<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> acquire Scott Kazmir from <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics">@Athletics</a>. Kazmir ranks 4th among AL SP in opponent BA (.213) and 5th in ERA (2.38) this season</p>— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/624267551250468864">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">Scott Kazmir's trade could be worth millions to him. If he had been given a qualifying offer by OAK, draft comp might've chased away teams.</p>— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/624269481200775168">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Chances are as good as dead IMO. Lunhow isn't going to give up any more high level prospects for another rental, and we have a top notch 1-3 in the rotation.
Kazmir is 4-0 with a 0.99 ERA against the Angels, Mariners and Rangers this year. Stros have 25 games left against those teams (and 10 against Oakland),
Spoiler <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome Home <a href="https://twitter.com/scottkazmir19">@scottkazmir19</a>!! We are excited to have you... <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HTownPride?src=hash">#HTownPride</a></p>— Carlos Correa (@TeamCJCorrea) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamCJCorrea/status/624272815777300482">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">Nottingham was likened to former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Athletics?src=hash">#Athletics</a> C Derek Norris (upside offense, questions on D). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a>. As for Megden, view is (cont)</p>— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/624276172415877121">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">not huge upside but will pitch in MLB as either back-end SP or mid-inning reliever <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Athletics?src=hash">#Athletics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a></p>— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/624276261377048578">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">Kazmir is expected to pitch in the Kansas City series.</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/624275911358173189">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">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> also had Jeff Samardzija on their radar, but couldn't afford to wait for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhiteSox?src=hash">#WhiteSox</a> to decide on a course of action.</p>— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/jcrasnick/status/624275652238266368">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">Maybe obvious, but the Astros aren't expected to trade for another SP after getting Kazmir. Reported last week on interest in Ross/Cashner.</p>— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/dennistlin/status/624274657185792001">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">In Dallas Keuchel and Scott Kazmir, the Astros now have two of MLB's best at limiting hard contact: <a href="http://t.co/6ibWUIXRzt">http://t.co/6ibWUIXRzt</a></p>— Zachary D. Rymer (@zachrymer) <a href="https://twitter.com/zachrymer/status/624271337125715968">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">Jeff Luhnow on Scott Kazmir, after negotiations in 13-14 winter: "I kept his phone number because I figured I might need it again someday."</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/624271408990961664">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">If Nottingham & Mengden reach their ceiling: Astros gave up everyday C & 4/5 starter for 2 mos. of Mid-rotation starter. Seller’s market.</p>— Mike Ferrin (@MikeFerrinSXM) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeFerrinSXM/status/624279125218447361">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I don't think they are getting Cole. It is all speculation but I suspect they want to resign Kazmir. What would be REALLY interesting, would be if we some how also got Ross or Kashner. I don't think the Astros are done dealing, but I suspect it will not be for Cole.
Probably would lean towards a 3 year deal... but this evaluation period will be key to that determination.
I like it. Kazmir has been a slightly above average pitcher over his entire career. I don't see him as a game changer but he gives us a chance to win each night with a few runs.
With teams not having to give up a pick to sign him now He will get more offers than if he had stayed with Oakland and became a FA I would think several teams would be willing to offer 4 years especially if he comes here and does well
He's had a strange career... regressed towards the end of his arbitration years, then got hurt and fell off a cliff... then there were those 3 years that he was out of the big leagues all-together. He's currently pitching the "best" he has in his entire career... almost a Keuchel-like career turnaround. The pitcher he is now hardly resembles what he was in Tampa (in a good way).
I'd be inclined to let him walk; use him up, spit 'em out. I've totally bought into this idea of yearly two-month rentals, if needed. They still have 2 or 3 guys (plus VV and LMJr) who could really elevate this pitching staff the next 1-3 years with no external tampering. Even if Kazmir is lights out, I think I'd rather have the draft pick compensation and re-evaluate July pitching needs next July, ya know?
In fairness to him he has been a game changer this season. He has allowed 1 or less runs in over half his starts... that is huge. The top of our rotation is very good.... they have a cumulative era of like 2.40
Kazmir has had some injury scares this season. He left a game in late May with shoulder tightness that led to an MRI. Also left a game earlier this month with tricep tightness that was reportedly just a cramp. The shoulder scares me. Results this season are impressive though and I'm sure Luhnow wouldn't trade for him unless he had a current clean bill of health.
3 years + a team option 4th is what I would do.... but even with his 3 year hiatus from baseball, he'll be turning 37 the year of that "4th" year of the contract, and has had previous arm trouble.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kazmir: “I grew up being an Astros fan, watching Bagwell, Biggio, all those Killer B’s when I was a kid. It’s pretty special to come back.”</p>— Brian McTaggart ⚾️ (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/624282774514585602">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">When asked about Astros making playoffs, Kazmir said: "I think so. We have every tool you can imagine."</p>— Brian McTaggart ⚾️ (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/624282992224141313">July 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
You are probably right... but I also think that he will want to stay in Houston and will within reason work out a deal.
