I’d heard weeks back that not only was Bauer a primary target but that they essentially had a deal in place, only hangup was getting clubhouse approval. Seems like a TOR guy we can get without having to give up our big 2-3. We shall see.
This is interesting.... the Bregman/ Bauer relationship seems like they give each other some competitive banter back and forth on social media, but I believe they are actually pretty cool with each other... I believe there was a picture of them together at some rehearsal dinner or something. The cole/Bauer differences are well documented going back to their UCLA days.... the only thing though is that Cole likely walks in the off-season with a massive FA deal. Bauer lives in the woodlands, and is semi-obsessed with the astros and their analytics.... this would be interesting to say the least and would give us the best 1-2-3 punch in the league and it’s not even close
All Bregman cares about is winning, so I’m sure he would be fine with Bauer. Same for all the other position players and Verlander. It’s Cole (and possibly McCullers) who would have the problem. Cole and Bauer might hate each other but they were teammates before and getting along for 90 days shouldn’t be too much to ask if it means increasing the odds of another World Series.
I'm not concerned at all about any potential clubhouse issues with Bauer. The Bregman stuff never seemed that malicious, and he never has to talk to Cole. He does certainly seem the type that would embrace what our nerds have to say.
I feel like the group of available controllable high end starters has solidified: Marcus Stroman Matt Boyd Trevor Bauer Robbie Ray Noah Syndergaard I feel like any of those 5 could be had without giving up Tucker or Whitley, and I’d be fairly comfortable with any of those 5 guys starting Game 3 of a playoff series. If for some reason none of those are cheap enough, the rental market also seems pretty firm: Madison Bumgarner Zach Wheeler
Too bad Arizona is still in it. Greinke would be expensive but ideal. Bauer would be amazing as well.
Comments from their GM I read on Mlbtr seems like they are prepping to sell. He almost seemed disappointed that other teams hadn’t pulled away from them. That’s why I have Ray as a pretty firm trade candidate. I think Greinke will probably also be available but I don’t think Houston is a fit because of his contract.
Personally, I always felt Bauer was the ideal pitcher for Houston to go after. Bregman and Bauer work out together during the off season. Arizona might be selling as well. You just dont know how these next three weeks will go. I think whatever top AL team pulls the trigger first on a deal, it will open up a fiery of moves. Boston will need to come out hot after the break because I can't see them making a big move just to miss the wild card.
Should be a whirlwind next 3 weeks. I’m surprised no deals have been made. The elimination of the August deadline makes the stakes for this month SO high.
Supposedly the Yankees have been sending their top scout to watch Bauer pitch and they also are scouting and have interest in Stroman and Giles. The Red Sox also are being aggressive to add starting pitching sooner than later and have been scouting Boyd quite a bit. The Astros have been linked to Madison Bumbgarner an his PAWG wife and also Boyd and Ray.
Haven't kept up with Yankees or Bostons farm system. If we make Tucker untradeable how does what we have to offer stack up?
I will send you the link where Bregman talked about them working out together during the off season. It was talked about several times during last post season series
All I know/hear about is the Yankees have strong international prospects. Never really hear much about the Red Sox.
Padres are the one team I've been paying attention to. They have a boat load of talent in their minor league and they are rumored to be targeting SP. They are only two games out for a Wild Card spot.
The Red Sox farm is bad. They have a couple fringe top 100 3B prospects in Casas and Dalbec then pretty much nothing. Assuming the Yankees won’t include Torres (they won’t), they have Florial, a Top 50 OF prospect, and Loaisiga, a fringe Top 100 SP. Their farm is much deeper than Boston’s but I don’t think it’s as deep as Houston’s. I think a package of Bukauskas, Fisher, and another pitching prospect from the Perez/Valdez/James/Abreu/Urquidy group would be better than anything Boston could offer and on par with what the Yankees would be willing to deal. San Diego and Tampa Bay have STACKED farms and can easily outbid Houston for starting pitching, and I’m sure they both will add controllable starters. Minnesota and Atlanta also probably have more tradeable top end talent than Houston, although I’m not sure if either of those teams will be looking for rotation help.
Tiering the teams: All in (will be interested in rentals and long term pieces): Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Twins, Astros, Braves, Nats, Phillies, Cubs, Brewers, Dodgers Fringe contenders (interested in players with remaining control or really cheap rentals, might both buy and sell): Indians, Rangers, A’s, Cardinals, Pirates, Diamondbacks, Padres, Rockies, Giants Selling rentals: White Sox, Mets, Reds, Mariners, Angels Selling everything: Orioles, Blue Jays, Tigers, Royals, Marlins
Luhow probably won't, but given the competition I would throw in Tucker for either Greinke (they pay some of contract) or Bauer. It would be catastrophic if Yankees go all in and trade for either and then also go after Boyd, Stroman, Bum.
