The Crawfish Boxes - MLB Hot Stove: Astros Sign RHP Scott Feldman for 3Y $30 MillionAstros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2013-12-07T13:00:04-06:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/stream/49466312013-12-07T13:00:04-06:002013-12-07T13:00:04-06:00Comparing Feldman's deal with other FA starters
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We know Scott Feldman got $10 million per year. How do other starters look in comparison?</p> <p>One of the most common reactions to the <span>Scott Feldman</span> deal, which the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> announced Friday after Ken Rosenthal broke the news, was that Houston could have spent their money on something better. I don't agree with this theory, but that won't stop me from seeing if its true. Let's look at the actual market for starting pitchers right now and evaluate how Feldman's three year, $30 million deal looks.</p>
<p>Here are the starting pitchers who have signed free agent contracts with new teams so far this winter. The data is courtesy of <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014-mlb-free-agent-tracker">MLB Trade Rumor's Free Agent Tracker</a> and excludes team options that were picked up (a la <span>Jon Lester</span>).</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>Josh Johnson 1 year, $8 million</span></li>
<li><span><span>Scott Kazmir</span> 2 years, $22 million</span></li>
<li><span><span>Dan Haren</span> 1 year, $10 million</span></li>
<li><span><span>Tim Hudson</span> 2 year, $23 million</span></li>
<li><span><span>Phil Hughes</span> 3 year, $24 million</span></li>
<li><span><span>Tim Lincecum</span> 2 year, $35 million</span></li>
<li><span><span>Ricky Nolasco</span> 4 year, $49 million</span></li>
<li><span>Jason Vargas 4 year, $32 million</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>The average value per year of those deals is $10.7 million, meaning Houston got Feldman for slightly less than the market average so far. Taking things a step further and excluding one-year deals, the average annual value for those deals is $11.3 million.</p>
<p>In that context, the Astros made a solid move. They got one of the few starting pitchers on the market who didn't have injury issues, with a track record for success and they got him on a slightly below-market deal. Sure, they might have been able to land <span>Matt Garza</span> in January, but right now, they've locked in a solid contributor on a reasonable deal.</p>
<p>Those numbers are skewed a bit, as they don't include any huge deals like the Greinke contract from last year. They also don't include the big-ticket guys who might sign later like <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span>, Garza and more. Yet, those deals will only raise the market price, not lower it and make Feldman's deal look better in comparison.</p>
<p>Could the Astros have spent money differently? Well, sure. But, looking at the market, it appears they landed a pretty solid starter for less than the going rate. That should make you feel better about his addition, even if you disagree with the move itself.</p>
<p> </p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/12/7/5182970/mlb-free-agency-comparing-scott-feldmans-deal-with-other-fa-startersDavid Coleman2013-12-07T12:29:15-06:002013-12-07T12:29:15-06:00More reaction to Feldman signing
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zZzOW4M5SUKJh2Liq7IvM5-xzZ4=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24683415/181569662.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Al Messerschmidt</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A day later, let's check out the internet to see other reactions to Houston's latest move.</p> <p>It's Saturday, but we can't stop writing about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>. Here's a roundup of some of the reactions from around the web, including comments from GM Jeff Luhnow.</p>
<p>From <a href="http://www.astroscounty.com/">Astros County</a>:</p>
<p>With the news that the Astros signed <span>Scott Feldman</span> for three years and $30m, my immediate thought was, "The Astros just upgraded their facial hair." My second thought was, "Well this certainly upgrades the rotation." But I didn't have any data on hand to confirm that.</p>
<p>From the Astros.com press release:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We wanted an experienced starter to anchor our pitching staff," said Luhnow. "Scott is a great fit with our club. He throws strikes and gets ground balls, and will be a great example for the rest of our young rotation."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>From <a href="http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/2013/12/06/astros-turn-attention-to-bullpen/">Brian McTaggart's Blog</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We've got some offers out there we're waiting on," he said. "Whether or not things happen this weekend or next week or after that, I'm not sure. We feel pretty good we're going to get at least one or two of the guys we're targeting."<br>"If we have an opportunity to bring in yet another starter, we wouldn't hesitate to do it," he said. "Right now, our primary focus is shifting to the bullpen."