Second Half Expectations

Altuve was ESPN's first-half AL MVP, Hinch got honorable mention for AL COY.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/16966011/jayson-stark-2016-mlb-midseason-awards

Write-up below:

Spoiler

 

ESPN has a very good baseball staff. Not without flaws, but better than any other sport.

 

Yes, and yes, and love the write-up.

 

Anyone have BA access and don't mind sharing the following article?

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/midseason-prospect-update-astros-2/

 

Tough position in terms of do you trade away potential stars to make a run this year. It's got to keep Luhnow up at night knowing last year was ours except for that one unbelievable collapse.

I'd make Reed and Bregman untouchable and see what it takes for an ace starter from the rest of the farm. I'd also keep Reed and Bregman up for the rest of the year and in the lineup daily sink or swim.

It looks like a pretty thin FA class this year unfortunately.

 

Trading for Matt Moore and signing Gurriel along with bringing up Bregman would give them the firepower to overtake the Rangers.

 

It doesn't have to be a full on buying spree. What Luhnow did with the Cards and what he's doing here is finding value and making the moves to get better while not mortgaging the future.