At some point this season I'd like the Stros to get to a place where they do not need to bring up AA pitchers anymore.
I think he would be the best bet to give the Stros 5-6 solid innings. But I totally get what you're saying. Who are the 2 guys ahead of him IYO?
It is awfully early to worry about this but in my opinion Gordon and Gusto are ahead of him because of potential exposure to rule 5. I consider all 3 to be potential pitchers for the Astros but Blubaugh has another year. Top Prospects I identify as high risks to rule 5 this year Players at risk to rule 5 for the first time if they are left off the 40 man roster. Leon Wagner Gordon Ullola Players already rule 5 eligible that improved enough to warrant 40 man roster protection. Whitcomb Gusto A lot can change between now and the 40 man cutoff but I would hate to lose any of these guys because of an oversight now.
Really not an opening for him right now, but with his insanely good season I sure would like to get a gauge on whether hes a real everyday option on the left side before letting him go on the cheap. If he survives the trade deadline no way he'll be rule 5 exposed. If we let Bregs go him and Dezenzo with Dubon as the safety net is probably the best option. Offense at first is easier to find (historically at least, been a bit of a struggle for us recently)
Could Whitcomb play 1st base. I'm not trying to be that guy that thinks Players can just move anywhere and thrive. I'd really hate to lose him without seeing what he could do in the MLB tho.
Yes he can play 1B but his bat is probably not good enough for him to be a good 1B and since he is viable defensively elsewhere it would be a waste to try it. He is either in the mix for the everyday 3B job, in the mix for the utility job after Dubon takes over 3B, in the mix for an OF job, or trade bait.
Unless you are extremely short anybody that can play other infield positions will have no issues playing first. It's where they try to hide the fat butchers for a reason, you usually want substantial offense from the position.
I dont keep up with this stuff very closely. Thanks, you've just identified guys that I would make available in trade. I wonder how many spots on the 40 man roster they can open up this off-season.
Guaranteed 40 man spots: Bregman Easy to lose pitchers: Coleman Contreras Dubin Hernandez King Mushinski ORT Ortega Whitley position players: Amaya Hensley Singleton Kessinger Cabbage Hummel. Wow- that’s dogshit on the roster right now, lots of it. There are 3 guys on the 60 that we will welcome back sometime between here and the end of next year so that mitigates the open spaces somewhat, but it will lot at all be hard to clear the chaff. If the Astros lose anyone to the rule 5 it will be an incredible failing of the organization.