***** Official 2017 Astros Off Season Thread *****

287,672 Views | 2546 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by Mr.Bond
BustUpAChiffarobe
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:04p, 10/2/16
AG
What a season, glad its finally over. Completely disappointed with Rasmus and pretty much the entire pitching staff. Altuve still obviously had a Sensational near MVP season, even if he collapsed at the end. Springer and Correa had pretty meh seasons, with Gattis really coming on strong at the end, and Bregman and Gurriel giving me hope for next season. For all of our complaining, the bullpen (including Gregerson and Harris) was phenomenal, and I think Feliz is the future once he matures.

In the offseason we absolutely have to get another starting arm, probably 2. Keuchel needs to get his stuff together and recover his '15 magic. Im also worried that its not possible to throw a big breaker 90mph, and the torque McCullers has to put on that pitch is going to preclude him from ever pitching a full season.

I actually think we're okay with bats now with Bregman and Gurriel additions, and all our focus has to be on SP.

I think this is Hinch's last season if we dont go late in the playoffs and would not be sad to be proven wrong and have him booted in the off season.

Heres to a 2017 full of #TOFA, #Sequencing, and beating the crap outta the Rangers

[Continue to get around vulgarity filter and you will have some time off---Texags Staff]



Fixed for Staff

Reply Quote
7
2 edits • Edited by Staff
agdaddy04
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:28p, 10/2/16
AG
Hope we shore up the holes during the offseason and make an exciting run next year!
Reply Quote
1 edit
Mr.Bond
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:34p, 10/2/16
AG
Lmaooooo that meme
Reply Quote
4
W
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:24p, 10/2/16
AG
will be interesting to see what the Astros' front office thinks is the optimal batting order for the top 6 right-handed sticks: Altuve, Bregman, Correa, Gattis, Gurriel, and Springer. And is there a left-handed stick to put in-between them somewhere
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
BustUpAChiffarobe
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:31p, 10/2/16
AG
Id like to put Altuve back in his natural lead off spot followed by Gurriel, Bregman, Springer, Correa, Gattis
Reply Quote
1
iBrad
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to W • 8:41p, 10/2/16
AG
W said:
will be interesting to see what the Astros' front office thinks is the optimal batting order for the top 6 right-handed sticks: Altuve, Bregman, Correa, Gattis, Gurriel, and Springer. And is there a left-handed stick to put in-between them somewhere

It's the offseason so it's time to become eternal optimists. Here's to Reed dropping twenty pounds and finding his stroke next year.
Reply Quote
4
Buck Compton
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:08p, 10/2/16
AG
If we signed Cespedes that would be yet another righty... Might be the most-lopsided, yet effective order in history if we manage that.
Reply Quote
mAgnoliAg
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:42p, 10/2/16
iBrad
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:50p, 10/2/16
AG
And Valbuena, Rasmus, and Castro could all be done as Astros. We might have no lefties in the rotation, one in the pen, and just a couple lefty bats.
Reply Quote
Farmer1906
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:20a, 10/3/16
AG
I hate that this thread was created already.
Reply Quote
bigbass1170
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:29a, 10/3/16
AG
Interesting to see who Luhnow goes after. Seems like there are no free agent starters worth a damn
Reply Quote
Farmer1906
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:02a, 10/3/16
AG
Gotta make a big trade. Hopefully it will work out better than the Giles one.
Reply Quote
Ag_07
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to bigbass1170 • 9:04a, 10/3/16
AG
bigbass1170 said:
Interesting to see who Luhnow goes after. Seems like there are no free agent starters worth a damn

Then he needs to trade away some prospects and get something done.

I wanted him to at the deadline but can understand the reasoning not to. However, this offseason is crucial for this team and this front office.

Glaring needs that have to be addressed in order from most important to least important...

  • Front end pitching - Preferably a solid, dependable, proven #2 starter
  • OF bat - Very close second but I think we need a serious power hitting cleanup hitter type OFer
  • 1B - The production at this spot continues to be abysmal and after not addressing it last offseason and rolling the dice on White/Reed this is a need. Are Valbuena or Gurriel the answer? I don't know but it's something that needs to be fixed one way or the other.
  • Catcher - Castro is garbage and should never wear and Astro uniform again. Do they give the job to Gattis and platoon Stassi (this has my vote)? Do they make a move for a new catcher? Again, I don't know but please God no more Jason Castro ever again.
  • Back end pitching - I don't want any more Fister of Fiers so we'll need some help filling in the back end with either young guys like Musgrove or Devo, but either way I'm hoping we have spots to fill once cutting the cord with the garbage we have now.

I think if Lunhow gets us the starting pitcher we need maybe we can move Bregman to LF, let Gurriel have 3B, and Valbuena 1B (or vice versa) and maybe that takes care of needs 2 & 3. Then let Gattis catch full time with Stassi in relief and sign a legit DH FA.

