Beat40 said:

---

How many games have Yordan and Altuve played together this season? 15 at most?

---

I think I heard 13 on one of the broadcasts

Beau Holder said:

---

Lots of day baseball today. DBacks-Braves series has been wicked fun.

---

Gallen vs Strider? Yes, please!

Content warning

The New York Yankees have scored a total of 149 runs in their last 40 games. If that sounds really low, it's because it is.

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) July 20, 2023

You could make the argument that Yordan and Altuve are the two most important players on the team (Framber is obviously in the discussion) but from a non-pitcher perspective those are our two best.

Yordan is our best overall hitter and RBI producer and Altuve is our best contact hitter and heart and soul of the team. The fact that they've only played about a dozen games together, and half of them were against the worst team in the AL, makes our overall record at this point VERY impressive.

If we can just get them back together and healthy for the remainder of the season you've got to think we could start heating up and hopefully be hot for the playoffs. We know all too well that a hot team in the playoffs (especially in the NL) can make the World Series and win it.

Hopefully this is a fun ride over the next two and half months.

This. There is a not unrealistic scenario where we just start taking souls to end the year if things start clicking.

I'm just excited that with a win tonight we can make ground in the division race

Farmer1906 said:

---

This. There is a not unrealistic scenario where we just start taking souls to end the year if things start clicking.

---

I want it so badly. Really want Altuve and Yordan to finish this year together.

Trade Talk from the Athletic

Quote:

---

There are just 12 days left until the MLB trade deadline and the cellphones of front-office executives are blowing up with texts and calls, along with the occasional email. Every contending team is active and engaged. Those clubs' general managers and presidents of baseball operations are having conversations with their counterparts across the league, trying to find ways to fortify their teams and put them in the best possible position for the stretch run and, hopefully, beyond.

Before the transactions start flying, here are some trade concepts I'm hearing in conversations with decision-makers throughout the industry. To be clear: Some of these have legs, and some don't. However, as a thought exercise, it's fun to look at potential trade partners and possible player targets for certain teams. It's fun to think about theoretical deals from both sides, and debate which ones might actually materialize. Some of these trade frameworks have been talked about by the clubs in question and others are just rumors, but all of them are interesting and entertaining to contemplate.

I have ranked the following seven trade scenarios in the order that I like them for the respective contending teams.

---

Quote:

---

3. Houston Astros
Trade partner: Chicago Cubs
Targets: 1B/OF Cody Bellinger, RHP Marcus Stroman

Astros GM Dana Brown has made it clear to other front offices that his team's biggest needs are a proven starting pitcher and a left-handed-hitting first baseman/outfielder. The Cubs could have both available if they decide to sell at the deadline. Stroman is having a banner year, posting a 2.88 ERA over 20 starts, and he is expected to opt out of his contract after this season and hit free agency at age-32. Bellinger is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate who has slashed .311/.367/.527 with 12 homers and 12 steals. He plays above-average defense at first base and in all three outfield positions. He has a 2024 mutual option he will decline.

This type of huge rental blockbuster would cost the Astros dearly, in terms of extracting value from their farm system, but a trade like this would also position them to be able to catch the Rangers in the AL West and, more importantly, give them a legitimate shot at back-to-back-to-back World Series appearances. It would be reasonable for the Cubs to ask for righty starter Brandon Bielak off their major-league club and one of their top prospects, such as 22-year-old outfielder Drew Gilbert, Houston's first-round pick last year, who would become the headliner for Chicago. Throw in a couple of lower-level prospects and perhaps a deal in this range would work.

---

I am a hell no for giving up Gilbert for rentals unless its Ohtani, but even then probably not. I am not even that high on Gilbert like some others. But I think I would do Bielake and Melton or Barber.

cannot give up Gilbert for rentals

end of story

Agreed. Cease/Robert I'd include him, anything else it's a pass on Gilbert

Ultimately perhaps not, but you do not give up your number one prospect for a rental. Period.