Signing Day 2011: What's In Store For The Astros?
by David Coleman on Aug 15, 2011 11:15 AM CDT
in Houston Astros Minor League News
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PrintWe talked about this a little on the podcast Sunday night (which will be released sometime soon), but with the signing deadline at midnight tonight, it seemed like a good time for an update.
Houston has a few prospects it seems to still be negotiating with, including first-round pick George Springer, third-round pick Jack Armstrong, 14th round pick Gandy Stubblefield and 25th rounder Billy Flamion. Interestingly, that also feels like the order of likeliness that they'll sign, with Springer being most likely and Flamion being least likely.
Springer has been rumored to be asking for up to $10 million, but that might just be a ploy to drive up his price closer to $3 million. That's probably where I see him ending up when he does sign (if he does sign). With Armstrong, we have a little less info on what it'd take to sign him, but if I had to guess, I think he'll fall around whereAustin Wates did last season or around $750,000.
As Subber10 mentioned in the podcast, word is that Stubblefield has heard the Astros final offer and would rather go to Texas A&M. Flamion also has a pretty firm college commitment to Oregon with all that Nike money. There is a chance Houston signs one of those two, but it will be more about the player's deciding to sign rather than the Astros offering enough money.
We'll keep you updated throughout the day as we hear more on the deadline's happenings.
UPDATE: Per Zachary Levine, the Astros are only negotiating still with Springer, Armstrong and Stubblefield. That means no Hoke Granger or Billy Flamion. While it's bad news for those of you on the Granger bandwagon, I have to say it's good news that they're still talking with Stubblefield. It'd be nice to get him added to the system.
UPDATE II: Jonathan Mayo has an article up on MLB.com, which puts forth a theory that Anthony Rendon's negotiations with the Washington Nationals may be holding up Houston's negotiations with Springer. So, now you have one more thing to keep looking for: Anthony Rendon's agreement.
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I'll put it this way:
If Ed Wade does not sign George Springer tomorrow, he’s signed his death certificate.
Not only are we losing a great talent in Springer, but the pick we get kin return for him, is worthless. 2012 draft is pathetic.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
Well not to worry
If we don’t sign Springer now with the 10th pick, we can just sign him with the #1 pick next year. What, does he think he can get away from us?
I won’t be upset if we don’t sign Armstrong as long as we sign Stubblefield. Armstrong just strikes me as injury prone. He’s a nice prospect but I won’t be as upset as if we don’t sign Hoke Granger, I mean Stubblefield.
Flamion really intrigues me. He has a lot of upside and could be a BIG thing someday. I would be really excited if we got him.
Still want Hoke Granger! Busta, go find him on twitter and tell him if he doesn’t sign you’ll murder his dog.
by Its Gonna Happen on Aug 15, 2011 5:21 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I agree do that Busta!
Well, except for the threatening to murder his dog part. Somehow, I think that might make him less likely to sign in Houston.
by Patrick Harrel on Aug 15, 2011 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions
But that's not nice.
I would never murder anyone’s dog.
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Well I know you wouldn't take out his cat!
We need all the talent we can get in this organization. Flamion was another potential 5 tool wasn’t he?
by Its Gonna Happen on Aug 15, 2011 1:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
If we can sign Springer (I am 98% sure he signs) and Armstrong, I’ll consider it a win. I doubt Stubblefield or Flamion sign.
by Stupendous Man on Aug 15, 2011 8:01 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Could be. Flamion has a better chance of becoming a first round talent than Stubblefield in my opinion, though.
by Stupendous Man on Aug 15, 2011 8:47 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
</blockquoteword is that Stubblefield has heard the Astros final offer and would rather go to Texas A&M.
So we probably lowballed him. I hope they haven’t already made their “final offer”. I can’t help but feel like if these guys were drafted by other clubs, they would have already signed for overslot. I think we’re being extra, extra cheap this year – hence all the college seniors and low floor guys.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 9:35 AM CDT reply actions
Block quote fail above^
</blockquoteword is that Stubblefield has heard the Astros final offer and would rather go to Texas A&M.So we probably lowballed him. I hope they haven’t already made their "final offer". I can’t help but feel like if these guys were drafted by other clubs, they would have already signed for overslot. I think we’re being extra, extra cheap this year – hence all the college seniors and low floor guys.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 9:36 AM CDT reply actions
Last year we offered late rounders JaCoby Jones and Adam Plutko $1 million bonuses, and they still opted for college. If Stubblefield doesn’t sign, it doesn’t necessarily mean its because he was lowballed. For all we know, his offer was substantial.
by Stupendous Man on Aug 15, 2011 9:43 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I seriously, seriously doubt it at this point.
Also, that money that we supposedly offered JJ and Plutko is what we’re told we offered them. Who told us that? Seems like a rumor, and very, very unlike us. No, the simple fact of the matter is Drayton and Tal are cheap when it comes to the draft. Drayton didnt want backlash for not trying to get the farm in better shape so I imagine, he instructs Wade and Heck to go after the most signable guys -then when we sign our first 25 guys in a matter of days, he goes “Look! No other club has done that!” That’s because the other clubs are actually drafting talent after the 4th round and not organizational fodder or reaching for guys!
