who give the Astros no chance against the Indians or Dodgers (at least before the Dodgers recent swoon), would also have given Oakland no chance to sweep Houston.
If they only traded 2 of their top 6 prospects and got two mid to front of rotation starters that would be entirely reasonable.
I was referring to your first comment. I don't know why he's getting better extension. I suspect whatever he has changed mechanically has improved command on his fastball, slider, and curveball along with the effective velocity boost.
McCullers out with arm soreness? Well maybe FieHRs will react the same way he did when he was pulled from the bullpen last time to start ! One can dream right !!!!
If you believe what they say in Detroit, Dubee noticed a mechanical issue and he and Verlander worked on fixing it over a multiple week stretch during the season.
