Astros Get Happ, Toolsy Outfielder, Toolsy Shortstop For Oswalt
by OremLK on Jul 29, 2010 2:43 PM CDT
in Editorials
218 comments
EDIT: FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Astros have flipped Anthony Gose to the Blue Jays for Brett Wallace. Another article to follow analyzing this move!
If there's one thing we've learned about Ed Wade's and Bobby Heck's direction for our farm system, it's that they love speed and defense in position player prospects. I don't necessarily agree with that focus; I prefer on-base percentage and power, in terms of bang-for-buck. However, I'm glad that they have a philosophy and a plan, and that they stick to their guns.
When the Roy Oswalt trade was rumored to be for J.A. Happ, Anthony Gose, and Vance Worley, I was upset. Now that Worley has been substituted for Villar, I feel much better about the deal, although it's still a mediocre return given the amount of money ($11M) the Astros have included in the deal.
So what did the Astros get? In J.A. Happ, they get a no. 3-4 starter for right now under team control for four more seasons after this year. He's been very lucky in his short major league career, and he won't continue to post an ERA in the low 3.00 range, but looking at his career minor league numbers, he has the upside to be a Randy Wolf or Ted Lilly type starter for us. Yes, he's already 28, but that's not actually a bad thing; the best and healthiest years for a pitcher are often in their late 20s to early 30s.
The Astros also will receive a young center fielder with sky-high potential. Anthony Gose might be the fastest player in the minor leagues. Beyond that, he has a cannon arm and the frame to support enough strength for 15 HR power down the road. He's very young and very raw, but if you like potential—he's got it. Think of his best case scenario as Carl Crawford on offense with Michael Bourn's defensive ability.
Sure, we already have a similar player in Jay Austin (they even share the same birthday), but Gose is better. He's faster and he has a better arm and he's going to have more power.
Lastly, the Astros get a shortstop prospect Jonathan Villar, who also has plus-plus speed coupled with a great arm. He has all of the tools to stick at shortstop and be a plus defender there, but needs to work on the skills aspect of his defense. If you turned back the clock on Elvis Andrus or Dee Gordon, you might get Villar, or at least a slightly richer man's version of him.
Both Gose and Villar struggle with strikeouts. Both need some good coaching and repetitions on the basepaths, on defense, and at the plate. Both are young, raw players with a long way to go to reach their high ceilings.
But both could also develop into star performers—core pieces up the middle for your future Astros.
Is this a great return for Oswalt? No. But it's not terrible. The Astros get a piece to help them now, and some pieces with huge potential. Give these players a chance and let's see how it goes.
0 recs |
218 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Let's see
how these guys pan out before bashing Wade.
It's not the worst move ever
But I think we all feel a little disappointed. Who knows, maybe he has another trick up his sleeve this off season. I don’t think I’m going to be saying “In Wade we trust” any time soon though.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions
From what I just read over on ESPN (live chat-i know it’s ESPN) the Jays were wanting Villar last year in the Halladay trade talks. So maybe ED has something up hi sleeve before the deadline or during the offseason. Just have to wait and see.
True
But at this point I’d rather move Jay Austin now that we have Gose. I like Villar in the sense that he is there if Mier busts.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
2014 Astros
Last in HRs first in steals.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 2:47 PM CDT reply actions
If Gose reaches his potential, he will actually have very good power for the center field position. Villar also might wind up with a little more power than you might think as he matures; I could see him reaching double digits and being about average for the shortstop position.
So, I’m not convinced we’ve actually sacrificed power at either shortstop or center field to get the speed.
True
I just wish we had a future #3 or #4 guy in the works.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
We might
J.D. Martinez, Ariel Ovando, and Telvin Nash jump to mind. Koby Clemens, if his power translates and he hits enough to stick.
Don't get me wrong
I’m just playing devil’s advocate here. I agree that Wade and Heck could do with more focus on power and OBP, and we need more impact bat type prospects. But, I can see their side of the argument as well.
Might even want to add Kavsnicka into that group. Adjusting to wood bat is big step when been using aluminum for a long time.
I wish we would just tank the rest of the season to guarantee that we can get Rendon. Right now, I have to cross my fingers that teams think his flukey ankle injury is a red flag.
