While I agree that Springer should be brought up in September, I think there is a justifiable reason that Luhnow and crew have that we don't know about. And unfortunately I don't think we'll ever find out why he isn't up here right now.
A large majority of players who turn out to be multi year all stars are up by 24 years old. Not saying it doesn't happen with springer, but the longer Luhnow feels like he isn't ready I think that could be a sign he won't turn out to be as good as we hope he does
As should have Springer... especially after he tore it up. There was reluctance on calling Pence up... till he came up and actually showed what he could do.
So how would that make it "justifiable"? That's the exact opposite of the definition of "justifiable".
Even more reason why he needs to be here now... to get to that point as fast as possible. To figure out what he can do at this level, and what he needs to work on. If he's not as good as we hope he is, he's going to get the Brett Wallace treatment... and then he may still not be as good as we hope he is.
Man, I hope all of you remember this crazy questioning of luhnow over springers promotion in the future. Luhnow has yet to show he's not a capable of making good decisions. This may be that first bad decision but he's earned my benefit of the doubt.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Cleared waivers, can be traded to any team: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nationals&src=hash">#Nationals</a>’ Haren, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a>’ Bedard, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WhiteSox&src=hash">#WhiteSox</a>’s Lindstrom, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cubs&src=hash">#Cubs</a>’ Guerrier, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Mariners&src=hash">#Mariners</a>’ Ryan. 1/2</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/367819052808671232">August 15, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
True... But until these guys start winning at the MLB level, the organization is subject to criticism. They've done a great job of rebuilding the minor league system from nothing...but keep in mind that they've done so in part by completely sacrificing the quality of roster at the MLB level and taking tanking to a new level this year. Some will say Luhnow is a genius for getting good players in the draft... Others will say that most GM's have the ability to look just as good if their teams got the #1 pick three years in a row, and they had all the extra slot money to work with. It still comes down to building and maintains a winner at the MLB level. Luhnow is proven that he can handle the minors...he is unproven as to what he can do in the show (hey, just like Springer!)
Perhaps the Astros can cover Bedard's remaining salary in connection with a trade for a quasi-decent prospect.
It's so minimal, I can't imagine that money is an issue for a team willing/needing to insert him into their rotation for the homestretch. At this point, I'd rather re-up cheaply if possible, rinse and repeat for next year. See if he can build more value and deal him at the deadline if possible (and we're not in the mix for a playoff berth).
Luhnow radio show: Our focus coming into this year was to sign FA vets for the clubhouse and the field. Didn't do more than 1 yr contracts. All the players we brought in did a great job in the clubhouse with varying levels of success on the field. Bedard probably most successful on the field. Going into next year, we're starting to look at this team becoming competitive. If we can identify a FA, we'll consider multi-year contracts(2-3 years). We'll have to be opportunistic. Jim has said we'll have flexibility to spend the money if we make a good case as to why. We'll have money when we need it, including this offseason. George Springer getting tremendous run for MLPOY. It's a positive. Triple A is a tougher level. It's a great sign. He's a special player and deserves all the recognition coming his way. Next year he'll be a big part of our team. We're gonna make the best decision for the organization. He'll be a big part next year. [Asking for patience]. Major leagues is tough. You gotta be ready. We'll bring him up when we feel the time is right. Lyles - Not concerned. Think he'll be a member of starting rotation for awhile. He'll go through periods of success and periods where he'll get hit a bit. Last outing is the Lyles I know. We have 5 guys under 25 who are pitching well. They're not getting the credit they deserve in Houston. Cosart - He's had a spectacular start. Type of guy, if he continues, looks like he'll be #1. All five guys look like they can pitch at the top of the rotation. Excited what Cosart has done so far. Nate Freiman - A rule 5 pick. To keep him, had to keep on 25 man roster all year. Oakland claimed him. They have to keep him on 25 man roster. They were able to do that. In the spring, between Pena, Wallace, Carter and other guys in the mix, we didn't see an easy path to keeping Nate on the roster all year. We went out and found him but we didn't keep him. You can debate it either way. Singleton - Had 50 game suspension. Went to QC then AAA. He's playing very well, doing better recently. He'll finish strong. He'll come to ST next year and has a job to win. Has to work hard in the offseason and beat out others in the competition. Fall League decision? We already been having those conversations and players that will probably go. We're excited about the squad we're going to send. Ross Seaton - He's still young. We don't give up on starters until we have to. He still has a chance as a starter. Because we have so much depth, a lot will end up being relievers but we're comfortable with him in AA. How many players for September call-ups? Guestimation? We will bring some guys up. Probably a couple pitchers immediately. A team like ours benefits from those 5-6 players. Altuve - good opportunity for rest? Brought Marwin up for more flexibility to give Altuve more rest. Obviously signed him to the extension, we want him here for long haul. 2014 draft? I haven't been out to see the players from the draft. [Mentioned NC State pitcher, NC (State?) shortstop, California player] A good selection. This draft will be stronger at the top than last year. Not only top pick but pick from Baltimore and top of 2nd round. If it's a deep class, we'll do well. ... It does feel like it (being a better draft) It's subjective. We'll have to wait and see. Appel - Monday in QC and depending on that, probably 1 more outing. ...Good time to put a bow on it. Great experience for Mark. What is he having to adjust to? Good news is he isn't walking anybody. Utilizing secondary stuff. As you get used to pro ball and hitters and the way they challenge you, there is an adjustment. My feeling is, the short season is to get accustomed to pro ball. He could move quickly and see him in Houston end of next year or the beginning of the following year. McCullers, Correa, and DeShields - DDJ, just talked to him today, he's looking great. Finishing the season strong. Argument to move him up but keeping the kids together with a chance to repeat. Correa, completely impressing everyone around him. He's still hitting in .300s and driving in runs and playing good SS. Could also argue he should be in Lancaster but best for him and the rest of those guys to stay there and help them win. McCullers goes tonight. Special arm. Could see him up start here the same way Cosart has started. I'm thrilled with his progress. He's 2 years away from knocking on the door and being in the rotation. [Asked about Carter and Dominguez - I'll have to go back and listen but..] Carter - If he hits .210, strikes out 200 times and hits 20 home runs, you question if there's a (starting) role for him. Ash Woj - Ash is not overlooked at all. He is a guy who is a big part of our future. Peacock (and Cosart) a little further ahead but he's next in line. Good chance Woj comes to ST and competes for the 5th spot.
I know he's young and hope he starts showing some major consistency, but it sounds like Lyles is going to be a huge headache that they will give more rope than they should.
So next year's starting rotation might be: 1. Cosart 2. Lyles 3. Peacock 4. Oberholtzer 5. Wojo with Folty and Appel the late season callups? Then the following year (2015) 1. Cosart 2. Appel 3. Lyles 4. Foltynewicz 5. McCullers with Rodon/Beede and Hader/Velasquez the late season call ups
