Blackie Sherrod of the Dallas Morning News used to share his scattershots in his weekend column years ago. When I was in radio, there was something called Open Mike Friday.
Then, several years ago, while at the Chronicle (don’t spit, please), I introduced the Free Blog Weekend. It was designed to start a conversation, which is all that Dan and I have sought to do for…yes, the past 12 years! Has it been that long? Really? Yep.
And the Free Blog Weekend lives on. Today, I’ll start the conversation, then you can run off on any tangent, down any baseball alley, out on any ledge and deep dive into the left field stands.
So let’s get started. Earlier this week, I submitted a subject that isn’t so easy to think about. Can the Astros hang onto to their core over the next few years while salaries skyrocket into arbitration and free agency?
Today, though — with four starters, including the league ace, on the disabled list — Jeff Luhnow is now wringing his hands over which of his young, potential, up-and-coming stars he may have to part with to bring in another starter for the second half.
The Astros still have a strong farm system, but it’s clear the years of high first round choices is in the past. The situation is reversed from previous years. Instead of selling off the major league talent to add to the minor league mix, Luhnow is now faced with the likelihood of selling off some of the top minor league talent to fill holes on the major league roster.
It’s an excruciatingly painful, yet probably necessary, process that many contenders go through. How Luhnow navigates that road, though, may determine how the organization heads into the next decade.
Francis Martes, Kyle Tucker, David Paulino, Derek Fisher, not to mention Alex Bregman and others have been, and will be, part of any discussions with teams potentially giving up top-of-the-rotation starters.
And, a few other thoughts…
- The Astros will have 100 games left after tonight. If I would have told you 61 games ago that, on June 9, Marwin Gonzalez would lead the team in OBP (.409) and OPS (1.044), that George Springer would be far-and-away the HR leader (16), that three starters would have 4+ ERAs, that Dallas Keuchel had been on the DL twice, and that Dayan Diaz, Brad Peacock and David Paulino had each started games, what conclusion would you have reached?
- This team clearly has some bright spots in its pitching department. But, make no mistake, this is a hitters’ club. Much like Thursday, the hitters can carry the club when pitchers have bad games or end up on the DL. A 4-0 record in extra innings and 9-4 mark in one-run games, plus 13-3 in blowout games (games decided by 5+ runs) point to a strong hitting team. On any given night, from any point in the order, and perhaps from the end of the bench, Houston can win a game in the last at bat. Frankly, it’s hard for A.J. Hinch to do wrong with this lineup.
So, a few questions to light the fire and whet your whistle.
- Which of the leading prospects, including Bregman, should be off-limits for Luhnow in trade discussions?
- The Astros have already seen issues this season. Keuchel to the DL twice, Correa and others not starting off gangbusters and unexpected players stepping up. What one or two things might sink the ship or might be difficult to overcome?
- Who should get the most credit for the start to the season: Jim Crane, Jeff Luhnow, A.J. Hinch?
- And, a fun question: Assuming they are healthy, how many Astros — and which ones — will be on the All Star team?
ALL THINGS ASTROS 
226 responses to “FREE BLOG WEEKEND: Gulp, Luhnow may have to pay the piper soon”
Since it is Free-Blog Weekend, I’ll start with what I expect to be an unpopular position. I want Jim Crane and his investor group to make money – a LOT of money – a BOATLOAD of money. I want the experience of owning the Astros franchise to be the most profitable venture in which they – or anybody involved with Houston sports – have ever engaged. I want them to enjoy being the owners. I want them to revel in it. I want them to stay around a long time, and stay involved, stay visible, and become pillars in the community. I want them to build the Astros into a model franchise – the envy of other franchise owners. I want them to have plenty of money to pay guys like Altuve, Correa, Springer, and McCullers to stick around. I want them to have plenty of money to keep improving Minute Maid park, and to find new, innovative ways to increase the family entertainment quality of the ‘take me out to the ballgame’ experience. I want them to spend money wisely – in ways that make them even more money. I want them to have excellent personnel throughout the organization – to the PR people, the TV and radio people, to the numbers crunchers, tech gurus, and stadium vendors. In short, I want them to establish, wisely fund, and thoroughly enjoy, a dynasty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Free Blog Weekend thoughts…..