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>From <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2013/12/06/astros-focus-turns-to-bullpen-going-to-winter-meetings/">Evan Drellich's Winter Meetings preview</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We were hoping that we would have two big deals like this done by the end of the winter meetings," Luhnow said Friday. "To have them both done before the winter meetings is a bonus. So now that we can focus on the bullpen and focus on potentially another position player somewhere and keep going is good. I like the pace for this offseason and I like what we've been able to accomplish."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-astros-begin-the-long-climb/">From FanGraphs</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Granted, that story is propped up on a couple "ifs" and a handful of wishes. While it isn't outlandish to suggest that the Astros could win 70 games with a little luck, it's definitely taking the over on the Vegas line. Fowler and Feldman have their share of warts and either or both acquisitions could backfire on the Astros and leave the franchise over $37 million poorer.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/06/report-astros-sign-scott-feldman-to-30-million-deal/">From Hardball Talk</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>While this might be something of an overpay, the Astros weren't going to attract quality free agents without beating all other offers. Feldman is a third or fourth starter on a contender, but he's a huge upgrade for an Astros team without even one proven, reliable starting pitcher.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>From <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22372">Baseball Prospectus</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Here at BP, when we hear that the Astros are signing someone, we usually start planning a funeral for someone on staff. On Friday, the Astros tried a different approach and instead signed an actual MLB player.<br>The Astros seem to have bought at market price. Those are the most maddening moves to analyze because there's no one at whom I can scream. Everyone is acting so... sensibly. I guess I'll just have to go pick a fight about Jack Morris.</p>
</blockquote>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/12/7/5185778/mlb-free-agency-more-reactions-to-the-scott-feldman-signingDavid Coleman2013-12-07T09:00:27-06:002013-12-07T09:00:27-06:00PODCAST: Dexter Fowler and Scott Feldman
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<figcaption>Ryan Dunsmore</figcaption>
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<p>Reaction and analysis of the Astros trading for Dexter Fowler and signing Scott Feldman.</p> <p><a style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://hawc.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.start&destination=E&eventID=515" target="_blank">Donate to the Houston Area Women's Center - DonorDrive</a></p>
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<h4>TCB Astros Afterburners: <span>Dexter Fowler</span> and <span>Scott Feldman</span><br>
</h4>
<p>In this episode Chris Perry, Terri Schlather, Ryan Dunsmore and myself discuss:</p>
<ul>
<li>Outfielder Dexter Fowler and a player to be named later was acquired from the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rockies</a> for <span>Brandon Barnes</span> and <span>Jordan Lyles</span>.</li>
<li>Pitcher Scott Feldman was signed to a three year, $30 million deal.</li>
</ul>
<p>[<a target="_blank" href="http://leiturgia.com/podcasts/TCB-Podcast-AA-Fowler-Feldman.mp3">Direct</a>]</p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/12/7/5184568/astros-afterburners-podcast-dexter-fowler-and-scott-feldmanTimothy De Block2013-12-06T19:00:04-06:002013-12-06T19:00:04-06:00LIVE: Dexter Fowler Trade & Scott Feldman Signing
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<figcaption>Ryan Dunsmore</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The TCB staff discusses the Astros acquisitions of Dexter Fowler and Scott Feldman.</p> <p><a style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" href="https://hawc.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.start&destination=E&eventID=515">Donate to the Houston Area Women's Center - DonorDrive</a></p>
<h4>TCB <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">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>Hot Stove Topics:</b></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;"> </p>
<ul>
<li><font color="#292929" face="Mercury SSm A, Mercury SSm B, Georgia, Georgia, serif">Dexter Fowler trade</font></li>
<li><font color="#292929" face="Mercury SSm A, Mercury SSm B, Georgia, Georgia, serif">Scott Feldman free agent signing</font></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/12/6/5183694/astros-afterburner-podcast-dexter-fowler-trade-and-scott-feldmanTimothy De Block2013-12-06T13:46:43-06:002013-12-06T13:46:43-06:00TCB staff reacts to Scott Feldman signing
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PPvrCSxEtN1q5H0FSr46egc4Vqw=/0x683:2840x2576/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24628775/20130927_ads_aa3_021.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Our staff reacts to the news that the Astros have signed Scott Feldman.</p> <p>In our roundup of reactions to the three year, $30 million deal Scott Feldman will reportedly sign with the Astros, the TCB staff was split. There were some who were very high on this deal. There were some who really, really didn't like it. Then, there were some who just nothinged the signing because it didn't "blow (their) skirt up." But, we'll get to that in a bit.</p>
<p>At any rate, here's our staff reactions to the news:</p>