Doubt it
I’m sure Drayton will come out saying that Happ will breathe new life into the Stros’ and that they are going to make a darkhorse run into the playoffs.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Well lets be real here...
The Astros were ‘one piece away’ and built to slug it out versus the strong arms in the Central. The division has changed since then, and the Astros power-driven philosophy failed because they couldn’t hit. I don’t care if the Astros NEVER hit another home run, we just need to hit the ball, period. I am glad that the speculation about where Roy was going to land is now over, and it is time to move on, Hey at least he isn’t in the Central anymore.
NocturnalGamingSociety.org -- "The Real Gamers Come Out At Night"
by NocturnalMatt on Jul 29, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Congrats on the move tward the future
As a Phills fan I’m excited for today but I feer tommrow, if that makes any sense.
Hey Dez, it's 2am do you know where your mother is?
by sowhatifitisasportste on Jul 29, 2010 2:58 PM CDT reply actions
Edit
Feer to Fear
Hey Dez, it's 2am do you know where your mother is?
by sowhatifitisasportste on Jul 29, 2010 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
As an Astros fan with Drayton McLane heading the team, I must ask: What the hell is the future?
"He walked 18."
"New league record!"
"Struck out 18."
"Another new league record! In addition he hit the sportswriter, the public address announcer, the bull mascot twice...also new league records! But, Joe, this guy's got some serious shit."
TBrownYahoo
Toronto loved Gose from dealings with Phi over Halladay. Don’t be surprised if Houston flips him to Jays.
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:00 PM CDT reply actions
Please please please let it be so
All I know of Villar is what I read today; and it translates into “Dud” without the e
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 29, 2010 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
im hoping its wallace
nothing mentioned
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmm...
Maybe all of us pessimists are about to get “WADED!”
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
MLB
The Astros will flip newly-acquired prospect Anthony Gose to the Blue Jays, reports ESPN’s Jayson Stark. The speedy, defensively-talented center fielder went to Houston as part of the Roy Oswalt deal.
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:02 PM CDT reply actions
I'm for that too
Gose and Villar both please please please
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 29, 2010 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Psychological Warfare
We make a team full of Brad Mills just to confuse and scare the enemy.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I wonder what for.
Makes sense, I had wondered where he would play in our organization. But I hope it’s for something good.
drabek or wallace would be great!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
No way you get either of them
They’re both top 50 prospects.
Cooper
Looks good, definitely wouldn’t mind that. Wallace would blow my mind, if we get him I may write Wade a letter apologizing for my doubting of his genius.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm kind of hoping...
We send more than just Gose and get somebody worth a damn, instead of just a C prospect swap
It would give Uncle D the warm fuzzys though.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
not in my book
An A baller, who can’t get on base, can’t steal a base and K’s far too much. No thanks
A+ baller
Playing in what might be the toughest pitcher’s league in the minors, as one of the youngest players in A-Advanced, with fantastic tools.
Most 19-year old players are not very polished. Gose has things you can’t teach.
I can't count
how many defensive-minded “toolsy” players have amounted to nothing. Tools are great, but until their tools effect their actual game, I’m not impressed.
Someone should lend him the tool of plate discipline and base stealing.
I would put him in the “TJ Steele” category. He’s got great tools doesn’t he?
Bprospect?
Where have you seen him listed as a B prospect? The only thing I have seen shows him as a C+
btw many tweets
saying oswalt never said he preferred STL…
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:10 PM CDT reply actions
Gose was the one and only player I liked in the deal — now we’re trading him? After the deal we just made I can only imagine who we’ll get for Gose.
My favorite was Roy Oswalt
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 29, 2010 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Its not what I wanted
But then again, I’m not running the franchise. Ed Wade obviously has a plan. Lets see how it unfolds. If it flops, then we’ll tear him limb from limb.
Wanted Singleton badly, but hey ho.
I think
it’ll be one of their young pitchers…maybe like litsch
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:14 PM CDT reply actions
The amount of the Astros gave up in the deal that makes it seem lopsided to the Phillies for me. If it was a straight swap that would be one thing… But the Phillies are essentially getting Oswalt at half price for a year and a half. You’d think that $11 million would have bought the Astros more.
