I hear ya, but how can you say the Astros won? I mean we had the top pick, and to show for that pick we have no player at this point, and the #2 pick this year which we have no idea how that will turn out. I'm not saying we will blow the pick, but not sure how you can say the Astros "won" in this situation??
we did not lose because we got a pick, high pick this year (number 2). So we did not lose, instead of having an injured player selected first last year, we have a number 2 this year, plus our first rounder.
Ok I just don't see going from the #1 pick one year to the #2 pick the next year a "win" But we are all entitled to our own opinions on what a win is I suppose
We win because the one that we got last year and did not sign got injured, and we got ANOTHER pick THIS year for that. If we would have sign Aiken last year, we dont have teh number 2 pick THIS year, and we would have that player out at least 1 year, and with medical issues before signing the contract.
Peter Gammons will roll in his grave before he gives the Astros any credit. No one in the mainstream media likes this team. Get used to being kicked when down and ignored when right.
The question remains, did the Astros doctors think he would need TJ surgery, or just that his anatomy would make TJ surgery more "difficult". I always thought it was the latter, which would stand reason why they still offered him $5 million (so they could also keep Nix and possibly get Marshall), with the thinking that he still could be just fine. If it was the former, they likely end up right where they are now. Will be interesting to see if the surgery was an actual "success" given the concern about his anatomy... but in the end, the Astros dodge another bullet. Aiken = Tommy John Surgery Cosart = Gambling investigation Bo Porter = will never manage again Dexter Fowler = plays 2 games next year Who's next?
Kid wrote the article just 24 hours after surgery... he's likely high on a good amount of pain medication. Its also a coping mechanism to deal with what was obviously the wrong decision on his part. Sure, he could come back from TJ just fine, if it was indeed a success (remains to be seen)... but he won't sniff a contract value even close to that draft bonus, till his first or second year of arbitration (if he even makes the big leagues, sticks around, and has enough success to warrant that arbitration raise). He is only a HS graduate... so at least he's got time on his side. Wonder if Cosart would want to bet on his future success?
I don't think the Astros thought he'd need surgery for-sure... just that a surgery would be "difficult" if it ever came to that (and apparently it happened in his very first game this year... crazy!). But, it remains to be seen if the "more difficult" TJ surgery will still be as successful as the majority of TJ surgeries are these days... if so, Aiken may end up just fine... but he'll never see that sort of pay-day again till he's already an established MLB player (which as we all know can still be iffy with even healthy prospects).
Don't forget we also lost Nix (and maybe Marshall) and, I believe, this is a weaker draft at the top. If it is a normal TJ surgery situation then it would be like if we drafted Giolito, who is doing just fine, but I do remember them saying something about his small UCL being a problem if he ever had TJ surgery. About the 1 year that he will lose, eh, he's still about the same age as other HS guys so he wouldn't lose that much. I still prefer starting over with the second pick this year though, but I won't call it a win until we see who we get.
I think he'd still probably be a steal for anyone below 5 in this draft. I don't think he'll fall all the way to the Cubs at #9, but if he does, I'd want the Cubs to draft him or Daz Cameron. The Astros for all the criticism they got were pretty smart in the end. Who knows how good or bad Aiken might turn out now, but you have another chance at a pick because of it so that's a good thing.
If anyone needs a late night adrenaline kick, go to CJ Nitkowski's twitter and read his most recent article. His attempt to relate JD Martinez with any of this made me laugh out loud.
this should be HUGE. There should be an equal number of articles (as there were about the original issue) discussing the implications of the Astros being right and what it means for the future of medical evaluations during the draft. Sorry it happened, but good job Astros. only increases my trust in the FO here
Is there any doubt that guys like Nitkowski would be writing articles about how the Astros blew it if Aiken were on our payroll right now?
I feel bad for the kid, but I do have a side of me that is pumped for the Astros. I was always annoyed regarding the treatment the FO received after that decision and it is nice to know that the Astros were right on the money with that. Huge, imo.
It has since been deleted, but Hudson Belinsky, one of Baseball America's writers, tweeted earlier tonight that he "[h]eard from three people that Brady Aiken's surgery was not cut and dry. RUMOR is that there was some sort of complication." After deleting his tweet, he posted this: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Aiken situation is very sad, and very complicated. Hope he comes back 100 percent.</p>— Hudson Belinsky (@hudsonbelinsky) <a href="https://twitter.com/hudsonbelinsky/status/581259324154052608">March 27, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Don't want bad things to happen to people. But the Astros did their due dillegence. And now it looks real bad for any sort of a career for Aiken. Astros get another pick in next years draft, so they are doing well. if they take a college player they would be ahead of wherever a healthy Aiken would be. College players usually move faster in the minors than straight out of High School guys. People are still throwing rocks at the Astros. But people forget that MLB is first and foremost a BUSINESS!!!! It's primary goal is to make money, not to be a symbol of honor and chivalry. Astros front office protected their interest, and even after being vindicated; they are still being roasted. i think most of us would not have cared if Aiken would have or does turn into a Cy Young winner. His risk was just too great, togo all in on Aiken. Nix and Marshall would have been a crappy compensation for Aiken signing.
