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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 10:45:30 GMT -5
First, I expected the Astros to do well this year (picked them to win the WS), but I didn't expect this start... they're crushing it this season. They've already come from behind down 5 runs or more 4 times this year. I'm sure some of y'all saw, but they were down 8-2 in the 8th inning vs the Twins and scored 11 runs in the inning... they added 3 more in the top of the 9th to win 16-8. I know that's only 1 game, but winning a game 16-8 in which you were down 8-2 in the 8th inning vs a good team is just silly... Anyways, that brings me to my next point. As amazing as the Astros lineup is (I think it's easily the best in baseball from top to bottom), their rotation is not good unless they can stay healthy. IF the Astros could somehow make it to the playoffs with a rotation of Keuchel, McCullers, McHugh, Morton and Musgrove, I'd feel great about their chances at a WS. Unfortunately, they're already getting hit by injuries and the chances of any rotation staying healthy an entire year are almost zero. That, mixed with the fact that Fiers has been horrendous and some of their top pitching prospects (Martes and Paulino) are either under performing or aren't ready, makes it pretty clear to me that the Astros will trade for some pitching help. The question is, who do they go after? I would love a guy like Archer, but that's going to cost a fortune... as much as I want a top SP, I don't feel great about dealing Kyle Tucker (although I'm starting to lean in that direction). As a result, I kind of think the Astros should explore some cheaper (in terms of prospects needed to get a deal done) SP who aren't in the same category as Archer or Quintana (although Quintana has looked horrible this year). I really liked the idea of Marco Estrada back when the Jays were a shit show, but it's looking like they may not end up selling at the deadline.
What do y'all think happens? Who do the Astros end up targeting and trading for?
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 10:48:44 GMT -5
On that note, I'm interested in seeing how the Astros handle Derek Fisher. Fisher is absolutely destroying AAA right now and really doesn't have anything left to prove in the minors. With Aoki struggling, Beltran underperforming and more of a DH than LF, and Marisnick set as a 4th OF (not a starter), they could give him a shot in Houston. However, to do so, they'd have to send Marisnick down or waive Aoki. As a result, they could end up using Fisher as a key piece in a deal for a SP. While Fisher has always been a good prospect, you've got to think that his 2017 performances (added in with his good results after being promoted to AAA In 2016), have really boosted his trade value a ton. Maybe they can deal Tucker if they trust Fisher? or alternatively, maybe they deal Fisher since they've got so much OF depth in Houston and in minors?
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 11:31:43 GMT -5
Bring Fisher up and let Aoki go. At least Marisnick provides A+ Defense as the 4th outfielder.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 11:41:07 GMT -5
Totally agree Brandon. Fisher would have to be really bad to be worse than Aoki. With the Astros 21 games over .500 before June even starts, Fisher will be able to come up and play with less pressure. Plus, even if Fisher struggled mightily, the Astros could easily just send him back down to AAA and let Tony Kemp or Teoscar Hernandez come up until he's ready. Teo and Kemp have already shown they can do better than what Aoki is doing (which isn't much). I'd much rather have a younger player with way more upside (Fisher or Teo) in the lineup than a 35 year old light hitting poor defender (Aoki). I definitely agree that Marisnick cannot get sent down though and should remain as the 4th OF - he's such a valuable asset in that role.
The main issue with promoting Fisher is that his value is probably at the highest it could be in regards to a trade. If the Astros are planning to get a top SP and don't want to deal Kyle Tucker (which they've said many times they won't), they're going to have to include someone like Fisher. If Fisher isn't promoted by the end of June, I'll be shocked if he's not dealt before the deadline for a SP. However, if he's promoted, that probably means the Astros don't plan to trade him. Regardless of what happens, it's a tough, but also very good situation for the Astros to be in.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 11:49:38 GMT -5
I think Quintana could happen. He's better than he's pitched I think that'd be a fine pickup. Estrada would be a good pickup for any playoff team if the Jays do end up selling which I agree don't think is likely.
What about Sonny Gray?
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 12:03:20 GMT -5
I like Gray too, but am a bit concerned about him since his horrible year last year and some injury concerns. However, I do think he's a good pitcher with upside. It really depends on what the A's are willing to sell him for. I don't really like the idea of trading top prospects like Tucker, Fisher, etc. for a guy with as many question marks as Gray. If we're flipping top prospects, I want a pitcher we know we can count on (e.g. Archer)
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Post by RaysGM (Paul) on May 31, 2017 12:46:03 GMT -5
I'm gonna throw my 2-cents in and say that Archer is probably off the block right now with the Rays are playing. Their offense has come alive and if the pitching gets a bit steadier they're gonna make some noise too. Dickerson has been out of his mind lately. Granted they're not on par with HOU, but the AL East is gonna be a dog-fight for the whole year.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 12:50:55 GMT -5
That's a good point Paul. Archer was going to be expensive even if the Rays were selling so I think he would probably cost even more if they continue to play like they are. To be honest, I don't envision a scenario in which the Astros get Archer. The cost would be far too high
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 13:15:25 GMT -5
I would pay for Cole from the Pirates. It's going to cost a lot, but that's who I want.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 14:04:13 GMT -5
I would love to have Cole too, but I'm afraid he'd be too expensive. I'm all about acquiring a SP, but I don't think I want to lose Kyle Tucker (and I'm guessing Pirates would require him in a deal). However, if the asking price drops to less than that, then I'm all about it!
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 14:41:03 GMT -5
For a team that has never won the world series, I'll pay anything to have a better shot, including Tucker and Martes (I believe it would take both).
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Post by TigersGM (Stuart) on May 31, 2017 20:47:05 GMT -5
Keep an eye on verlander...I think the tigers will trade some stars..and I'm sure the tigers would love a kyle tucker and martes for him if tigers ate a good chunk of his contract...a rotation of Keuchel, Verlander, Mccullers is a good 1-2-3...any thoughts?
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 21:47:11 GMT -5
I like the idea of Verlander and agree that he would be a good fit for the Astros (if Tigers do sell). However, there is no chance the Astros trade Tucker in a deal for Verlander (especially not Tucker and Martes). Even if the Tigers ate a ton of Verlander's salary, I don't see Tigers getting Tucker.
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Post by TigersGM (Stuart) on May 31, 2017 22:12:33 GMT -5
Maybe not both...but look at what the white sox got for adam eaton of all people...u said martes has been struggling...maybe tucker isnt in the deal, but it all depends on the market. Astros need not to worry about their prospects at this point...They gotta go all in
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 22:22:33 GMT -5
I could totally see Astros moving someone like fisher in a deal for Verlander if they're confident in Tucker. They've also got a lot of OF depth in the minors. Is Verlander under contract through 2018?
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