3 Discussion Items

While the Astros 10 game win streak has sadly come to an end, after an off day, we’re ready to get back at it with a new win streak against the Mall cops. My favorite part of the Crawfish Boxes has always been the community discussions, and I figured we can throw a couple discussion items that are a bit abstract to spark some discussions from the TCB community.

Topic 1 - Bullpen Help

In the last discussion post, I had made a note both about Craig Kimbrel as well as giving TCB the opportunity to be Luhnow for a day. Interestingly, a large number of the posts were strongly against Kimbrel, but made note that the Astros could use some reinforcements in the bullpen. This obviously makes sense logically due to Kimbrel’s cost and for some - the hatred of his squat pose.

So who would you pursue if you were the GM?

My idea? Gio Gonzalez. One of the articles I’ve been the most proud of was my analysis of Gio Gonzalez as a potential signing prior to our signing of Wade Miley. To me, it still holds true, especially at the beyond ridiculously low price that he signed for with the Yankees. Gio is still in the minors for the Yankees as he approaches the date where he can opt-out from the contract and be a Free Agent once again. Him being a lefty and providing a depth for multiple innings, with the possibility of his velocity playing up again in the bullpen is an attractive combination to me.

Let me know, who would you pursue? There’s a fair argument to just play our prospects as well and not pursue bullpen reinforcements, so if that’s your route - let us know which prospect would fill the slot for you?

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Topic 2 - Trades aplenty

It’s no secret that the Astros are bursting at the seams with MLB ready prospects, most without an open slot in the MLB roster. This creates an opportunity for some creative dealing. Whether it’s a JD Davis style trade - MLB ready for some new intriguing lower level prospects, a salary reduction type trade - such as trading or Reddick, or even a combination of multiple prospects for a contributor to our team (bullpen or DH reinforcements possibly?). The opportunities are endless. Let us know what you’d like to see happen. **Other than the Tony Kemp for Mike Trout trade of course **

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Topic 3 - Tyler White / Tony Kemp opinions

Seemingly the two most debated position players on the Astros roster, both Kemp and White have not produced to the level most would expect. Let us know, do you think both are MLB-quality players? Do they deserve a spot on the Astros roster? Have they simply been unlucky or is there more to it than that?

Tyler White - .241/.371/.276 with a .368 BABIP and .312 xwOBA vs .330 wOBA for 96 wRC+

Tony Kemp - .179/.303/.365 with a .190 BABIP and .286 xWOBA vs .274 wOBA for 74 wRC+