I'd take replacement level Carter at this point... he's currently batting below replacement player standards. If there's another viable alternative, they need to take it and not look back... I liked sealclubbers way of putting it previously... they're playing "statistical chicken" with him, and you just can't afford to do that when a division/playoff berth is right there for the taking.
Rockies reportedly plan to move CarGo. He's the hottest hitter in the game right now. What would y'all be comfortable giving up? I was thinking something like Marisnick, Domingo or Singleton & Wojo or Straily. Would that be too much or not enough? they may be interested in getting Kris Karter too.
For next season? I'm thinking Luhnow won't feel the need to make a trade to upgrade at first base, as he'll see whether Reed or White can fill that role. I suspect Valbuena will be our 3rd baseman next year, and I'd be fine with that. I think catcher and Rasmus's replacement are the two position places where we may see a free agent signing in the off-season.
No chance. I mean, Gattis has been taking grounders at 1B a little, but to reference Biggio's Galante speech, you don't just transition on a whim to another position. None of these players are making the transition midseason. Marwin is a versatile enough defender to adapt to 1B, but Gattis/Tucker would have to put in the time in the offseason.
They also have sunk cost with Kazmir, having spent assets to get him for the rest of this season. If you can get someone like Lind or even Alonso from San Diego.
I wouldn't trade for him without Colorado chipping in a fair amount of money. He is owed $37,000,000 over the next two years. I would rather give the money to Kazmir.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Source confirms: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> “in the ballpark” on bidding for Hamels. First reported by <a href="https://twitter.com/jcrasnick">@jcrasnick</a>. Hamels can reject a trade to HOU.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/626096795567955968">July 28, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Difficult to rank bidders for Hamels. Per sources: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rangers?src=hash">#Rangers</a> strong. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash">#Dodgers</a> involved, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> too. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFGiants?src=hash">#SFGiants</a> pushing, but may fall short.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/626096801326759941">July 28, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Royals continue to add. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash">#Royals</a> getting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Athletics?src=hash">#Athletics</a>’ Zobrist.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/626097343461462016">July 28, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
That puts more pressure on the Astros. Personally I think the Astros over paid for Kazmir, and am not overly impressed with the Reds haul for Cueto. Lets see what happens. I would not be surprised if the Astros make a couple moves.
My pie in the sky idea that I've mentioned in the game threads is to kick the tires on seeing if they can convert Marwin to catcher in the offseason. With regards to Gattis and Tucker, something's gotta give by next season with them. Since they are both terrible LF's, and, even if they could play 1B, it's presumably Reed's job by some point next season at the latest, there's no room/need for both of them. I'd be surprised to see them both still in an Astros uniform at the start of next season.
How does this put any pressure on the Astros? Zobrist wasn't even a target. I don't think they overpaid at all for Kazmir (who is a top 10 starter in the AL, maybe all of MLB) Astros didn't give up a prospect in the top 15
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From earlier, where Astros stand on Hamels, Kimbrel. Consider this: Tyson Ross may be more desirable than Hamels. <a href="http://t.co/t3b8FiRVDH">http://t.co/t3b8FiRVDH</a></p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/626091190887301120">July 28, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Pitching: a) Starters - Just got one. b) Bullpen - Maybe a lefty? (isnt Sipp the only one?) Offense: Maybe I am delusional, but with Springer and Lowrie getting back onboard, do we really need an upgrade? I have to wonder if the trade deadline and the Royals getting better is pushing us to do something we dont want or need to do?
It puts pressure on the Astros because they will likely face the Royals in the playoffs. The point of making moves isn't just to make the playoffs, but to advance in the playoffs. The Royals have now added a top 5 pitcher and a solid player they can get in the line up every game. This "top 10-15" prospect talk is deceiving, and what is released by the media as a top 10-15 prospect list is often dated and not always accurate with what the industry view is. Keith Law has talked about this point before. Do you really the Astros value Santana more than Nottingham or Reed? Nottingham will be highly valued going into next season based on his age, skill set and physical make up. I am not upset the Astros dealt Nottingham for Kazmir, because you only get so many shots at winning.... but the Astros paid a heavy price.
He probably is more desirable based on age and cost. Ross is not elite but he is very good. If the Astros get Ross, they most likely have a #2 or elite #3 starter for the next 3 seasons at a controllable price. That comes at a high price.
Wow, the A's got so much more for Zobrist than Kazmir. It is really hard to look at these other deals and think we overpaid.
not sure how anyone can think we overpaid for kazmir - he's a top-level starting pitcher and all we gave away was an A level C that was in all likelihood 2+ years away from hitting the bigs.
Aaron Brooks does not excite me. Sean Manaea is a nice prospect, I have concerns about his health and athleticism but he at least projects as a #2-#4 starting pitcher, so there is value there. I am not a fan of Zimmer, I think they are lucky if he projects as a closer.