<p><b>Sean:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I do not like this deal at all.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Idrees:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Neither do I. Somebody much smarter than I, please help me get more comfortable about this signing. This is the first WFT Luhnow transaction for me.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Kel:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>HATE IT. That's a complete understatement from me as well.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Brooks:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Initial reaction is that it's not a bad deal. I'm not overly excited yet, though. I need to do some digging tonight to see if there's something I can find that might lead me to think he'll improve.</p>
<p>He's been a 2 win pitcher for two years now and 5M per win for a pitcher isn't bad value.</p>
<p>THEY HAVE THEIR OPENING DAY STARTER!</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Chris:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>OK, I like this deal for several reasons:<br>1. Feldman has been consistent around 2.2 WAR since recovering from his knee injury. 2012 was a BABIP-fueled bummer, but his peripherals stayed constant.</p>
<p>2. He's a good control pitcher. K/BB closer to 3 than 2 over the past three seasons.</p>
<p>3. He would have been the best pitcher on the Astros in 2013. He would have been 2nd behind Harrell in 2012.</p>
<p>4. He looks like an innings-muncher.</p>
<p>5. The contract is exceptionally reasonable. During his 5 injury free seasons as a starter his WAR were 0.7, 3.4, 1.3, 2.3, 2.1. In 2012, he put up a 2.3 despite only pitching 121 innings.</p>
<p>This is NOT an exciting move. But I do think it's a good one. They grabbed a good-not-great-but-pretty-darn-good starting pitcher in a free agent market that seems to be nuts this season. We all knew they weren't going to spend a fortune on any of the high-dollar guys, and to me this looks like a guy who will add 3-4 wins over their 2013 total (since Harrell, Humber, and Lyles were worth a combined -0.7 WAR).</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Idrees 2:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>At first glance, I am not a big fan of this signing. Feldman has been a solid pitcher over the last few years, but I'm not sure how much more value he adds over our plethora of in-house options for the rotation in the minors (who would be earning league minimum). Realistically he will perform better than most of those options for the next few years, but is that worth $10M/year? This reminds me of the Cubs overpaying for Edwin Jackson, and that hasn't work out very well for them. As an outsider, this feels more like a signing for the sake of making a signing, and those tend to end poorly. Suddenly the Scott Kazmir signing doesn't seem so bad, at least that was a 2 year investment. Scott Feldman is now the highest paid Houston Astro. I really hope I am wrong, and I will readily admit that the powers to be in charge are much smarter than I, so they deserve the benefit of the doubt. But honestly, this is the first transaction that my initial reaction was to cringe. Please be wrong...please be wrong...please be wrong...</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Terri:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Meh. This isn't exciting, but seems like a functional move. The team needs someone to eat innings, and Feldman can do that for a pretty reasonable price tag. He's an upgrade for Houston whether any of us want to admit that or not. This does NOT feel like the FA pick ups in previous seasons - this feels better even though it doesn't necessarily blow my skirt up with excitement.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Anthony:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Honestly, though, it just feels like a standard free agent signing. Not franchise-altering in either direction. I'm pretty meh on it.</p>
<p>If any of the prospects could reasonably be counted on to hit 2 fWAR, then maybe there'd be reason to be upset. But Feldman should hit that mark, and at a reasonable-enough price.</p>
<p>Meh. We got a big leaguer, at least.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Chris 2:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I don't think he's blocking anybody. If Cosart/Appel/Oberholtzer/Whoever pitch like aces, then I'm extremely happy with Feldman as a 3rd/4th starter at $10 mil.</p>
<p>If those prospects fall on their faces (very possible), then I'm extremely happy to have a veteran who can stabilize the rotation a bit.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>IrishPete:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Both Steamer and Oliver project Feldman to be better in FIP than Bud Norris. I think I am OK with this deal. Feldman should age decently also, since he is not a power pitcher.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Clack:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Yeah, I agree with Terri's reaction---all of what she says, except I don't have a skirt to blow up. I'm not excited about Feldman, but I think it's a good deal. Given the going price for starting pitchers so far, the price is probably what has to be paid to get a reliable veteran starting pitcher to sign with Houston. I much prefer this to the Nolasco and Hughes deals. We have to remember that there is ample evidence that the Astros like control pitchers, and Strom said in his interview that he prefers control and command over everything else.</p>
