[Official] Astros Off-Season Thread

Would utterly shock me to see Arenado end up in Houston. Does the article explain how/why they’re a fit?

I suppose if you assume Houston was willing to go to $200M for Cole, then you can rationalize they have the payroll flexibility. And certainly acquiring Arenado would add some positive news for the first time in a long while. And it would allow them to flip Correa for prospects or SP. But given the lack of a GM I just cannot see them making such a big move. Would certainly show Crane with some big balls tho.

 

Astros trade Correa and move Bregman to SS.

Edit: Overall, I've liked the Athletic's reporting quality other than Drellich and Bowden. Bowden really shows why he's a former GM with this article.

 

Arenado makes some sense if the Astros believe they can't get an extension done with Springer.

 

Arenado only has one more year left than Springer unless he doesn't perform well enough that he (edit) doesn't opt out.

 

Only way I see Arenado getting traded is if he either removes the opt out or shortens the contract to essentially exercise the opt out now. Too much uncertainty otherwise for 2 teams to agree on a return.

 

Starling Marte has to have a market value similar to Springer...right?

 

Yeah, it was pretty lazy journalism, which has become the norm for The Athletic. Interesting that Bowden gets paid to just spew nonsense. His quote is below:

 

So his idea is a Correa for Arenado swap? That’s just stupid.

 

Springer is a free agent after this year, Marte is under control thru 2021. Springer has been a little better but due to contract Marte has more value. I think Springer would only fetch 60% of what Marte did.

 

Basically. He mentions throwing in Urquidy or another pitcher but yeah that's basically it.

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...usty-baker-houston-astros-manager/4559024002/

Not who I would have picked but I understand the hire.

 

That link to an opinion piece, fwiw, based on a rumor.

Baker is almost as bad as the Bo Porter hire.

 

Peter Woodfork interviewed for GM. Others I’d like better on paper but I would be fine with Woodfork. Smart guy, good background. Just like with Baker needing to keep Espada, if Crane hires Woodfork I would really hope he keeps Putila to run the farm.

 

Worst. Offseason.

Ever.

 

Kershaw can suck my duck!! Yes, DUCK!!! We don’t need to remorse! We CHAMPS!

 

Aflac?

 

Honestly, sucking a duck would be worse than the alternative.

Warning: this video may contain duck penises. Spoilers: It does.

 

Exceptional. Informative. Didn't know duck penises had such abilities. Thank you.