1) The Astros still do not have to make a trade….yet. They are still 13 games up on the division. They still have the best record in the AL by 7 games. They are 4 up in all of baseball – but that does not matter because home field in the WS is based on the All Star Game (which is a subject for another rant). I still believe they should wait it out a bit, because there should be more trading partners, more teams interested in trading a pitcher a few weeks on. Eventually they will need to make a trade, but they may know better towards the end of June whether they need to go get a TOR (if for instance Keuchel’s neck problems worsen) or get a MOR (if Morton and/or McHugh are not coming back). Until we figure out what we need to pursue – I don’t want to think about who may go from the minors.
2) To me, pitching as a whole is the potential problem. Having fill-ins at 3 or 4 spots in the rotation not only means there may be worse starting pitching performance, but in addition, it can really wear out a bullpen. My fears relative to pitching:
a) Injuries continue to hit the starters
b) The bullpen becomes a bit ragged and less effective from over-use
c) Ken Giles tends to implode at inopportune times (let’s face it any time a closer implodes it is an inopportune time). This can be OK if it is like every 9th or 10th appearance, but if he goes on a jag of blowing a few in a row, that can kill the team’s momentum
d) They really need a reliable lefty in the bullpen – as much in the playoffs as today.
3) The credit for the start of the season…..
a) 60% Luhnow for picking the right time to bring in a veteran presence and for picking the right veterans
b) 30% Hinch for doing a good job mixing and matching what he has
c) 10% Crane for not standing in the way of Luhnow and for doing what bopert said he would never do
4) All Stars – Altuve and Correa should be voted in. Keuchel and Springer should be added to the roster. McCullers and MarGo have lesser shots – but they have shots.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan,
Home field advantage is no longer determined by the All-Star game. That caveat was removed in the latest CBA. Home field advantage now goes to the team with the best record.
LikeLike
Thanks – missed that and actually glad it has changed – it was a goofy way to determine it
LikeLike
I am going a bit off topic, but I was wondering, Dan and Chip, if you hear from Brian any more. How is he doing? I miss him here at Chipalatta and enjoyed reading his thoughts and opinions. He and I tended to agree more often than not so it’s no wonder that I miss him. 🙂
LikeLike
No, Tim and I had tried to email him a couple times. I know he had been busy writing a book – but never heard anything beyond that.
LikeLike
Just to get off the pain for a while, read Cort McMurray’s reminder, first page Star section, that “there’s plenty of time for our talented Astros to screw this up,” especially since they have a long history of breaking our hearts. They were, after all,
the first team in the history of baseball to have a game played in a domed stadium be canceled on account of rain. The first third of the 2017 season has been magical, he says, but so was the first third of the Titanic’s maiden voyage. As Joaquin Andujar once told a reporter, “My favorite English word is ‘youneverknow.’” My personal take on that is that with the ‘Stros, you probably do know but you can always pretend you do not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our Houston teams are pretty good at that stuff. Oilers up 35 – 3 in the third quarter against a Buffalo club using their backup quarterback. That’s the worst of many collapses over the years.
I don’t see our 2017 Astro club falling apart. Too much talent and too much veteran leadership. But, it’s possible if the pitching situation continues to worsen. Tim, are the Astros back on the Vegas board with Keuchel going on the DL again?
LikeLike
Nope.
LikeLike
• Which of the leading prospects, including Bregman, should be off-limits for Luhnow in trade discussions?
For me only Tucker is off limits
• The Astros have already seen issues this season. Keuchel to the DL twice, Correa and others not starting off gangbusters and unexpected players stepping up. What one or two things might sink the ship or might be difficult to overcome?
Major injury to Altuve, Springer, or CC
• Who should get the most credit for the start to the season: Jim Crain, Jeff Luhnow, A.J. Hinch?
60 % Uncle Jeff for having the vision that Honestly I doubted for 3 years
40% Hinch for knowing how to relate to his players and keep it professional but still have fun.
Jim Crain honorable mention for continuing to upgrade MM and hiring Reed Ryan.
• And, a fun question: Assuming they are healthy, how many Astros — and which ones — will be on the All Star team?
Voted in Altuve, CC, DK
Added Springer, Margo, LMJ, and McCann
LikeLike
Dan, I’ve got to figure that Luhnow is spending most of everyday right now talking to people about pitching. He won’t let himself get screwed as long as the club keeps a comfortable lead, but I do think he’d make a move tomorrow if he thought it was a good one.
I’m probably a bit different than everyone else here, but I’d let any guy in the minors go for the right deal except for Paulino. I think as he fills out a bit, we’ll see more velocity and better control. Martes at 21 is already working on a gut. I worry about guys getting fat at that age. If we lose Tucker or Fisher, it does not hurt us right now unless our solid outfield also gets hit with an injury bug. That’s a chance I’m willing to take. Odds are that Luhnow will not move both Fisher and Teoscar so we’d still have a guy on stand by. Let’s face it, any deal for pitching is going to hurt.