</blockquote>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/12/6/5182840/mlb-free-agency-tcb-staff-reacts-to-scott-feldman-signingDavid Coleman2013-12-06T12:54:08-06:002013-12-06T12:54:08-06:00Scott Feldman signing not flashy but effective
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<figcaption>Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Mmmmmm sandwich.</p> <p>Describe a characteristically "Luhnow" move. Take your time. Think about it. What do you get?</p>
<p>I'm guessing it goes something like this:</p>
<p>You start out glad for any news. You're underwhelmed with the names involved, though. No "name" prospects in trades. No high-profile free agents. So, you're a little disappointed until you dig into the meat of the deal. That's when how good it was sinks in.</p>
<p>Look at the Carlos Lee deal. At first, we were thrilled just to be rid of the big lug. <span>Matt Dominguez</span> has potential but little hope for positive outcomes. Then, Matty started hitting and flashing the leather, making that a solid deal. Same with the Happ/Lyon trade.</p>
<p>Same with the <span>Jose Veras</span> signing, the <span>Bud Norris</span> deal and on and on. The only to moves I can think of that missed here are the <span>Carlos Pena</span> signing and the Ruggiano trade. But, 90 percent of the time, Luhnow's deals age very well.</p>
<p>Bill Simmons sometimes refers to things as "the Reuben sandwich." His point is that a Reuben rarely looks enticing on a menu. It's not exciting but every time you order it, good things happen. It doesn't disappoint.</p>
<p>This Feldman deal fits right into that mold. It's not like the <span>Robinson Cano</span> deal. It's not a gamechanger for the rotation and Feldman likely won't be an All-Star. But, he's got a high probability of living up to the contract. Feldman could very easily be worth two wins in each of the next three season. He will eat innings and give Houston a reliable veteran presence. His numbers aren't flashy, but they're effective.</p>
<p>Oh, he will be good, too. The projection systems see him being worth as much as Bud Norris last year. So, Luhnow basically traded Norris to the O's for a big league outfielder, a draft pick, a high upside pitcher and Feldman. Not bad, huh?</p>
<p>This was a classic Luhnow move in another way, in that it came out of nowhere. Of all the moves mentioned, nearly all of them dropped on us unexpectedly. There were no cross country flights or leaked negotiating sessions. They got the deal done quietly and effectively. That's a Luhnow hallmark.</p>
<p>This also continues a trend of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> adding money. Tie this deal into the Fowler move and Houston will have effectively doubled its payroll from the end of last season. Say what you will about Fowler not being here in August. Feldman certainly will be. Three year deals don't get traded in July. This is real, tangible payroll increase on an effective MLB-caliber starter. If the Astros are going to raise payroll, this makes more sense than $240 million on Cano.</p>
<p>Add in the fact that Houston isn't don't yet and there's a lot to like about the 2014 Astros. Once they sign two relievers, the payroll likely goes up to around $40 million. No embarrassment to baseball there. So, this Feldman deal accomplishes a lot. It's not flashy and is overshadowed by big news in other parts of Houston. But, it's pretty satisfying.</p>
<p>It's a Reuben move.</p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/12/6/5182742/mlb-free-agency-astros-scott-feldman-signing-not-flashy-but-effectiveDavid Coleman2013-12-06T12:46:29-06:002013-12-06T12:46:29-06:00Twitter Responds to the Astros signing Feldman
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Twitter reacts to the Astros signing pitcher Scott Feldman.</p> <p>Here are some of the reactions that occurred after it was discovered that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> would be signing pitcher <span>Scott Feldman</span> to a 3 year, $30 million deal:</p>
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<p>$10M a year for Scott Feldman? 3 years? That's three conversations he can have with Jim Crane! This is progress, folks!</p>
— Archbishop Deshaies (@HouCounterplot) <a href="https://twitter.com/HouCounterplot/statuses/409001901728858112">December 6, 2013</a>
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<p>Well, today is shaping up to be busy. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BeInEarly&src=hash">#BeInEarly</a> RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal">@Ken_Rosenthal</a>: Source: Feldman agrees with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a>, 3yrs, $30 million, pending physical</p>
— Cory Hepola (@CoryHepolaCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoryHepolaCSN/statuses/409002131937832960">December 6, 2013</a>
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<p>A year ago <a href="https://twitter.com/DCameronFG">@DCameronFG</a> convinced me Scott Feldman had some skillz. He was right.</p>
— Sky Kalkman (@Sky_Kalkman) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sky_Kalkman/statuses/409002252745986048">December 6, 2013</a>
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<p>Feldman is absolutely worth 10 million a year in this market. One year too many in my opinion, but three years is not exactly onerous.</p>
— Aaron Ashcraft (@Aarcraft9) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aarcraft9/statuses/409002936027475968">December 6, 2013</a>
