Yankees are 52-47, and 3 games out of the second WC. They have a run differential of +6(!). They are delusional. They just are not that good. Plus, they play the next 17 days with zero off days. This also comes within a stretch where they have to play 29 games in the next 29 days due to a scheduled DH with Boston on one of those days. I believe the wheels are about to fall off of that team. Yankees buying when they should be selling is hilarious.
I agree with most of this but things can always change. They can still get one more starter and land Trevor Story.
If the Stros had a need in the OF, Gallo would be great in a lineup like ours. Hit him 7th or 8th and he's perfect (if you really wanted to **** with people you could hit him leadoff against certain pitchers), he just has no business being in the heart of any batting order. And you're spot on, he's a totally underrated defensive OF.
Joey Gallo just does not fit the type of hitter the Astros want to have. He’s an ok player, but not a fit here at all. I’m stoked the Yankees traded so much for him. That trade doesn’t even move the needle for them.
Around the league, the Braves lost. Only 5 games back but IMO they should sell. Would love to bring Charlie home. Wonder what type of package it would take (if the Braves do sell, which I am skeptical).
No place to play him other than CF (or Tucker in CF) and that's not something I'd want to see. Stros not looking for offense anyway.
I like how you start with IF the Astros had a need in CF. On this point my view is slowly changing. Straw started the year and was hitting at Mendoza levels. He was fast, but had suspect instincts in the outfield and definitely was lost when he did reach base. So it seemed like an easy call as to the need to find a replacement. But I've seem him grow into a better fielder with better "instincts" or at least has learned to utilize his speed more efficiently. He raised his OBP to replacement level and now is taking advantage of his speed and making better choices on the base paths. He is taking the extra base, busting it to first to prevent DPs which often lead to an RBI and turning over the order. He doesn't have a cannon arm, but is now getting to balls quickly and preventing the opposition from taking the extra base. In summary, while he and Maldy are both the weakest members of a healthy line-up, they both offer intangible benefits that don't show up in typical stats, though I'm sure with the newer statistical options, there are some. So the need to improve CF and C lessens, even while being the weakest links. So I have to raise the bar on what I would need to make a trade for either position.
IF the Stros had unlimited funds and IF they had solved their Priority #1 Bullpen and then Priority #2 Rotation problems then I would be all about trading for an OFer.
I agree. The BP looks much improved and Rotation depth is good, but we need the dominant pitcher in the rotation. Outside help will come in the next 36 hours or we go to internal options. I do not anticipate any other moves which wouldn't be considered blockbuster worthy. Sugarland should be seeing an influx of major league talent shortly between rehab and roster clearing.
I saw the excerpt on ESPN app in the trade deadline tracker if link doesn’t work. https://es.pn/3rBOy09 “Sources say Max Sherzer would approve a trade to any of the West Coast teams pushing a deal for the Nationals ace, but he has ruled out Houston and Philadelphia as destinations. Sherzer could veto a trade using his 10 & 5 rights” - Jesse Rogers