Spoiler <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Aiken has had no problem with elbow. Ligaments intact and within normal range, according to sources that have seen MRI.</p>— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) <a href="https://twitter.com/injuryexpert/status/571351445024460800">February 27, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Casey Close, Aiken's agent, has sent him to three different top docs who have all cleared his arm to pitch immediately.</p>— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) <a href="https://twitter.com/injuryexpert/status/489080764042989568">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/quinnsft34">@quinnsft34</a> Money. They're trying to sign Aiken on the cheap to get a couple guys lower. <a href="https://twitter.com/kenrosenthal">@kenrosenthal</a>'s article details it.</p>— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) <a href="https://twitter.com/injuryexpert/status/489082079813337089">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Funny to think red sox pay "unproven" castillo $72.5M but astros won't pay best US amateur brady aiken $6.5M</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/502884624838950912">August 22, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Would love to see the doctor's report that recommends signing a pitcher for $5 million, instead of $6.5 million. <a href="http://t.co/QOpTseXDJ1">http://t.co/QOpTseXDJ1</a></p>— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/488065791636799488">July 12, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Astros' stance is that No. 1 overall pick Brady Aiken is too injured to pay $6.5m, but not so injured to prevent them from offering $3.1m.</p>— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/489051960033546240">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Penny-wise/pound-foolish: If HOU was OK giving Aiken $5m, why not honor original $6.5m deal? Cost of fallout/perception greater than $1.5m.</p>— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/490259586474319872">July 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/Bucn86">@Bucn86</a> It's not. I'm not really sure at this point if he signs. Astros seem to be taking a suicidal hard line.</p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/489074188884250624">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>New post for Insiders - on the Astros, Aiken, Nix, and a situation with no winners: <a href="http://t.co/G3Mq0BkwXg">http://t.co/G3Mq0BkwXg</a></p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/490487751439958018">July 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Not likely. “<a href="https://twitter.com/thomasbeck94">@thomasbeck94</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw">@keithlaw</a> Can the Astros at 2 get a better player this year than Brady Aiken?”</p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/516622440836128768">September 29, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Spoiler <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MLB should make Brady Aiken a free agent and see how quickly another team offers him that $6.5 million.</p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/489054870138126336">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Genghis352">@Genghis352</a> When players come up hurt in physicals, they usually restructure deals. Aiken isn't hurt. There's no reason for him to take less</p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/489233880029724672">July 16, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Thomas_Marr">@Thomas_Marr</a> You have a quote from Dr. Lintner that says Aiken is injured?</p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/489466266743107584">July 16, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Thomas_Marr">@Thomas_Marr</a> I don't see anyone in there, much less Dr. Lintner, saying Aiken is hurt. You have nothing to offer here.</p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/489475477103722496">July 16, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Nothing official. Might make his next scheduled start. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/mikeaxisa">@mikeaxisa</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw">@keithlaw</a> Has there been an update on Aiken?</p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/579656868013932545">March 22, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Giolito, Hoffman, and Fedde all went first round and got paid. No reason Aiken won't do the same.</p>— keithlaw (@keithlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/581240021337960448">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>In the end, the Houston Astros failed to sign Brady Aiken over less money ($1.5 million) than they are paying Matt Albers this season.</p>— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/490594372858425344">July 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>There is no reasonable alternative: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> must sign Aiken. Column:... <a href="http://t.co/7ct8xeV88m">http://t.co/7ct8xeV88m</a></p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/490110030650568704">July 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Thomas_Marr">@Thomas_Marr</a> Not analogous. Contention of Close and union is that Astros exaggerated condition to manipulate draft pool. Napoli was FA.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/491041633916305408">July 21, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Part of issue was how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> handled talks - a complaint that resurfaced, in a different a form, with Vogelsong in FA. In end, no one wins.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/581229712535588866">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Astros' failure to sign Aiken a total fiasco <a href="http://t.co/fgYockH6uz">http://t.co/fgYockH6uz</a> I could not agree more</p>— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/490451422291320832">July 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Major law firm lawyer:"If Astros medical release of Aiken MRI is an HIPPAA issue we wish we had his case. Don't let abiologists talk"</p>— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/490665290121105408">July 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Astros essentially admit wrong paying off $1.5m to Jacob Nix. So why does MLB not punish them? Still Stros paid $1.5m to unsigned draftees</p>— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/544971747070447617">December 16, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Between wasted years of development, tying two other players to Aiken's slot money, Houston whiffed on most important part of its rebuild.