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<p>I'm not a fan of the Scott Feldman deal. That seems like spending just to spend. You could do a lot with 10 million a year. Come on.</p>
— Sean Feist (@native_astro) <a href="https://twitter.com/native_astro/statuses/409002981036552192">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I think it's a good deal for the Astros. They need pitching, too.</p>
— Jesse Lund (@TwinkieTown) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwinkieTown/statuses/409003333777510401">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Scott Feldman? Scott Feldman? At $10 million a year? Seriously?</p>
— John Royal (@John_Royal) <a href="https://twitter.com/John_Royal/statuses/409003484378189824">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Strikes me as a bizarro signing. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal">@Ken_Rosenthal</a>: Source: Feldman agrees with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a>, three years, $30 million, pending physical.</p>
— Zachary Levine (@zacharylevine) <a href="https://twitter.com/zacharylevine/statuses/409003646316470272">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Scott Feldman was drafted by the Astros in 2002. He signed with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> in 2003 after he being drafted in the 30th round.</p>
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMoralesCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JuliaMoralesCSN/statuses/409005039911727105">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Scott Feldman for 3/10? No draft pick compensation? What's not to like?</p>
— Steve E. (@KevinBassStache) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinBassStache/statuses/409005562873933824">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>And Scott Feldman gets $30M over three from Astros. Good for the Burlingame kid, but....really? 30 million?</p>
— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSNBaggs/statuses/409012570058534912">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Scott Feldman has never had season w/ ERA lower than 3.86. If cutoff is 30+ IP, <span>Jason Marquis</span> 9 yrs in row, Feldman 8, Zito & C Villanueva 7</p>
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/statuses/409006325452918786">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Leave it to Scott Feldman to upstage <span>Robinson Cano</span> and <span>Curtis Granderson</span>.</p>
— T.J. Zuppe (@TJZuppe) <a href="https://twitter.com/TJZuppe/statuses/409001228014977024">December 6, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Seriously, baseball, knock it off. I can only write so much.</p>
— David Cameron (@DCameronFG) <a href="https://twitter.com/DCameronFG/statuses/409001211627835392">December 6, 2013</a>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/12/6/5182652/mlb-hot-stove-twitter-reaction-to-the-astros-signing-pitcher-scottTimothy De Block2013-12-06T11:17:14-06:002013-12-06T11:17:14-06:00Astros Sign RHP Scott Feldman to 3Y $30M
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<figcaption>Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>According to FoxSports.com, the Astros have signed right-handed starting pitcher Scott Feldman to a 3-year, $30 million deal.</p> <p>According to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> have reached an agreement with free agent starting pitcher <span>Scott Feldman</span> for three years and $30 million.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Source: Feldman agrees with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a>, three years, $30 million, pending physical.</p>
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/409000632906162176">December 6, 2013</a>
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<p>Feldman p<span>itched for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> his entire career until last season, when he signed a 1-year deal with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a>, who subsequently traded him to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> for starting pitcher <span>Jake Arrieta</span> and reliever <span>Pedro Strop</span>. In 2013, Feldmen totalled 12-12 in 181-2/3 innings, resulting in a 3.86 ERA. The Rangers converted him to a starter in 2008, with mixed results, but after returning from microfracture surgery on his right knee and struggling through bad luck (high BABIP) in 2012, he rebounded in 2013.</span></p>
<p>The move represents the first significant Free Agent signing for the "new" Astros, and will make Feldman the highest paid player since they gave <span>Wandy Rodriguez</span> a 4-year contract for $47 million in 2011.</p>
<p>Feldman has posted an average of a 2.2 WAR over the past two seasons, and his xFIP has stayed consistently between 3.72 and 3.96 for three. Presumably, moving into a more neutral-playing ballpark will help Feldman, as his Home/Road splits included a 4.30 career ERA in Arlington compared to 3.41 on the road.</p>
<p>The 30-year-old right-hander is a good control pitcher - His K/BB rate has stayed between 2.2 and 3 for the past three seasons, an improved rate over his earlier years. The 90 mph fastball won't strike fear into anybody, but his cutter and curveball both grade as above-average pitches.</p>
<p><span>On the 2013 Astros, Feldman would have been the most productive pitcher.</span></p>
<p>Depend on the writers of The Crawfish Boxes following up with reaction and further analysis over the coming days.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/12/6/5182248/hot-stove-astros-sign-rhp-scott-feldman-for-3y-30-millionChris Perry