Follow Bleeding Green Nation on Twitter & Facebook
Well if the Stros trun around and flip Villar to Jays as reported then it might be as bad as you think.
Maybe we'll flip 'em both for Yunel Escobar
Doubt it, but that’d be fun. Happ and Escobar for Oswalt + $11M? Fair, or no?
Yeah but he has quesrions about hustle.
It would be better than the initial deal but I don’t like it. Idk
by SteveBartman_MVP on Jul 29, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Phils fan here
I’m glad to see this thoughtful analysis here. While your return wasn’t great, I’m not of the opinion that you got hosed. Prospects are prospects; it will take time to evaluate this (and I’m obviously sick of saying we got nothing in return for Cliff Lee – I wasn’t happy about that trade, but it’s waaaay too early to know it’s a bust).
Good luck in the future!
It’s not that the Astros got nothing, but a lot of us fans are suprised at what we got given that where these players fit into this organization is a bit of a mystery. Now, flipping one of the prospects to address another need may make things look a bit better. As others have said, it’s not the worst trade, but I think we could have done better. We’ll just have to wait and see.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
It was a pretty bad trade
Attempts to rationalize it look foolish.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 29, 2010 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Looks good with the flip though. I thought it sucked too, but hell its looking nice if the Wallace rumor is true.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Kinsler to DL
Would the Rangers want Keppinger since we are a salary relief charity clinic?
by SteveBartman_MVP on Jul 29, 2010 3:30 PM CDT reply actions
i believe they just traded for cantu
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone have
scouting report on Michael McDade at Dunedin? his stats look good at Dunedin 1B
And we got some prospects, which shows that maybe we will commit to rebuilding.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s the key, but I think Drayton only made the deal because it’s what Oswalt wanted, rather than a sign of re-building.
But he could have settled for MLB ready players and he didn’t. I doubt Uncle D has given up his 5th place champions delusions, but hey a guy can dream. Honestly though, I think the front office is looking towards the future, it won’t be as fast (and hasn’t been as fast) as we may like but its something. Still I wouldn’t mind seeing this ad tonight…
SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY
I’m crazy Ed and I’m here to tell you that ALL ASTROS MUST GO! We’re having an ASTROS LIQUIDATION here in Houston and now is the time for YOUR TEAM to fill in those holes in your roster to make a PLAYOFF RUN. We’ve got Berkmans, Wandys, Bretts, Oswalts , JRs, Buffalos, AND MUCH MUCH MORE! So swing on down to Minute Maid and pick up some Astros before Saturday, we might even SEND YOU MONEY!
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I think I should have said Buffalo… Oh well.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
YES!!!
#Astros sending Gose to #BlueJays for IF Brett Wallace. #MLB
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:40 PM CDT reply actions
NOW I LOVE THE TRADE!!! OMG !!!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
YES!!!
#Astros sending Gose to #BlueJays for IF Brett Wallace. #MLB
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:40 PM CDT reply actions
Any confirmation on the Brett Wallace deal?
by BrewCongdon-GTA on Jul 29, 2010 3:42 PM CDT reply actions
Rosenthal!
Wallace far closer to majors than Gose. Questions about his future position, particularly in NL. #Astros #Blue Jays. #LB
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
IN WADE WE TRUST
lol
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
ya
many of them not gonna watch for a while
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
i thought that too...
im so ready for a firesale…myersa/kepp/berkman/wandy gone gone gone!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Berkman and Oswalt going in the same day would mean that these are no longer the Astros I fell in love with. Sad, but necessary.
by Mr. Imperial on Jul 29, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
My wife bought me a Berkman Jersey
Two weeks ago for our anniversary…I hope she kept the receipt.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Dang man. That’s why I only wear the jerseys of retired players.
by Mr. Imperial on Jul 29, 2010 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I was tempted to return it for a Biggio… I’ll rock it once Lance retires, he’ll always be a fan favorite IMO.
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
good news too
if he is called up…feliz should be gone…
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:49 PM CDT reply actions
We should wrap Feliz up into a package and send him back to the Phillies.
by Mr. Imperial on Jul 29, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
STL so pissed now
Lost out on oswalt…wallace back in NL Central!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:50 PM CDT reply actions
Holy Moses.
