I think that core swapping Chris Sale for Bregman looks just as good or better. Put yuli at 3rd and resign valbueno to pay 1st/3rd/UT and the offense wouldn't be too different from last year. There's simply no replacement for acquiring a top 10 pitcher.
Great point. I hope the FO can get the point across to Crane the need to make steady improvements to the team through trades and signings.
My only inference is it's going to take a lot to get a # 1 type pitcher. If you assume I think all it will take is Springer and/or Gattis, well you are searching for something that isn't there. I'm not suggesting the package suitable to acquire a # 1, only that it's going to cost the Astros a ton of talent. And I'm hoping Bregman or Correa aren't involved.
I would expect the Yankees to be looking along the lines of Martes, Whitley, Abreu and M Sierra. Pineda is roughly the equivalent of McHugh, and that is about what I think the Astros would require in trade. I would expect the Rockies to be looking for a similar but slightly lesser package, like including K Tucker and removing Whitley and Abreu.
**Everyone is hoping that Bregman won't get traded.** At a certain point though you can't expect a team to take 4 quarters for a dollar. Or what a lot of people are proposing in 2 quarters and a ton of dimes. There's got to be a strong primary piece in a trade for a guy of Sale's stature and I'm starting to believe a package around anyone else but Bregman (excluding untouchables Correa/Altuve) doesn't get done. Correa is untouchable and that's a non-starter.
You are right. Solid #3 pitchers are a dime a dozen. I am sure the Yankees would be ecstatic to trade him for a long reliever, a back end top 100 prospect and a couple of spare parts. Heck, they might even throw in a couple of their top prospects. You give up four quality prospects because Pineda is a valuable quantity, just like McHugh. If you think the Astros would not expect a similar package to trade McHugh, then I think you are fooling yourself. In the last three years, only 21 pitchers in all of baseball have produced more WAR than McHugh. He may not be a #1, but it sounds to me like you are drastically undervaluing him.
I thought about him, but he got owned at Chase Field. Our ballpark next year is going to be a hitter's park as well. So there's definitely cause for skepticism but I do like his strikeout ability.
If I was the Astros I wouldn't trade anyone of their young core in the Majors nor Tucker for Sale. Everybody else would be on the table. Speaking of the minor leagues, an outfield of Tucker, Martin and possibly Gurriel Jr could roam the outfield for Corpus Christi next year. That's if the Astros can sign Gurriel who some scouts think he is the best international free agent this year.
Take out P.Tucker and put in Cameron. I see Feliz as a Pineda down the road. Not as a long reliever/mop up guy. How do you see him? Feliz, high end young starter with ace stuff. Fisher #5 prospect according to mlb.com Cameron #6 prospect Moran wildcard I think this is a very fair trade for a #3 starter. If you view Feliz differently then I can see where you're coming from.
There seems to be a growing sentiment that Colin McHugh will be transitioned to the bullpen or dealt. There is a fair amount of interest in Pineda from the Yankees. I could see the Astros push for him if they don't get someone like Sale, Gray or Archer. A lot of baseball people believe Pineda had high end number one starter upside. There are some in the organization like Putila and Velasco that feel that Martes had a break through season in the second half from a "stuff" and maturity stand point. Greg Holland is someone the front office has legitimate interest in. Michael Feliz needs to focus on baseball more.
That's really surprising news about McHugh. He's put up 9.9 WAR over the last three seasons and would seem like a sure-bet to have a place in the rotation next year. I hope the Astros push for Pineda even if they're going after those other guys. We need more ML starters, period.
