It would be extremely analogous to the disappointing Schilling trade... that being said, both parties went on to some decent success in the subsequent years.
And I doubt any non-contending team that has those current up-and-coming players will be looking to move them. The Astros are just in a strange position right now... not really buyers, but not really sellers either. If Castro was having any sort of a better season, he'd be the one that would be the "hot name" at the trade deadline.... but where he is now, the Astros might as well try to trade him during his arbitration years.
The Marlins apparently have a high level of interest in Cosart. Who do they have that fits the bill of a good trade return? Ozuna and Justin Nicolino?
I think all the talk around Cosart and Keuchel is just to set up trades in the offseason. Use the deadline to establish a baseline for value and move them in the offseason for major league ready bats.
Acquire Cespedes and comp pick, tank the rest of the season, get high draft pick, re-sign Lester in the offseason, contend again.
this. i really think they'll re-up with Lester. They have no other #1 arms now or within the close future. They'll sign him. Such a smart move on their part if they can pull that off. Cespedes is going to be huge for them.
Defense <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p4PA8HGhYjc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
He has very good stuff. He reminds me a little of Kile in that way. I wouldn't give him away, if he improves his control a little, he can be very good.
Astros FO did what we all wanted them to do, not make a trade unless it really benefited us. Wish we could've unloaded Carter at least, though.