This changes the composition of this trade just a bit, huh?
"Every time you go to that cook-off you get drunk as a poet on payday!"
Can we trade another player for drabek??!!!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:51 PM CDT reply actions
Seriously.
Apparently AA forgot breakfast this morning. Time to pounce.
"Every time you go to that cook-off you get drunk as a poet on payday!"
astros county
had a link from some new york paper saying a move on Lance is warming up. WOW good trade for Brett Wallace
by SteveBartman_MVP on Jul 29, 2010 3:51 PM CDT reply actions
Nice!
I went from being highly disappointed and confused about sending $11M to Philly to now being very pleased with the deal. I’d say that Berkman will be shopped hard for two days. If he can’t be moved then Wallace will become the 1B to start 2011.
by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 29, 2010 3:53 PM CDT reply actions
still
thinking that 11 million was a bit excessive
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 29, 2010 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
It is honestly. But this could actually be the beginning of a full fledged rebuild which should have happened seasons ago. If it takes $11M of Drayton’s money to get him to embrace a youth movement…I can handle it!
by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 29, 2010 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah
perhaps you are right. In the grand scheme of things, it is probably worth it.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 29, 2010 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
hard to believe its a 1-1...would be happy if it is
not surprised if it wasnt
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:56 PM CDT reply actions
hard to believe its a 1-1...would be happy if it is
not surprised if it wasnt
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:56 PM CDT reply actions
Someone at round rock!!!
Wallace will go to Triple A. Could be #Astros’ long-term replacement for Berkman at first base. #Phillies #Cardinals #BlueJays #A’s #MLB
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:56 PM CDT reply actions
kieth law not to sure if this is whole deal
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 3:57 PM CDT reply actions
Keith Law is as shocked as anyone.
He worked for the Jays LOL
by SteveBartman_MVP on Jul 29, 2010 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
and ED WADE
talking now…annoucning moves…
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:03 PM CDT reply actions
“Brett Wallace is a hitting machine,” GM Ed Wade said. He’s 23.
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:08 PM CDT reply actions
comment on mlbtr
this is stunning…..ed wade dug his own grave and dug right back out of it in a matter of 5 hours….amazing
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:11 PM CDT reply actions
wade hopes happ throws a No no tom
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:17 PM CDT reply actions
That'd be nice
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 29, 2010 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Is there anybody who thinks the Astros did not get the worst end of it. The flipping of Gose makes this deal better, but still a loser in my opinion, especially considering the money.
hells no
to get wallace was worth the 11 M if it was a 3 way deal…I didn’t love the PHI deal but didnt hate it…I LOVE THIS deal…So all in all I like what happened today!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Really
Give up a #1 pitcher and $11 million for a #4 pitcher, a C prospect (Villar) and a B+ prospect with some definite limitations? And you are ecstatic? Well I am glad you like it, I feel we just bent over and took it. I am still puzzled why Toronto would trade a B+ prospect for a C+, but his stock does seem to be dropping – maybe our good fortune. Either way, I expected better.
I'm with you kdm59
(are you related to kdm51?)
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 29, 2010 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions
No relation
To be just – people seem to be split over whether this was a good deal. If Wallace was still a3B, I would be much happier. However, as a 1B, I don’t seem him as above average – I wonder if this is why his stock is dropping.
wade says we getting younger
but not calling it a rebuilding process
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:20 PM CDT reply actions
i believe the quote was something like:
I wouldn’t call it a rebuilding process…just get younger
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
He said something like “I wouldn’t call it rebuilding. We’re getting younger”.
by Mr. Imperial on Jul 29, 2010 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions
We're adding young talent and ditching the old guard.
Sounds like rebuilding to me, but hey I want to rebuild!
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
by the way
i did predict this at the beginning of this thread
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:33 PM CDT reply actions
tejada going to padres
kepp not going there anymore
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:41 PM CDT reply actions
ha Kornheiser on PTI says
Oswalt has bad numbers only 6-12 this year
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 4:44 PM CDT reply actions
Kornheiser = Bayless = Wilbon = Scoop Jackson
Morons galore at ESPN.
