Post by joshsbix on Sept 18, 2023 11:50:23 GMT -5
The Astros have made the decision to shoot for the stars for 2007 making a trade that added 30 million dollars to the payroll. Other teams have actually expressed concern about the financial situation. The odds are that there is one more trade coming to reign in the finances while hopefully being able to take a shot at the division, the pennant, and the stars. Let's break down what happened yesterday.
The Astros send the brilliant Carlos Villanueva and 10 million in salaries to Pittsburgh for 35 yo Catcher Mike Lieberthal, SS Nomar Garciaparra, 2B Jack Wilson, MRs M and M to round out the trio of Killer Ms in the bullpen, and Closer Jason Frasor. The team average stands to substantially increase as each of the hitters touted an average over .300. When you consider that they are joining a team that just missed the .500 mark last year, it could be just the right recipe for a title. If the money can get under control. The biggest name floating around the Houston water cooler is Nomar Garciappara. The 'Stros are deep at shortstop and there has been a built up demand for Nomar, if the deal is right.
Villanueva was definitely a high price to pay to set the team up for an October run but there should be no doubt that the lineup has improved, and it appears that the entire bullpen has been revamped as well. The team was tasked with rebuilding the entire bullpen in the offseason, while knowing that there is a massive glut of MR talent in AAA, still a couple years away. Jason Frasor brings a league leading 45 saves to Houston replacing CL Rod Beck who has signed an FA deal with the Marlins.
Middle Relievers Mantei and Moylan join Mattes to form the Killer M's to anchor the bullpen. CJ Wilson seemed poised to inherit the closer job before the trade, will remain as the key setup man in the 8th inning. Rookie reliever Villareal will be a last option in the bullpen as the team looks to let him mature behind the veterans.
Things just got interesting in Houston and they may not be quite done yet.
The Astros send the brilliant Carlos Villanueva and 10 million in salaries to Pittsburgh for 35 yo Catcher Mike Lieberthal, SS Nomar Garciaparra, 2B Jack Wilson, MRs M and M to round out the trio of Killer Ms in the bullpen, and Closer Jason Frasor. The team average stands to substantially increase as each of the hitters touted an average over .300. When you consider that they are joining a team that just missed the .500 mark last year, it could be just the right recipe for a title. If the money can get under control. The biggest name floating around the Houston water cooler is Nomar Garciappara. The 'Stros are deep at shortstop and there has been a built up demand for Nomar, if the deal is right.
Villanueva was definitely a high price to pay to set the team up for an October run but there should be no doubt that the lineup has improved, and it appears that the entire bullpen has been revamped as well. The team was tasked with rebuilding the entire bullpen in the offseason, while knowing that there is a massive glut of MR talent in AAA, still a couple years away. Jason Frasor brings a league leading 45 saves to Houston replacing CL Rod Beck who has signed an FA deal with the Marlins.
Middle Relievers Mantei and Moylan join Mattes to form the Killer M's to anchor the bullpen. CJ Wilson seemed poised to inherit the closer job before the trade, will remain as the key setup man in the 8th inning. Rookie reliever Villareal will be a last option in the bullpen as the team looks to let him mature behind the veterans.
Things just got interesting in Houston and they may not be quite done yet.