But I still am not willing to part with Bregman. I think he’s going to be a heck of a hitter and he’ll start proving it this year. He’s also a legitimate starter at both short and second.
Losing McCullers right now would spring a pretty big leak. I’m not saying it would sink the ship, but that would immediately force Luhnow to do something drastic. From an offensive standpoint, we can lose a guy or two and still get it done, but I would not like to lose Altuve or Correa or Springer for any extended length of time.
I give Crane credit for staying in the background. Luhnow gets most of my credit now just as I was always quick to dog him. Hinch has kept these guys on an even keel, but heck, they have produced and made his job pretty easy. Let’s see how he weathers this present storm.
Altuve and Keuchel go to the All Star game as automatics. Correa should get added and Springer might too.
LikeLike
I just don’t see how the Astros will be able to keep all of their young stars. They need to lock up some of them and that is for Luhnow to decide which ones.
Looking at this problem, it’s the GM who got us to this point, it is up to him to get us over the hump and win a championship. Then, once we have reached the top of the mountain, it’s up to him to figure out how to keep the team there.
I know one thing, No other team out there has anyone in their minor league system like Derek Fisher. He is the most productive prospect playing in the highest level of competition
Nobody has two guys like Tucker and Fisher producing at their levels. Nobody!
Very few have the number of top pitchers in the minors as the Astros do. I’m including Martes in that discussion.
LikeLike
After midnight I commented on the previous post that Framber Valdez had been promoted to Corpus Christi and is their starting pitcher tonight. Valdez is older than Martes, Franklin or Cionel Perez, Paulino, Whitley, Deetz or Alcala. He’s moving up fast.
LikeLike
As a guy who has spent so much time looking at the Astros prospects the last few years, how do I feel about the Astros going with a rotation of LMJ, Peacock, Musgrove, Paulino and Martes until Keuchel and Morton are ready? I feel fine about it if they let the young guys throw 95-100 pitches and get stretched out if the Astros are ahead or tied. This business of pulling pitchers after five innings is for the birds.
That’s why the bullpen is exhausted. they also have Fiers to fall back on if they need some innings.
With a 13 game lead and one of the best offenses in baseball let’s let the young guys get their innings.
LikeLike
They also have Brian McCann heading out to the mound to calm guys down when it gets a little dicey. No better time than now to learn on the job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve spent the last half hour studying pitchers and I have concluded that if the Astros had to go after a stud starter, Becky is correct. Chris Archer is the guy. I just don’t know if we should pay what they want for him.
But I think he is the guy, if we are going to go after an ace.
Just not sure Luhnow wants to deal the farm, and I’m not sure I would want to either. To me, the big question is: Does Luhnow believe that Martes is a TOR guy in the future. That determines whether to pull the trigger for me. He has all kinds of guys and data giving him feedback and info on Martes. And he has at least six years of control over Martes at very affordable prices.
LikeLike
Here’s a hypothetical for you – is there anyone the Astros can acquire who you would place above Keuchel or LMJ in the playoff rotation? At this time I believe the answer is an empty list. As such, I’d only pay the high price if we expect Keuchel or LMJ to not be healthy in September/October. I feel better about our prospects pitching 5-6 innings per game than many of the guys we could acquire.
Gerrit Cole’s potential to return to that form intrigues me. Despite the injuries, I still think a true left-handed specialist is the real need. As to Giles, as long as they don’t bring him in during the 8th inning and let him start the 9th inning clean I feel pretty good about him. Anytime else I’m expecting poor results…but that’s why we have Devenski in the bullpen.
LikeLike
I don’t believe your question relates properly to the subject. Would Archer be rated above 2016’s Keuchel or LMJ? Does he rate higher than Keuchel does when Keuchel is on the DL.
The question is: does adding Archer to the rotation give you a huge boost in your quest to win your division, keep your other pitchers properly rested, and give you a great threesome to go into the world series with. Does he do the same for you next year? Does he do the same for you in 2019, when you probably won’t have Keuchel because he is a free agent.
Does having another TOR guy on your team help you out a ton if one of your other TOR guys goes on the DL? With all the pitching the Cubs had last year, they still needed every bit of it to eke out a game 7 win. With all the pitching the Indians had, they could not eke out a game 7 win, because a couple of their top pitchers were hurt.
LikeLike
Probably true. I was trying to infer LMJ and Keuchel be considered healthy in the hypothetical. I like Archer as a long term player who could be acquired. Who else do you have on the radar?
