If they're being cheap, sure complain away... but if they're handing out excessive contracts or going above the luxury tax, I really don't get why fans get all bent out of shape on that. (all the people criticizing the red sox for spending big on Price... honestly, its not their money). Also, I doubt every Harris County taxpayer is paying for the stadium, unless they're renting cars and staying in the hotels. They are still paying for the useless Astrodome though in the form of property taxes (or were, as of recently).
I've been paying more for the Houston stadiums while living in Minnesota than most Houstonians considering I always rent a car and usually stay in a hotel.
I'll miss him more for his clubhouse role than his on the field contributions. Interesting to see how these recent moves will impact chemistry in the clubhouse. Sounds like Carter, Conger, and Lowrie all are sad to leave and Rasmus defied expectations and accepted the QA: all points to a highly capable coaching staff and enjoyable work environment. I just hope no future moves net the Astros a Chacon-type who could disrupt the team chemistry. (marisnick seems a big part of that as well and his name has been mentioned in possible trades so we will see...)
I'm not worried about the chemistry. I think it was more about a talented young team with zero expectations riding a wave then it was about a great mix of personalities. We are in the fortunate situation that most of our young studs don't seem to have attitude issues ala Harper or Puig. Or at least non that I've heard about. It's bordering on idolatry listening to people talk about Correa. Not saying I expect a clubhouse meltdown, but it's a lot easier to be happy when there aren't really any internal or external factors putting pressure on you. If the Astros struggle next season it won't be nearly as cute as their mid season struggles were this season.
Agreed... even with perfect chemistry, this team will still only go as far as Springer, Correa, Altuve, Dallas, and the bullpen takes them. Springer ended up having the biggest impact in terms of wins/losses (basically treaded water when he was injured and playing his way back into shape)... will be really nice to see him get to play a full season. I also think his personality/effort is infectious to a point that it could lift a team (despite this being a largely individual sport).
Ha, hopefully it's not as bad as the hotel tax in New Orleans, I think I paid around 23% in taxes on top of my room bill.
Mark the Conger experiment as a fail on Luhnows part. I want NiTro back, couldve gotten so much more for him.
Buck - I know it's still too early to call, but at present, picking Appel over Kris Bryant still ranks as worst Luhnow move to date Reed - Altuve - Correa - Bryant ... that infield still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it
Let Carlos Corporan go, traded another catcher for this "catcher". Goodbye bum. Spoiler Less than impressed with Luhnow's trades the past year. Houston Astros traded C Carlos Perez and RHP Nick Tropeano to Los Angeles Angels for C Hank Conger. Houston Astros traded RHP Jason Garcia to Baltimore Orioles for cash. Houston Astros traded RHP Mike Foltynewicz, 3B Rio Ruiz and RHP Andrew Thurman to Atlanta Braves for DH Evan Gattis and RHP James Hoyt Houston Astros traded CF Dexter Fowler to Chicago Cubs for RHP Dan Straily and 3B Luis Valbuena. Houston Astros traded C Carlos Corporan to Texas Rangers for RHP Akeem Bostick. Houston Astros traded 1B Dan Johnson to Cincinnati Reds for Player To Be Named Later. Houston Astros traded SS Gregorio Petit to New York Yankees for cash. Houston Astros traded SS Ronald Torreyes to Toronto Blue Jays for cash. Houston Astros traded LHP Chris Lee to Baltimore Orioles for Other Considerations. Houston Astros traded RHP Daniel Mengden and C Jacob Nottingham to Oakland Athletics for LHP Scott Kazmir. Houston Astros traded RHP Adrian Houser, OF Brett Phillips, RF Domingo Santana and LHP Josh Hader to Milwaukee Brewers for CF Carlos Gomez, RHP Mike Fiers and Other Considerations. Houston Astros traded LHP Junior Garcia to Arizona Diamondbacks for LHP Oliver Perez. Houston Astros traded SS Jonathan Villar to Milwaukee Brewers for RHP Cy Sneed. Houston Astros traded LF L.J. Hoes to Baltimore Orioles for cash. Houston Astros traded 3B Jed Lowrie to Oakland Athletics for RHP Brendan McCurry. Houston Astros traded C Hank Conger to Tampa Bay Rays for cash.
That one was easier to criticize in retrospect. I think not protecting DDJ was the most questionable move (as in, questionable at the time), followed by the Nitro/Perez trade for Conger.
I have to agree with you. They have drafted well and developed players but have not made good trades.
We traded Perez and Tropeano for cash considerations and the privilege to see the Congerbot. It was a fair trade.
