So when we trade for another pitcher does he have to agree to go straight to the DL like the others in order to be accepted into the clubhouse?
This is 100% Luhnow being careful with his horses. He learned his lesson from the last 2 seasons, and while we have this massive lead, he's going to use it as an opportunity to give guys some rest. It sucks for the bullpen, but that's why we have this revolving door with AAA. Keuchel is already on record saying he could pitch if he needed to, and I'm sure McCullers is more precautionary than anything else. The 10-day DL has really changed the way teams are looking at roster management. Of course, that's my brain talking. My heart is like, "WTF!! **** YOU BASEBALL GODS!! WHAT DID WE EVER DO TO YOU?!?!?!"
given their history i say no... especially LMJ. this definitely feels precautionary but i think the need for another ToR and bullpen guy are key if we want to cement our status as legitimate title contenders.
Understood, but it does have an impact on exactly what I'm looking for. If Keuchel/McCullers are out for the season (as an example), then a #1 is far more important. If both are coming back relatively soon and no major long-term concerns there, then a #3 is would be good. If both of them are expected back soon along with Morton, and then Musgrove and Fiers both show signs of doing well over the next few weeks (or even Martes or Paulino), and McHugh is all on track on his recovery, then its a bit less of a priority to me. Or maybe this is the time where they explore and see if Devo can become a ToR type starter and solve the problem internally - at least give him a look there for a few weeks maybe. I just think there are a ton of question marks right now everywhere, and we have the flexibility to wait a bit and see exactly what the circumstances are with each of our 8 current SPs (+Devo) before trying to find a 9th. (EDIT: forgot about Peacock, so that's 9 SPs + Devo)
IMO, you go for a TOR starter and it's not even close. Take a look at the standings around the league right now. Teams like the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Royals show that windows can open and shut much quicker than anyone expects. Worst case, Keuchel and LMJ come back healthy and the trade was unnecessary. Oh well, we enter the playoffs with arguably one of the strongest 1-3 SPs in the league. But what happens in (the increasingly likely) scenario that Keuchel and/or LMJ aren't 100% for the playoffs? We'll be damned glad we got [insert TOR arm here]. I will be livid if we throw away this opportunity because we hope Kyle Tucker becomes an All-Star in 2024.
I think we all agree. But there's a price. You don't trade Tucker + Martes + Paulino + Musgrove for G Cole as he currently stands. Gotta still find a deal that makes sense. I don't think anyone wants to "throw it away". But it still does warrant being smart about paying the right price. If for no other reason, than to have more bullets to make more deals either this year or next year, for another such run
I'd say you can never have too much quality pitching... especially come playoff time. If there's a #1 available, they should go for it... even if Keuchel/LMJ are fully healthy for the majority of the season. Its the Randy Johnson argument all over again. Guarantees nothing... but still is the right move to win now.
If the front office feels that they can get more out of Cole, Archer, Quinatana, whoever than what they're currently showing... and all those arms are healthy... I'd trust them to proceed with a trade like that. Musgrove and Paulino are still extremely raw and will likely remain inconsistent for at least this year. I've been told not to expect much of anything from Martes for at least 2 years, even though he's with the big league club now. Tucker is obviously the centerpiece for any deal this team chooses to make. Unlikely they'll get a big fish without letting him go.
Slightly worried, but the Astros had to start figuring out ways to get LMJ to start missing some starts to keep his innings down. With the lead we have might as well rest him a few starts.
I think its harder to find a guy who can replicate Bregman's infield versatility... along with projecting to be a plus bat... vs. Tucker (who may or may not be the next Ted Williams... but at the end of the day, is still an OFer).
Bigger bait for a bigger fish. If he was going out, it would be good to get a serviceable 1st baseman back, move Yuli to his more comfortable surroundings at 3rd.
