Astros reach a settlement with Nix: http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastro...ith-unsigned-draft-pick-jacob-nix/#24048101=0
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Did I hear that correctly on <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetworkRadio">@MLBNetworkRadio</a>? The Astros are a sleeper on Cole Hamels and are willing to include Appel according to Bowden</p>— Sean Feist (@native_astro) <a href="https://twitter.com/native_astro/status/544953179465846784">December 16, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I'm okay with moving Appel for a bona-fide all-star, though I'm not sure Hamels is the one I'd take for Appel. Hamels is already 30, and trading for pitchers clearly out of their prime is questionable for the Astros (at this point). Plus, he's due around 110M left or so. I'm a little iffy at the same time on Appel, but who knows...maybe he officially turned the corner and will be a bona-fide #1. If they don't think he'll be a #1, i guess this move makes sense...how much longer can Hamels be a legit #1 though?
I dont think there as any reason to believe that Hamels cant be a legit ace for at least the next 3 seasons... he doesnt really have an injury history and he has pitched at least 200 innings every year since his rookie year so its not like he is broken down. This idea that once someone turns 30 they are past their prime isnt true... heck Cliff Lee's prime didnt even start til he was 30
Considering what the A's gave up for 4 months of Samardzija, if the Astros can get 3-4 years of TOR production from Hamels for Appel, Castro and maybe another top 20 type prospect... Don't you have to make that trade?
It was known that the A's overpaid and the Shark has a year and a half left on his contract. They just happened to trade him before his contract ran out. Not to mention Hammel was also in the deal and he was pitching great and the A's were going all in. Not sure how the Astros compare. I wouldn't be against going after Hamels at all though. Will he waive his NTC though?
He doesn't need to. If Houston is on his NTC, the NTC can be waived by picking up the option year on the back end of the contract.
Hamels would be sweet, it'd be time to compete. Maybe try & trade for a LF bat or 3B after. I trust the FO will be smart about & not blow up the future on any move we make. But for the right price, I'd be all for Hamels. Hamels, Keuchel, Mchugh, Feldman, Obie would look nice.
i think this is a fair trade: To Houston: Hamels To Philly: Appel, Moran or Ruiz, Brett Phillips, and Marlins 1st round compensation pick. Astros lose some serious talent, but still have 1.2 & 1.5 to replenish what was lost.
gotta agree here... I mean obviously if he signed here he would be our "ace" but in a perfect world I would want Shields as the number 2 guy.
