Today’s post is looking at something I am calling WAR$. WAR is a value that attempts to compare the statistical worth of players to a single standard. WAR$ is Dan P’s effort to compare the value of the players. Basically, this simply looks at bang for the buck – how much WAR we get per $1 MM of salary for each player.
Today we step back and take the long view of the roster construction for the Astros. The list below does not include every Astro on the 2023 roster, but basically the most important ones.
In Dan P’s illness-addled brain state, this is a cheap way to get out of writing a coherent post. It is an oldie, but sometimes a goodie that lets our loyal readers respond to a number of choices…..
Would you rather….
1) Have Carlos Correa as your shortstop for 13 years and $350 MM or have a root canal without anesthesia?
2) Have Aledmys Diaz at 2 years $14.5 MM or David Hensley at $700 K / yr?
3) Have Jim Crane wait until David Stearns is available after the 2023 season to be the new GM and/or president of operations, or go with someone else in the next month or so?
4) The Astros extend Kyle Tucker or Framber Valdez this offseason?
5) Have Hunter Brown as the next man up for the rotation or bring in a veteran (ala Jake Odorizzi) until Hunter has had more time to mature?
6) The Rangers become the top AL West competitors to the Astros in 2023 or have it continue to be the Mariners?
7) The Astros fill the backup catcher spot from within (Korey Lee, Yainer Diaz) or add a so-so veteran from the outside?
8) The Astros re-sign Michael Brantley or Yuli Gurriel?
9) The Astros make a trade for catcher or outfield help in the off-season or wait until the trade deadline to see what they really need?
10) The Astros stick Chas McCormick out in CF and let it roll, or continue to fiddle with a rotation of Chas, Jake Meyers, and Mauricio Dubon?
For a fandom that still rues the departures of Nolan Ryan (33 years ago), Joe Morgan (51 years ago), Rusty Staub (53 years ago), Mike Cuellar (54 years ago), and others, the response to the loss of Justin Verlander is striking in its lack of intensity.
The Astros are at the MLB Winter Meetings and arguably have the league’s least question marks. Here are some thoughts about where the team is right now.
Your loyal servant will be tied up for a few days, so today’s post is going to be one where we solicit our loyal readers’ assistance in fleshing things out. We do that by asking you the questions today.
The Astros, of course, had one of their most successful seasons in history, with 106 regular season wins and 11 postseason wins on the way to the World Championship. Along with receiving that wonderful trophy, the Cy Young and Comeback Player of the Year by Justin Verlander, the ALDS MVP by Yordan Alvarez, and the ALCS and WS MVPs by Jeremy Pena, the whole team is breathless waiting for the announcement of the 2022 ChipalattAwards.
Today we wander back to an old Chipalatta standard – something we call What They Said – What They Meant. In the world of sportspeak, folks don’t always say what they really mean, so here at the blog, we will be glad to interpret for you.
CHIPALATTA 