I think Crane would go three years.. but I agree with your larger point, which why I think Alcantara or Lopez or the Brewers starter is most likely the ace they try to get. The second starter they target is more likely to be a FA, and will likely be under 3 years. Montgomery is a name I think it is really possible.
This sounds harsh - but it describes the guy perfectly. He has the most punchable face on the planet. I asked about him and was told: “Guys a ****** but smart.”
I was mostly joking, I know nothing about him other than what’s on his LinkedIn profile. But based on that I doubt he is someone I would wanna hang out with.
Well according to a (non Harvard) guy with the Astros, this guy is a douche. Some of that could be because who I spoke to has had to fight for everything he has and maybe is biased. Based on what I was told, this promotion is more about understanding finances and business and little about scouting or understanding the game.
Updated predicted 2026 opening day 40 man roster: SS Pena DH Paredes LF Alvarez 3B Correa 2B Altuve 1B Walker RF Cole* CF Smith C Caratini Bench: Dubon, Diaz, Matthews, Salazar Rotation: Brown, Alcantara**, Montgomery***, Javier, Arrighetti, Pearson Bullpen: Hader, Abreu, McCullers, Sousa, King, Okert, Alexander Optioned: Gordon, Fleury, Dombroski, Murray, VanWey, Dezenzo, Leon, Corona, Whitcomb, 2 prospects acquired via trade 60-day IL: Blanco, Wesneski, Walter *Most likely to change **Blubaugh, Ullola, and Melton for Alcantara ***$6M/1yr plus ip incentives
I'm sure the Astros are confident they can fix him, but at this juncture Blubaugh and Ullola have more upside than Alcantara. Those are not guys I would include in a package for him.
Alcantara just turned 30 and at 6’5 200 lbs he projects to age very well with that body type as a pitcher. It would take a haul to get him- most likely. But he’s on a very short list of available guys who I’d bank on the Astros being able to maximize his ability and produce at a cy young level. Controllable for 2 more seasons as well.
More just re-signing Caratini as a co-starter and playing him more to balance the lineup and motivate Diaz to play better.
Astros haven't developed a position player since Yordan, maybe Pena.....I am ok with a little shakeup in that department.
Dang, he was an asset. Need to see somebody talented from Tampa or LA or Cleveland or Toronto come in to replace him.
Probably not because it seems like they never do but any chance Astros are interested in any of the Japanese pitchers that'll get posted. Imai would be a dream but he'll be the main starter and not the 2nd starter. He'll probably be out of their range and too much competition for him.
Apparently he was the Astros vice president of business and baseball operations prior to his promotion. No idea for how long or if he was with another team prior to the Astros.
Put me in the group that is OK with any player development shakeup. We have been very, very bad at postion player development for a while now. Maybe one of Browns K machines can figure it out and change that, but I never hold my breath for guys like that.
