I'm scared of trying to get Archer or Sale. Giving up what the astros will have to give up for them, and who knows if it will pan out. I'd almost be willing to just let it ride with the guys we got than to gut the minors for these guys.
I prefer Verlander because I think he can be had without touching the MLB team that finished the year. And Crane needs take the whole salary to reduce the prospect cost. I also want to trade for Sean Doolittle but that's a much smaller move.
It takes about 8-10 pitchers to get through a season. We can't waive Fiers at the start of the year. We can save Musgrove for mid-season.
Matt Holiday to the Yanks. no EE to Yanks!! .... Oh wait we only make those assumptions about the Astros!
Supposedly the Astros and Yankees came to the conclusion that Encarnacion doesn't want to leave Toronto. The one that may end up being a steal is Jose Bautista I haven't heard about much of a market developing.
JoeyBats followed me on twitter out of the blue 2 days ago. I wasn't following him or anything. I can only assume that means he's headed to the 'stros
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/...-cubs-houston-astros-oakland-athletics-120416 WHY ASTROS CHOSE BELTRAN Why was free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran a better fit for the Astros than first baseman Edwin Encarnacion? Money obviously was part of it — Beltran signed a one-year, $16 million deal, while Encarnacion is seeking a four- or five-year commitment. But there were other factors as well. Beltran, who will be 40 next season, is six years older than Encarnacion, but he was a better positional fit, enabling the Astros to keep Yuli Gurriel at first base, and a stronger influence in the clubhouse (though Encarnacion also is highly respected.) Keep in mind as well that Beltran is a switch-hitter, that Encarnacion also would have cost the Astros a draft pick, and that EE likely would have become a DH in the latter years of his four- or five-year deal. The Astros, for all their activity since signing Gurriel last July, have not invested more than $52 million in any one player (Josh Reddick). They continue to "pay really close attention" to the Rays' starters, sources say.
Thats the safe strategy to be sure. But the minors are there to bolster the majors, not the other way around.
I know that and nothing is set in stone right now, that's why I'm still asking which of those other guys are out of options.
You are correct; Chapman, Peacock, and Stassi are out of options. That's why I said there are only 13 guys with options on the roster (including Feliz, not including Musgrove or Devenski) who aren't locks to be on the opening day roster. I would think it would be rare for a team to enter opening day with multiple open 40 man spots.
