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3 Astros things: Are Astros in the market for Andrew Cashner?

Do the Astros want another bearded pitcher? Gurriel to first? And Bregman to the rescue?

By Ryan Dunsmore

The damn Yankees are in town...

1) Will Houston cash in for Cashner?

FanRag writer (still weird to see that website name) and buzzkill Jon Heman is reporting that the Marlins and Astros are in the market for right-handed pitcher Andrew Cashner.

Cashner, 29, is a 6'6" pitcher from Conroe. He lit the world on fire in 2014 with a 4-7 record with a 2.55 ERA in 19 starts for the Padres but hasn't found the same magic over the last two seasons at pitcher-friendly Petco Park. He is 4-7 with 4.79 ERA in 15 starts with 61 strikeouts, 27 walks, and a 1.405 WHIP. He currently has career low marks as a starter in ERA+ (82) and FIP (4.78).

The local angle is always interesting but do the Astros want a repeat of Scott Kazmir? Cashner is in a contract year with the Padres. It would make sense if Houston wants to go after Cashner this offseason and sign him long term. But does the current form of Cashner impress over say, Mike Fiers or Scott Feldman? Not really.

Now if the Astros were looking to sure up the catching position, a package deal for Cashner and Padres catcher Derek Norris would be interesting -- as Jeff Passan tweets Norris is available. Norris has a few more years of control and has been one of the best framing catchers the past few year. The trade deadline is Aug. 1, we'll have to wait and see.

2) Gurriel to first?

MLB.com' Richard Justice gives the people and updated on Yulieski Gurriel. Gurriel is still waiting for his work visa but Justice points that that the Astros are looking at first base too for the Cuban infielder.

Gurriel has played mostly third base, second base and outfield in his previous stop. But the could the Astros thinking about keeping Alex Bregman at third base?

3) Happy Alex Bregman day!

Alex Bergman will be in the starting lineup for the Astros at third base. Here are some articles to introduce him (or reintroduce those who have been following along on TCB).

Meet Alex Bregman: Astros Call-Up, Top-Rated Prospect, and Potential Houston Savior
The hottest team in baseball could soon get even hotter: While some contenders make questionable deadline deals to improve their rosters before the stretch run, the 54-44 Astros, currently 2.5 games back from the Rangers in the AL West, have yet again turned to their farm system for a midseason boost.

Astros hoping for top prospect magic again, this time with Alex Bregman
The Astros were in first place in the AL West on June 7 of 2015. The next day, top prospect Carlos Correa made his major-league debut. The then-20-year-old Correa, who had been drafted first-overall just three years prior, is essentially the reason Houston managed to make the postseason, as they were basically a .500 team the rest of the way even with him hitting .279/.345/.512 with 22 homers over 99 games. Correa was brought up to strengthen the team, and that's just what he did. The Astros will try their luck with this approach once again, this time with Alex Bregman.

MLB Rookie Report: Alex Bregman, SS, Houston Astros - Minor League Ball
The Astros promote their top prospect for the stretch run. They can expect a lot of hits.

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