Yup
It’s not exactly original programming, either. They cover the exact same topics all damn day; First Take, SportsCenter, Around the Horn, PTI. They don’t even bother to give different arguments.
No offense to any Stros fan on the East Coast but those dumba** yankee sportswriters at ESPN don’t give any southern team in any sport any kind of positive recognition for anything they do.
It’s a well established fact that once a player is on the Astros he becomes worthless. Just look at Brett Wallace, he went from a top prospect to garbage in under an hour!!
by Aging Dominican on Jul 29, 2010 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
They liked Roger Clemens his whole time in Houston
and it’s not only southern teams – try Minnesota, Toronto, and few other northern towns
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 29, 2010 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Very, very disappointed in this deal
Though, as someone prescient pointed out above, we should wait to bash Wade. Alas, I already having my best bashing bat all ready to go….
We traded $11MM and Oswalt for a swingman 4th/5th starter who has already reached his peak. After extended use, teams figured him out, and his K/IP has plummeted. This is a horrible sign.
We got Villar, who does at least have speed and youth on his side. That said, he’s a very typical Wade prospect in that his plate discipline sucks, and the Astros have done a horrible job developing a hitter since…well, since Berkman, really. Pence is a perfect example of our inability to develop and improve offensive talent.
There’s a reason Wallace has gone from the Cards to the As to the Jays to us in the past few months: he’s way over-hyped. His plate discipline is horrible, his power is short, and he makes Carlos Lee look like a defensive wizard. He hits in one of the best hitter’s parks in the game right now, and it’s skewing his splits. See this: http://bit.ly/9pTfqg
In the PCL, he can only slug .509, and this is after his hot streak? Personally, the best comp I can come up with is a poor man’s Daryle Ward. I predict that he’ll never be an even average regular at 1B, and unless you are getting an elite prospect at 1B, you don’t trade for one. Ever.
Worst of all, and above and beyond everything else: we traded for a 1B and we didn’t pick up a single arm. Villar is a pretty nice chit, but with a farm system so bereft of talent and upside, we could be more competitive in the future with better arms. Frankly, I would’ve taken what the Marlins got for Cantu and been pretty content.
No, I’m not a fan of this deal, but I’ll put my haterade down and back away before EHTR bans me :-)
@Wu Tang: You’re embarrassing yourself. Stop. Just stop.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
Some sobering thoughts, bigfatdrunk
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 29, 2010 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
People had begun to think Halladay had reached his potential til landing in Toronto where Arnsberg helped resurrect his career. Give Happ a little time and let’s see what happen, we might get similar results.
As far as Wallace goes he’s been a top flight prospect who’s been part of some “blockbuster” trades involving high caliber major league players. I would’nt get down on him just yet. He’s never been in one place or one system long enough to get comfortable. He’s not yet 24. Just hold your horses and let’s see what happens.
Categorically:
Happ is somewhere between a third and fourth starter, not a fourth and fifth starter. I see only normal variation in his strikeout rate last season; in fact, his best month for strikeouts was September/October, when he had 8.87 K/9 in 22 IP, and his best xFIP of the season at 3.57. He’s an average starting pitcher; a nice piece, but not a great piece.
As you said, Villar has great raw tools. He adds one more high-ceiling shortstop to the several we already have in the system. One of them, hopefully, will work out.
I find it amusing how quickly people have jumped to dismiss Brett Wallace on the basis of flimsy statistical analysis which doesn’t hold up when you factor in his ARL, scouting reports, and tools. Baseball America didn’t. Keith Law didn’t. Project Prospect didn’t. Minor League Ball didn’t. On the list goes. Apparently, as soon as the Astros touch him he turns to crap.
You can taunt me about it
I was dead wrong about Cushing.* I’ll always pay for that. Happily.
- Though, you know, my fears were slightly vindicated, which pretty much sucked. I’m happy to be wrong if it makes the team better.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
I will say WAY TO GO ED
Hindsight is always better. But do not get me wrong – I hope for everything to go right for the Astros. I want Happ to be a 3rd starter, I want Wallace to come up hit. 350 with 35 homers and drive in 125 runs, and I want Villar to be the next Hanley Rameriz. But what I believe will happen is that Happ will be a 5th, wallace will be average at best (at 1B), and we will never hear of Villar again (alright maybe Villar the pitcher – but not this Villar). But time will tell whether this was a good deal or not – and it should not be that long before we know.
