The Crawfish Boxes - 2013 MLB Trade Deadline: Houston Astros rumors and newsAstros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2013-08-01T11:00:12-05:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/stream/42077172013-08-01T11:00:12-05:002013-08-01T11:00:12-05:00Norris and Maxwell Trade Reaction
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<figcaption>Patrick Smith</figcaption>
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<p>Reaction to the Bud Norris and Justin Maxwell trades at the MLB July 31, 2013, Trade Deadline.</p> <p><i>Here are what people are saying about the trades the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> made at the trade deadline, July 31, 2013:</i></p>
<p> </p>
<h4><span>Justin Maxwell</span></h4>
<p><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/royals-acquire-decent-platoon-outfielder-pay-real-price/" target="_blank">Royals Acquire Decent Platoon Outfielder, Pay Real Price | FanGraphs Baseball</a><br>Dave Cameron</p>
<p><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/7/31/4576148/astros-trade-justin-maxwell-to-royals-for-prospect-kyle-smith" target="_blank">Astros trade Justin Maxwell to Royals for prospect Kyle Smith - Minor League Ball</a><br>By John Sickels</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/justin-maxwell/" target="_blank">Justin Maxwell Boosts Royals Lineup Versus Southpaws - BaseballAmerica.com</a><br>By J.J. Cooper</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><span>Bud Norris</span></h4>
<p><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/orioles-acquire-bud-norris-and-his-platoon-problems/" target="_blank">Orioles Acquire Bud Norris and his Platoon Problems | FanGraphs Baseball</a><br>By Eno Sarris</p>
<p><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/7/31/4576686/astros-trade-bud-norris-to-orioles-for-prospects-hoes-hader" target="_blank">Astros trade Bud Norris to Orioles for prospects Hoes, Hader - Minor League Ball</a><br>By John Sickels</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/bud-norris-trade/" target="_blank">Astros Agree To Orioles' Players-Plus-Pick Offer For Bud Norris - BaseballAmerica.com</a><br>By Jim Callis</p>
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<h4>Astros Overall</h4>
<p><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/trade-deadline-winners-and-losers-225036322.html" target="_blank">Trade deadline winners and losers - Yahoo! Sports</a><br>By Jeff Passan</p>
<p><a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2013/07/31/luhnow-draft-pick-from-baltimore-key-to-norris-trade/">Luhnow: Draft pick from Baltimore key to Norris trade</a><br>By Jose Ortiz</p>
<p><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130731&content_id=55409848&vkey=news_hou&c_id=hou">Doors ajar for top prospects after Deadline deals | astros.com: News</a><br>By Jonathan Mayo</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ussmariner.com/2013/07/31/the-myth-of-the-stupid-boring-deadline/">The Myth Of The Stupid Boring Deadline | U.S.S. Mariner</a><br>By Jeff Sullivan</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/07/july-trade-recap-al-west.html">July Trade Recap: AL West: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com</a><br>By Steve Adams</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseballnation.com/2013/7/31/4576790/mlb-trade-deadline-winners-losers-grades">MLB trade deadline: Three winners, three losers - Baseball Nation</a><br>By Grant Brisbee</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/8/1/4577328/astros-trade-deadline-reaction-bud-norris-justin-maxwellTimothy De Block2013-07-31T16:18:11-05:002013-07-31T16:18:11-05:00LIVE: discussin Norris, Maxwell and Veras Trades
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<figcaption>Ryan Dunsmore</figcaption>
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<p>We'll be discussing all the moves the Astros made before the 2013 MLB trade deadline: Bud Norris traded to Orioles, Justin Maxwell traded to the Royals and Jose Veras traded to the Tigers.</p> <p><a href="https://hawc.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.start&destination=E&eventID=515" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;">Donate to the Houston Area Women's Center - DonorDrive</a></p>
<h4>TCB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> Afterburners Podcast</h4>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 1.7em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Hosts: </b>TCB Staff</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.7em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Trade Deadline Topics:</b></p>
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<li>Astros right-handed pitcher <span>Bud Norris</span> traded to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> for LJ Hoes, Josh Hader and compensation draft pick after the first round</li>
<li>Astros outfielder <span>Justin Maxwell</span> traded to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> for Kyle Smith</li>
<li>Astros closer <span>Jose Veras</span> traded to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> for <span>Danry Vasquez</span> and a player to be named later</li>
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Leave questions in the comments below for either podcast and we'll do our best to get them answered. If we don't answer them we'll save them for a future podcast.
