Ag_07 said:

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Also thinking more about Juan Soto today and here's what I came up with to talk myself into doing a big trade for him.

Let's assume we're acquiring him for only the next 2 years until he's a FA. Forget about keeping him once he gets the big contract a la Cole. Let's also assume any trade would be headlined by Brown and Lee plus some prospects.

Do we need an OFer this year and the next 2? I say yes especially with Brantley showing his age. You'd have Soto for this year's playoff run and the next 2 years at say $20mm per after arb. The need is there.

Are Lee and Brown replaceable? Lee is for sure replaceable and Brown is to a lesser extent. Like it or not Lee is a backup catcher for the next 2 years or as long as Maldy can catch (lately this has become debatable). This org has shown that they are fine with a catcher who doesn't produce at the plate and they can find those elsewhere. Brown is a bit more difficult because he is ready to be up here but is he blocked? He is right now but I guess not if JV opts out that opens a spot in the rotation.

Giving up Brown and Lee for an OF of Yordan, Tucker, and Soto for this year and the next may actually be worth it. It would take more but really I wouldn't get hung up on adding anyone else.

I think I'd do it assuming he's want to play for a team that isn't gonna pay him 1/2 a billion in 2 years.

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I think you're overestimating Maldy here. I cannot see him around 2 more years. I am okay with parting with Lee if the organization believes in Diaz.

To me, Brown is a no go. JV might be gone in a few months. LMJ is a risk. That leaves Framber as the ace of the staff with good, but maybe not great surrounding him. Brown has the potential to be that #1.

We could piece together another prospect group to get him without Brown.

That said, We have a RF. I don't want Soto or Tucker in CF. That means those 2 plus Yordan rotate between LF/RF/DH. That means Brantley is in a bad spot for the rest of the year then walks. We still need a true CF. Meyers is that dude, Leon is around assuming he isn't traded, and then the 2 draft picks slot in next.

I think it would be worth it. Think of this lineup:

1. Altuve
2. Soto
3. Bregman
4. Alvarez
5. Tucker
6. Pena
7. Gurriel
8. Meyers
9. Maldonado

1-5 is All-Star worthy.

Fair enough. Like I said at first I had said anyone not named Brown but after thinking about it I'd be OK parting with him.

It'd certainly sting but I'd be alright with it.

And I was just assuming Soto in RF and Tucker in CF. This year let Mike and Yordan platoon in the DH role and tell Mike we'll have him Back if he's OK being the primary DH on a team friendly deal.

I just have this gut feeling we're seeing the begining of the end of Brantley.

2022 (Sophomore) |
Earned the title of Horizon League Relief Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season... also named First Team All-League... went 3-3 with a 3.25 ERA in 16 appearances, making seven starts... finished third in the league in ERA, first in opposing batting average (.208), and fourth in saves (6)... in 13.2 innings out of the bullpen, he recorded six saves while striking out 19 and walking just four... recorded a 2.63 ERA in the nine relief appearances and held opponents to a .149 batting average... led the league and ranked 50th in NCAA Division I with a 1.06 WHIP... had seven straight scoreless appearances from April 19 to May 15... made his first collegiate start on February 20 and struck out six in 6.0 shutout innings, allowing just two hits in a 12-2 victory... also worked seven scoreless innings at Penn State on March 20, holding the Nittany Lions to just three hits in a 12-0 shutout win... recorded a save in five straight appearances from April 27 to May 15.

https://mkepanthers.com/sports/baseball/roster/aj-blubaugh/11797

Astros grab another college pitcher, RHP AJ Blubaugh from Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the 7th round (233). He had a 3.25 ERA, 1.06 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 16 walks in 52 2/3 innings this year.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 18, 2022

AJ Blubaugh looked great in the one outing I saw him this summer. Fastball touched 97 and had really good feel for all his secondaries. Great pick by the astros in the 7th https://t.co/fIA9fdruCX

— Cape Cod Baseball Scouting | Daniel Garcia (@CapeScouting) July 18, 2022

Giving up two unknown commodities in Brown and Lee for a perennial superstar who is 24…. Worth it.

