Definitely agree. Wasn't trying to argue that the org's pitching system isn't good. It's definitely been very successful overall. Was just pointing out one of the glaring things it hasn't done is take a top pitching prospect and nurture him into a top flight starter. Sidenote, they haven't produced inning eaters either but that's probably more an org philopsophy of throwing max stuff over going extended outings.
LMJ was an all star. He should be at least able to get back to that if healthy without restriction. not going to get too immersed with regency bias.... although Framber is going to likely be this teams ace.
Anyone hear anything on Brad Peacock? What's the status on his shoulder? 'Stros have any interest of signing him or at the very least signing him to a minor league contract? Or is his career over because of the shoulder?
I don't think his shoulder is ready, and he is unlikely to sign with the Astros if he tries to play again. He will likely go to a team like Seattle that is willing to see if a veteran can bounce back at the MLB level and then flip his contract at the deadline. Worst case for them would be he helps them get a better draft pick.
Think Joe Joe was saying it might not be so bad for Seattle if bad Peacock helps them lose more games. I personally hope he returns to 2017-2019 form and provides quality innings for whoever signs him. But I don't know what the status of his shoulder is.
This. If healthy and effective, Peacock can be traded for a prospect. If not effective, he helps a team lose games improving draft position. It is a win-win for a tanking team provided his shoulder is/gets well enough to pitch.
I would also think Peacock would be a solid veteran for any young/rebuilding team. I’m surprised he hasn’t inked any sort of deal yet...which may be telling re: his shoulder status.
Agreed.... but if you’re implying that the extension was a “reward” for him delivering that, that’s exactly the sort of short-sighted decision making that can hinder a franchise that can’t afford to write-off big budget errors. Prior to Verlander signing the extension, I was perfectly content with where the Astros were with him. They’d have him through the 2019 season, it was looking like the prospects they gave up weren’t going to come back and haunt them, and JV looked rejuvenated and elite again. I was pleasantly surprised that they worked something out... mainly because I felt it could be a harbinger of things to come in terms of retaining their own soon to be free agents in a Golden State Warriors-like spending spree... but on paper, it was a big risk and also an indictment of the lack of in-house starting pitching options that were ready to go while they were considering things in 2019. Thus, when everybody is lamenting signing Correa or LMJ to big money deals due to their inability to stay healthy (“We can definitely use that 200 million elsewhere!”)... but also not criticizing the JV situation that has left them with almost zero production for $66 million, it goes to show that perception of a player and their past performance can also impact the most analytical-level-headed fans.
Yep, extensions and big free agent contracts are risky deals. For Correa and LMJ, it will be difficult to find a contract that satisfies the player as well as provides enough value for the amount of risk for the Astros. I'd like to keep both of them, but the pro-extension crowd seems crazy high on their speculated offers. The anti-crowd seems to underestimate how much value those two bring when they are on the field and likely would not be in favor of a fair deal. I'm not optimistic on a deal, but if one happens for either or both, I expect Click will be using injury risk to scare Correa and/or LMJ into slightly team friendly deals while Correa and LMJ get comfort that if they get hurt again they still get paid.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/out-of-options-2021.html I wonder if Houston would be interested in any of the OF that are out of options. Brett Phillips, Magnueris Sierra, Dustin Fowler, Derek Fisher, and Roman Quinn all seem like they might be better 4th OF than Souza or McCormick. Although I am starting to think maybe the org really just thinks very highly of Straw and McCormick and wants to see them play.
For Straw/McCormick, it's a if not now, when scenario. You have 4 months till the trade deadline to figure out what moves you need to make in hopes of winning division (looks very realistic) and reaching WS. The Astros need some sample size of what they will get and if they don't produce I'd expect the team to upgrade the CF spot.
Charlie Blackmon, Corey Dickerson, Nick Castellanos are UFA's after this season but would require moving Kyle Tucker to CF. There just isn't a ton out there but these guys could be had and maybe the team trading can eat some salary.
The two possible problems with that scenario are (1) you could screw around and lose games early with non-productive players, and (2) it's going to cost something in trade to obtain in-season upgrades. Right now, the only cost is money.
Definitely a "decision science" scenario here. Personally think its reasonable to roll the dice on Straw and Mccormick. Straw in particular, if he pans out as a 2-3 WAR player, could hugely important in not burning resources at CF for years. He'll never be Springer, but a functional above average CF defender/below to average hitter would be awesome. A lot of teams staff their CF position with players closer to Straw than Springer. As for Mccormick, i think its a low upside/low downside scenario. Him being your fourth outfielder likely isn't going to cost you many games (barring a starter's injury) and upgrading a 4th outfielder spot later isn't going to cost much either. In any event, i think the FO knows they're good enough compete for the division with their current roster and will be willing to go after upgrades later if they need to.
The FO absolutely has to deal with the staff now. A nonchalant money saving approach IS NOT going to cut it. We need two more quality starters and a closer. Also, losing Springer is only SOMEWHAT acceptable if we go out and replace him with a traditional top of the order CF who has speed, a good OBP, bat control, and the ability to go pick it. We should be contenders and anything short of what is necessary is unacceptable.
