People want trades, no matter the cost. You are going to have to give up prospects. The Astros didn't touch their top prospects though.
Agree. I'd actually be more worried if he DIDN'T react like that. He's loyal to his crew and his bros! He'll get used to his new crew and then he'll be all in with us!
Not gonna lie, I didn't love the moves today but that lineup is legit scary... LMJ coming back is like we just signed a bad ass pitcher too....
On record to say that I do not like giving up Enmanuel Valdez in this trade. I like the acquisition, but I hate the cost.
Just have to imagine the Astros know their farm system. Maybe they feel Dirden is better. Multiple factors imo.
Vazquez is a solid good hitting, decent defender behind the dish with over over 800 games including post season. He is a starter and you never know what might happen, Astros can't be caught with Lee as the only catcher until they find some end of the line FA catcher to sign if Maldy got hurt. He'll learn the way Maldy operates the staff quickly. They are both Puerto Rican. I am pretty sure in a few weeks Vazquez will be settling in and excited to catch this staff half the week. Maldy needs to stay fresh. Maldy is what he is and will still be the leader of the team on the field but having a starting catcher to split the load is huge come August through November. Lee can keep learning from two pros and get some spot starts. Great move if you are trying to win it all. We have plenty of pitching in the major and decent arms on the farm still. Go Astros!
Valdez is blocked by Altuve and Bregman. Ceiling is bench bat. And he was going to need to be protected from rule 5 draft. Fine letting him go to win this year.
Im expecting a platoon of Vazquez and Maldonado based on starting pitchers needs or desires. JV gets to call his shot. The others are probably told based on who Dusty thinks will pair up best. I expect a 60/40 split by end of regular season favoring Vazquez. Catching is tough on the body. Regular time off this late in the year can help both of them.
Vasquez HAS to get into the lineup at least 2 out of every 3 games catching, and preferably more. Sorry Maldonado, can't afford a .170 batter in what is already a mediocre offensive lineup. Maldonado doesn't corner the market for calling games and defensive skills. Vasquez isn't far behind in those regards. Vasquez can DH in games Maldonado catches for JV.
The Astros clearly weren't buying Valdez's production translating. Feels dangerous to assume that, but you gotta trust what your data is telling you. This is an outstanding get. He's not gonna start over Maldy(which I'm sure will piss off plenty here), but it should still be nice net improvement.
This is the best trade this deadline. The Astros now have two starting caliber MLB catchers, who both should be well rested by playoffs. Usually players on the last year of their deal acquired at the deadline are rentals and do not resign, but Vasquez might be different.
Valdez slides in as Boston's #29 prospect and Abreu #30. Both really have impressed the last 2 years and played their way into legit prospects.
