Don't worry about it Dom, the Astros arn't going to trade Pence for Lincecum. It's just plain irrational. No offense to those who like the deal, but it's not a good deal. The Astros don't need another #3 or #4 pitcher.
And his declining strikeouts is because he changed his pitching style to more contact. On a related note: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20070517/ai_n19170236 Dude doesn't even ice his arm!? Crazy...
Nice, random post. Nothing to back anything up. A 23 year old who just finished his first near-full season in the majors...with some sick stretches last year and some great games.. and he's gonna be a #3 or #4?? Riiiight. He's on the same level as Wandy. Sure. Your post is what's irrational. If you like Pence's bat a lot and want to keep him for that reason, fine.. but to say Lincecum is a #3 or #4 pitcher isn't right. And yeah, I think I'd make the trade. Yeah I agree with whoever suggested Carlos, too.
I do this in a heartbeat, although I am pretty sure that Pence wouldn't even be enough for the Giants to pull the trigger. I like Pence a lot, but I tend to think that many of us fans overvalue him. This trade would be just about perfect for the Astros, you get a young pitcher with ace stuff who is going to be cheap for the next 5 years or so. This is exactly what Drayton could ask for. Remember, pitchers are always at a premium, especially, young, cheap, and very talented pitchers.
Yeah, young pitchers with an upper 90s fastball, mid 80s slider and spot command grow on trees... No. 3 or No. 4 starter, clearly.
But what do you think Lincecum is? I guess the negative in making the move is that you don't really know which one will pan out.. and if the guy you trade away pans out, and the one you trade for doesn't...your job is pretty much gone and you'll always be remembered for that. If you don't make the deal, it's not really on you. Basically it's hard to end up looking like the "winner" in that deal to the majority of fans...and easier to end up looking like the "loser". But I'd still do it.
Linecum is destined to be an All-Star too. He's a stud. I'm not sure that Pence is untouchable. Close because of the state of our team, but not quite untouchable.
I like Pence a lot, but can somebody please explain to me why exactly many people consider him "untouchable?" I think he showed us a lot this past year, but what kind of numbers are people expecting from him? I personally would estimate that he hits around .315 (give or take .005) with about 20 homeruns, maybe 25. Although those numbers are very good, I personally do not consider that "untouchable" status. I mean honestly, we can get pretty similar numbers with an Aaron Rowand signing (a little less batting average but maybe a little more power to off-set that) Maybe my estimates are way off here (and because I like him and an an Astros fan), I hope he blows my numbers out of the water. So I thought it would be interesting to gauge how the others feel his numbers are going to look like next year. What do y'all think?
LOL @ people here that wouldn't trade Pence for Lincecum. And I thought there were homers in the GARM...
Hunter Pence last year hit .322/.360/.539 as a rookie - that's a phenomenal year, I can see why people think he's going to be a fantastic hitter. You could probably get the same numbers from a 30 year old Aaron Rowand - maybe - for vastly more money and the knowledge that this is as good as Aaron Rowand is going to get and Hunter Pence will, most likely, only improve. oh, I don't think it's as ludicrous as all that. Pence had a fabulous year, and looks like the kind of player you can build a lineup around - Lincecum had a good rookie year and looks like a top of the rotation starter - it depends on which one you value more and which one you think is more likely to fulfill his potential. I think that the injury concerns around Lincecum are valid reasons to pass on trading an asset like Pence for him.
You make good points, but I was looking at it that if we do this trade, then all we had to do is just sign Rowand to fill that void we just traded. Although he is much more expensive, he will put up similar numbers (probably not as good as Pence's, but similar). I also think Rowand brings intangibles to the table, it seems he's just a winner, he's a gamer, and the teams he plays for are successful, but I am not saying Hunter doesn't have that in him, because I like the energy he brings to the table. I then would view whatever we paid Rowand (let's say around 10 million), as a split between Rowand and Lincecum. I think if you look at it that way, the increase in payroll is not only justifiable, but a pretty damn good deal. I agree with you there with your second point, and as I've stated, when given the choice between a a young position player stud and a young pitching stud, it would probably be best to go with the pitching, being that pitching is always at a premium. At least in this situtation, I take Lincecum any day of the week.
I'd much much rather trade Carlos Lee and cash for Lincecum. Pence just has Astros lifer written all over him, great attitude and a Texas product. In this era of free agency you have to think about being able to keep your own talent and I think they could keep him unlike Lincecum. Plus, there has got to be more to the story if the Giants have Lincecum available. You rarely see teams put young pitchers with that kind of stuff on the table unless they're loaded and need a finishing piece for a championship run.
yep, either they have some studs about to be promoted or they too predict injury. i'd rather have matt Cain. plus i think teams will offer more than the value of pence for lincecum.
I could only trade pence if the astros signed another CF. Otherwise i would just wait and hope that troy patton develops into a stud.
No, the absolute only way you trade Pence is you BETTER get a #1 or #2 (ACE of the staff) in return. No exceptions. Personally, I think Hunter has bonafide superstar written ALL over him. He's that elusive 5 tool player and way younger than BELTRASS! I don't think the 'Stros are going to have any part of parting with Hunter unless we just a freakin' "Godfather, sell your soul" kind of deal for him. IMHO, Hunter stays. He's WAY more valuable to us than trading bait for ANYONE! Look for Hunter to be the next future FACE OF THE FRANCHISE! Career Astro, yes sir! Lincecum? NO.
Pence doesn't have the arm of a 5 tool player. The bottom line is that if Lincecum truly is available for Pence, the Astros would consider it. Its difficult to find young, stud pitchers with his type of stuff.
