Sounds to me like it's getting finalized... is Crane really about to make the Astros the favorites in the AL (again) Someone hates the Texans getting all the attention... who would've thought it took another great Houston team to jump start Crane's spending.
Spending so much money on a shut down closer while we alreadyhave one waiting in-house. I miss Luhnow.
If we land Hader, I think this would be our best roster of all time, with the possible exception of 2019
If they add somebody like Joc Pederson or Brandon Belt as a part time LF/DH to balance and deepen the roster, it would probably be their best ever, even though the rotation would still have some questions.
Don’t need a 13th pitcher in the playoffs anyway so that last spot is sort of irrelevant. just laying it out there I’d trade Montero and Urquidy for a couple fringy prospects in a heartbeat if they did the Hader signing. Also- no France or blanco who could easily slot in there to take those two spots if you moved them.
Don't think Hader signs wanting to be a set-up man, and don't think Pressly would appreciate taken out the closer role.
I read somewhere that Pressly in the 8th is what they vision for him. I also think neither Hader or Pressly would be set for a specific role. It would come down to matchups.
While I doubt Crane pays tax this season, but come on, man. That is purely a technicality. He was willing to pay tax. Exceeded the CBT with full intent to pay it when a plague broke out killing a couple million people worldwide that year and MLB was able not to tax teams that exceeded the CBT.
Also who else is interested in Hader? Yankees were rumored but they're linked to Neris. Dodgers but now they're linked to Stephenson. Were the Jays? But they signed Rodriguez. Rangers but with that tv deal, theyre reluctant to give another big contract. Plus do they prefer Montgomery. Maybe Astros offer plus no tax in Texas is the most Hader could get.
The 2024 version of the best bullpen in Astros history, i.e. Lidge, Dotel, Wagner., Abreu, Pressly, and Hader.
Even if it meant a real chance at a ring? I’m sure he understands what signing with this team means. He’ll get save opportunities, as will Pressley. About the only downside is for fantasy baseball players as it makes 2 of the best closers much less valuable.