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<p style="padding: 0px; border: 0px none; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The archived live record can be found on Mixlr at: <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; vertical-align: baseline; color: #af2020; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.mixlr.com/crawfishboxes/showreel" target="_blank">http://www.mixlr.com/crawfishboxes/showreel</a></p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4576402/live-astros-afterburners-bud-norris-justin-maxwell-and-jose-verasTimothy De Block2013-07-31T14:56:00-05:002013-07-31T14:56:00-05:00Timeline of Bud Norris trade talks
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>Look back at the recent history of Norris' trade rumors and talks since February.</p> <p>It all started last winter, when news first started leaking that <span>Bud Norris</span> might be available. From there, let's run through a quick timeline of how the trade talks for Bud Norris have progressed this season.</p>
<p>February 6: <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/2/6/3954610/lowrie-trade-reaction-is-bud-norris-next">Anthony immediately checked in on Bud Norris</a> as the next big <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> trade target after <span>Jed Lowrie</span> was dealt.</p>
<p>March 16: In spring training, news of Chris Carpenter's injury leaked. That suggested the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> may have interest in Bud Norris and <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/3/16/4112588/cardinals-interested-in-astros-pitchers-bud-norris-and-lucas-harrell">in fact Peter Gammons did just such a thing</a>.</p>
<p>March 18: Two days later, <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/3/18/4114262/what-are-bud-norris-and-lucas-harrell-worth">I looked at Norris' trade value</a>. The upshot is that Norris could be worth what Jed Lowrie fetched back, or about $11 million in surplus value.</p>
<p>May 13: <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/5/13/4328558/jose-altuve-and-bud-norris-leave-game-with-injuries">Norris tweaks his back</a>, scares us all. He'd get better, though.</p>
<p>June 11: <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/11/4420328/this-buds-for-you-a-couple-clubs-sniff-around-on-norris">Clubs start checking in on Norris more frequently</a>. The two clubs identified here are the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco Giants</a> and the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>. At least the Pirates interest appears to have carried over to the deadline.</p>
<p>June 21: Jerome Solomon writes a dumb column ripping Norris for saying he'd like to play for his hometown team.<a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/21/4451008/jerome-solomon-bud-norris-and-the-decline-and-fall-of-western">I don't react well. </a></p>
<p>June 27: <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/27/4468552/astros-trade-deadline-five-destinations-for-bud-norris">Tim looks at five possible destinations for Norris</a>. His top five teams? Cleveland, San Francisco, Baltimore, Toronto and San Diego.</p>
<p>July 17: Jon Heyman gets snarky about Bud Norris' trade value. <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/17/4520178/jon-heyman-on-bud-norris-astros-price-too-high">Again, I don't react well.</a></p>
<p>July 30: <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/30/4571666/astros-trade-rumors-bud-norris-scratched-from-tuesday-start">Norris scratched from his Tuesday start against the Orioles</a>. Rumors go crazy.</p>
<p>July 31: Norris is dealt at the trade deadline to Baltimore for <span>L.J. Hoes</span>, Josh Hader and a compensatory pick in next year's draft.</p>
<h4>More from TCB:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575188/astros-trade-rumors-cardinals-looking-for-catching-help-houston-a"><b>Cardinals looking for catching help, Houston a match?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575138/bloggers-belittle-norris-out-of-ignorance-why"><b>Bloggers belittle Norris out of ignorance - Why?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575084/poll-should-the-astros-trade-bud-norris"><b>POLL: Should the Astros trade Bud Norris?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574072/astros-trade-rumors-wednesdays-bud-norris-updates-and-market-watch"><b>Wednesday's Bud Norris updates and market watch</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574384/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year"><b>The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year</b></a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4576074/astros-trade-rumors-timeline-of-bud-norris-trade-talksDavid Coleman2013-07-31T14:53:06-05:002013-07-31T14:53:06-05:00Bud Norris traded to Orioles
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>Norris is headed to the O's for a comp pick and a 23-year old outfielder with a funny name.</p> <p>It's done.</p>
<p><span>Bud Norris</span> has officially been traded to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> for major league outfielder <span>L.J. Hoes</span>, left-hander Josh Hader and a compensatory draft pick.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Sources: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Orioles&src=hash">#Orioles</a> agree to acquire Norris from <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> for Hoes and another piece. Finalizing now.</p>
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/362657258670260224">July 31, 2013</a>
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<p>Norris has a 3.93 ERA this season in 21 starts and 126 innings. He has 90 strikeouts and 43 walks with a 6-9 record and leaves the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> after five seasons with a 34-46 career record.</p>
