Trade unproven position players or past prime position players or bench position players (that just need an opportunity).... and I suppose you could consider trading some unproven pitching or some bullpen guys that you can plug in replacements for. The Astros have a great pitching staff this year, even with Arrigheti injured and LMJ/Garcia still getting there. They have the #1 bullpen ERA. Despite the Espada complaints, and that one awful awful (AWFUL) Seattle game, the pitching has and will carry this team while the offense continues to find its way. They're 12-11 and are still one of the worst hitting teams in baseball, with at least 2 players in the 98% chase rate category (its not good). Any other team (with subpar starting and bullpen pitching) would be 6-10 games under .500.
I generally agree. For building long-term, I prefer young position players over young pitchers as it is easier to know who will be good. For a team contending like the Astros are, it is very hard to trade away MLB pitching.
If the Astros need to trade in order to bolster this team for a playoff run, MLB pitching is what they will have to pull from. No prospects are in high demand or have high value. No position players who have much value will be expendable. If McCullers returns and Javier starts rehabbing without any setbacks, this team will have young controllable SP, or Framber, that it can deal.
I love that Dezenzo only missed 1 game. I am hoping he has another good game. Meyers needed to sit tonight and hopefully Chas has a good game. I'm going to go out on a limb and call Chas' first HR of the year. I am not going to have a fit about Dubon starting over Rodgers at 2b.
Yeah, I'm not going to throw a fit over this lineup. Smith has played 13 straight, so a break isn't out of the question. I don't personally think Dubon should ever start and I do think Rogers is the superior 2B on defense and at the plate, but it's not the worst thing in the world.
Jack Flaherty w/ Detroit last year? Traded him away for their current starting SS and #5 prospect - still made playoffs. Corbin Burnes w/ Milwaukee ( before final season)? Traded him for 2 top 100 prospects and a Comp. pick (#34 overall) - still made playoffs I'm sure I could find more.
He is battling some lower abdominal soreness and it has impacted him defensively. I think if he gets his trunk in order he will be as good as ever with the glove. In hindsight they should have been more cautious.
So maybe he needs a DL stint to get right? If it's just soreness, 2 weeks off with treatment should take care of that. Meanwhile, Dez gets some consistent playing time.
I am not a seer - but I think trading Valdez would be a mistake, he is a big part of what they are trying to accomplish.
If I am playing the Astros - I am sending every single runner on every single pitch. Until the Astros figure out that holding runners is a need.