Lee and Brown could end up being great, could end up being nothing. But Soto is at the top of the game right now and will be barring horrific injuries

tjack16 said:

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Lonestar_Ag09 said:

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tjack16 said:

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Giving up two unknown commodities in Brown and Lee for a perennial superstar who is 24…. Worth it.

Lee and Brown could end up being great, could end up being nothing. But Soto is at the top of the game right now and will be barring horrific injuries

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Who cares if he's 24 we aren't resigning him so he is a 2 year rental

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2.5 years of a top 5 player in baseball? I fail to see how's that's a negative

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He didn't say it was just that the fact that he's 24 isn't in play because it would be for 2.5 years.

Definitely comes with risk.

And no argument on the d baggery of Soto but I'd be willing to look past that if he's mashing.

Gomez sucked and that's why he schtick got old.

For all the "brown is untouchable" people remember who our last untouchable pitching prospect was.

Forrest Whitley


Not saying brown can't be good but it's never a guarantee. I wouldn't move brown for a rental most likely but if it's for someone proven good with 2-3 years of control then that could be an option.

The #Astros selected pitcher Tyler Guilfoil with their 8th round pick. The right hander was a dominant reliever for Kentucky this year posting a 1.59 ERA with 80 K in 51 innings. #LevelUp

— Astros Future (@AstrosFuture) July 18, 2022

Astros grab Kentucky’s closer, Tyler Guilfoil, in the 8th. Whatever deception models the team uses must have flagged him. Sneaky FB plane, up to 95, gross slider as seen. Reliever profile, gonna be under slot I think. pic.twitter.com/OGnQRVWw0b

— Ben 🏁 (@midzee4) July 18, 2022

MosesHallRAB04 said:

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For all the "brown is untouchable" people remember who our last untouchable pitching prospect was.

Forrest Whitley


Not saying brown can't be good but it's never a guarantee. I wouldn't move brown for a rental most likely but if it's for someone proven good with 2-3 years of control then that could be an option.

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No where near comparable... Brown is absolutely dominating AAA. Whitley was untouchable because of potential but has barely played advanced baseball...and he hasn't been "untouchable" for about 4 years, he just isnt worth enough anymore.

I just told some friends that, b/c I'm still mad about losing the WS to a team that immediately became a trash heap, I hope we manage to fleece the Nats in a Soto trade for a bunch of scrubs.

We can talk about untouchables forever.

Remember Frances Marte?

You can do this for all franchises.

Honestly no one is untouchable. Some would take more than others but at the end of the day anyone can be moved for the right return.

Also FWIW I think the chances of us trading for Soto are about 1% but it's fun to discuss during the break.

Ag_07 said:

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We can talk about untouchables forever.

Remember Frances Marte?

You can do this for all franchises.

Honestly no one is untouchable. Some would take more than others but at the end of the day anyone can be moved for the right return.

Also FWIW I think the chances of us trading for Soto are about 1% but it's fun to discuss during the break.

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Ill agree with you here...but my feeling also is id rather keep a guy and he not reach peak output

than

Trade a guy who turns into a STUD.

For instance: Id rather pay and keep Jon Singleton than trade away Yordan Alvarez

Ag_07 said:

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Also thinking more about Juan Soto today and here's what I came up with to talk myself into doing a big trade for him.

Let's assume we're acquiring him for only the next 2 years until he's a FA. Forget about keeping him once he gets the big contract a la Cole. Let's also assume any trade would be headlined by Brown and Lee plus some prospects.

Do we need an OFer this year and the next 2? I say yes especially with Brantley showing his age. You'd have Soto for this year's playoff run and the next 2 years at say $20mm per after arb. The need is there.

Are Lee and Brown replaceable? Lee is for sure replaceable and Brown is to a lesser extent. Like it or not Lee is a backup catcher for the next 2 years or as long as Maldy can catch (lately this has become debatable). This org has shown that they are fine with a catcher who doesn't produce at the plate and they can find those elsewhere. Brown is a bit more difficult because he is ready to be up here but is he blocked? He is right now but I guess not if JV opts out that opens a spot in the rotation.

