I'm opening this thread for minor offseason moves. Big items will have their own threads. To kick this off the Astros have agreed to terms with Alex Pressley and avoided arbitration. The deal is a $1M deal. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/11/astros-alex-presley-avoid-arbitration.html
Catching up ... <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Will Harris, claimed off waivers by the Astros, is a Houston native. Went to LSU. Appeared in 29 gms last season, 61 in '13 for D-backs.</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/529372583217471488">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Astros have acquired catcher Hank Conger from the Angels in exchange for catcher Carlos Perez and right-handed pitcher Nick Tropeano.</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/530098160954114048">November 5, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> signed a NDFA out of West Texas A&M: RHP Dylan James 15G/15St 98IP 2.30ERA 1.041WHIP 29BB:126SO (Senior year)</p>— Jayne Hansen (@JayneWTHB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayneWTHB/status/534361427742425090">November 17, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Astros have agreed to contract with OF Alex Presley to avoid arbitration, GM Jeff Luhnow says.</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/534808004286103552">November 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Josh Zeid claimed by Tigers.</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/535527749469741056">November 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In really minor moves: Jose Cisnero signed with the Reds David Martinez signed with the Rangers Paul Clemens signed with the Phillies
All it says is 'P'(prospects & potential) is a dangerous word. Traded two of their better players at the time and... Hunter Pence --> Josh Zeid(REL-14-DET), Jonathan Singleton, Jarred Cosart(TR-14-MIA) & Domingo Santana (Expanded: Hunter Pence, Austin Wates, Jarred Cosart & Enrique Hernandez for Jonathan Singleton, Domingo Santana, Francis Martes, Colin Moran, Jake Marisnick & 2015 compensation draft pick) Michael Bourn --> Jordan Schafer(REL-12-ATL), Brett Oberholtzer, Paul Clemens(FA-14-PHI) & Juan Abreu(REL-12-TOR)
Bowden went over every team's top option/fallback option in an ESPN Insider article: AL West Houston Astros' top target: David Robertson The Astros are committed to their long-term plan, but at the same time they want to make another big jump in the win-loss column, and to accomplish that, they'll have to significantly improve their bullpen. They are engaged with the top relievers in the market and are being aggressive in their chase of Robertson. Fallback options: Sergio Romo, Andrew Miller, Pat Neshek --- Nothing new or surprising. Wish they'd throw in trade targets as well
I know this is a dumb question, but has anyone seen a site with the estimated salaries of the Astros arbitration eligible players?
Via MLBTR: Dexter Fowler (5.168) – $9.0MM Tony Sipp (5.100) – $1.5MM Jason Castro (4.104) – $3.9MM Hank Conger (3.051) – $1.1MM Carlos Corporan (3.019) – $1.0MM Alex Presley (2.162) – $1.2MM Chris Carter (2.159) – $3.5MM Anthony Bass (2.148) – $600K Marwin Gonzalez (2.133) – $1.0MM Alex Presley got $1M
dumbest effing question i've ever heard, jesus. please quit posting in this forum. posters like you are who is turning this into the GARM.
Robertson has a 3 yr $39mil deal in hand believed to be from the Astros <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RUMOR: David Robertson To The Astros <a href="http://t.co/RI7rCdrGkh">http://t.co/RI7rCdrGkh</a></p>— Shawn Ferris (@RealShawnFerris) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShawnFerris/status/539472336081412097">December 1, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
does this make sense to anyone? I know we need a legit closer but I figure Luhnow will wait till the price is right in a trade or we are one or two players away from contending before giving a big contract to a closer.
This is a reported rumor. Who knows if it true or not? If true, a Quals and Robertson combo for the 8th and 9th inning would be very effective. Robertson would be a very expensive get, but might open the door for other FA signings over the next three years.
Personally, I think the price is too high, but anything that solidifies the bullpen is a step in the right direction.
Signing high priced free agent closers seems more like a luxury at this point... not very analytical.