LikeLike
Despite his struggles this year I still would not mind having Quintana, depending on the cost. His K/9 is higher than it has been in any prior year. What is hurting Quintana is the BB/9 is up substantially from years past and he is giving up the HR ball a bit more. However, I don’t think his stuff is regressing based upon his 9.17 K/9 so far this year. If we can get him without including Musgrove, Bregman or KTuck I’d still be very interested. He is controllable for 3 more years past 2017 and is left-handed. Now, I agree with OP and Becky that I would prefer Archer over the names rumored to be Astros targets, but I just have my doubts that T.B. will trade him. With Kevin Kiermaier out for, at least, the next 2 months the Rays will probably fade in the playoff race so maybe T.B. reconsiders an Archer trade if we counter with Martes, KTuck, Paulino and some other high level prospects. I am just spit-balling here, but you never know.
LikeLike
I’m intrigued with Gerrit Cole. Of course he may not be available but I’ve heard rumors the Pirates may listen to offers.
I’m sure it would take a kings ransom to get it done though.
At this point I’d be willing to let anyone go other than Bergman.
LikeLike
I go after Archer. If the price is Tucker and Martes, so be it. Tucker and Paulino. So be it.
If not now, when? You know what Archer. He is a hard thrower that is the kind of Smoltz to Keuchel’s Maddux. And LMJ is also a good playoff pitcher. Every move enchances your chances at winning the big one. You know you are going to the dance. Noone else in the division is going to challenge, even if Keuchel doesn’t make it back. We are the best team in baseball playing in arguably the weakest division.
Strike. The iron is hot. You know Archer. You don’t know Tucker or Paulino or Martes. The graveyard is littered with a myriad of “once great prospects.” Heck we have a few of them right here in our system still.
If not now, when? (Sorry for plagerism but Theo was right.)
Get crazy, go after Cole AND Archer. Empty out the farm. Get that ring, sometime in the next 3 seasons – or maybe multiple ones! Now is the window.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was reported back in January of this year.
“”(Astros GM Jeff) Luhnow went to Tampa, from what I’m told, and said, ‘Alright, this is what we’ll give you for Chris Archer,’” Gammons said. “‘We’ll give you (No. 2 prospect, outfielder Kyle Tucker), we’ll give you (Francis Martes, their top pitching prospect), we’ll give you David Paulino,’ who’s their second-best pitching prospect, ‘(and we’ll) give you two more prospects for Archer.’
“And Tampa Bay, which kinda surprised me, said, ‘Nope, we need more than that if we’re gonna trade Chris Archer.’”
If true, we need to drill for black gold in another place.
LikeLike
Name your price and DO IT!
LikeLike
Back to answer the questions:
Who is off limits? No one provided you get more than you give.
Sink the ship? I don’t believe at this point that one or two will sink the ship. But right now we are looking at LMJ and a Band of Sisters for starting pitchers.
All Stars: I think there is a 34 man roster with all 15 teams placing at least one on that list. We are guaranteed one, so a total of 3. DK if healthy. LMJ if DK is not. Then CC and ‘Tuve. We might get one more if (example only) McCann replaces Perez at catcher due to injury.
LikeLike
Finally, did anyone look at the box score from last night. The Astros were 1-hit, except for Springer.
LikeLike
Is that why Springer is not in the lineup tonight?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Josh Hader just brought up to be in the Brewer’s bullpen. Has not been that great at AAA, but their AAA is at elevation in Colorado Springs. Well it is OK, we don’t need left handed bull pen help….oh wait.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Don’t talk to me about Josh Hader…..I’m still fuming over THAT idiotic trade.
Jim Crane just got married again (3 or 4th time)….so he’s been preoccupied with love ,but I’m glad he’s stayed rather quiet and let Luhnow spend the money last winter!
My all stars:
Atuve
Correa
Springer (maybe a sub)
Keuchel
Devenski
Who is not on my trade list- *Bregman
“If” by chance these guys are playing like they are, AND it looks like they can climb that mountain…….you give up the players Tampa wants for Archer. PERIOD!!
I’m a gambler, and if getting a PREMIER pitcher like Chris Archer to start the second or third WS game……no brainer! This might just be *the* year for our guys……I’d be physically sick if Luhnow passed up the opportunity to get a pitcher like him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree
LikeLike
By the way…hey Chip glad to see you back! I’m still praying for your Dad🙏
LikeLike
Peacock has turned back into a toad……memories of his 2014 self.
