At 1b, he goes from a 2.5 WAR player to a 1.0 WAR player. If the Astros get him before Bregman signs then Alex's market crashes and some team gets him at a discounted rate that Crane would have paid
2 of the 3 of LMJ, Presley and Montero of I’m the Astros or no dice. If the cards will take all 3 I would trade them actual talent for Arenado.
I agree. The OF is dog vomit but this team has. . . 5 legitimate above average starting position players and 3 others that are proven non-negatives (Singleton, Chas, Meyers) A Honduran Army Knife who can fill in adequately anywhere he's needed. 5 healthy (based on timetable and % of TJS recovery, I consider Garcia healthy) proven average or better SP. 2 rehabbing SP who have TOR ability and have had great seasons before. At least 4 additional pitchers on the 40 man who can start if needed. 3 MLB proven leverage relievers who could be all stars and not surprise us. A plethora of relievers with genuine MLB stuff to he used as needed. Especially considering the division and exodus of talent from AL to NL, this team has a solid core to compete.
Just like the trade deadline, the important step after the initial trade is a follow up move. Poker 101: it's the 2nd bet, not the first that most often wins and yields the bigger pots. Trading fir Kikuchi then not bringing in a bat hurt them. Trading Tucker then holding Framber is a half asset, losing strategy. Especially with the OF weakened by that trade.
The categorical aversion to ~6+ year deals I would argue is a zig to the zag, so to speak. Whether it works out, we will see. I think Astros are in the minority as far as teams not offering or considering deals of these lengths. Even TAM signed Wander to an 11-year extension. We will see if it works…in order to be in the running for top shelf FAs, these types of offers need to be made, and Crane has made clear he will not entertain them. Maybe he budges with so many other teams taking these dives. We will see. edit: the only teams not to sign or extend to a 7-year deal: HOU, CLE, CWS, OAK (ATH?). The other 26 teams have. I would call that zigging. Our longest extension I believe is Altuve at 5y, and longest FA signing is Carlos Lee, 6y/100.
Arenado wants out or Cards want him gone? If he wants out and those 5 teams don't want him, yes he can always expand list. Or maybe Cards say only good offer is from Houston. Stay in St Louis or accept trade to Houston. What I don't understand is he wants to play for a contender but then lists Angels as 1 of 5 teams.