If we get a pitcher and an OF (Cespedes) then that's outstanding but that's asking a lot.

Again, big offseason for Lunhow and I expect us to be very active. If not then I may jumping off the Lunhow train and will have lots of questions on his ability to build a contending club and get them to where they need to be.
Reply Quote
1 edit
Ag_07
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Farmer1906 • 9:07a, 10/3/16
AG
aggie1906 said:
Gotta make a big trade. Hopefully it will work out better than the Giles Gomez one.

I still have no problem with the Giles trade.

The Gomez trade turned into an utter flop. I'm not even sure if it was Lunhow's fault (probably a lot of it was Gomez being completely uncoachable) but it was his trade so he'll get the blame.
Reply Quote
BustUpAChiffarobe
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:15a, 10/3/16
AG
I love to hate Castro, but he actually wasn't as abysmal as he felt during the Season; kind of like Gregerson. By pretty much all accounts; Castro had a better season at the plate this year than last year. His average was 1 point lower; but his OBP was 24 points higher and slugging 12 points higher.

I wish we could have gotten Lucroy but that ship has sailed; and I think Castro as a platoon with Gattis isn't miserable.
Reply Quote
1
E
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to BustUpAChiffarobe • 9:36a, 10/3/16
AG
As a catching platoon, Castro and Gattis are seem to be above league average in OPS and WAR. Granted it was mainly on Gattis, but a tandem of these two is not that bad. We need to remember that being a catcher isnt always about their offensive production. Unless Ramos is available, this will be what it looks like again next year.
Reply Quote
Farmer1906
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:42a, 10/3/16
AG
Isn't Ramos injured?
Reply Quote
Ag_07
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to E • 9:45a, 10/3/16
AG
E said:
We need to remember that being a catcher isnt always about their offensive production.

He wasn't even that good defensively.

Gattis threw out more runners and his inability to block a ball directly costs us games down the stretch.

Can he frame pitches? I don't know I guess...But that crap is way overrated.

What's really baffling is that someone drafted this guy with the 10th overall pick in the draft.
Reply Quote
BustUpAChiffarobe
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Ag_07 • 9:50a, 10/3/16
AG
Ag_07 said:
E said:
We need to remember that being a catcher isnt always about their offensive production.

He wasn't even that good defensively.

Gattis threw out more runners and his inability to block a ball directly costs us games down the stretch.

Can he frame pitches? I don't know I guess...But that crap is way overrated.

What's really baffling is that someone drafted this guy with the 10th overall pick in the draft.
Castro had some pretty damn good years; which makes it even more upsetting how far he's fallen. Dude hit .276 with 18HR's in 2013; I'd kill to have that production back.
Reply Quote
SpaceCityAg05
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:29a, 10/3/16
AG
I will be curious to see if the team might call up the Yankees about McCann. If the Yankees will eat a little money (and they need to clear room for Sanchez), it could be an interesting move to get a veteran catcher to pair with Gattis, not to mention a left-handed power bat.
Reply Quote
2
Sea Gull
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:50a, 10/3/16
AG
Castro would make a fine back up catcher, but he'll command starting money. Not worth it at all. I have a feeling this is the last we see him in an Astros uniform.

Rasmus is gone...he's way too much money. I'd like bringing Valbuena back. He showed a flash to be pretty decent before he got hurt. Definitely need Reed to figure it out. Maybe an offseason will help him.
Reply Quote
Farmer1906
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Sea Gull • 1:46p, 10/3/16
AG
Duck Patrol said:
Castro would make a fine back up catcher, but he'll command starting money. Not worth it at all. I have a feeling this is the last we see him in an Astros uniform.

Rasmus is gone...he's way too much money. I'd like bringing Valbuena back. He showed a flash to be pretty decent before he got hurt. Definitely need Reed to figure it out. Maybe an offseason will help him.
I wouldn't hate resigning Valbuena and rolling with White, Reed as his competition if it means we go big for a FA outfielder and a top end starter (trade).

I still think it would be worthwhile to go after Freddie Freeman if we strike out elsewhere. The Braves aren't going to be good for a few more years.
Reply Quote
iBrad
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Farmer1906 • 2:54p, 10/3/16
AG
The Braves have been very clear that they aren't trading Freeman. While that could always change, and probably should, as they could get a nice haul for the future, you have to assume he's not available. His salary jumps from $12M to $20.5M next year, so maybe they'll be more inclined to listen to offers. It would take a lot to get him and might be a situation where you either trade for him or a pitcher.