Bullpen…..you are going to get hammered again tonight. JEEZE.
LikeLike
Old school Peacock on the mound, I see
LikeLike
No way is Martes ready, except maybe ready for dinner. Not a good sign for him to look like Prince Fielder at his age.
LikeLike
Forty thousand people show up to watch their team suck.
LikeLike
I was one of those fans last night and came away disappointed in a lot of things, not the least of which was the apparent attitude of Jose Altuve who for the most part put on a poor man’s imitation of Robinson Cano like nonchalance. On both double plays that Pujols hit into Jose made a lolly pop throw to first on a non-hustling Pujols. At least he didn’t almost air mail it into the stands like he did on a similar gift DP by Adrian Beltre last Sunday. His at bat in the third inning when he struck out on three straight sliders that even he couldn’t have hit with an ironing board was pathetic. Even tossing the ball around in the infield he looks like he’s going through the motions. Over 40,000 people wanted to adore Jose but he continues to disappoint at home. Frankly I think that’s inexcusable at this level. I appreciate his road prowess but he owes a better effort to his home fans.
As for Peacock, from where I was sitting and by following on Gameday he was getting squeezed early. Apparently his stuff, especially his slider, wasn’t sharp as he got a lot of foul balls when he was in the strike zone instead of punch outs. I’m looking for a bounce back effort in his next start.
I was a bit alarmed at how round Martes is. Perhaps that’s of no consequence but first impressions are lasting impressions and I was pretty underwhelmed by his performance. Perhaps his work at Fresno this year is no fluke.
It was great to see Marwin back in the swing of things and Bregman is progressing nicely albeit a bit slower than I would like. Derek Fisher in left field instead of Aoki is intriguing me more every day. Nori is not walking all that much and can’t hit the ball hard enough to break glass. His quest for his 2000th combined hit seems likely to end sometime in late July.
In spite of this rant I love this team but worry that we might get complacent. Jose, you need to get your act together at home. The fans deserve it. Now I’ll go don my flame retardant suit and go watch my grandson play a double header today.
LikeLike
As I have noted on numerous occasions, I am an apologist for Altuve. From the TV, on the DP with Pujols, he glanced at him going to first and he was not 1/2 way there. He saw no reason to fire the ball, and just made sure it got there before Pujols.
As to the swings, Blummer said “he is not seeing the ball out of his hand.” That was as awful as a majorleaguer can look on a swing or three.
Peacock was not getting the chase on his breaking ball. It also was a 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock pitch. So they were just sitting on his fastball. (I could make this statement about 1/2 of the current pitchers – I am tired of 1-0 and 2-0 counts to so many batters.)
I know you can see more at the park that we can on TV, but Aoki appears to have one strength and that is making pitchers work. I can see why the Mariners chose to go in a more conventional outfield direction. Didn’t mean this as an argument, as I agree on most of what you are saying.
LikeLike
On Star Wars night the Astros apparently boarded the mother ship and time traveled back to the year 2014.
LikeLiked by 2 people
At least Darth Vader grounded into two double plays.
LikeLike
Just a question for somebody to inform me. In Joe Holley’s column this morning he talks about the Pecos League and the Alpine Cowboys, where players currently get paid between $50 and $100 a week. He featured one particular player, which I won’t go into here. Do the Astros regularly scout such teams and what are the chances of picking up someone to help us out? I recognize this as an amateur inquiry, just indulge me if you will.
LikeLike
The player you talked about was scouted when he was in college. If somebody who is trustworthy calls somebody they know in an MLB front office with pertinent new info on this player, a scout will check it out.
LikeLike
Thank you op.
LikeLike
Everyone seems surprised that Martes is a pork chop. That’s why I’d much rather hold on to Paulino when trading for a solid starter. And let’s do it before Francis puts on too much weight with his new ML food per diem.
I don’t like those Atuve lobs over to first. This is a new thing from Jose. What’s with that? No need to gun the ball, but make a crisp throw every time. It’s easier for the receiver to catch.
What a lethargic effort last night. I’ll exclude Marwin. He looks ready to play every time he gets the chance. Gov, where are you? If this keeps up, I might come around to your way of thinking on bringing Fisher up.
Speaking of Aoki, he got up with the bases loaded and nobody out early in the game. It was a great opportunity to get to a pitcher who could not find the plate. Aoki promptly swung at the first offering, a pitch in the dirt. We were lucky it was not a double play. Then we had Bregman get caught rounding third. A very rookie base running play by a guy who is smarter. We got two runs out of that inning, but it was a real opportunity to take over the game missed. All down hill from there.
