I have no clue but I'm guessing we started the season near $60 million and currently probably sit near $25 million. We have absoluetely shredded some of those heavy contracts such as Lee's near $16+ millon. I think our highest paid player is Jed Lowrie at slightly over $1 million.
We're still paying a lot on Carlos Lee and Wandy's contracts. The listed payroll may be low, the actual number Crane is paying is probably $12m-$15m higher.
I haven't given up hope on Bud. He had a very nice 2011 in terms of ERA, and he's only 27, so presumably he's got many more productive years in front of him, even in a few years when we have our prospects up and playing for the big league club. I'm thinking we're hanging onto Norris, Harrell and especially Lyles because they could contribute in 3-5 years when we'll be back in the mix and competing.
AS far as whether we keep him or not, that seems a matter of what is offered for him. As far as my wishes, I wouldnt mind he be our #4 or #5. Unless he can command a 3rd pitch, I dont see him higher than that.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Luhnow said he likes the offensive potential of Borchering and Krauss, something the Astros farm system needs.Borchering has plus power.</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/229701784850030592" data-datetime="2012-07-29T22:15:47+00:00">July 29, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php?p=7086038&postcount=76 2 decent prospects, anybody? think that may have been luhnow's last bullet. maybe lowrie/bud/lyles at deadline next year. gonna be a long several seasons, boys, but at least we have the right guy at the helms.
If he's really anxious to get rid of every useful piece, Wesley Wright, Xavier Cedeno and Wilton Lopez are potential options for bullpen needy teams.
Could be our closer next year. Baseball people have always thought he'd be a great setup man with closer potential.
Something I didnt expect, lol. Good job at least getting something for him. Dude is never gonna amount to anything good.
I agree. This could be the middle and back of the rotation on a good team with the potential for at least one of them to improve to something more by then.
What they're doing is unprecendented. I've never seen this level of dismantling. I've seen big names/contracts go in fire sales - but this is more than a fire sale - it's a full-on revolution. Lunhow very obviously has Crane's full support to completely remake this organization top-to-bottom, which says a lot about Crane's faith in the guy. This is not a one, two or even three-year project - it's a four+-year project. This is one of the most pivitol moments in this team's history. The Royals, Pirates comparisons are not apt... yet. But if Lunhow gets this wrong..............
