<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Phillies">#Phillies</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Astros">#Astros</a> deal will not be complete until Wilton Lopez passes physical. Lopez had an elbow issue in June and Phils checking it out.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/273879583818919936" data-datetime="2012-11-28T20:02:35+00:00">November 28, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A brief injury history: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Wilton Lopez: April '11 - neuritis in pitching elbow; March '12 - forearm tightness; July '12 - elbow tightness</p>— Astros County (@AstrosCounty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AstrosCounty/status/273879149754580992" data-datetime="2012-11-28T20:00:52+00:00">November 28, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Seems like a shrewd move by Jeff Luhnow. Either (a) Lopez checks out fine and he gets two (supposedly good) prospect for a piece that wasn't likely going to be key to the future of the franchise or (b) Lopez fails his physical, giving the Astros plenty of ammunition in arbitration. Win-win, I suppose.
could be wrong, but, if a player gets to the arbitration stage, i don't think injury history is a factor that the panel takes into consideration when determining their figure.
Hmmm, interesting. I'm no expert on baseball arbitration rules or anything, but if Lopez fails his physical NOW, wouldn't an arbitration panel HAVE to take into consideration his CURRENT physical condition?
like i said, i may have been mistaken...just never hear of pre-arbitration physicals. i'd think that if they had a shot at saving money, they would be routine before all hearings, and it wouldn't only be in the special case of a failed trade that the team could use them to their benefit. can you link or paste the list that you are referencing?
Found something better: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=3732 [rquoter]The Collective Bargaining specifically outlines what can and what cannot be brought up by either side's representatives. If evidence is brought up that is not specifically listed in the CBA it is not to be considered by the arbitrators. The following evidence is admissable: 1.The quality of the player's contribution to his club during the past season (including but not limited to his overall performance, special qualities of leadership and public appeal). 2.The length and consistency of his career contribution. 3.The record of the player's past compensation. 4.Comparative baseball salaries (the arbitration panel is provided with a table of confidential baseball salaries for all players broken down by years of service). 5.The existence of any physical or mental defects on the part of the player. 6.The recent performance of the club, including but not limited to his league standing and attendance. The following evidence is inadmissible: 1.The financial position of the player and the club (though player representatives often try to get this information in the back door by presenting attendance information that implies the health of a club's revenue streams). 2.Press comments, testimonials or similar material bearing on the performance of either the player or the club, except for recognized annual player awards for playing excellence. 3.Offers made by either the player or the club prior to arbitration. 4.Cost to the parties of their representatives. 5.Salaries in other sports or occupations. [/rquoter] This is actually from the previous CBA, but I doubt the new one changed that language.
great, thanks. would be pure happenstance even if it changed...i didn't think that based on the new CBA or anything.
I would especially with all the starting pitching depth the Astros have acquired/drafted. Not all of those starters will be able to develop 3-4 above average pitches needed to be a quality or better ML starter but they could still have 1-2 above average pitches needed to be a dominant setup/closer guy. Always sell high on relief pitching if you are rebuilding.
Rumor has it ... Phils trade for Wilton Lopez, then all goes quiet Rumors are Astro's closer Lopez, who had elbow problems this year, failed his physical. Too bad, he has great stats. Rumors also say Valle, Rosenberg, and Schwimer were the minor leaguers headed to Houston.
I'm not big on that package, so wouldn't bother me to lose out on that. Concerned about Lopez's long-term health.
Jason A. Churchill (@ProspectInsider): Sounds like the Philly-Hou deal for RHP Wilton Lopez will fall through due to an elbow issue with Lopez. Cloyde, Valle were headed to Hou
