I really like what the Red Sox go about their business. They get these players when there value is at a all-time low and than hope they can turn it around. They just got Andrew Miller from the Marlins for a 26 year fringe player. Miller has been a bust but is a lefty with a great arm. They did the same thing earlier when they got Jarrod Saltalamacchia who could start for them if they don't re-sign Victor Martinez. Low risk moves with high upside.
Jeremy Hermida would be a pretty good low risk, high reward trade or signing. I can't tell if he's a free agent or not. It looks like he is according to his wikipedia but who knows. Scott Posednik had a decent year in 2010 (but he's getting up there in age). Eric Hinske would guarantee we go to the playoffs this year (haha). Wow I just looked at the list of free agent and there are practically no left handed hitting outfielders available. (minus the obvious one) Looks like we might have to do a trade to get one. David Murphy might be available with Texas's outfield being crowded. He'd make a really good fit for these astros. Fred Lewis might make a good fit here too. He's got speed and a little pop. It doesn't seem like we'd be willing to give up a lot in a trade but these two seem very gettable. An Arias/Gervacio and Cartwright deal can probably pry both of these guys for their teams.
Yeah I really like the way they run their team too. That Beltre deal ended up being a monster for them. Bill Hall was a good deal too. The Yankees need to take their heads out of their a$$es and pay attention to what their rivals are doing. The Red Sox have a good blend of spending money, playing prospects and making crafty signings. I like how they did a 180 a couple years ago and started focusing on pitching and defense. Its paid dividends for them. This year with a severely injury depleted team they still cranked out 89 wins. I think keeping Beltre while signing Werth or Crawford might put them over the top next year with the balanced team they have.
Not sure if he fits the Stros puzzle but Dan Uggla is available. Marlins are looking to move the guy because they couldn't reach an agreement with Uggla. Not sure what the Marlins can expect to get for a guy who has been one of the most productive second baseman in the league but playing in his contract year. I REALLY don't want to move prospects but he might be right behind NL second baseman to Utley. He does kind of give me a Carlos Lee type vibe if you go long term but still tempting. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/...tml?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
they were able to score runs after the youth movement. admittedly, they need another bat. Dan Uggla would be nice.
The San Francisco Giants called and said you don't really need a great offense to win a championship.
The Giants were a league average offense for the season as a whole, and above league average for the 2nd half of the season when they added Burrell, Posey, and Ross. The Astros offense was 28th out of 30 teams.
he turned down a 4 year 48m contract I wouldn't give him more than 4 years really at a premium rate, he's going towards past his prime I think.
Not only that, but he's not a free agent until next season. To bring in Uggla now, we'd have to: 1) Give up prospects and probably at least one established big leaguer. 2) Spend a lot of money on a long-term, over-30 player. Do not trade for Uggla... in fact do not trade anyone on our team unless he is a veteran and will save money and bring young prospects in return... or his name is Carlos Lee. FULL DISCLOSURE: I did float out a dream scenario where I openly admitted that I'd love to sign Cliff Lee and Crawford. That is the only instance where I would spend large dollars on veterans... meaning I'd only do it if we got BOTH of those specific players. The prospects and dollars would be far too much for Uggla, regardless of how much he would upgrade our team in the short term.
I agree with you Max. I love the guy and he'd be a perfect fit for us at a lower price, or even on a straight free agent deal at a slightly lower price. But I can't justify giving up the prospects it would take to trade for him.
Zachary Levine weighs in on Dan Uggla, he makes interesings points to do it and not do it. http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/2010/11/answering_quest_1.html
I love Uggla but considering the salary you will have to pay him plus the prospects you have to give him up, I wouldn't do it. Astros farm system still isn't good yet so they can't afford to make these type of trades yet. I also don't think they have the prospects to make the deal happend.
So I know that he would be retread, what about at least inviting Dontrelle Willis to training camp/minor league contract. He flamed out due to going to the American League and injuries, and then has had trouble getting his command back. He is only 28, due to those issues has not logged a huge amount of innings the past few years. He still is having control issues, but you never know. It might click again. Basically, it would be a low risk, potentially high reward move
Astros desperately need help at shortstop in my opinion. Japanese batting champion shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka will be posted on Wednesday. He is 26 years old and hit .346 last year. Astros typically never have had interest in players from Asia after they get posted but who knows. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp...0158&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb
i dont know that they will go down that kind of road again....they did it with hampton and Woody a couple years ago and it didnt work out too well....then again, Brett Myers worked out
