Because that sample size is too small to accurately display his value, because he's only 24, and because he's a former top 50 prospect in baseball. Gotta give him until at least the middle of next year before you throw him under the bus. And, if he only winds up being a .290/.370/.430 type hitter in the long run, hitting 15 homers a year or so, that's not great but it's good enough to play. Anyway, giving him until at least mid-2012 works out nicely since we don't have any good first base prospects ready to step in. The best we have is Kody Hinze and even if he continues to prove himself at the upper levels of the minors, he isn't going to be ready for the majors until 2012 anyway.
There is more to baseball than HR, and just because he may not be a superstar, he should be still be a successful ML player.
I agree with everything you are saying except the conclusion that it makes him a keeper. That stat line seems pretty average for a 1st baseman. Like I said, I like him, but wouldn't hesitate to package him for the right deal.
Peter Gammons was on 1560 this morning and said the Bravos were interrsted in Beltran BUT were also getting ready to make a 3-1 trade offer for Hunter Pence. He didn't mention names at first but later on speculated Minor or Teheran, Andrelton Simmons and another pitching prospects. He also mentioned some good news on Jonathan Villar which I'll post in the minor league thread. Also had a couple of buddies of mine from Pittsburgh mention the buzz up there was that the Stros want two of three prospects....their top catching prospect Tony Sanchez, Starling Marte and/or Stetson Allie along with another pitching prospect for Hunter.
Agreed - it doesn't seem hard to find that kind of player as a cheap free agent. If you can package him for a high level prospect with higher upside, I wouldn't hesitate to do that. What this team needs more than anything is potential stars they can build around.
If they are truly asking the Pirates for specific guys, they have to be shopping him some. At the very worst, they are listening to offers.
you're right...i suppose i wasn't taking the 2nd part of his post all that literally since it was him reporting on what friends were hearing was "the buzz in Pittsburgh."
To me, it seems the Stros are doing the same with Hunter that the Rockies are doing with Jimenez, letting people know he can be had but it will take a legit offer. Stros would be dumb not to at least take offers and hope someone over pays.
I probably should have said IF those rumours are true. I honestly don't see the point of keeping Hunter, unless we just think we can get a better deal later.
It doesn't hold as much ground for me either, but it is possible. I don't think Teheran is being dealt. 20 year old pitchers dominating AAA don't typically get traded. Mark Minor is possible.
I could see a new owner feeling more secure in keeping the all star face of the franchise....even if that's not the best baseball move.
That's just not usually the way baseball works. You would package Brett Wallace in a deal if you were a buyer, trying to pry free a more expensive veteran, because he is on a rookie pay scale. But the Astros are sellers, trying to get prospects or young players. Teams will get suspicious if you're trying to sell them a second-year player in exchange for prospects, and you simply won't get much value back. They will assume that you think your young player is a bust.
Maybe so, but my point is just that he's not a "keeper," not that he has a lot of trade value. Brett Wallace has already been traded 3 times.
I don't think he's a core piece to build around, but he does have value, and I don't think trading him would net much of worth, so it's kind of a moot point. I'm not ruling out Hinze being able to exceed Wallace's production though.
“@JimBowdenESPNxm: Manny Acta just told us that the Indians are looking for a RH middle of the order outfield bat..they are working on it now..@mlbnetworkradio” “@JimBowdenESPNxm: Acta said they are not going to mortgage the future...but they need a RH OF Middle of order bats..sounds like they'll get one”
