They can. It's just that Giles is already discovered, and in a year where we're clearly aiming for a WS, I'd rather start with as many variables figured out as possible. With the depth to do so, I'd rather not spend ST + 1-2 months finding "our Giles".
Velasquez, Obie, plus either Martes/Feliz for Giles should get it done. Two top prospects + Obie is a good rebound bet. Probably similar to a package that would've been offered for Chapman (before all the stuff), but Reds would've probably wanted a top prospect instead of Obie included. That deal increases the number of open 40-man spots by one to add any FAs (i.e. SP) or call-up some guys (i.e. Reed, White, etc.). Re-sign Sipp and you get a end bullpen of: 7th - Sipp/Harris/Neshek 8th - Gregerson 9th - Giles Looks good to me. I think everyone improves with a more comfortable lesser role (Gregerson has done well as the setup man before), and Giles could be an elite closer on a good team for several years.
As expected. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Source says Astros & Phillies have talked about a package for Ken Giles that would center around Vincent Velazquez, plus 2 more prospects</p>— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/674713353672069120">December 9, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Meh. VV still has five more years of control, and who knows, he may turn out to be better than Giles. I'd be ok with this so long as the other two prospects are not high upside guy (i.e., no Bregman or Daz).
Gotta remember that VV wasn't a Luhnow draftee. Always have to assume that he trades the Wade/Heck guys first.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing Phillies would get 3 pitchers led by Velasquez if Giles to Houston deal gets done.</p>— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSalisburyCSN/status/674726604430434304">December 9, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Man I would buy his plane ticket out of here so fast. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LHP Brett Oberholtzer, a First Stater, is being discussed as part of the return in potential Giles to Houston deal</p>— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSalisburyCSN/status/674728906059071488">December 9, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Sure... But it's really nice when you find one within, and you can use the resources/prospects for players that are harder to find. I feel like there's a new core of "it" relievers nearly every 1-2 years. Giles being one of them.
Agreed. I'm not sure that happens often on contenders...especially one without a dominant closer anchoring the team. I'm thinking of Giles (bad team), Melancon when the Pirates got him (bad team at the time), Carson Smith to a degree (bad team), Betances (mediocre team + closer ahead of him). If we had a great bullpen (i.e. if we had signed Miller last year, for ex), I'd love to sit and find the future closer even in a contending year. I just don't think we have that luxury given the current situation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Source on Giles to Houston trade: "It's close but not done."</p>— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSalisburyCSN/status/674744103326846976">December 10, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Finish this Giles trade, sign Kazmir or Gallardo, resign Sipp, find a corner bat. Then we will be set.
Giants get Cueto. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: Johnny Cueto has an agreement with the Giants, pending a physical.</p>— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/676512750202445824">December 14, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
6 year deal. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">cueto has agreement with giants. 6-year deal.</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/676513999899488256">December 14, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Yes, it could pay off if he's able to pitch like he did in the World Series and in the 2nd game against the Astros. Btw, I'm posting it here since the Astros are looking for a starting pitcher. With Cueto off the market, it seems all the marquee pitchers are pretty much gone. Not that I was expecting the Astros open their wallets for them anyway.