I hate to say it, but I feel like Fowler will definitely take a step back in every way this year. Last year was arguably one of his best seasons in the bigs. I think his average will drop, obp and walk to K ratio will get worse. This is just going by his career numbers...I don't think he can sustain his offensive output. Talking about his D. Woooow I don't even want to get started. If you watched enough of the stros games and know baseball, it's clear to tell he does not belong out in center. He has a relatively weak arm, takes the worst routes to the baseball and does not communicate at all. (He also has the worst base running insticts I've seen in a very long time). With all that being said, I see the Astros rolling out opening day with him starting in center and Marisnick in left for the time being. I sure do like Fowler but I hope they trade him while his value is at it's peak.
Every team in contention could use a pitcher at the trade deadline. Pitchers are generally traded at deadline. Before the season, more teams needing a specific position think they have a shot at playoffs than the number of teams needing that position at the deadline. As such, position players are typically traded before the season.
Shhh...don't let word of that get out there. It doesn't fit the "Crane's a cheapskate and will never spend money" narrative.
Plenty of position players get traded within the season. Carlos Beltran, Hunter Pence, and Mark McGwire (just off the top of my head... I'm sure I'm missing plenty more great examples). If Fowler goes all out (as I expect him to do in a contract year), he can only increase his value (or make him that much more valuable to the Astros themselves).
Sorry, I disagree. This is about the time where players really start to produce at the plate (ironically right before they become free agents). He's going to produce if he stays healthy (and as I just said, I expect him to not let any nagging injuries keep him out).
Lance Berkman Michael Bourn Chris Johnson Ivan Rodriguez Carlos Lee Aubrey Huff Mark Loretta Jeff Keppinger Ty Wigginton Happens all the time.
Plenty of position players do get traded in season. Maybe, I should have said more often than not instead of typical. If you want value, trade when the demand is the greatest.
Or when the supply is the least. Either way, I feel they wouldn't be getting as much for Fowler now compared to if he hits well and stays healthy throughout the first half of the season. Or, with Oakland being a question mark and Texas not really doing anything, who knows if this team could possibly be looking to add (instead of dump) at the trade deadline.
Braves interloper here I'm trying to figure out how to pry Jack Marisnick loose from your club. Secondarily, I really like Collin McHugh. Much more valuable guy, but a secondary consideration. We still have Justin, Gattis to trade. Some nice bullpen arms too. Any ideas? If this is the wrong thread, please direct me. I will cc John Hart and John Coppolella with all ideas.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Infield help and now, more than before this morning’s moves, starting pitching is prioritized by Astros. Another 'pen arm could come too</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/542833814649593857">December 11, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Astros are in win now mode. Don't expect them to begin trading lots of future value for a little current value, but they aren't going to give away current wins, dump players. Fowler or Marisnick's value can't be wasted on the bench. Astros need MLB guys out there to win games. Fowler in LF is the only way it works with current roster. This season is not about propping up players to trade them. It is about wins. If Fowler isn't willing to play the position that helps this team win....[Insert your favorite curse word here] him. Get a player willing to win games. You may have this team as 0.500 at best. I don't. This team probably won't be contending the last month of the season. It still needs to win. Might not be 2015, but Correa is coming. Ruiz, Moran, Santana, Kemp, Reed, Torreyes, Hader, Woj, Folty, and Singleton might all be flops. Correa won't flop. Astros need to be coming off a good 2015 because at the latest, the Correa era starts in 2016. Correa is coming.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>It was the Dodgers, Pat Neshek said, that actually offered him the most money, although that’s before state income tax consideration.</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/542818078338195456">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
So…the Astros will presumably go after a bat next? 3B/SS or an outfield option with Lowrie and Headley being our "most discussed" candidates with supposed offers or discussions with the agents. Meanwhile, the last place Cubs sigh Lester and every media outlet is announcing them "contenders" and him being the key to turn it all around. So…if one ace makes all the difference, why don't the Astros go after a starter…are we that set in the starting rotation? Who else is out there worth targeting for big bucks to put us in 'contention.'? One thing to consider is that the A's will most likely be worse, Rangers were bad, Mariners are perennially bad (occasionally good, then bad again) and the Angels went from really bad to good in a year. Do the Astros have a chance in the division if they add one big bat + a starting pitcher? ??
They're not dumping Fowler to play Marisnick. Also, Fowler is not going to switch positions in a contract year. The only place Marisnick is the for sure everyday CF is clutchfans.net.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sources: Jed Lowrie actively engaged with multiple teams, including <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a>.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/542845585909227521">December 11, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Just because you keep saying it doesn't make it a fact. If the Astros decide Marisnick is the better option on CF, they'll play him. Who cares if Fowler gets upset and demands a trade. That doesn't mean the Astros have to move him. He's not sitting out the year in a contract year. If the choice is LF or the bench, Fowler is moving.
