Astros close to Lindstrom deal...maybe...well...you know how it goes

He had a bad year, but got bit by a high BABIP and low LOB%. The nice thing would be that he shouldn’t be too expensive, leaving more room for a third baseman.

However, if we’re giving up any of our top ten prospects I’m going to be pretty frustrated with Wade and co. If it’s rookie ball and older guys and marginal prospects, okay.

I wonder if there is any possibility that the Astros could trade for both Lindstrom and Uggla? Lindstrom would reduce the Astros’ closer costs by a lot, and it might leave enough room that the Astros could afford Uggla’s arb salary. That might cover both the closer and 3d base hole at a cost of perhaps $7 million. However, that entirely speculative scenario might require a high cost in prospects. But if the Astros are going to give up any prospects for Lindstrom, I would feel better if we at least got someone like Uggla back in return. By the way, Uggla most likely will be either traded or non-tendered, which should reduce what the Marlins can ask for.

Lindstrom is in his first year of arb eligibility and was paid $400 K last year. He probably will cost about $1 M or less. Uggla is in his second year of arb eligibility and was paid $5 M. He probably gets another million or so in arbitration this year.

Link

For who, is the question.

  Astros acquired RHP Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins for RHP Robert Bono, SS Luis Bryan and a player to be named later.

The Marlins had high hopes for Lindstrom this past year, but he missed nearly six weeks due to elbow inflammation and wound up with a lousy 5.89 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 39/24 K/BB ratio in 47 1/3 innings. He’ll get a fresh start in Houston, where save opportunities may be in the cards.

Bono’s ceiling is likely #5 starter, which is easily replaceable. It’s harder to say about Luis Bryan, but he was quite good in 111 PA. I guess the Astros are banking on Mier blocking him, though a shortstop can theoretically play any infield position, so if Bryan’s bat develops well this could come back to bite us.

I don’t like us giving up the Rule 5 pick if it’s true. I think that’s the worst part of this deal. There are some—not many, but some—mid/back rotation starting pitchers available, and some infielders. I would have liked to see us get one of the very best players available in the draft and let him start.