So much for that. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Giants signed Morse.</p>— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSNBaggs/statuses/411143289975615488">December 12, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Mike Morse will make a base of about $5 million with the Giants, with incentives.</p>— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/statuses/411151353033936897">December 12, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>One veteran GM believes that the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> will wind up to be the landing spot for Shin-Soo Choo</p>— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/statuses/411187759312015360">December 12, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Interesting. Figured acquiring Fowler would take him out of the equation. Y'all like Fowler/Springer/Choo as a long-term OF?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Chamberlain's deal with DET: 1-year, $2.5 million, plus performance bonuses.</p>— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/statuses/411205075185725440">December 12, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I'm watching MLB Network right now and they just had a little segment about this: 1. Multiple execs said they wouldn't be surprised if he ended up on the Astros 2. Feels the market is slipping for Choo so the Astros are jumping at the opportunity 3. It'd be a nice way to win some fans back after historic low TV ratings (F U Comcast) 4. Nice way to ease Springer into the Outfield. 5. Luhnow values OBP over everything and Choo has had one of the best over the past few years. Sorry for no link, it's just what I heard on MLB Tonight.
We'll certainly have to overpay to get Choo, but I think it's worth it. Depending on if, and how quickly Singleton and Springer can make an impact, a possible playoff team in 2015 is possible with Choo. 2.Fowler 3.Choo 4.Springer 5.Castro 6.Singleton 7.Dominguez And that's not to mention Carter and Altuve who have all shown flashes of being really good bats. Pitching wise Peacock/Cosart/Oberholtzer finished last year very strong. Throw in Feldman/Appel/Folty or a possible FA. The depth of potential arms also looks really good. I'm not gonna say 2015 is likely, but I don't think it's unrealistic.
Astros signing Shin-Soo Choo isn’t impossible, but unlikely <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Astros had interest in James Loney, but he was asking for too much money to return to his home town.</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/statuses/411675431507484672">December 14, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Pirates, Brewers and Astros still need a first baseman, and at least four are available in trade — the Rangers’ Mitch Moreland, Blue Jays’ Adam Lind, Mets’ Ike Davis and Mariners’ Justin Smoak. The Astros could look at the Nationals’ Tyler Moore, who played for ‘Stros manager Bo Porter in Washington when Porter was a coach with the Nationals. Link
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Re: Luke Scott...always has stayed in great shape, could hit 15-20 HRs in a year...seems like a great steal for a team like the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a></p>— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/statuses/412363027703291904">December 15, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Yup. I was one of those people. Watched tape and thought Smoak was a much better prospect. Wasn't on the cite at the time, but boy am I glad I was wrong.
Smoak could be an interesting cheap risk. I'm not sure what the asking price is but I certainly wouldn't give up any significant prospects for him. He has been truly terrible at Safeco Field,a more managable home park could help. Last year he managed a .747 OPS ( .782 on the road), with his walk and LD rates coming up. Not projecting Frank Thomas here, but he seems like a player that could be set for good season, is entering his prime, and is under team control, again if the price is right.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sources: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> agree with free-agent RHP Matt Albers on one-year, $2.45M contract with club option, pending physical.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/412690311765565440">December 16, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