OK
Happ: Halladay isn’t a good comp. Maybe Jamie Moyer, but Jamie Moyers are very rare. Halladay was a hard thrower who, as you mentioned was able to turn the corner. But he did this at 24, was an All Star by 25, and he won the Cy at 26. Happ turns 28 in a couple months, and his K/IP has steadily decreased. At now 6.6/9IP lifetime, he’s right on the cusp of effectiveness. Last year, it was at 6.5/9IP. As I’m sure you know, the number of pitchers who succeed at that level are few. If he was unable to beat out Kendrick and Moyer this year, and with the way he’s been lit up in the minors, I’ll stick with 4/5/swing.
Wallace: In 2009, his MLEs were .260/.320/.390 (Sickels). This year, especially once adjusted for park, will be little better. His secondary skills are minimal, and his plate discipline has regressed. The flimsy statistical analysis is that he’s got an 800 OPS on the road in the PCL He’s a college hitter from a big-time program who ripped up A ball and two weeks of AA. Aside from that, he’s done little. Considering he’s a 1B, he has to do a lot more to be even average. When you adjust for the park, he’s doing exactly what he did in 2008.
This said, I would’ve been OK with Singleton. He’s younger, has similar power, and has much more upside.
This trade won’t make the Stros contenders again, StrosSouth. With the possible exception of Villar, none of these guys have tremendous upside. Villar will take three or more years to pan out.
I’ve already got a beer and nachos bet with Wexler on the Wallace portion. I put my money stomach where my mouth is :-)
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
I didnt say these guys WOULD make the team a contender. I said what if they did due to the fact that everyone seems to be detractors now. I personally believe too many people put way too much emphasis on #‘s. They don’t always tell the whole story. This trade is going to take some time find out if Wade made the right decision.
True
But, especially in baseball, stats can tell a nice tale.
The guys who suddenly hit a switch like a Sammy Sosa are the rarities. In the vast majority of cases, players have a historical record of success are those who go on to be successful. Wallace’s +8 OPS in the PCL last year just doesn’t give me warm fuzzies. If he were a SS? Yeah, I’d be happy.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
What???
I thought all players went from .230 hitters without power to HOFers. Heh.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
ha im no person in charge here
and I wouldn’t ban you anyway…i respect your opinion…I liked the 2nd part of deal…wawsn’t thrilled with 1st part (esp. the 11 million)…I am a Brett Wallace fan!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Gose intriguiges me
I’m not big on athletes first/baseball players second, but I happen to like athletic baseball players. Part of my problem with Wallace is that, at best, he’s got some old player skills. At worst, he doesn’t have the plate discipline to have old player skills, and he’s not athletic to boot.
I also very seriously doubt our ability to develop an impact hitter. Pence is about average, maybe a little above, at RF. And he’s the only bat we’ve really developed over the past decade. That’s scary.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
Way to finish your thought, jerk (me)
What I forgot to add is that Gose has a lot of tools. He supposedly has quite a bit of power potential. I can easily see why the Jays made that trade with us, and I would hardly be surprised if Gose turned out to be the better player in the deal.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
gose could turn out to be better
but I am going to put my money on wallace…hopefully he gets a September callup and Bagwell will be all over him…
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Jul 29, 2010 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on The Crawfish Boxes
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
TCB Tweets!
Current Series
3 game series vs Diamondbacks @ Chase Field
| Sat 09/04 | 7:10 PM CDT | |
| Sun 09/05 | 3:10 PM CDT | |
NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati
|
78 | 55 | .586 | 0 | Won 4 |
|
St. Louis
|
69 | 62 | .526 | 8 | Lost 5 |
|
Houston
|
62 | 71 | .466 | 16 | Won 3 |
|
Milwaukee
|
62 | 71 | .466 | 16 | Lost 3 |
|
Chicago
|
57 | 77 | .425 | 21.5 | Won 1 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
44 | 89 | .330 | 34 | Lost 1 |
(updated 9.2.2010 at 9:47 AM CDT)
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
