If the Astros are actually interested in Napoli, it must mean they are OK with Gurriel playing LF. I can't imagine they want to move Bregman off 3rd to platoon him at 2 spots, but I guess that is an option too. As is we still have a bit of a weakness in the outfield, and 4 guys for 3 spots at 1B/DH/C Targeting Beltran makes more sense because he can play the OF and start against lefties who Reddick can't hit. Defensively, he is terrible at this point, but it's all about range. He isn't like Tucker where he is just terrible in all regards. Marisnick , Springer and the Crawford boxes can help mitigate that. Plus it would give us enough firepower at every position, we could just send Marisnick out to CF every day, and any offense he gives is a bonus. I completely understand why we are so hot after another bat, we are trying to build in as many fail safes as possible to protect ourselves from bad years/busts and virtually guarantee we aren't at least a very good offense.
His OBP is down the last 2 years. Last year he struck out 30% of the time, above his career average, but not something new for him. His HR/FB ratio was slightly above his career average, but within the norm for him. With him the concerns are: 1) He's exactly the type of guy this team has had too much of. High K, low contact guys. 2) He is 35, so a drop off in offense could happen at any point 3) He isn't much of a defensive player, coming off a rough year at 1B committing 13 errors in only 98 games there. Was that age or a fluke?
13 position players: C McCann 1B Napoli? 2B Altuve SS Correa 3B Bregman RF Reddick CF Springer LF Aoki DH Beltran? IF Gurriel C Gattis IF Marwin OF Marisnick Would be an extreme luxury having 2 everyday caliber bats (Gattis/Gurriel) on the bench, but that's the kind of depth that would ensure they could survive an injury or two and still have a stacked lineup.
I think that Luhnow would want to avoid DH only players. Gurriel can play 1B and 3B and maybe LF. Gattis can play C2. Beltran if signed can play LF and RF. Reed if he makes the MLB squad can play 1B. White if he makes the MLB squad can play 1B and 3B.
The Astros in the Luhnow era have mostly rolled with 12 position players. The Astros may be deciding between either Beltran or Napoli.
I agree, that seems to be where they are at. Sign a DH that has some flexibility to play in the field so you can get others DH at bats and let Reed start the year in Fresno.
I don't think they go for Napoli based on the current roster construction. I'm guessing they're in talks with him based on trade talks that are currently in progress and are just trying to get their ducks in a row for the possibility of a move
I think most of us would. A LF seems more necessary than a 1B right now. And I would like to leave the option open for Reed or White to get some AB's if they perform well in spring training. A Napoli signing completely locks up all of the 1B/DH AB's, and still leaves a possible hole in the OF against lefties, who only Springer is competent against right now.
I don't agree with giving Valbuena the QO; that is 17.2 million dollars for one year of Valbuena. It is highly unlikely that the Astros value either Napoli or Valbuena at that number. I suspect that the deal the Astros are discussing with Napoli would be for two season at an annual rate millions less than the QO. Even with money to spend, the Astros have been bargain hunting.
My opinion....if we are going to make a splash move, trade the farm for Trout. Martes Tucker Paulino Reed Hernandez It's a huge trade, but man...greatest player of this generation. Bregman Altuve Trout Correa Springer Reddick Gurriel McCann Gattis
Even ignoring the fact that we're in the same division, its going to take a hell of a lot more than that offer to land Trout.
Great player for great player trades don't happen. Anything they get will fall well short of Trouts actual value, which is why they probably won't trade him. I would think prospects is exactly what they would be looking for.
Thats hardly the farm for the best player in baseball. Trout, at his age, would require EVERYONE. And that includes Bregman.
Ok. That's 5 of our top 7 prospects, the other two being Whitley and Cameron. Would that be enough? Not sure. What if we included Springer? Springer Martes Reed Paulino
Offer them 2 of Springer/Correa/Bregman, and top prospects and then maybe they won't laugh and hang up. Young, team controlled, within in the divison, one of the GOAT, and a guy they don't really want to trade to begin with. The package we would need to send out would be comically high
