If the Astros don't either 1) win the World Series with Kuchi being a semi-major contributor or 2) don't sign Kuchi at a "discount", the trade wasn't worth it. But hey, sometimes you gotta take a chance. Injuries made the Astros desperate.
And Bregman... literally 1/3 of our regular lineup who happen to occupy 3 of the top 4/5 spots in the order.
Injuries and counting on JV/2 SP coming off of TJ. I LOL at posters that say they wouldn't bring back Kikuchi at say 3-50 because they've already got 11 SP on the roster.
11 SP's... lol - JV is likely a 120 IP, at best, pitcher next year - Javier will be MIA next year - Urquidy will be MIA, not sure he's even under contract for '26 - France is a #5-6, at best - McCullers can't be trusted more than 100 IP - Garcia is a question mark coming off injury, maybe 100 IP Framber is the only guy who can counted on for 180 innings. Brown might can prove 180 if he finishes this season strong. Arrighetti might finish strong, but that's only 3 starters (along with Framber and Brown). Kikuchi is probably necessary for next season. I'm hoping his Astros-based resurgence, Texas cost of living, and no state income tax enables a friendly contract. He has to finish '24 strong too though.
If Kikuchi continues to pitch as well the rest of the year, I fully expect them to offer him 3-45/50. There is no second apron kill shots for MLB. Salaries will continue to climb and GM’s will be forced to give older players too many years/$. Pitchers will continue to drop like flies. You can’t have too many capable starters. There is no rule that will save pitchers from injury, The cat is out of the bag on that one.
And thus the reason i keep posting about the Twins losing to the Rangers in this 4 game set. And Boston losing. Plus the Royals. Huge series against the Red Sox starting tomorrow, we take 2 of 3 and we are 3 clear of them with the tie breaker as well. If we sweep them I think they are done. So basically what I'm saying is I'm looking both ways before I cross the road.
The pull of Houston would be the chance to compete, how they make pitchers better and all of the increased income earning potential that entails. The rest is irrelevant. Crane will have to make a competitive offer. He should.
looking ahead to the redsox series, will o'neil be playing against the astros? i'm assuming yes. if so, that's gonna be a massive difference maker. dude looks like he's on steroids
...so you're telling me that one of (if not THE) worst teams in the league aint even playing the pitching/game-calling guru on a regular basis??? NFW! Anyone else see WTF is wrong with management and why we didn't take it last year?!? Thank FCKNGod that turtle head didnt rear its head in Houston this weekend. All the best to Korey Lee... seems like a legit catcher, but the CWS is a POS org and I'm grateful the Houston Astros have NOTHING to do with the players from or have gone to that ball club. Yo-bruh... need to put that money from that contract back into the Houston economy. I've figured out the Houston Astros season management game plan: pre-All Star break its al Crane's (and wormtongues') decisions on who/how/why to play contract players... post-All Star break, its your ride DB. And I'm not gonna lie-- injuries aside, I am hopeful and ALL-IN on these youngsters breaking out & moving on up.
May 8 Astros 12-24 Aug 18 Astros only 5 back of the AL leaders (4 in the loss column) Astros only 5 1/2 back of the best record in baseball 55-32 record (best in baseball) Most amazingly in the last 87 games, the Astros have not been competitive in only 4 contests.
