<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hinch said Velasquez will not start in KC. Will come out of bullpen. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a></p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/624321138034786304">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
His road ERA the past couple of years is in the 3.7 range. He has been very good against the other teams in our division. He isn't really a Price/Cueto type of Ace, but he is certainly a #2/3 type and will make a big impact for us over the next couple of months
Interesting. Certainly has the arm to make a big impact down there With his injury history a little surprised they are going that route though
I'm hoping if there are more moves, it's for 1B, reliever or catcher. Seems like we have the starters we need for a run. Luhnow also needs to make some moves to make room on the 25 man roster, in light of the Kazmir trade and when Lowrie/Springer get back. Wouldn't be surprised to see Singleton or Carter traded for prospects if he can't flip those guys in a trade for quality help down the stretch (again, that would be 1B, catcher or reliever).
I agree those would be the best "fits"....but I believe Luhnow when he said earlier they would continue to look for "talent"....I think if he sees a deal that he thinks improves us somewhere, and it makes sense in what we are giving up, he will be willing to do so. Whether than is in the Pen, 1B, Catcher, OF or even another upgrade in the rotation.
I like this deal for Astros. A's made a good deal for themselves. A's got more expected WAR from deal. Astros improved their playoff odds by about 9% this season. Trade does not likely cost Astros a combined 9% in future playoff odds from the future. Well worth the surcharge for current expected WAR versus future expected WAR
It does, Hopefully Lucroy is on market next offseason. Anyways, everyday catcher will be priority #1 in the offseason. (It should be now) The minor league system is severely lacking at the catcher position. Today's trade made this even more of a priority
Yea I agree, and i'm sure we are looking into what options are available right now also. It's obviously not ideal to change catchers during the season, but if the right deal is there to be made i'm sure Jeff would make it.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We had identified Kazmir as a guy we wanted." - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> GM <a href="https://twitter.com/jluhnow">@jluhnow</a> on today's acquisition of LHP Scott Kazmir. <a href="http://t.co/1aDVsYN8P5">pic.twitter.com/1aDVsYN8P5</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/624338324472266752">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Luhnow on possibly getting another starter: "I'm not ruling it out."</p>— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome/status/624339797084106752">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
i think substantial upgrade in the rotation would be the only reason to acquire another starter. and i think if they went that route, they'd do so betting on themselves being able to re-sign at least one of kaz or the other (price).
Yea McHugh has been very good for a while now. 7 straight starts of 3 earned or less. 4 of last 6 starts 2 earned or less. Safe to say we aren't looking to replace McHugh
Luhnow: We prioritized the guys we thought who would help. He was right at the top of the list. Asked 2 weeks ago, they weren't sure they would move him. I kept calling/texting them. Got to a deal this morning. Why Kazmir? He knows our division, this league, left handed, one of the best pitchers in the AL this year. Homecoming. We pursued 2 years ago and followed him and felt he would be a good fit all along. Any concern with home/road splits? No, this year is aberration. ... He got incredible stuff. He's one of the top LH in the AL, if not the whole game. Another one in the future? We'll keep looking. We got 7 or 8 days. I feel responsible to do everything I can. There may be another move coming. Another rotation move or positional? We'll assess each guy out there. Not ruling anything out. We like the team we have. I'll continue to look.
So...buyers...or sellers market? Love the trade. Too bad about Nottingham, but it's just too awesome to see the Stros as buyers this season....Feels Good man....Feels really good....