I wouldn't mind having Valbuena for another year, but I don't want to sign him to multiple years, which I'm guessing he'll be seeking.
Reply Quote
shano0603
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:58p, 10/3/16
AG
In

Left handed reliever is 2nd biggest need besides a starter for me.
Reply Quote
. . .
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:48p, 10/3/16
Jeff Luhnow says in hindsight, he would have done more at trade deadline
Quote:
"Absolutely," Luhnow said Monday at the Astros' end-of-season press conference at Minute Maid Park. "But I didn't have that perspective at that point."
Quote:
"I can't control what happened after the deadline," Luhnow said. "But we're certainly going to continue to look at every opportunity going forward to give ourselves maybe a little more breathing room so if we do lose a player or we have some underperformance, that we've got more of a margin to still have a successful campaign."

GM says Astros will seek help via free agency
Quote:
Jeff Luhnow doesn't necessarily agree with those deeming baseball's upcoming offseason free-agent class to be an underwhelming one, particularly where starting pitching a need of the Astros is concerned.

"It's kind of like the draft class every year," the Astros general manager said Monday. "The scouting directors tell you it's a bad draft class, yet there's a bunch of really good players that come out of every class."

"We're going to explore all avenues, and I think there's more quality free agents in this class than it's being given credit for at this time," Luhnow said. "There's going to be some really good signings, so we want to make sure we participate in those."
Quote:
Luhnow did suggest owner Jim Crane is willing to up the payroll.

"We're sort of open for business across all areas with the exception of our middle infield, which is in pretty good shape at this point (with Altuve and Correa) and is a good spot to be in good shape because it's tough to find good middle infielders that can produce offensively and defensively like the guys we have.

"Other than that, we're going to be looking at every opportunity that can present itself."

Astros retain entire coaching staff next season
Quote:
"We had a lot of adversity and the staff kept the team focused and driving toward the goal," Luhnow said. "We didn't accomplish our goal this year, which is to get back to the postseason and do some real damage in October, but I think our staff did a terrific job and I'm glad that they're all going to be back supporting us next year."

Gurriel retains rookie status for 2017
Quote:
The $47.5-million Cuban infielder finished one at-bat short of exhausting his rookie status this season. Major League Baseball rules state a player is considered a rookie unless in the previous season he "exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched" or accumulated more than 45 days of service time, which Gurriel did not.

Gurriel batted .262 with a .677 on-base plus slugging percentage in 36 games after the Astros signed him in July to a five-year deal. The rigorous every day nature of the MLB schedule was an adjustment for him. He was 7 for 46 in his last 12 games.
Reply Quote
Buck Compton
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to . . . • 8:51p, 10/3/16
AG
That comment about there's lots of good FA pitchers out there scares me. Hopefully just posturing, but if he believes it, we're going to have a disappointing off season without markedly improving our starting pitching.
Reply Quote
iBrad
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:19p, 10/3/16
AG
Jeremy Hellickson is probably the best available. If you're not scared away by age, then you could take a look at Rich Hill or Colby Lewis, who has a stellar career ERA at Minute Maid. You could give Andrew Cashner a try if you're into hoping a guy rebounds.

The relief pitching market is much better. I think we need to target Travis Wood to add a lefty to the pen. He held lefties to a .128 average last year. Much better than our current lefty specialist.
Reply Quote
irish pete ag06
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:32p, 10/3/16
AG
I've been MIA thanks to my career choice, but my official prediction is to sign Cespedes to a front loaded deal and trade for a Rays pitcher.
Reply Quote
Buck Compton
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to iBrad • 9:42p, 10/3/16
AG
iBrad said:
Colby Lewis, who has a stellar career ERA at Minute Maid.
Well, that's because he got to pitch against some of the worst teams ever to be assembled and passed off as an MLB roster.
Reply Quote
2
Ag_07
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Buck Compton • 9:58p, 10/3/16
AG
He owned us this year. It's not just bad teams

And as far as spending more...I'll believe when I see it.
Reply Quote
1 edit
iBrad
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to irish pete ag06 • 10:11p, 10/3/16
AG
I'd take Archer or Smyly. Both are better than what they showed this past season. Three and two years of team control, respectively, too.
Reply Quote
1
Nuke LaLoosh
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:05a, 10/4/16
AG
Prediction: we don't spend any real money, sign 2 back end starters and an outfielder, and Lungow hyped up their nonexistent potential and praises Crane for letting him up the payroll.
Reply Quote
5
Sea Gull
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:57a, 10/4/16
AG
Is it April yet?
Reply Quote
Ag_07
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Sea Gull • 11:36a, 10/4/16
AG
Duck Patrol said:
Is it April Have we cut Fiers yet?

FIFY
Reply Quote
AgFan1999
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:08p, 10/4/16
AG
11-8 is a serviceable back of the rotation starter for $525,000
Reply Quote
2
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.