1. HOUSTON ASTROS Jeff Luhnow, the Astros' chief decision maker, transformed the American League pennant race in 2017 when he acquired Justin Verlander from the Tigers in August. The Verlander deal came with little risk, and the assets sacrificed for Syndergaard by Wednesday will certainly exceed the meager haul surrendered for Verlander. But with Houston cruising as potentially the favorites for the AL crown, don’t be shocked if Luhnow and Co. pull the trigger on another blockbuster. A literal arms race with the Yankees could be afoot as the Astros look to augment the top of their rotation that includes Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Houston has remained disciplined thus far in holding onto top hitting prospect Kyle Tucker. He would likely swing a potential deal between Houston and New York unless Syndergaard’s value collapses. The Mets have eyed MLB-ready bats, and Tucker fits the description. Luhnow now has a difficult decision to make. Trading Tucker could send a potential All-Star to New York. Holding onto him could cost the Astros a spot in the World Series.
Yeah, but you've got to wonder how much those guys actually take that whole rivalry seriously and how much is played up by the media. And in the same way Morey would check with Harden before making a major move, I'm sure Lunhow would touch base with Cole, Bregman and the rest of the stars to make sure they felt comfortable with having Bauer on the roster. I doubt that Bauer becomes an Astro before the trade deadline, but if it happened, I've got to think Lunhow's not concerned about any negative impact it would create in the dugout.
Uhm... last year, he posted a .989 OPS; this year it's .905... CLEARLY, he's taken a step back?.......
They need to move Tucker plus prospects for Thor and trade for Mancini. I wonder what the cost of Mancini will be?
I agree with you, but Syndergaard is the one guy I'd okay with sacrificing Tucker for. This is one of the most interesting deadlines I can remember.
You can't really compare raw OPS or wOBA between seasons given the low drag ball they are using this year. That's why his scaled numbers have dropped markedly this season while his raw numbers are mainly intact.
If they do absolutely nothing we should be extremely disappointed. This team is in the heart of its competitive window and they have significant needs. However, if they only add a reliever and a BoR/high risk SP I will be ok with it. I would rather them add lesser players than overpay.
WHO CARES? You can't help where you're born, it's still TEXAS (best state in America), he loves Nolan Ryan (who's now part of our organization), and you do realize that by trading for him, we'd convert the Syndergaard family to our side. Greinke, even if AZ eats some good $$$, does not have sexy velocity, nor is as good a K machine. I'm on the Wheeler train FTR.
