At the very least, Pressly was an excellent setup guy not that long ago. Many actually questioned whether he had the stuff or mentality to be a closer. He's gotten paid like a true closer the last few years and may even be an extension candidate if he's able to continue with health/stuff.... but there were some signs of regression last year that can only be expected with how many high leverage innings he's gone through the last 3 years. Also, barring Mariano Rivera, I think we all forget how short the shelf-life is for truly dominant closers. The Astros have two guys now who have defied those odds compared to the average current MLB closer (let alone the average MLB closer for playoff-type teams).
He will probably wait till they finish the hotel/entertainment district across the street from MMP. The franchise value (even if the team falls slightly out of contention by then) will be at its highest along with the possibility that the team-owned network gets even more valuable.
exactly . . . that too . . . gives you room to evaluate what you have . . . rather than hoping you can get there.
I agree with all you say. But there were tons of times last year that Pressly wasn't available and/or overworked. They are professionals and should be able to work together. I think all of this was communicated. Hader knew Pressly is here before he signed - he asked questions and was comfortable with the answers. There is no way they are trading away Pressly because that would take away all the benefit of this deal. And I'm sure they discussed it with Pressly too. Teams don't just bring in players at the same position as a veteran all star team leader without doing that. This is about winning and I'm sure everyone is comfortable with their roles and want to win. Orcst least not unhappy enough to have problems.
If you're doing cash considerations it hits your own tax. That's why Verlander's tax number is under 20.
It's a LONG season. Having not one not two but three high leverage lock down dudes will keep all three of them from getting worn down come the playoffs.
This is changing quickly throughout MLB though Plenty of teams now have multiple guys who close out games. The biggest reason it has been such a huge deal is because of the difference in salary of a closer vs a set up man. Ryan and Josh are both getting paid. Plus, if this team stays healthy there will be plenty of games to save
If theres one thing that nearly always seems to work out as a net positive... its having multiple back end elite pitchers all on the same team.
Getting truly high leverage arms at the trade deadline is a costly proposition IIRC. We deal with that now, provide ourselves with insurance against injury to Pressly, Abreu and Hader, and the presence of all three affords the opportunity to not push them when they are tired during regular season. I love this move.
Being screwed by Joe West... and sitting on the mound while waiting for a replay review on a non reviewable play in Game 6 was also huge.
Jim Crane is extremely involved, especially since the cheating scandal. He doesn’t say much most of the time and lets Brown do his job - but every few years Crane decides he wants someone and tries to get him. I have had several people in the organization say that Hader is the guy that Crane regretted trading. He tried to get him last year at the deadline and actually had a deal for Hader but Padres took Hader off the market. Then lamented after the World Series about pitching and personally reached out to the agent for Hader in October. Crane said he would spend money on a decision maker and he has. This wasn’t A situation where Brown decided to use the budget on Hader instead of a couple guys- this was an all or nothing situation. Hader or no one. Crane told the agent for Hader he wanted an answer ASAP. so this is all Crane.
Other than the money, Hader got to be jazzed to be coming back home (incidentally he attended the college where I work).
Nook thanks for sharing this. You've been saying for a couple of years now that Crane really likes Hadar and wanted him back and like the competitor he is he pulled a Carpe Diem and made it happen!!
Right...Stros have never done that before Last few pages of this thread were a fun read. Thanks, guys.
