If Verlander doesn't want to be dealt, he won't be. At this point it will take all sides giving more than they were willing to 2-3 weeks ago. I think it is a long shot. The Astros would be giving up payroll flexibility and likely prospects they covet. I know the Astros look a lot more formidable right now with Verlander, but the long term costs are likely to be a huge obstacle.
Deadline for Verlander to be traded and still be playoff eligible is last day in August. August was always the likely time Verlander would be traded if Detroit could find a deal.
Driving his value down to help Luhnow hold on to his favorites. He's already one of my favorite Astro!
RE: Verlander Been back and forth regarding acquiring him. Obviously, want to optimize this year's team... but admittedly, Verlander isn't necessarily the ace that you expect to put you over the top (although its certainly possible as he can be as good once as he ever was). It would be somewhat equivalent to the Kazmir deal in 2015.... somebody who was having an even better year then, but ultimately wasn't quite the same pitcher for the Astros during both the regular season (and the post-season). If a greater sense of urgency is currently present due to lingering concerns about LMJ ever being able to regain form this season... then it does make more sense to give up a little more to get somebody who would likely be your #2 starter in the playoffs.
Really wish Astros would have picked up either Martinez (before deadline) or Bruce (after deadline) to shore up that third OF spot. I think either one would have been a nice bat behind Correa when he's back, and I'd trust them more in playoffs over Jake or Fisher. Here's hoping one of those guys can catch fire in postseason.
In the postseason, I imagine MarGo is the 3rd outfielder, no? The infield is full with Bregman/Correa/Altuve/Gurriel/McCann and either Gattis or Beltran at DH, so it seems like the outfield would be Springer/Reddick/MarGo.
If we're putting best overall group on field of current players, yes. Still doesn't change my sentiment. I just think a guy like Martinez( definitely prefer him over Bruce) would have been an ideal guy to protect CC. Worst case scenario if we had made a deal for JD...Hinch just has that many more options with MarGo on bench and can even use Martinez to DH if Beltran can't be a consistent threat. Eh, but we've got bigger issues.
Not sure if Verlander is traded or not. It is going to take a lot of cash from Detroit owner to make a trade work that gets prospects Detroit will like. I'm just saying July 31 meant nothing regarding Verlander. I'm still very skeptical Detroit owner will kick in the money needed to make a deal work. Edit: If deal is to the Astros, not sure Luhnow would be willing to trade a prospect Detroit owner would be willing to buy.
His comments after last nights game sure sound like someone who thinks they will be traded... http://www.freep.com/story/sports/m...gers-justin-verlander-trade-rumors/571559001/
My thoughts exactly.. if not he should at least play 1st base and have Yuli DH over struggling Beltran if we want to go with BEST LINEUP possible.
When pitching was/is priority, the Astros would have been wasting resources trying to improve what is an already historically great offense that is perfectly built for the postseason (power with limited strikeouts).
Baseball more than any other major sport in the US puts players in positions that are independent of what the rest of the team does. Martinez could have been had for practically nothing and getting Beltran off the team. Luhnow must believe Beltran's veteran leadership is worth a lot more than I do or that having Beltran now will help Astros sign guys two to 4 years from now. Beltran leaving didn't bother me as much as him being a designated hitter that can't hit. PS: I have developed a very strong bias against Beltran this year. PSS: I really hope Beltran is included in a deal for Verlander in the same way Aoki was in deal for Liriano.
I don't think a deal for Martinez would have prevented them from making trades for pitchers they were after. As good as the offense has been there is always room for improvement, especially when you consider the chance of second half regression and Beltran's performance (though better now). I agree though that pitching (and health!) was/is the priority. Now to actually use those precious resources.