Minute Maid could have been rocking last night. McCullers is our stopper right now, but do any of us feel confident when our other options are starting right now? It’s the kind of thing that will also make our hitters press.
Tim, way to early to panic, but if losing three out of four becomes nine of twelve and someone else gets hot, we can come back to the pack.
LikeLiked by 1 person
On the flip side, Bartolo Colon has hung around for quite a few years and was dominant for several.
Altuve has been lobbing throws most of the season. It’s not a Pujols thing.
LikeLike
Martes looks like he ATE Bartolo Colon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anyone surprised by Martes’s body type needs to delve into Astros prospects more.
The team was exhausted after getting in at the wee hours of the morning.
Altuve let up on his throws on the double plays because Pujols does not run out ground balls.
Peacock was never comfortable throwing off the MMP mound from the very first pitch. He was pulling his fast ball to the left and was having to shove out of his delivery to make the ball go to the right. He never could get his curve to break properly so it was a meatball.
Martes was OK. His outing reminded me of Feliz’s first outing of 2016, when he was rushed into the game against the Yankees when McHugh had given up six runs in the 1st inning. The train was already out of control before Martes was handed the ball.
McCann looked horrible behind the plate last night. He tried, but he looked wiped out
Shoemaker was the opposite of Peacock. From the moment he had Altuve ground into the DP in the first, he knew he had the Astros’ number. He knew he had good stuff and the Astros that showed up were not the first place Astros.
The Astros are 43-19
LikeLike
what a bummer 40,000 fans and all us watched that no effort game.
* peacock will always be peacock, good one night sucks the next,that’s who he is.
* Martes Baby Colon Yikes
* Altuve needs to wear the grey uniform at home., the difference in his Avg. home and away is nuts
* Our pitching besides LMJ is a bit scary right now, this could get very interesting next few weeks
we are a tough fighting scrapping machine on the road , we get home we look like 2013 Astros. Maybe they should make them sleep in a hotel when home
LikeLiked by 2 people
Kevin, I actually cringed a little when they moved Peacock to the rotation. He was doing quite well in the relief role and you hate to stop that momentum he’d built. Obviously, it was necessary, but wonder if he’s more “built” for that relief role.
~~”Our pitching besides LMG is a bit scary…”. Precisely, and that is why I wonder if Luhnow won’t be doing a little early “deadline” shopping and pull the trigger more quickly than he’d previously expected. If Keuchel has neck issues — not trying to be a downer here — but that could be like an oblique injury that hangs around all year.
The fact that Martes is here may be Luhnow taking a look to gauge his long-term impact as a pitcher. It puts him in the clubhouse to also gauge temperament, commitment to things like weight (that people have discussed), response to solid coaching efforts, as well as performance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You could be correct Chip I like Peacock maybe 3 or 4 outs is a good place for him.. The same with Martes, see what the guy is really all about it , is he a keeper or pray he does OK and a trade piece. Always good to hear from you Chip and great topic.
LikeLike
Who is this dude wearing Mike Fiers’s uniform?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Credit where it’s due. Mike Fiers was outstanding today.
Giles makes me want to hide my eyes and pray while holding my breath.
LikeLike
Me too! I never had the confidence that we were going to win that game until he got the call on that last low fastball. I am worn out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anybody still want to DFA Fiers? I believe that is 3 straight starts without giving up a HR. McCullers helped him with his curveball and he looks like an entirely different pitcher. It could not come at a more opportune time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You can DFA me for wanting to DFA Fiers…….
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nah…you wouldn’t clear waivers
LikeLiked by 1 person
That Fiers win yesterday saved us two games in the standings assuming we don’t come back and win today..
LikeLike
All these guys get here because they are capable of short spurt success.
I’ve always been in Fiers corner. I certainly don’t want to DFA him, but reality is he is what he is. He 6 inninged his way to a decent season his last full year in Milwaukee, but he should not be in anyone’s rotation full time if said team plans on contending. He is capable of spot starting, but if everyone is healthy and in, he is the 6th, maybe 7th option. Same with Peacock.
What is fortunate is that for once the Astros have 6th and 7th options in the rotation that can handle some games and give you a chance to win. Even the 04 and 05 Astros with the three ace system struggled with depth and fortunately stayed healthy.
LikeLike
Concerning adding a starter at a reasonable??? price. First, all other GMs need to keep fans coming to the ball park, if possible. They don’t want to throw in the towel. So let me use the Wild Card Standings as a benchmark of who “is already out of the race.”
Phillies are 14 games out. Do you want to rent Hellickson?
