KC has a couple of 1B prospects in Pratto and Pasquantino in AAA near ready for the MLB jump. I wouldn't mind going after Pasquantino who is described by FanGraphs as, "an atypical first base profile since there isn’t loud raw power, but the hit/power blend projects for an output similar to Yuli Gurriel‘s, and we’re confident Pasquantino’s hit tool will make him a consistent annual run producer." Granted, he may be viewed differently now that everything he hits is leaving the ballpark. Would need to be a great prospect for great prospect trade which are rare. I'd be looking at Leon or Lee as the big headliner from the Astros side. Leon being at a position of depth and Lee being at a position I think Astros will go after veteran MLB players to fill long term. I still like Lowe with Texas as a not great, but likely decent option that will be able to start for a few years at 1B. He had a miserable 3 weeks in early May, but is back on track. Who are the backup IF depth pieces on the market?
I'm adding Frankie Montas to my wishlist of Tyler Stephenson and Bryan Reynolds. All three at the same time would be nice. no pressure. Braves added an entire outfield before turning their season around, something about the element of surprise. What if Soler gets the Covid 4 days later than originally contracting it and misses the world series. Got to shake it up a little.
@Joe Joe I love Pasquantino too. I actually had him on my mid round radar in the 2019 draft. In the past I’ve had some proposals to try to get him. He’s an ODU guy, too, which would make JV happy. Anyway, I have a hard time seeing KC trading him. They are finding ways to get both him and Pratto in the lineup at AAA, and that includes DHing one and/or putting Pratto in RF. As a rebuilding team they want young controllable talent to build around. Still, if I’m the FO I at least call and ask. Offer either an OF or pitcher. I’d be down for a Leon for Pasquantino swap but I think KC says no since I think it takes more from us.
id only trade for contreras if they are giving away next to nothing (unlikely), or plan to extend him. renting him and having the same problem next year doesn't make sense. i also would have no problem with them extending him and trading lee away.
This team will make the playoffs. Once there it's about health, fatigue, momentum, and luck. In 2019 the Astros had one of the best most talented team in MLB history. They ran into a hot lucky Nationals team and lost. In 2021 the Astros were much more talented than Atlanta but Grienke never recovered from a late health issue and Lance injured himself early in the playoffs. They ran into a hot lucky Braves team and lost. This team without additions is good enough to have won either of those World Series. The question is health fatigue and luck. So the question is what 26 players give the best chance to bring a ring home to Houston, now and in the future. Priorities: 1) can any of the 26 be improved on 2) if anyone gets hurt or is unavailable is there a viable replacement. 3) can that replacement be improved upon 4) does any acquisition help or make sense for the future as well as the present. 5) is there enough depth to keep fatigue from being an issue going into the playoffs.
That's the kind of move you do in the offseason. You don't trade for a prospect to fill a hole in a MLB roster during a season when the goal is World Series Champion. Also, it would totally make sense to give Matijevick with similar numbers a real opportunity before burning a couple top prospects for a AAA 1st baseman that might not work in MLB. That's all assuming the Astros are going to move on or reduce Yuli's playing time. I'm not convinced of that yet.
Considering Click traded away a starting CF to bring up a AAA CF last year, I doubt Click really cares time of the year when it comes to helping the Astros try to win a World Series (granted, sellers will wait until the deadline to get buyers desperate). There is never a good time to try out a prospect according to a lot of people on this board as every year the Astros try to win the World Series. Just look at how many people didn't want to try out Pena. I doubt that deal or a deal like it happens because it rarely happens whether at trade deadline or during the offseason. If Josh Bell is the only bat on the market, either get creative or look for pitching if you don't get him. Though, should be looking for pitching anyway.
Nelson Cruz? At least in May he slashed .318/.379/.459/.838 But he'd strictly be a DH which sits Brantley, Yordan or Cruz everyday.
But he'd strictly be a DH which sits Brantley, Yordan or Cruz everyday.[/QUOTE] That's kinda the point. Brantley vs LH pitching: 2019: .740 OPS 2020: .638 OPS 2021: .575 OPS 2022: .632 OPS Sit Brantley vs LHP is the exact reason you bring in a big RH bat. The new guy plays LF and/or Alvarez does but gotta have someone who can have over .700 OPS vs LHP in that spot. It's not like it's a highly important defensive position where lower production can be understood. FYI Other options vs LHP if Brantley sits: McCormick .785 (.814 career) Siri .627 OPS career due to so few PA Diaz .863 ( .721 career) Meyers .899 last year Dubon 1.010 in 30 PA ( .833 career) So why is Brantley starting vs LHP?
That's kinda the point. Brantley vs LH pitching: 2019: .740 OPS 2020: .638 OPS 2021: .575 OPS 2022: .632 OPS Sit Brantley vs LHP is the exact reason you bring in a big RH bat. The new guy plays LF and/or Alvarez does but gotta have someone who can have over .700 OPS vs LHP in that spot. It's not like it's a highly important defensive position where lower production can be understood. FYI Other options vs LHP if Brantley sits: McCormick .785 (.814 career) Siri .627 OPS career due to so few PA Diaz .863 ( .721 career) Meyers .899 last year Dubon 1.010 in 30 PA ( .833 career) So why is Brantley starting vs LHP?[/QUOTE] DUSTY Right or wrong, he stubbornly resists obvious changes to the BO. Perhaps the psychology of showing confidence in a struggling player. Perhaps just plain old stubbornness. But an obvious difference to recent GMs less resistant to bold moves with the line-up.
I'm leaning more towards Mancini than Josh Bell. Neither is crushing lefties but Josh Bell has an OPS against them of .668 which is almost 100 points lower than Mancini.
Mancini is an interesting guy for a rental. Though, the Astros are still going to try to win the World Series next season and the season after that. If the Astros got Mancini, I don't think that would preclude them from going after Pasquantino (or another 1B prospect on the cusp of getting to the majors) in a prospect for prospect trade (they have more 1B than they need, Astros have more OF than they need) whether at the deadline or offseason. Just need Pedro Leon to go on a tear to make himself more appealing to other teams and the Astros in the more likely scenario that the Astros keep him.
I would at least call about Ty France and Ian Happ (along with Daulton Varsho who I’ve mentioned several times already) and check the price/availability. All those guys are good versatile young players who wouldn’t necessarily disrupt this year’s lineup but who would be potentially star level players to become full time cornerstones next season.
I don't see France being even slightly available. He will just hit arb next season and I think the Mariners will build around Rodriguez, France, Gilbert, and Crawford as their core. They didn't invest in Robbie Ray to turn around and dump one of the best 1st baseman in the league while still having 3 years of control.
They might as well ask about Ohtani if they think they can get France. Pasquantino is very interesting but I like Matijevic and Taylor Jones. For what he would cost, I would rather try out those 2 guys and make a deadline deal next year if neither impresses.
Is Varsho available? I would give up Garcia (Who I like alot) Leon and whatever young pitcher they want. I'm thinking Santos.
