I have always thought the move to trade him was odd. He was having a bad year but was really really good the previous year. And he was still a good defender. I have assumed they just really really wanted Maldonado and since Stassi was out of options he had to go. But I wouldn’t be shocked if there was some other factor, like he didn’t mesh well with Verlander or Hinch. Or maybe they thought he had an injury that would linger long term. The 2 prospects they got back are interesting because reports are they both hit the ball very hard, and both are still teenagers so it’ll be awhile before we can tell if Houston actually got anything back for him. But as it stands I wish they hadn’t traded him.
I'd like to hear more on this, I do recall JV and Cole making remarks that called into question Stassi's game calling, was there more to it than that?
I've seen snippets in the paper/ internet and heard from different people that Stassi was not liked by the veteran pitchers. One story I heard was Stassi was minding his own business eating a sandwich, and a veteran pitcher walked in and just started yelling at him. I'm only speculating that the pitcher's gripe was on Stassi's sandwich eating etiquette.
In a best case scenario, Verlander beats the earliest normal recovery timeline by a month, that would put him back in early September. A great stroke of luck for the Astros would be for the season to get delayed but instead of a shortened season they just shift everything to the right by one month. That would put Verlander back in Houston's rotation with ~50 games left in the season, giving him ~10 starts before the playoffs. That would be a huge boost and assuming he comes back in top form would be the equivalent of the boost they got when the traded for him in 2017. Of course all of that is unlikely, but it's sure nice to think they might get something for the money they're paying him this year and also that they might add an ace at the deadline without having to make a move. I keep seeing signs that Crane and Verlander have a very tight relationship. Would not surprise me at all to see Houston extend Verlander if he comes back looking good (or even if he doesn't).
All of this for a C2? Even 2 year, $5 million per deal seems a waste for a C2 (looking at you Castro). I would much rather throw the $5 million per into a Springer offer.
Not a C2. He would be the C1 And back up 1B. And next year would take over for Gurriel. Maldonado would be on the way out and make a move for Giants catcher Bart. Next offseason.
Lol come on bro... Castro taking over 1B for Gurriel? Why would the giants trade their top catching prospect when Posey is at the end of the road? I’d rock with Taylor Jones at 1B and literally 100 other guys before I’d want Jason CASTRO as my everyday first baseman
If they sign Realmuto and then stupidly move him to first base after one year, then they are way overpaying. There are so many posters on this board (myself included), that I am tremendously glad aren't any where near the Astros' front office.