Padres are 12.5 out. Do you want Clayton Richard at 34? Do you want Jhoulys Chacin?
Giants are 12 out. Do you want Jeff Samardzija and pay $20 million next 3 years? Do you Johnny Cueto and pay him $20 million for 5 years?
Pirates are 10 out? Do you want Garrit Cole or Ivan Nova and 2 years at $9 million.
Mets are 9 out but the starters have higher WHIPs than most of our starters.
Marlins and Braves are 8.5 games out. Do you want Edinson Volquez and his $13 million next year? Do you want Straily again? On the Braves, do you want Folty or rent Jaime Garcia?
We know the Rangers, A’s, Angels and Cardinals will not help Luhnow. The Rays are in the thick of the Wild Card,
So the only play TODAY is a #3 or lower. So many of the starting pitchers on these teams have a negative WAR for obvious reasons. We currently have better pitchers than what they could provide.
My final point for consideration. It is June 10,2016 (last year). The Astros are 29-33. Astros are in 3rd place in the West and 9 games out.
You just read that Luhnow traded Dallas Keuchel for 4 prospects.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hell no, Hellickson.
Rather Clayton Moore than Clayton Richard.
No cha ching to Chachin.
Smartcha may not be too smart, but some of his peripherals look good.
Cueto would be bueno, until he doesn’t option out. Big Gamble!
Cole has very cold stats and spends time on the in the DL cooler.
Mets starters are too young to trade, except for the guy they don’t like any more.
Volquez? Maybe to only pitch against Odor.
Straily is happy elsewhere. Folty doesn’t want to be here.
I’ll trust Luhnow. Unless he wants to trade for Scott Kazmir or give Tony Sipp an extension.
LikeLike
If you dig a little deeper at Clayton Richard’s numbers there is something to like about him. He’s a heavy groundball pitcher and his current numbers would indicate a positive regression for the remainder of this year. Now, he would be a rental so I wouldn’t pay a big price for him, but he looks like a poor man’s Dallas Keuchel and with the shifting the Astros do he could provide some value as a BORP for the rest of the season, depending on the cost.
LikeLike
How hard does a ground ball single have to be hit in order to handcuff Andrelton Simmons.
On the other hand, Carlos, will you stop trying to stab grounders off to the side of you. Your error could have really hurt today. Getting in front of the ball is taught to three year olds and you have been playing the ball off to your glove side a lot lately.
I still love you, Carlos, but you had a rough time today, until that shot past Simmons.
LikeLike
You know, both Correa and Altuve seem to have regressed defensively somewhat. Both were sound as far as fundamentals go. I hate to use this word, but our guys at short and second are looking a bit cocky out there right now. This is something that Hinch needs to fix before it becomes a regular habit. Play your ground balls the correct way. Make crisp throws every time. Play the game the way you were taught.
LikeLike
Good win…..they needed that. Fires owes a lot to McCullers for showing him a new pitch. We need another pitcher.
LikeLike
Seattle lost late and the AL West lead is back up to 13 games.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while , here is a toast that Fires finds a couple more nuts until everyone gest healthy an back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe not Kevin. He’s pitched very well in each of his last three starts. Maybe he actually took that wake up call seriously. If our fifth starter can continue giving us games like that, he’s not going back to the pen.
LikeLike
Dan P has been on a bit of an Astros staycation with family matters and I have not watched the last two games in a row – something I have not done all year.
So not having watched anything for a couple days – i feel like I’m an expert on giving my opinion on everything.
– Fiers is the latest Astro to give them a boost me up when they really needed it in a start. Last night was important to the team – as important as Peacock’s one hit spot start that stopped their 3 game losing streak a few weeks ago. They really needed to get somebody deep in the game.
– I’m torn on Peacock. I did not expect him to be as good starting as he was relieving. But the team cannot sustain 3 inning outings from its starters, even its spot starters. In the starts I did see him make he looked very sharp, but obviously was not that Friday. He probably stays in the rotation until Keuchel returns and then he, rather than Fiers may be headed back to assist the bullpen.
– I like when I hear that veterans are not too proud to learn from the younger folks. We heard that Peacock had improved his slider from Jordan Jankowski and now we hear that Fiers improved his curve talking to LMJ (who has a Daryl Kile-like devastating 12-6 curve). Good guy to pick up from Mike.
– I’m a little concerned about our two best everyday players (Altuve and Correa) nonchalanting it in the field. Guys you are the leaders on this team – if you can’t give it your all – take a day off.
