3 Astros Discussion Items

Come tell us your thoughts on the Astros 3 topics of the day.

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

1.) The Curious Case of Gurriel’s Arbitration

As you may know, the Astros signed a front loaded contract with Yuli Gurriel, having his salary decrease year over year (which does not impact AAV / Salary Cap). With that said, Yuli will actually come out of his agreed contract rates into arbitration. This is an interesting dilemma as arbitration salaries are generally built on previous year’s salary and factored based on performance. I tried to find another example of a similar situation, as Gurriel’s age is obviously very different than most of the arbitration cases as well. So let me know your thoughts. Do the Astros work out a short term extension? Let him run? What do you think he’d get in Arbitration?

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

2.) Justin Verlander’s Recovery

As much as we hate baseball not existing right now, I have to wonder how much it helps the Astros. With one of the oldest teams in baseball, the Astros may benefit more so than some other teams from a shortened season. In particular, Verlander had a notable injuries to start the season with both a lat strain and a groin injury that required surgery (his adductor had apparently nearly torn off the bone).

What role does the adductor play? Here is a note from CBS:

“the adductors play a vital role in transferring power to a pitcher’s upper body. Their primary functions are to stabilize the lower extremity and pelvis when the foot is on the ground and, with the limb in motion, to draw the thigh toward midline.

During the pitching motion, the groin of the rear limb (throwing side) is put on significant stretch (with the hip extended) and then must flex to allow a pitcher’s lead leg to stride fully before planting. This is then accompanied by rotation of the hips toward the plate. From the vulnerable stretched position the hip muscles on this side must exert a considerable force to drive the pitcher’s body forward.”

Verlander has reported it has healed nicely and it has made significant difference in his delivery. How much do you think the injury / recovery will impact Verlander’s season? How much do you think the delayed start of the season has helped/hurt the Astros?

3.) MLB Eliminates 42 Minor League Teams

I’ll admit, I care more about minor league baseball than most. I’ve always disliked the negotiations where the MLB PA can negotiate negative aspects for minor league players without their representation. Regardless, this new initiative from the commissioner has me reconsidering looking at leagues outside of the MLB. Tell me about your experiences with independent leagues. What are your thoughts on the MiLB team reductions?