The Royals just signed a 29th rounder for 675,000 I GUARANTEEE you they didnt offer Flamion or Stubblefield that money and they wont. If they do, I’ll shut up by the way. Look at the facts the Mets and us are constantly in the bottom of spending in this draft, and give very, very few overslot bonuses. And 6 of our top 10 prospects are from OTHER ORGANIZATIONS through trades. I hope we sign Springer, but I would like all 3 of those higher upside guys as well, otherwise this is a pretty weak draft.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Yohann, you don’t know anything we don’t. The LA Times are the ones who reported that we offered over 1 million to Plutko. Why them, because Plutko went to UCLA. If we weren’t offering something significant, they wouldn’t have waited to the deadline to completely shut negotiations down.
You think this type of money signs someone, but you don’t know these guys. Maybe going to college is a dream of theirs, and guess what, its free for them! These kids have an opportunity to get a free top notch education and then get paid this kind of money in three years. They don’t have to take it now.
The free education thing is all the more reason it takes higher bonuses
To sign these kids. The college experience is very valuable in education of course, but also growing up, becoming a man. I’m sure the experience of traveling and playing with a baseball team is pretty cool as well, but most of those kids spend 5- 10 years in the minors and never see the big leagues.
I contend they should ask for a lot especially if they’re talent dictates a 1-5 round selection.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Its about value and smart investment. You have to spend where spending makes sense. We aren’t the Red Sox or Yankees and have the ability to throw money at every player and hope that some work out, since the investment doesn’t hurt you when it doesn’t pan out because the money would have otherwise just sat in a bank account. We don’t have that luxurary. Throwing 750k at a guy who doesn’t crack the top 30 makes no sense at all.
by Subber10 on Aug 15, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
If a player is good enough to justify a big signing bonus, he’d get drafted higher than the 25th round. Yes, there are some guys who sign for big money later in the draft, but for the most part, players who last that long need significant development time and are no sure things. Flamion, Granger and Stubblefield will not significantly help the system this year, next year or maybe even two years from now. Spending on them is the ultimate lottery ticket, which is fine if they want to sign. If they don’t, it’s not a huge loss.
Plutko? He was a bigger loss, because he was a high draft pick precisely because of his polish. None of the guys left (outside of Springer and Armstrong) have that same profile.
I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson
by David Coleman on Aug 15, 2011 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
I think spending an landing those kids would help our overall draft
And therefore help our farm system. Flamion would probably be in our top 12 right away. Granger, (sigh, man I want him) has serious power and would help. Not too familiar w/ Stubblefield but we need all the high upside arms we can get.
Anyways, lets hope we get them signed, and then if we don’t I’ll bitch about it. :D
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Even with as high as I am on flamion, he’s not a top 12 in the system. He is so raw, and there are enough questions about him that his floor is SOOOO low that I doubt he makes my top 20. Granger would be lucky to crack top 30. His power numbers come from VERY weak HS competition that is basically tossing him BP. He has nice bat speed, but as of right now, thats the only tool that is evident.
Stubblefield is an extremely nice piece, but he wouldn’t crack top 20 either. Too many other pitchers with similar upside and better floors.
Granger is a guy I see a lot like Jon Singleton.
Power, bat speed, loads of raw potential, and taken late in the draft. Difference is Phillies spent the $$$ it takes to sign him. Same for Flamion and Dom Brown. These are the guys we need to get in our system ASAP. We have an improving farm system, but we need to spend the $ it takes to get these high upside talents in our system.
Maybe that’s Cranes philosophy, since he seems to be purging all the big contracts. Allocate the money to the draft and player development.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
You’re buying into HS stats way too much. At these guys ages, you have too look at performances against top notch talent, which Granger doesn’t have. There is no comparison to Singleton or Dom Brown.
I was saying they have the ability to turn into those guys
Granger could be like Singleton b/c of power. Flamion like Brown b/c of tools. More than likely they don’t, but I hope the new regime gets those kind of guys signed.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
These kids are absolutely ridiculous...
$500 K is a lot more money than most FAMILIES get to see for years, and they’re asking for more.
And a BILLIONAIRE doesnt want to give that up.
They have the right to ask for that, they forego their college education. In today’s economy they absolutely should try and get as much as they can.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
PTBNL
Is today the day we find out who the PTBNL is in the Pence trade? Or is it a later date?
by Stupendous Man on Aug 15, 2011 10:45 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Later date
I think they still have 2 weeks before they have to pick.
by conroestro on Aug 15, 2011 10:52 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Heh heh…Nevermind. Looks like we got him today.
by Stupendous Man on Aug 15, 2011 12:02 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Hoping Anthony Rendon doesn't sign...
so we could take him next year!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 15, 2011 11:10 AM CDT reply actions
Scott Boras
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Aug 15, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Scott Boras is Satan
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
hence
why even if he were available the Astros will never get Rendon, according to the general consensus.