<p>L.J. Hoes is an outfielder recently called up by the Orioles from Triple-A. The 23-year old has yet to record his first major league hit, but was hitting .304/.406/.403 with the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate before being called up. Hoes has not shown much power in his minor league career, posting isolated power average above .100 at just three stops there.</p>
<p>Hader is a 19-year old left-hander in Low A ball. He's started 17 games, going 85 innings with an 8.36 K/9 rate and 4.45 BB/9. That adds up to a 2.65 ERA and a 3.65 FIP so far. He was drafted in 2012 in the 19th round out of Old Mill HS in Millersville, Maryland.</p>
<p>Hader may be considered the centerpiece here and Houston now picks up Baltimore's fourth and fifth-best prospects. Still, this is a pretty disappointing return for Norris, especially since the Orioles viewed Hoes as a fourth outfielder.</p>
<p>What do you think? Initial reaction? Did Houston win this deal?</p>
<h4>More from TCB:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575188/astros-trade-rumors-cardinals-looking-for-catching-help-houston-a"><b>Cardinals looking for catching help, Houston a match?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575138/bloggers-belittle-norris-out-of-ignorance-why"><b>Bloggers belittle Norris out of ignorance - Why?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575084/poll-should-the-astros-trade-bud-norris"><b>POLL: Should the Astros trade Bud Norris?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574072/astros-trade-rumors-wednesdays-bud-norris-updates-and-market-watch"><b>Wednesday's Bud Norris updates and market watch</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574384/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year"><b>The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year</b></a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575998/mlb-trade-deadline-bud-norris-traded-to-orioles-for-lj-hoes-otherDavid Coleman2013-07-31T14:09:36-05:002013-07-31T14:09:36-05:00Justin Maxwell traded to Royals
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ken Rosenthal reporting that the Astros have shipped outfielder Justin Maxwell to KC.</p> <p>The first big move of Trade Deadline Day has happened. Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> have traded <span>Justin Maxwell</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a>. Terms of the deal were not immediately known.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Sources: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Royals&src=hash">#Royals</a> acquire OF Justin Maxwell from <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a>.</p>
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/362649379376611328">July 31, 2013</a>
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<p>Maxwell is hitting .241/.311/.387 this season with two home runs and four steals in 151 plate appearances. Maxwell was the Opening Day starting center fielder this year, but has missed significant time with injuries and never really got into a groove at the plate.</p>
<p>Last year, Maxwell hit 18 home runs to lead the club. He also stole nine bases and struck out 32 percent of the time while hitting .229/.304/.460. The Royals will be Maxwell's fourth organization, after being drafted by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> and ending time with both the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> and Astros.</p>
<p>Houston selected Maxwell off waivers from the Yankees in the last days of spring training last season. His combination of raw power and defense in the outfield make him an intriguing combination, but the emergence of <span>Brandon Barnes</span> on Houston's roster this year may have made him expendable.</p>
<p>Still working on other moves, but this is a good opening shot to the trade deadline. More to come.</p>
<p>UPDATE: Just found out who the prospect is. Right-hander Kyle Smith, who is currently High A for KC is headed to Houston for Maxwell. Smith has a 2.85 ERA and 3.46 FIP in 104 innings for the Royals over 19 starts.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Royals&src=hash">#Royals</a> acquire OF Justin Maxwell from Houston for minor-league pitcher Kyle Smith.</p>
— Bob Dutton (@Royals_Report) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals_Report/statuses/362656348334325761">July 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<h4>More from TCB:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575188/astros-trade-rumors-cardinals-looking-for-catching-help-houston-a"><b>Cardinals looking for catching help, Houston a match?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575138/bloggers-belittle-norris-out-of-ignorance-why"><b>Bloggers belittle Norris out of ignorance - Why?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575084/poll-should-the-astros-trade-bud-norris"><b>POLL: Should the Astros trade Bud Norris?</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574072/astros-trade-rumors-wednesdays-bud-norris-updates-and-market-watch"><b>Wednesday's Bud Norris updates and market watch</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574384/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year"><b>The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year</b></a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575784/mlb-trade-deadline-justin-maxwell-traded-to-kansas-city-royalsDavid Coleman2013-07-31T13:36:31-05:002013-07-31T13:36:31-05:00Bedard scratched from start tonight
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<figcaption>Scott Halleran</figcaption>
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<p>Bedard won't start tonight, with Brett Oberholtzer taking his turn. Is a trade likely?</p> <p>One more time, with feeling.</p>
<p>Another day, another <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> starting pitcher has been scratched. This time, it's <span>Erik Bedard</span>, who was supposed to start tonight if <span>Bud Norris</span> didn't. So, does that mean two starters actually got scratched? Do the Astros have Cat Scratch Fever?</p>
