Sorry for some reason it bugs on this site Drops down like hundred spots and I have to delete to go back to where I was
Won't be mad at Verlander. Will be mad at the Astros for letting our biggest chess piece sign with our biggest competition. That's the absurd part. It's maddening. It's a table turner. All we have to do is put the cash on the table. He has to be an Astro.
What about using Hensley for versatility? I forgot to write the second part, which is to save money for JV.
How are the Dodgers our biggest competition? Yes, it would suck to see JV in a Dodger uniform… but for all we know, Kate may be pushing to be in LA (which Crane has zero control over). JV owes the Astros nothing. It’s just business. We’re more than equipped to withstand losing JV. And if it means adding a couple more bats to help boost the offense to go along with our STILL elite starting pitching and bullpen, it’s all good
It's easier to find guys that can play those positions, including in the minors. Looks like Crane might be signing Contreras to play LF/DH/C/1B. An everyday guy that plays multiple positions. This also allows Crane to carry a 3rd catcher. I'm also guessing Leon will be called up by the all star break. Maybe Dirden too.
Lineup by 2022 xwOBA Altuve .354 Pena .300 Alvarez .462 Bregman .350 Tucker .353 Abreu .373 Contreras .364 McCormick .325 Maldanado .253
The real question: If we want an OF, why not target an actual OF? He’s played some OF, but only like 37 games. He has a pretty high K rate and is largely a free swinger. Some may point to his lack of protection, but even when he had Bryant, Rizzo, Zobrist, Schwarber, etc, he still had similar whiff rates. Plus he would cost a draft pick. And another righty. Not worth it IMO, not the type of player I’d look for.
He’s a mediocre catcher. He’s an elite bat. Expect Alvarez to play LF 50% of games. Contreras would allow for LF, DH and emergency play at C.
So Contreras could potentially play the role of backing up Alvarez, Abreu, and Maldy when he's not DHing?
The way I see it, the biggest thing Contreras has to offer is he provides above average production for a catcher. He’s not exactly someone who’s a patient, disciplined hitter. And, he will cost a draft pick. Would it be worth it for, say, a Judge type player? I’d say so. But someone who has a career 24% K rate and doesn’t play a premium defensive position (assuming he’s mostly going to DH/LF). Besides, maybe he wants to go somewhere that’ll let him catch.
He's only an elite bat as a catcher. I'm for Contreras splitting time between DH/C, paying him as a 1B/DH his value falls significantly. If we're talking Josh Bell like projections then OK, but everywhere I've seen has him making substantially more.
Having him play an awful LF for a good share of his starts would be a good way to blunt the value he can provide.