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Aug 15, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Going to be a different regime, timmy
No more D-Mac, probably no more Ed Wade either.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
oh
how convenient!
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Aug 15, 2011 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I would love to get Rendon, Bundy, Starling, etc
But I bet they all sign today.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
Scott Boras
Is a horrible, horrible man. And I wish he had reason to represent me.
by SuprisedByLove on Aug 15, 2011 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Dylan Bundy may not sign and will probably go to JUCO over Texas
meaning he’ll be there next year at #1. If so, he’s a no-brainer. He probably has the best arm in this years draft.
I’m torn because I love my Horns and Astros.
by Neil Leininger on Aug 15, 2011 11:25 AM CDT reply actions
I would do backflips.
I would learn how to do backflips if we got and SIGNED Dylan Bundy.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Domingo Santan PTBNL
http://twitter.com/#!/PhoulBallz/status/103141438874861568
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Aug 15, 2011 11:35 AM CDT reply actions
I was just going to post that
This is from a Phillies Blog.
by auclairkeithbc on Aug 15, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Is that confirmed>?
Isnt a fairly legit prospect?
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
it’s supposedly from Santana himself
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Aug 15, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Awesome. Santana has loads of potential, and is more than a throw-in, for sure.
by Stupendous Man on Aug 15, 2011 12:04 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
6'5" 200
Big guy. Hope his power develops.
by Neil Leininger on Aug 15, 2011 11:37 AM CDT reply actions
Well I wanted Bonilla - we need SP.
But Santana is young enough and toolsy enough to still turn into a star. The power is there as evidenced by his 6 Hr’s in his first season. Seems like he has speed as well he just doesnt know how to use it.
Atleast one of these guys we got from Philly is going to be the real deal.
by YohannDookeyblue on Aug 15, 2011 12:00 PM CDT reply actions
alysonfooter Alyson Footer
The Astros have selected outfielder Domingo Santana as the player to be named to complete the Pence trade with the Phillies.
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 15, 2011 12:00 PM CDT reply actions
alysonfooter Alyson Footer
Santana is 19 years old and was ranked as the 9th best prospect in Phillies system. He will report to Class A Lexington.
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 15, 2011 12:02 PM CDT reply actions
alysonfooter Alyson Footer
Santana hit .269 with 29 doubles, four triples, seven home runs and 32 RBIs for Lakewood (Class A).
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 15, 2011 12:08 PM CDT reply actions
Let's sign Springer and
then someone send a tweet to Rendon and tell him that if he goes back to Rice for one more year he will only have to leave Houston for road trips. Don’t wake me up, I’m dreaming of a lineup that looks like this: Altuve, Springer, Rendon, Singleton, Martinez, Ovando, Parades, Castro, Villar.
1. Springer CF
2. Altuve 2B
3. Rendon 3B
4. Singleton 1B
5. Martinez LF
6. Ovando RF
7. Castro C
8. Villar SS
Yep. Looks solid to me.
by Snake Diggity on Aug 15, 2011 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Pipe Dream
at least 4 of those 8 will be busts…
by FunkytownKing on Aug 15, 2011 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course. But pipe dreaming is fun.
by Snake Diggity on Aug 15, 2011 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rotation: Cosart, Norris, Lyles, Folty, Houser
Bullpen: Aneury, Kuechel, Velasquez, Stoffel, De Leon, Lopez, Melancon
by Snake Diggity on Aug 15, 2011 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions
You’re right! We don’t need 2 thirdbasemen. Unless we move to the AL…
by ntn on Aug 15, 2011 5:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm hoping someone doesn't sign and is eligible next year
The 2 candidates seem to be Bundy (who’d head to JUCO) or Rendon.
by Patrick Harrel on Aug 15, 2011 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Stephen_Goff Stephen Goff
No news, at this point, about unsigned Astros’ Draft picks. Approximately 6 hours until deadline. I do think it will turn out well for HOU
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 15, 2011 4:52 PM CDT reply actions
GREGCLUCAS Greg Lucas FSH
McLane also said club working hard to sign their #1 and #3 picks. Deadline is in a few hours. All effort is being made.
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 15, 2011 5:25 PM CDT reply actions
That’s good to hear. We need to sign them both.
I guess that means they’ve stopped negotiating with Stubblefield?
by Stupendous Man on Aug 15, 2011 5:29 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
jimcallisBA Jim Callis
#Cardinals sign 2nd-rder Charlie Tilson for $1.275 mil. Illinois HS OF starred at 2010 Area Codes, speedy leadoff/CF type. #mlbdraft.
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 15, 2011 6:06 PM CDT reply actions
Houston Astros Astros 38-83 Carlos Lee is batting .175 (7-for-40) this month, but that’s OK, because what’s important is having a youth movement led by a 35-year-old, lead-footed first baseman. — Austin Swafford: Austin’s Astros 290 Blog
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
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