– Would the Astros be better served chasing a shut down closer than a TOR starter??
– Diane – interesting question about the Alpine minor league team. I know the major league teams regularly scout the Independent league that the Skeeters play in because the quality is probably around AA and there have been folks picked out of there (e.g. Kazmir) for another shot or first shot at the majors. Alpine sounds like a D league or below – so just no idea if they would send scout there – I guess if they got a true lead on something extraordinary they might.
– I think the Astros best course of action is to not make a trade until there are more / different teams looking to 2018. I think more available pitchers is a good thing when trying to keep the buying price reasonable. I think KTuck is the one guy I don’t want to trade from the minors; Bregman from the majors.
LikeLike
It’s not a question of whether those teams are scouted, but rather how much the scouts seeing those players can influence big league clubs to bring the guys in for a look.
LikeLike
Dan, I believe the story said they make an issue of character out there in Alpine, which you would pretty much need some of to play for $50 to $100 a week. The player featured happened to be a hitter who longs to play for the Astros but I kept thinking there might be an unnoticed pitcher. You may say that I’m a dreamer.
LikeLike
You never know what can happen – players come from all sorts of places and roads – I love it when these stories come true.
LikeLike
Me too. It’s one of the reasons why I love Evan Gattis. Well, that, and the fact we look similar lol. But seriously though his backstory is fascinating.
LikeLike
BC, see if you can get a photo of you, McCann and Gattis. Sort of an heavier version of 3/4ths of Mt Rushmore.
LikeLike
Love it astrocolt45 . Maybe someone with good photoshop skills can take a pic off my facebook profile and make it happen
https://m.facebook.com/billy.castillo.90?ref=m_notif¬if_t=tagged_with_story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Billy C – You are kind of like McCann with a Keuchel beard…
LikeLike
Lol Dan…I’ve since shaved…went a year and a half!
LikeLike
No Correa….Marwin will play short this afternoon .
LikeLike
I’ve gotten so used to him at first thst I keep forgetting short is his natural position
LikeLike
WHY???? DO YOU PITCH TO HIM ????
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can pitch to him but you can’t put one straight and smack down the middle waist high. You might as well set it on a tee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Incredible that he has 56 homers off this club. Plenty of good Astro pitchers have served them up to Albert.
At first glance, I like Paulino over Martes.
LikeLike
I do too. I doubt Morton will be back any time soon…..so he stays.
Martes needs a lot of work. …in Fresno!!!
LikeLike
Maybe I spoke too soon.
LikeLike
Although I’d like to see him get his butt over to first on a bunt. This is going to be his run.
LikeLike
For those of you who can’t see the game, David Paulino refuses to throw down in the zone. This umpire is giving everything over the plate low in the zone to the pitchers but Paulino is getting hit because his pitches are belt high or above. The only pitches he got down were on the strikeouts he got to end the 3rd and fourth innings.
LikeLike
Pretty poor effort from our pitchers today.
LikeLike
Yeah no kidding. 9 runs given up to an Angels team that’s not all that good. Bad part is, there is NO help at AAA. We’re gonna need some help til people start coming back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also, for those jumping on Martes, consider that:
– had not pitched in relief this year
– Hinch started warming him up in 2nd inning Fri night
– First appearance came on first day of MLB service.
As far as I can remember, they have done this to all the rookie pitchers this year. I don’t think it’s working. Let’s see how he fares next outing.
LikeLike
My biggest beef with him (besides him looking like he got conditioning tips from the late Dusty Rhodes) is he was getting lit up by AAA hitters and I can see why.
LikeLike
Sloppy pitching…..these guys will remember this beat down for a long time.
We- *N E E D* another pitcher!
LikeLike
Or two…….
LikeLike
Pitiful relief pitching…….totally pitiful.
LikeLike
The bullpen brought gas cans to the mound today…. The pitching staff is in tatters right now.
LikeLike
I believe our Achilles heal has been discovered.
LikeLike
I just watched the game I had taped it at 6-3, I thought we had it but man these kids can’t get anybody out. That was ugly. I would have to say so far Paulino needs a lot of work in AAA, same probably with Martes and Gudan. At least they now know the difference of the caliber of hitters in the bigs, and how much they need to learn to pitch not throw. Even Feliz and Hoyt look worn out and tired.
I’ m not sure , but I think we may NEED SOME FRIGGING PITCHING .. Ok I fell better TY
LikeLiked by 1 person
And here come the Rangers hot off a sweep of the Nats.
We may have a big lead but if we don’t get our pitching straightened out that big lead could disappear.
LikeLike