I've wanted Freeman and/or Olson in this lineup. Give Yuli more rest, and be less dependent on someone like Robel to backup 1B, 3B, and 2B. If Pena doesn't flop, average or a lot better than average hitters 1-8 once Meyers is healthy.
What’s this I hear about Lance’s McCullers being behind on rehab? Remember when that injury was a wait and see… right.
https://theathletic.com/3149220/202...-as-good-a-fit-for-the-red-sox-as-he-appears/ The Astros, who offered Correa five years, $160 million — less than half the guarantee he likely is seeking — seem content to turn over shortstop to Jeremy Peña. The Phillies (Bryson Stott) and Yankees (Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza) also have shortstops in development. The Mariners, who are publicly committed to J.P. Crawford, seem more likely to pursue Kris Bryant or Trevor Story. The Cardinals would seem unlikely to invest heavily in another infielder, considering their heavy investment in first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and third baseman Nolan Arenado. Who does that leave? The Blue Jays, who pursued Semien and then Seager before both landed with the Rangers, might be one possibility. The Cubs, who could make Correa the centerpiece of a rapid retooling effort, might be another. And don’t rule out the Dodgers, who could sign Correa and move Trea Turner to second, but might prefer first baseman Freddie Freeman as a left-handed hitting replacement for Seager. Maybe one of those teams or some mystery club will go big for Correa, who likely will want to beat the $34.1 million average annual value in Francisco Lindor’s 10-year, $341 million extension with the Mets, if not the total guarantee.
If you’re going that far in on a contract, why not go for Bryant. He is much better insurance at 1b and 3b and can be your starting rf, while moving Tucker to CF. This, of course, is only necessary if you don’t re-sign Correa. If we aren’t going for a major upgrade on offense, I would much rather go big on another starter at the deadline. I’m not nearly as comfortable as others with Verlander and McCullers being available and good in the playoffs. Bryant would instantly put us in all-time great lineup territory. Freeman may be a bit better bat, but he would be taking Yuli out of the starting lineup instead of Myers, McCormick or Siri. Altuve Brantley Bregman Alvarez Bryant Tucker Yuli Pena Maldonado (Castro, Lee)
If McCullers really does need TJ then Houston will need to save every available penny toward acquiring a ToR SP at the deadline.
I think Freeman and Olson are better than Bryant. I think Freeman and Olson are better than Yuli by more than Bryant is better whoever the Astros suit up in the OF. While I'm not against Tucker sliding over to CF as a backup, I prefer a defensive CF considering the flyball pitchers the Astros have. Also, I think Yuli still comes to the plate 400 or so times even if not a starter. Having Yuli hit with men on late in a game instead of MM would be huge. Yuli and Brantley getting up there in years worries me about both of them as full time starters, but it is a lot easier to patch up a corner OF spot than it is an IF spot.
All fair points. Would love either one, just think Bryant gives us more flexibility to play well defensively in both the infield and outfield. I think Yuli is 1b only at his age and a very good one at that.
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I’ve been banging the Bryant drum pretty hard. He’s Yuli’s replacement next year or Uncle Mike’s, depending upon how CF shakes out.
He should take his time and be 100% for the playoffs. Astros should keep Odorizzi and I think the trade discussions will be mostly at the deadline with a short time too get things done in free agency
I would not mind Bryant but I think he gets a 7+ year deal and based on what we know the Astros don't do contracts that long. Freeman wants 6. Yea, he is older but by all accounts that is as high in years as the Astros are willing to go.
I’m aware. I’m also on record as saying that policy is stupid. You look for overall value, not a guy who will live up to his value every year. If the total number is right in don’t care if it’s 3 years or 30 years.
I wanted to give correa a 10 year deal when he was a minor leaguers and a 25 year deal after his rookie campaign. I’m there with you on 10 years for Tucker.
Seems like a deal might be reached today If so, the more aggressive GMs are gonna end up with the top players. There will be a rush to get things done. Those not afraid to jump right in with too offer gonna get the guys they want With a significant jump coming in the CBT, we need to be in on something significant