Yeah, trading for Price just wouldn't make any sense for the Astros given his age and FA status. Sale would make more sense, but I'm sure the asking price for him is extreme. Probably at least 2 of our elite guys and another solid prospect or 2. I'm sure some big trade splashes are eventually gonna happen given our spectacular prospect depth, but it's certainly too early to pull the trigger. We've waited this long, we can wait another year.
Not to derail the Price talk, but it is interesting looking back at Veras' numbers: He had a 4.55 ERA in save situations (29 innings) and a 1.66 ERA in non save situations (33 innings). He did well when he got the save, but when it rained, it poured for the guy. His ERA in losses was over 18+. I would love to have the guy back, but him as an 8th inning man may be the best move considering we could possibly get Crane. Granted, the non save situations mostly came in Detroit, but part of me wonders if a great June and terrible bullpen are what make us hold him so high.
Mariano Riviera's ERA in losses was 16.66. When you are closing, super high ERA's in losses is going to occur. Even if a closer only gives up a run in a one inning outing, it is still an ERA of 9.
And if he gives up 2 runs w/o getting an out, it's infinite. Using that stat for closers is completely worthless.
Not to Derail the Veras talk but I would much rather have Sale as well. Now, if we could get Price to take on an extension of 5 years if he came then I would be fine with trading for him. For Sale, I would easily start off with McCullers and Deshields. As for Veras, I think it's only a matter of time before he's an Astro. I think if we sign him and get another bullpen arm or two it would be a great off season for the Stros. I'm also intrigued by the interest in Sizemore and Chamberlain. I think they're both great "Buy low" options. I love what the stros are doing this offseason.
I do too. I'm glad they are active in the FA market...if for nothing else, just to keep the haters out there a little more quiet than they would be otherwise.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> made an offer to RHP Jose Veras, but it was turned down. Still negotiating.</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/statuses/410896784441896960">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Luhnow: "one million pesos jose..." Jose: "wait isn't that less than.... " Luhnow: "we'll be in touch"
What is his market value? The Tigers didn't even bother offering him arbitration. 3 years $10M would sound fine to me.
I'd rather we weren't <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sources: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> in serious discussions with Morse.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/410934954689056768">December 12, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Well, this came and went... <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Source: Astros checked with M's on Justin Smoak, went nowhere. Problem Astros can face is they want to keep prospects, so whos left to deal?</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/statuses/410944741187256320">December 12, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Very good numbers before nagging injuries last season lowered his value. Porter is pushing hard for him..so I trust he has character and work ethic. I'm fine if Astros give him the 1yr/7 mil he's seeking. At worst he's still an upgrade of JD Martinez or Brett Wallace who can fill in until Singleton is ready. At best he has a good first half and nets the Astros a good prospect or two at the deadline.
That's the "glass half full" take. Seems like they are going pretty heavy on reclamation projects this offseason. As others have said though, as long as none of these signings adversely affect the long-term, I don't care much what they do, and am glad to see their willingness to spend a little cashola.
I don't see what's wrong with some combo of Carter/Japhet/Wallace until Singleton's ready. Gotta figure that's only a year away max.
You know, I forgot about Amador. I agree with you, except for the Carter (DH only, please) part, but if they sign a stopgap type like Morse for a year that's cool too.
He's going to be 32, and really only had one full season. Granted, that was a great season. I'd guess I would rather see him than Wallace.