<p>At any rate, Brian McTaggart was the first with the news of Bedard being taken off the game tonight.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> now confirming <a href="http://t.co/MCrT7Pxynv">http://t.co/MCrT7Pxynv</a> report that Bedard scratched, Oberholtzer to start.</p>
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/statuses/362640106223448064">July 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Our old friend Obiehockey will get a chance to start for the Astros, after doing pretty well earlier in the week for Oklahoma City, right? I can't recall the line off-hand, but he had a ton of strikeouts and no walks in like eight innings of work. I'll take that.</p>
<p>Though Tags immediately caveated the news that Bedard wasn't starting with "he hasn't been traded," it appears that he MIGHT be traded soon. At least, that's the supposition as all the reporters sit by computers with cell phones at their ears trying to find news.</p>
<p>Norris talks have been heating up, centering around the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pirates</a>, <a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orioles</a> and <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Diamondbacks</a>. After Arizona traded <span>Ian Kennedy</span> for relief help from the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a>, the D'Backs could certainly use another starter.</p>
<p>90 minutes to go. Whoo!</p>
<h4>More from TCB:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575188/astros-trade-rumors-cardinals-looking-for-catching-help-houston-a">Cardinals looking for catching help, Houston a match?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575138/bloggers-belittle-norris-out-of-ignorance-why">Bloggers belittle Norris out of ignorance - Why?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575084/poll-should-the-astros-trade-bud-norris">POLL: Should the Astros trade Bud Norris?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574072/astros-trade-rumors-wednesdays-bud-norris-updates-and-market-watch">Wednesday's Bud Norris updates and market watch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574384/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year">The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year</a></li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img width="100%" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png"></a></p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575754/astros-trade-rumors-erik-bedard-scratched-from-tonights-start-againstDavid Coleman2013-07-31T13:07:05-05:002013-07-31T13:07:05-05:00The many faces of Bud Norris
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BWPsqEaRZqFNVieaE39ACXg98c4=/0x150:3300x2350/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17168779/170777829.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Things have been pretty serious so far. Let's de-stress a little with some pictures.</p> <p>Just for fun, I went back through our photo galleries here at TCB to find some of the best faces of <span>Bud Norris</span> through the years. Before he's gone, let's look at him some more.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732937/145506291.0_standard_783.0.jpg"><img alt="145506291" class="photo" width="100%" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732937/145506291.0_standard_783.0_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Photo credit: Doug Pensinger</p>
<p>My favorite picture of Bud. He's all like, "What?" And I'm all like, "What?" And he's all like...I see this one every time I do a search for Norris and want to include it every time. Something about the look on his face just seems so quintessentially Norrisian.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732943/gyi0060541798.0_standard_783.0.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732943/gyi0060541798.0_standard_783.0_medium.jpg" class="photo" width="100%" alt="Gyi0060541798"></a></p>
<p>Photo credit: Bob Levey</p>
<p>What. The. Hell. That's one of the most evil faces I've ever seen! Angry Bud is angry.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732955/gyi0065110140.0_portrait_500.0.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732955/gyi0065110140.0_portrait_500.0_medium.jpg" class="photo" width="100%" alt="Gyi0065110140"></a></p>
<p>Photo credit: Bob Levey</p>
<p>I want to know more about this picture. Was Bud dodging a foul ball? Is he giddy as a little kid? Is he cold? Don't they have those jacket if he's cold? WHAT IS GOING ON?</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732961/125692498.0_portrait_500.0.jpg"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732961/125692498.0_portrait_500.0_medium.jpg" width="100%" class="photo" alt="125692498"></a></p>
<p>Photo credit: John Sommers II</p>
<p>Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732985/127442491.0_standard_783.0.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732985/127442491.0_standard_783.0_medium.jpg" width="100%" class="photo" alt="127442491"></a></p>
<p>Photo credit: Bob Levey</p>
<p>Bud ponders the future of the universe. Or is it his future? Or is it what the heck Expected Runs are and what is it doing on his scoreboard?</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732991/124958183.0_standard_783.0.jpg"><img alt="124958183" width="100%" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1732991/124958183.0_standard_783.0_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Photo credit: Bob Levey</p>
<p>Hey! Remember when pitchers hit every now and then? Those were the days...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1733009/20130331_tjg_ad1_367.0_portrait_500.0.jpg"><img alt="20130331_tjg_ad1_367" width="100%" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1733009/20130331_tjg_ad1_367.0_portrait_500.0_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Photo credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>Bud does his best Bigfood impersonation.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1733021/174354378.0_portrait_500.0.jpg"><img alt="174354378" width="100%" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1733021/174354378.0_portrait_500.0_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Photo credit: Bob Levey</p>