Giving up Brown and Lee for an OF of Yordan, Tucker, and Soto for this year and the next may actually be worth it. It would take more but really I wouldn't get hung up on adding anyone else.

I think I'd do it assuming he's want to play for a team that isn't gonna pay him 1/2 a billion in 2 years.

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It's one of those trade ideas that makes me a little uncertain sitting here today, but if I woke up tomorrow and found out that we got Soto in exchange for H Brown, Lee + 2-3 other prospects, I'd be like "F yea, LFG!!!!"

Amen to that

At the end of the day I trust that the organization is smart enough and good enough at evaluating guys that they're not gonna give away the next Yordan.

Their track record of trades recently backs that up.

MosesHallRAB04 said:

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For all the "brown is untouchable" people remember who our last untouchable pitching prospect was.

Forrest Whitley


Not saying brown can't be good but it's never a guarantee. I wouldn't move brown for a rental most likely but if it's for someone proven good with 2-3 years of control then that could be an option.

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And before that, it was Tucker & Alvarez. Sometimes it works.

Has anyone seen if Soto would even entertain playing for a team that doesn't plan on signing him to a new deal? Does he even get a say? Does he have any kind of no trade clause?

I'm assuming since he's still in his arb years he doesn't have one.

He can say whatever he wants, but it sets a bad precedent. The NBA is joke when players just decide to sit out and force trades constantly.

I don't know why Soto would have any issue with it. By turning down 440M he's pretty much dead set on hitting free agency. Why not play for a winner until you get there.

Deluxe said:

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I might be in the minority here, but I'd rather feature Urquidy or even LuAce in a package for Soto than H Brown. The Nats will almost certainly demand H Brown though cuz Urquidy and LuAce will be free agents by the time their next window opens.

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You want to put Urquidy and Leon in a package with other dudes hopefully a few off the 40 man and im singing a different tune.

Then you bring up Hunter and put Soto in the OF

Recap of the first two days of the Draft for the Astros: pic.twitter.com/gCwrbAGdhT

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 18, 2022

that is a lot of 22 year olds getting drafted.

bearkatag15 said:

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Recap of the first two days of the Draft for the Astros: pic.twitter.com/gCwrbAGdhT

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 18, 2022

that is a lot of 22 year olds getting drafted.

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3-4 years in the minors.

You get 25/26 thru 30/31 before FA.

Lonestar_Ag09 said:

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Deluxe said:

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I might be in the minority here, but I'd rather feature Urquidy or even LuAce in a package for Soto than H Brown. The Nats will almost certainly demand H Brown though cuz Urquidy and LuAce will be free agents by the time their next window opens.

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You want to put Urquidy and Leon in a package with other dudes hopefully a few off the 40 man and im singing a different tune.

Then you bring up Hunter and put Soto in the OF

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Hou: Soto

Wsh: Urquidy, Whiley, Leon, Abreu, Solomon, Yainer Diaz and Enmanuel Valdez

Lonestar_Ag09 said:

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Lonestar_Ag09 said:

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Deluxe said:

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I might be in the minority here, but I'd rather feature Urquidy or even LuAce in a package for Soto than H Brown. The Nats will almost certainly demand H Brown though cuz Urquidy and LuAce will be free agents by the time their next window opens.

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You want to put Urquidy and Leon in a package with other dudes hopefully a few off the 40 man and im singing a different tune.

Then you bring up Hunter and put Soto in the OF

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Hou: Soto

Wsh: Urquidy, Whiley, Leon, Abreu, Solomon, Yainer Diaz and Enmanuel Valdez

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Solomon has a 5+ ERA with just 65 Ks and 29 BBs in 74 innings and is 26 years old next month. Dude has negative value right now

As much as I think we should… I dont think we get in on the Soto sweepstakes.

My fear is him going to the Yankees. We would go from facing Gallo in the ALCS, to facing Soto

My fear is LAD gets him and then gives him 450 M for 14 years,

Doubt that even moves the needle.

MAYBE if you swap Lee for someone and swap Javier for Urquidy.

Farmer1906 said:

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My fear is LAD gets him and then gives him 450 M for 14 years,

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Yep. They have made it clear they DGAS about the CBT. They will just spend whatever they want.