I see the fact that Varsho can catch as a significant part of his value. I still like him, but I'm not giving up a huge haul for him if he isn't catching. Not a McCarthy fan - his peripherals imply he had a lot of good luck. He also has a weak arm, looking at his Savant page. I know this is probably just a pipe dream, but go after Reynolds. Excellent peripherals, and a stronger arm than McCormick, Meyers, McCarthy, and Varsho. Astros get: OF Bryan Reynolds Pirates get: RHP Luis Garcia OF Pedro Leon OF Jake Meyers PTBNL See if they like this. They seem to want to contend sooner rather than later, so Garcia and even Meyers fit that timeline. We can sign, say, Kluber to fill Garcia's spot in the rotation.
Am I too high on our prospects? I don't like the cost involved with most trade discussions. Brown - Elite upside - MOR floor. Y Diaz - Special Skills as Hitter - balking with catching chores. Leon - Premium Arm and versatility - Struggling at the plate. Garcia - TOR potential - MOR (MLB, not Astros) floor. Urquidy - MOR potental - BOR floor. Hensley - Unknown Potential - Unknown Floor. But promising since 2020 with OPS and professional approach at the plate.
Moreno is probably untouchable. Kirk and Jansen have some position flexibility. Twins speculated as a possible match. None of the three appear to have defensive issues. They are looking for Relief Pitching and a lefty LFer.
Just a thought if we're looking to make a splash: To Astros: Corbin Burnes To Brewers: Hunter Brown Luis Garcia Pedro Leon Joe Perez Would give us a rotation of: Burnes Valdez Javier Mccullers Urquidy Obviously steep price, I would do if an extension could be worked out prior...
I’m assuming Astros will sign Brantley and wait for him to get healthy. First game late May/June? Astros will go with Maldy/Lee. Chaz/Myers/Leon in CF. 7,8,9 is Brantley,Chaz,Maldy
Maldy may not be the worlds best hitter but this is just a casual reminder that his crowding the plate / HBP lead to the Houston Astros…winning..the…WORLD SERIES oh and btw he outplayed Realmuto too I’m not a Maldy truther or anything, he has his faults…but on the flip side, he also has pros that can’t be ignored
Brown and Garcia should be viewed as integral parts of rotation. I wouldn't want to deal Urquidy either, but he's likely a step down in future performance and in fewer years. I don't think Leon and Diaz have as much trade value as prospects other teams are willing to deal. Hensley...more backup/depth than a trade chip
Not for 2 years of arbitration. Extension would be at FA value, so no gain. Burnes (134) Based on ERA+, he would be behind Javier (152) and Valdez (137) and even Brown (394) and McCullers (171) if they are healthy and playing a full season. Though limited to 20.1 IP, Brown had an ERA+ of 394. But that would be a splash. I'm just not sure for who.
Burnes is an ace. I wouldn't trade 2 SPs for 1. He'd be one of the few players that I would consider parting with Brown for if another SP isn't in the deal. I don't want to take a step back in SP.
Is Sean Murphy a superior defensive catcher to William Contreras? Just looked at their numbers and Contreras is younger and appears to be the better offensive catcher.
That Murphy trade is very odd. It is pretty clear to me that the A’s viewed Esteury Ruiz as far more valuable than his prospect ranking (as did the Braves). The other prospects Oakland got are upside pitchers carrying high risks. Maybe Ruiz becomes a star and the A’s end up looking smart, but it sure looks like they got hosed on this deal and the Brewers come our way ahead while the Braves look pretty good too; if Rosario and/or Ozuna rebound, they will have a totally stacked roster, and their pitching staff is extremely deep. They might be my current WS favorite. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/three-t...winner-examining-the-sean-murphy-blockbuster/
I understand the point. Not saying it's a slam dunk. It's a move for the playoffs. Garcia isn't close to Burnes level. Brown looks great so far but may never reach there.
I just don't want to move Brown until he has gotten the opportunity here. I'm willing to bet his floor is better than his prospect value.
It appears they are aggressively trying to buy, but balking at the cost when push comes to shove. I just hope they don't buy just to quiet the noise. I'd love to see if Brantley would take some kind of conditional or split contract before March to wrap him up. I'd be willing to pay a Million just to secure him, even if he fails to return as a viable player.
