Doubtful. Dude worked his ass off and waited nearly 2 years to return to pitch. He’s been an All Star SP before and knows in his mind he can be a SP in this league. Also, SP obviously make more money and he wants to maximize his value. We know Lance is a competitor and would do whatever to win in a playoff setting. But no way he would be willing to go to the pen in the regular season with guys like Bielak currently in the rotation
I want to make it clear, I agree with you. As soon as Osuna was injured I wanted Lance to the pen. Having said that, he isn’t a a pragmatic person. He firmly believes he is an elite starting pitcher and his lack of success is from bad luck, poor plate calls, etc. Further at some point he has made reference to “getting paid” and that starting pitchers make the money. Having said that, while the feelings and attitude of McCullers are factor; at the end of the day a good organization cannot be held hostage. The Astros have Urquidy coming back and if you believe Verlander, he will be back too... we need a back end of the pen closer to go with Pressly and Taylor.
Something needs to happen. McCullers needs a serious talking to. I get what he wants but there ain't no shame in being a Closer. They make money not SP money but they make good money. If he wants to be a SP dude needs to cut that hair off to help stop all that profuse sweating. And learn to not make wild ass pitches. Further more. I get we look good and Urquidy and Verlander are on the way back soon. So I would think Beilak would be pushed to the PEN But WTF why the hell would u push Javier or Framber down just to make McCullers happy? It should be with out a doubt Verlander Grienke Framer Javier Urquidy McCullers can be a spot starter just in case but nothing more. I wouldnt even mind if he was traded..... not likely but js.
I doubt Rangers trade with us. I think they are gonna be dealing to the Yankees maybe or the Braves. Braves got ammo. And with Frazier hitting well he is a hot commodity.
If we're looking for a bat, Brandon Belt? Never had a 20+ HR season but he plays for the Giants. Everyone forgets how brutal that park is for lefties with that long right field but he hits the ball hard, good exit velo and launch angle and makes a lot of good contact. Having a good year, and he'd be here next year too. Is owed about $17M but SF will likely eat some of it.
I am fine with them not making any moves unless they involve adding players under contract for 2021 and beyond. Anything is possible but this Astros team doesn’t really excite me. The Astros did nothing to replace Cole, they lost their bullpen... Alvarez, Verlander, Springer, Bregman and Urquidy have barely played. The saving grace has been the continued development of younger guys like Valdez and Tucker and the really strong strong rookie seasons of tons of guys. Continue to give the young players opportunities (including Toro and Jones). If someone that can play the outfield beyond this season is affordable, then sure add them.
