Clemens was added to the rotation, but roster move won't be made until tomorrow. Bedard is in the bullpen. Sounds like Corporan will be transferring to the 15-day DL (would have to be activated by tomorrow otherwise). Which would mean at least a couple more days for Cody Clark to live the dream.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RHP David Martinez has been optioned to Triple A OKC (effective following last night's game) make room for RHP Paul Clemens.</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/statuses/372376964725624832">August 27, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart): Astros make roster moves, recalling Deleon and Crowe from OKC. Will be active on Sunday.
I guess that's cool. No, I don't think that this move warrants another thread. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> claim Eric Thames. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Orioles&src=hash">#Orioles</a> had designated him for assignment.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/375678718020452352">September 5, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Thames, 26 (will be 27 on November 10), was a 7th-round pick of the Blue Jays in 2008. Much of his Major League experience has come in a Toronto uniform, with the exception of 40 games with the Mariners last season. He was traded to Seattle for Steve Delabar in a pre-trade deadline deal last July. Then on June 30 of this year, he was traded to the Orioles for Ty Kelly. In 98 Minor League games this season (93 AAA, 5 in the Gulf Coast League), Thames is hitting .283/.367/.432 with 10 home runs and 49 RBI. He's walked 44 times, struck out 96 times, and is 8-10 on stolen base attempts this season. Also, Hector Ambriz DFA'd. Hallelujah. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> have claimed OF Eric Thames off waivers from BAL. Thames will report to Triple A OKC. RHP Hector Ambriz has been DFA'd.</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/statuses/375694827780055040">September 5, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Well, this move might've been a more deserving candidate for a thread than a journeyman catcher hitting under the Mendoza Line in AAA. Honestly, I'm indifferent to this move, hence no thread.
Move To DL Solidifies Need To Move Jason Castro Away From Catcher http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2013/...-need-to-move-jason-castro-away-from-catcher/
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Jason Castro had a surgical procedure today to remove the cyst from his right knee.</p>— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrtizKicks/statuses/380780612338323456">September 19, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I don't know if its a terrible idea, but it not something I would want them to do. A large part of Castro's value is that he's a decent hitter at a position where no one can hit. Move him to 1st or DH and there is a good chance he'll lose that value. That said, I like what they did this year in DHing him semi-regularly in an effort to keep him healthy, although having your 2nd catcher at DH carries its own in-game risks. Maybe these injuries are a fluke. Or maybe he's the kind of player who only averages a 110 games a year instead of 140. Or if its really that big a concern, maybe you trade him while his value is still high. Personally, if he keeps up the performance next year with no major injuries, I'd like to see them extend him through a couple of his free agent years and live with the risk that he might only play 100-120 games a year at an all-star level. Or maybe extend him this year if the recent injury can get you a discount.
He's rehabbing in the instructional league with an eye to returning for the last week of the season. http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/...tebook_id=60879268&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou
Everything depends on his future durability as a catcher. If he manages to get through the next years without difficulty, then obviously you don't move him. But if he continues to have issues with that knee, id rather see him at another position than sidelined due to injury on a ever more frequent basis or have a shortened career. While the facts are not conclusive to this point, there are early warning signs. I am only suggesting that other options be kept in mind.
Obviously if he physically can't play catcher any more then he'll have to switch positions, but, in my opinion, that should be a last-ditch option and he's no where near that point right now. If his bat is legitimately on this level, then he's an insanely valuable catcher. I'd rather maximize his value now while he's under club control then worry if its going to affect his long-term performance--say in his mid-30s--when he might not even be on the Astros.
