hate Ventura (as a player...nothing to do w/his personality, though that is separately annoying too). Even though that price isn't large, I just don't want to deal w/him. Unless you imagine him as a setup man or closer. But I don't see a need to deal for that type of player right now
Ventura has 5 years of control remaining and is 25 years old. Feldman is a pending free agent in his mid 30s. I have a hard time seeing them as equal assets.
Results-wise, they're equal assets. If the priority isn't this season, sure, OK. But he (likely) doesn't make a dent in this (thus far) disappointing season, and I thought that was the whole point of this thread - what needs to be done NOW.
Oh so it's a thread police thing. I didn't feel like starting a separate thread for the topic of moves that might affect this season and beyond.
No, it's a context thing. If, in a thread about what needs to be done now to improve the Astros, you post about a trade for a (below-average) pitcher, the implication is that you have a rudimentary understanding of the thread's intent and are therefore suggesting Venture would be a player that could improve the team now.
I haven't heard anything from the last few days, other than the Astros and A's have discussed it. You are correct, Valencia isn't a very good fielder at third base. However he can play 3rd, 1st and also can provide another option at DH. Long term he would hypothetically get a shot in the outfield as well. I haven't been told this, but I wouldn't be shocked if the A's are holding onto him thinking they can get a bigger piece at the deadline. Valencia is over thirty, but that doesn't matter to teams as much as in the past, because he won't be a free agent for some time. Valencia has been very good with the bat the last 2 seasons. However, it isn't as if he was terrible consistently in the past. He has had other good seasons, but they were sprinkled in with a few absolutely terrible seasons. I am bearish on the Astros dealing their prospects unless they get a genuine elite player in return (such as the failed Hammels trade). Obviously if the Astros believe he will give them an 850 OPS the next several seasons, can play the outfield and the asking price is reasonable; then he would be a long term piece and have value. I honestly have not seen enough of him, and do not know what his personal/work habits are; so I don't have a strong opinion positive or negative. I simply passed along what I have heard.
Altuve: Worst baserunner in the league? http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-most-bizarre-jose-altuve-stat/ So what needs to be done? Get him to stop trying to take extra bases when they are not there.
Awful. Just look for improvement out of the guy...he's worked to improve so much of his game every year--the walks and power so far this year. Next year, I expect his entire focus to be on baserunning (assuming it's tough to improve something so ingrained in him during the season)
Sure, id seen the commentary on the subject before. But I hadn't seen the data. The problem is worse than I previously thought.
According to the article...he's only been bad (average before that) for the past two years. Gary Pettis was hired two years ago. Coincidence?
Ok, guy. Neither the thread title nor the original post leave any indication whatsoever that this thread is meant only to include ideas the impact this season alone. Thanks for playing, dimwit.
Interesting thing about OBP was last night they showed a graphic that we lead the league in OBP for #1-3. Valbuena & Castro have done well too. Gattis is the biggest drag to our OBP, even if he hits because he doesn't walk enough. Similar could be said for Marwin and Gomez. Rasmus walks at a good rate, but is also a low average guy.
OBP, OPS in AL Batting #1 - 1st, 1st Batting #2 - 3rd, 4th Batting #3 - 8th, 12th Batting #4 - 13th, 14th Batting #5 - 13th, 15th Batting #6 - 14th, 14th Batting #7 - 7th, 4th Batting #8 - 6th, 6th Batting #9 - 8th, 12th
