Just cracks me up how so many want to give Luhnow credit for Cards success Then give him credit for our success in totally different role FWIW, I like Jeff a lot Just don't thing he built the Cards
Agreed. He built their farm system. He's built our farm system. Guys above him (including LaRussa) made decisions to trade his farm system prospects for established MLB players.... which eventually led to World Series titles. Right now, the same model is being implemented... but he's still figuring out the entire process of being a war-time GM. Haven't seen any evidence that he won't figure it out... but unfortunately, he's currently being judged on prospect for MLB player trades that haven't totally worked out.
Will Tucker be better than Springer and Reddick? I just feel like we have a pretty good outfield, he shouldnt be untouchable. WE have Beltran (this year) and Gurriel too. Tucker and one of Martes or Musgrove for quintana.. and some other good-low prospects. If you had to choose Musgrove or Martes to couple with Tucker which would it be? Now probably choose the other one (because it has to hurt a little) and do those 2 for Quintana.
I would guess Martes would be more likely to be in the deal, if the sox quit demanding all 3 Martes has a higher ceiling, which would likely be more to the sox liking....Musgrove is ready to help now, which is important for us now Personally, I would do Martes, Tucker, brother Tucker, and a lower level guy for Q....doesn't seem like Luhnow wants to though
You have to talk about money in this equation. The Astros have 3 position players (Springer, Altuve, and Correa) that barring injury, will be worth at least 25 million a season when they hit free agency. Look how much money Jason Heyward was paid per season. We aren't the Cubs or Red Sox and will never have their payroll. We are more like a wealthy Oakland A's team. Tucker, Martes, and Musgrove equal 18 years of affordable talent before they reach free agency. You have to think like that otherwise we might get one run at a championship and have blown our entire farm system again with nothing to show for it. The Astros also got hosed with the new CBA. When their big time talent hits the market they won't get a draft pick if they leave. Meanwhile, if they sign someone like Encarnacion now they have to give one up. As far as trading for Quintana or any other guy... from what I heard it has been EXTREMELY frustrating for the Astros. ANY team that has a starter on the block has contacted the Astros and they all wanted Bregman. Then once you get past the Bregman talk they want your top 3 prospects.. ALL OF THEM and some other throw ins. The reality is the price for a starter with 3-4 years left of an affordable contract is out of the Astros price range to maintain long term success. Also... Altuve signed up with Boras. If he won't sign an extension the year before his deal is up you have to trade him. We can't afford the Beltran treatment again and get nothing in return.
Astros should be more in line with the St. Louis, Toronto, Texas, and Seattle in terms of payroll. You really have a small market mentality complex going.... and I'm pretty sure if Oakland or Tampa played in bigger markets, they would have taken a few more risks when they each had golden windows of opportunity to win it all.
Good Fangraphs article examining whether the Astros need Quintana: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/do-the-astros-need-jose-quintana/ To summarize: Quintana would be an upgrade to the Astros rotation, but perhaps a less impactful upgrade than they could achieve by adding an everyday LF.
Hmm, what about adding EE and putting Gurriel in LF? That might be nice. Gattis is backup C, Beltran is DH, and Aoki/Marisnick are backup OF gonzalez utility...
That would be a possibility if they still had interest. A factor to consider is the $$$ and pick lost (which is about as valuable as a back-end of Top 100 prospect).
Just saying they could do what fangraphs said using no prospects.. but i guess a pick counts.. then they still have prospects for ToR guy at deadline.. And everyone thinks we are putting all our chips in and mortgaging our future.. give EE 2-3 years, Quintana has 3-4... plenty of time to draft and replace prospects. Doesnt have to win this exact year.
No, but he'll most likely be there as long as everyone is healthy (and no trades). Keuchel McCullers McHugh are pretty much set in stone, with Morton Fiers Musgrove Competing for the 4/5 spots.
Trade for pitching at the deadline . A stronger rotation is more important for the playoffs vs the ref season . We should be OK in the standings when the deadline comes . Pitching is so unpredictable I'd rather deal for a guy who is having a good season .