</p>— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/490245663045976064">July 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>There is no other way to put it: Without signing Brady Aiken or others, this draft was a complete and unequivocal disaster for the Astros.</p>— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/490245060009529345">July 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brady Aiken must be really, really, really, really confident he's healthy to turn down ~$5M. To get that again, he needs to be a top 3 pick.</p>— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/490247133539221504">July 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>At heart of Aiken issue: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> say there are legit elbow concerns, advisor Casey Close says Aiken healthy & team playing games. <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBDraft">@MLBDraft</a></p>— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcallisMLB/status/489065491022237696">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Re Aiken: Have to think <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> believe concerns are real. Can't see them concocting a plan to be shady. Medical reports so subjective.</p>— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcallisMLB/status/489090484288368640">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>While <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> could have handled it better, the conspiracy theorists who thought they tried to swindle Aiken should think again. <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBDraft">@MLBDraft</a></p>— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcallisMLB/status/581232052428775425">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>ICYMI: Astros' failure to sign No. 1 pick Aiken a black eye for Luhnow, franchise <a href="http://t.co/T9flhoYJ7t">http://t.co/T9flhoYJ7t</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/SInow">@SInow</a></p>— Jay Jaffe (@jay_jaffe) <a href="https://twitter.com/jay_jaffe/status/490531644319604736">July 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/BSLRobShields">@BSLRobShields</a> disagree strongly. Can't blame Aiken for wanting no part of org that treated him as it did and blew up their draft over $1.5M</p>— Jay Jaffe (@jay_jaffe) <a href="https://twitter.com/jay_jaffe/status/490537259868106753">July 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> reportedly didn't sign No. 1 pick Brady Aiken after losing franchise-record 111 games in 2013. What is Jim Crane thinking right now?</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/490243913752399873">July 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>And, once again, what in the world are the Jim Crane-Jeff Luhnow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> doing?</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/490244315939995648">July 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Doesn't matter how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> spin it. This doesn't and shouldn't happen in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLB?src=hash">#MLB</a>. Shouldn't have been in this situation in first place.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/490245182827134976">July 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> suffer another black eye thanks to botched Aiken negotiations <a href="http://t.co/EjGY6KD9Ev">http://t.co/EjGY6KD9Ev</a></p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/490506839797166080">July 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brady Aiken's trainer says Astros No. 1 pick is 'absolutely healthy' <a href="http://t.co/mCspKpikc6">http://t.co/mCspKpikc6</a></p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/486239291710787584">July 7, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Source: Brady Aiken visited 5 doctors, including James Andrews. "He may have some (of the UCL), but not much” <a href="http://t.co/f9csotpG0G">http://t.co/f9csotpG0G</a></p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/489187170163228672">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A day later, some food for thought on some tough questions: why not offer Aiken 1.5 more? Why wouldn't he take 5 mil? <a href="http://t.co/T440xZY2el">http://t.co/T440xZY2el</a></p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/490693041254981632">July 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/breid6791">@breid6791</a> Nix was tied to it . Astros agreed to deal and then told Nix only if Aiken signed. 4 docs including Andrew said Aiken elbow ok</p>— Tracy Ringolsby (@TracyRingolsby) <a href="https://twitter.com/TracyRingolsby/status/495299254336770049">August 1, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Just finished a BA Podcast about Aiken/Astros that will be up soon. Quick summary: You can't blow up your entire draft for Mac Marshall.</p>— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) <a href="https://twitter.com/jjcoop36/status/490520687145414656">July 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> http://grantland.com/the-triangle/houston-astros-brady-aiken-number-1-draft-pick/
There are plenty of legit reasons to disagree with how the Astros handled the situation last year. But the thing that disgusted me was how many extremely credible journalists tried to paint it as the Astros simply wanting to pocket 1.5 million dollars. Aiken my still end up great, our pick may turn out to be garbage, or vice-versa . Even with this it's too early to make a call on how this turns out. We are extremely unpopular, but I am pretty happy that we have an organization that is completely confident in every decision they make, PR be damned. It may go down in flames, but it also has the potential for true greatness.
