I see what you're saying, but going from Bregman/Gurriel/MarGo to Gurriel/MarGo/PlayerX is essentially replacing Bregman with a replacement level player. Gurriel and Margo were already slated to get significant playing time and there's an upward bound on how many more games they would play replacing Bregman. Meanwhile, playerX will get a significant amount of playing time. If playerX is AJ Reed and he busts out its a win/win. If he meets his steamer projection of 0.1 WAR then then that's a huge hit to position player WAR.
There's not a ton of difference between a heavily front loaded $110m contract and a backloaded $120m contract. I bet the FO and agents are acutely aware of the monetary difference. I don't buy that "more attractive as a trade chip at the end of the contract" argument. From the perspective of the trading team, it really makes no difference to pay up front or pay on the back end at trade time by contributing cash/prospects to a trade deal. They already locked in their commitment when they signed the player. I have a headache from thinking about all these permutations.
It's almost moot either way. MarGo was a 0.3 WAR player in 518 PA's last season and is projected for 0.1 WAR next season. As much as I love the guy's positional versatility he's essentially a replacement level player.
He is a replacement level player when asked to play offensive premium positions like 1B. You'll notice Fangraphs projections show him barely playing this year.
I believe Mr. Lebouf is suggesting making moves that retain both Bregman and Springer (I hope, at least).
I hope the Astros sign Encarnacion or Beltran and then try to trade for a starter at the deadline or hope for internal improvement. The Astros offense with Encarnacion/Beltran added to the group we have now should be ELITE. The bullpen is already deep and very good. I can roll with a deep but not top heavy rotation and look at rentals at the deadline.
FWIW, he is quoting someone that is not verified. I'm bullish on the deal from some of the people that I have read, but that's more wanting than anything else. With free agents like this... I am worried that they are using us as leverage. I'll believe EE when I see the deal tweeted from a major reporter. Too many people trying to get credibility off of this one.
I dont want to make any huge trades/scary FA signings... Beltran and Fowler for as cheap as possible, then sign Rich Hill or trade later for someone easier than Sale. I am tired of Houston teams making a big leap and it killing us (See: Giles, Lawson, Osweiler)
He's certainly an interesting "buy low" candidate. The Pirates can't expect a king's ransom for him at this point and I think he is a bit overrated. His defense really fell off a cliff last year also
If we get Encarnacion, I'm good with calling it an offseason. With an offense as potentially elite as that, we can afford to not have a barn burning rotation from day 1. It would give the team the flexibility to get a front line starter during the season. Springer Bregman Altuve Correa Encarnacion McCann Gurriel Reddick Gattis Are you f***ing kidding me?
