It’s all a risk. You just don’t know but if they weren’t going stay pat a TOR guy was going to be in the same neighborhood anyway. “Maybe” less risk but that FA could go down too. You got a guy in house that can be the same risk but is already all in and is a red ass dog. Not my money so I’ll take it.
With the 7 starting pitchers we now have on our roster, how do you think we employ them? Javier stuck in the pen? Odorizzi long relief?
Carlos Correa I think would be impressed by Verlander resigning, but he is still waiting for his money and years from the Astros.
It also keeps the sense of urgency/hunger there for contention. Could easily have been somewhat of a transition year (while still contending) but possibly without any real vocal clubhouse presence if Correa also went. We know Verlander is as intense as anybody in that clubhouse. He was the true vocal leader for the entire 2017 playoff run. Carlos took the mantle after the scandal and its never a bad thing to have one too many alphas keeping everybody in check.
We have 7 guys, one will be traded, one will be a reliever or enter spring as the 6th SP in case somebody gets hurt.
Justin Verlander is going to lead and teach especially Hunter Brown and Forrest Whitley. 2 Power Pitchers that just need a Mentor. Hunter Brown is a huge Tigers Fan, Justin Verlander Fan growing up, Hunter delivery looks like Justin. The whole year I was thinking about Hunter and Forrest learning from Justin, Thankfully these Rookies will learn from Justin. James Click is very high on Hunter Brown and Forrest Whitley.
Not sure what they do with the rest, but Javier has to be a starter. It was clear he needed a routine with plenty of rest in between appearances. He may not be able to go 6 or 7 effective, but he needs to pitch on a schedule. And then in the playoffs, with all the off days, they can unleash him as they did in the playoffs this year... until he gave up runs the last two appearances (likely with a touch of over-use setting in).
It may be more likely that Odorizzi is released if we go that route. Unless the FO thinks we have another graduating SP ready.
I agree he was more effective as a starter than a bullpen piece. Id be happy if we started using more guys for 3-4 innings a piece too. Other than Verlander, the other guys might benefit from this longterm.
It was unlikely the Astros were going to resign Correa, but I think it probably just got a little less likely.
It happens when the player absolutely sucks. Odorizzi may not have have been TOR calibre, but he was an effective 4/5 pitcher.
0.7 WAR for the AL Champs is worthy of cutting loose when our other options are considered. But of course they will attempt a trade prior to that.
I'm trying to move Javier or Urquidy in a trade for one of the Marlins pitchers. Preferably Alcantara Javier/Leon/McCormick/Barefoot/Jones for Alcantara.
