Reminds me of the scene in Major League where they're looking over the list of players they plan to invite to camp. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LpZ3LODBK7E?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This is coming from a Red fan, but would there be any interest on the Astros part to make a deal for Homer Bailey. Not sure what your starting pitcher situation is, but Bailey is entering his last year of arbitration and will be a FA in 2014. It looks as though he won't sign long term in Cincinnati and the feeling is he wants to play closer to home (LaGrange). I don't want to lose Bailey as he is one of my favorite Reds player with mid 90's velocity and some wicked off speed stuff. But if he won't resign than I would want more than just a pick. Would the Astros be willing to make a trade for Bailey and part with some of their prospects this offseason to have Bailey as a top of the rotation guy when/if the team bounces back in the next couple of years? And if so what could you see the Astros parting with to make it happen?
Basically, it comes down to four questions: 1: Can they sign him long term at rates they are comfortable? 2: Can they wait until 2014 to sign him without giving up prospects? 3: Will they have the cash flow to sign him without a TV deal? 4: Will the Reds get a better offer from a contender for a one year rental? I think questions 1-3 have too many unknowns causing question 4 to be a yes.
Why trade prospects for Homer? The Stros have no real use for him this year. If the price is right and the need is there just offer him a FA deal later. Stros are a couple of years away from trading prospects for proven talent, imo. Leroy, I like the way you think. Hart, Feldman, Veras - those types of guys on ~2 year deals make sense for the Stros.
As I posted here in another thread, the Astros have 14 or so starting pitcher candidates for next year's rotation. Most of those are prospects i.e. Not veterans. One would have to expect that in two years or so the majority of these starting pitching prospects will be elsewhere (or maybe in the Astros bullpen). Trading some of these prospects for a veteran reduces the number of starting pitching candidates and may even provide a long term solution for a spot in the starting rotation. I think the Astros would jump on this trade, while the Reds would be the reluctant ones. I prefer trades to FA. Trades can bring back younger players in or closer to their prime.
The problem specifically with Homer is that he's a free agent next year and there's certainly no guarantee he'll resign. I agree that the Astros ideally would have a vet that could eat innings, but you can get that on the FA market without having to trade prospects for a guy that may not be here in a year. I would rather go with a nolasco or garza that can fit in the middle of the rotation for years to come without costing draft pick compensation. Sorta like what the Cubs did by signing Edwin Jackson last year. Or if the Astros really like Homer, then they could sign a one year stop-gap FA like josh Johnson and go after Homer in the offseason as a FA. It just doesn't make any sense to me to trade top prospects for a guy when there are equally good if not better options available that don't cost prospects.
I do too. He is still young enough to be effective and physically is capable of being an elite pitcher.
Wrong thread but whatever. Jason Castro extension talks not expected until arbitration nears Significant free agent signings possible, but qualifying offers are a deterrent Jeff Luhnow: Astros not afraid to deal some young talent
