Astros’ pursuit of Andrew Miller likely won’t be forgotten Posted on December 9, 2014 | By Evan Drellich SAN DIEGO — The Andrew Miller chase could have a lasting effect for the Astros this winter. In a positive, the industry sees the Astros are attempting to back up their talk of spending with actual offers. But the industry also noticed the Astros made a guaranteed four-year, $40 million offer to him. There was a fifth-year option included that if picked up would have made the deal worth $50 million. For most teams, that kind of offer would constitute a stretch. Now, everyone knows how much room the Astros have in their waistband — and there’s mounting pressure to spend and improve. Miller’s deal, which the Astros’ bidding inflated, could move the needle in the reliever market on a whole. No non-closer had ever received so much money. Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, however, said he didn’t see an effect as he talks to other arms. “I’m not getting the sense that it’s changed anything,” Luhnow said. “The relievers that we’re talking to haven’t necessarily changed their position and there’s some good options out there. So we’re going to continue to pursue them.” Luhnow said he wasn’t sure if anything would get done this week at the meetings, although noted “it would be nice to get one or two deals done.” Luhnow said he didn’t think the offseason turned late until mid-January. More and more, Luhnow is talking about contending in the near future, but the outside expectation is that a .500 season is the Astros’ ceiling next summer. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell, because you’re talking to the players’ representatives instead of the player directly, but most people believe the gains we made last year, we’re going to continue to make gains and we’re definitely on a trajectory that’s positive, and whether or not that leads to contention this year or next year, it’s coming,” Luhnow said. “I think throughout, both clubs and free agents are getting the sense that we are about getting together now and not about building for 2017 or 2018.” evan.drellich@chron.com
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Luke Gregerson reaches 3 year, $18.5 million deal with Houston <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a>; becoming 3rd richest reliever in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLB?src=hash">#MLB</a> this winter.</p>— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/542685600411684865">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A much better signing (and contract) than the other two candidates. (and, believe it or not, a former Luhnow drafted player in STL).
Not necessarily a fan of Evan's opinions, but that offer does not let everyone know how much room the Astros have in their waistband. I thought everyone knew the Astros had at least that much money to spend on free agency. The question is what is their upper limit. The Astros have said they could spend 20 million more this year (don't remember exact wording, but impression was this wasn't an exact number and spending could be lower if they miss out in free agency).
Astros closing in on Pat Neshek http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/astros-closing-in-on-pat-neshek.html
Glad the Astros got a reliever to help next season, but overall...meh. I'm not sure he will get in enough value before the Scylla of velocity drop robs him of all value.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Houston <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a>, who tried to sign Andrew Miller and David Robertson, now closing in on Pat Neshek after Gregerson"s $18.5 million deal</p>— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/542688749209931777">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And we just signed Neshek? I think signing both Gregerson and Neshek deserve a legitimate SPLASH!! I like the Gregerson contract, it seems reasonable to me. And assuming Neshek isn't a gross overpay, then we just upgraded our bullpen tremendously for the cost of signing just Miller or just Robertson.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>neshek has a deal with astos. good pickups for houston.</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/542696997958873088">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Not to mention there will still be somebody "unknown" who emerges as a solid bullpen pitcher.... basically the next Gregerson and Neshek... that they will promote via the farm. Now time to focus on 3B and the OF.
Fields is also a lock. Chapman is close to being a lock. The bullpen would still need a long reliever / spot starter. Gregerson Neshak Qualls Sipp Fields Chapman Folty, Buchanan, White, Wojo, Harris, Cruz No room in the inn for signing Veras.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BREAKING: RP Luke Gregerson, who's never had an ERA higher than 3.24 and has never thrown less than 56 IP, signs a 3yr/$18.5M contract</p>— Sports by the Second (@sportssecond) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportssecond/status/542690575175409664">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BREAKING: Via <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS">@JonHeymanCBS</a>, All-Star RP Pat Neshek who posted a K/BB rate of 7.56 and a K/9 rate of 9.1, has signed with the Astros</p>— Sports by the Second (@sportssecond) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportssecond/status/542697780591218688">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I see Gregerson as being the 8th inning guy for sure... and then Qualls vs. Neshek as the closer. Loser goes to the 7th inning role. Also, not sure if they need (or would want) Chapman with Sipp still here (who is more than just a LOOGY, but can be the lefty presence out of the pen). If they stay healthy, this is a very good bullpen.
