Cosart and Villar up, Pena/Cedeno gone Here we go... Cosart up again and will start on Tuesday. Villar called up and will start at shortstop- thats now 2 of the top prospects called up. With that trend, I fully expect Norris to be traded and Springer to be called up.
It is too bad Lugo had to go Chris Brown on his wife. Lugo was very frustrating for me at times, and I expect Villar to be the same way. So much natural talent, but making mistakes on routine plays.
The interesting thing with Villar is going to be his place holder status... for 2-3 years. Correa is doing what everyone is expecting him to do which should place him at AA to start next year. Then you start figuring a move up to AAA for 2015 and then its only a matter of time.
We are reaching a critical mass of arms in the high minors. We need these innings to start making judgements on prospects. Jarred Cosart Brad Peacock Asher Wojiechowski Mike Foltynewicz Nick Tropeano Mark Appel Those are just the big prospects that appear to have an ETA by early 2015. Not to mention the fringe guys like Ely, White, Buchanan etc. I'm sure Bedard is gone by the deadline, but I don't think we move Norris. I'm assuming Peacock moves into Bedard's spot. If we do move Norris does Wojo get the call or is Harrell given one last shot.
Ultimately, like Ripken and A-Rod moved to third? Correa seems to get defensive comps to those guys, and they stuck at shortstop till their 30s. I think sure, if Villar or Fontana or someone put up all-star caliber output at short, then they'll move Correa over, similar to Manny Machado.
Bingo. And there's a good problem to have. I think Correa is still projected to grow a little. I think he could field SS just as well, but he is also known for having a cannon of an arm. No harm in having him at 3B.
What makes you feel that way? Everything i've read is that he is a plus defender. I can't say I have actually watched him play much though, just a few highlights. Have you seen him play a lot of SS and he doesn't look like he will be able to stick?
I would like to see Carter at full time DH. If he does make it long term here, I have to think that will be his role. Some guys can just hit and it doesn't matter if they are in the lineup or at DH, but for some they do better/worse if they are at the DH spot everyday. Let's see how Carter reacts to it now, one way or the other. In no case does he need to be in the OF anymore
If the stros somehow become surprise contenders next year... like the Orioles did last year... I'd be tempted to see if the club wants to give him the Manny Machado treatment. Machado put up lesser numbers in his first full year at A ball when compared to Correa... then started last year at AA before being called up for good at age 19. His numbers at AA weren't all that great, but obviously the O's felt he was ready. This year, he's an all-star... and while he hasn't come close to reaching his potential yet, he's getting big-league tuteledge/OTJ training that may help accelerate his development. Obviously this approach is better suited to the "sure-things" types... but it would be interesting if this club decides to push the envelope with him.
My gut tells me they will start him next season at A+, then if he plays well he'll get called up to AA mid-season. The following season he'll then start in AAA if he played well in AA. Just my prediction.
SOURCE! 1. Bud Norris, Astros SP: In a thin starting pitching market, he will draw big interest despite any ups and downs. But this month definitely is a downer. He has lost two straight with a 10.97 ERA for those two games
Sure, that would be the cookie cutter/standard way of doing things (although not sure what stock id put in his numbers at Lancaster either good or bad). I'm just of the mindset that you don't hold back the special ones. There's no right or wrong way to develop a young hitter. There are more than enough HOF or future HOFers who made their debut at a super young age to show that while it may not enhance development as much as I think it could... It certainly doesn't slow it down. Most good teams don't have a place for the young, albeit special ones. On this team, there shouldn't be anybody in his way.
The Orioles had some veterans around that probably made it a better environment. Machado also at least played high school ball in the US, I don't mind them taking things a bit slower with Correa. There's a minor question of Correa leapfrogging Fontanta, but I think the Astros are very, very closely monitoring Correa's development.