<p>Lastly, one of my favorites from the last month. It's perfect for today isn't it? #Hugs The only thing that bothers me is Bo Porter, staring into my soul. Don't judge me, Bo. </p>
<h4>More from TCB:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575188/astros-trade-rumors-cardinals-looking-for-catching-help-houston-a">Cardinals looking for catching help, Houston a match?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575138/bloggers-belittle-norris-out-of-ignorance-why">Bloggers belittle Norris out of ignorance - Why?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575084/poll-should-the-astros-trade-bud-norris">POLL: Should the Astros trade Bud Norris?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574072/astros-trade-rumors-wednesdays-bud-norris-updates-and-market-watch">Wednesday's Bud Norris updates and market watch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574384/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year">The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year</a></li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img width="100%" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png"></a></p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575182/astros-trade-rumors-the-many-faces-of-bud-norrisDavid Coleman2013-07-31T12:00:09-05:002013-07-31T12:00:09-05:00Noon update on Bud Norris
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xEWew1JDAu_7TKrjPLwlnsWojTA=/0x0:463x309/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17164485/145506291.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>No news on Bud Norris yet, but plenty of rumors fill the Twitter-waves at noon.</p> <p>Well, no news is good news on Bud Norris. There appears to be a lot going on right now, but as always at the trade deadline, you can only believe half of what you see on your Twitter feed.</p>
<p>Here are the updates since the last time we wrote about Bud:</p>
<p>Three teams in for sure, via Brian McTaggart, are <a href="http://mlb.mlblogs.com/2013/07/31/norris-drawing-lots-of-interest-as-deadline-nears/">Orioles, Pirates and Diamondbacks</a> with the Giants also involved.</p>
<p>Later, Jeff Passan throws the Braves into the mix.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Latest on Bud Norris: Atlanta has jumped into foray. Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Arizona still possibilities. General sense: He'll be dealt.</p>
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/statuses/362614027496587268">July 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Except that two different sources deny the Braves are in on Norris at all.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Sources: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Braves&src=hash">#Braves</a> are not on Bud Norris. Never have been.</p>
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/362615100793815041">July 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Braves&src=hash">#Braves</a> have not changed their stance on Bud Norris. They have never targeted him as an option for their rotation.</p>
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlbbowman/statuses/362615803000012800">July 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>We also have some more details about the Pirates trade package. It's not overwhelming and involves lots of low-level prospects not named Tyler Glasnow.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I've heard if <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> are willing to consider bundle of low-level prospects for Norris, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Pirates&src=hash">#Pirates</a> have interest and ability</p>
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) <a href="https://twitter.com/BiertempfelTrib/statuses/362614093313613824">July 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Brian T. Smith says that Houston has "standing offers" for Norris, <a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/31/the-astros-have-standing-offers-for-bud-norris/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">but is just waiting for teams to increase offers</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Astros have standing offers for No. 1 starter Bud Norris but are hoping a team increases its pitch during the final hours before a 3 p.m. CT non-waiver trade deadline, a league source with knowledge of negotiations said Wednesday morning.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And that's that for now. Three hours left. Something may happen. It may not. If no team increases their offer from what's being reported now, I'm leaning towards Norris staying in a Houston uniform until the winter.</p>
<h4>More from TCB:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575188/astros-trade-rumors-cardinals-looking-for-catching-help-houston-a">Cardinals looking for catching help, Houston a match?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575138/bloggers-belittle-norris-out-of-ignorance-why">Bloggers belittle Norris out of ignorance - Why?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575084/poll-should-the-astros-trade-bud-norris">POLL: Should the Astros trade Bud Norris?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574072/astros-trade-rumors-wednesdays-bud-norris-updates-and-market-watch">Wednesday's Bud Norris updates and market watch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4574384/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year">The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year</a></li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img width="100%" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png"></a></p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/31/4575362/astros-trade-rumors-noon-updates-on-bud-norrisDavid Coleman