Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a new Full Count Video up, so let's recap…
- Hunter Pence is getting expensive – he'll earn $6.9MM this year with two more arbitration years ahead of him – but Astros GM Ed Wade said that he wants to build around his young players, namely Pence, Brett Wallace, J.A. Happ, and Bud Norris. As much as they need to rebuild, it's unlikely that new owner Jim Crane will want to blow up the nucleus as his first act.
- If things don't turn around for the Twins, this could be the year that they become sellers. Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, Jim Thome, Matt Capps, and Joe Nathan are all among the team's upcoming free agents, though some in the organization would like to see them re-sign Capps.
- The Braves' starting pitching depth could give them an advantage at the trade deadline. They could move a veteran like Derek Lowe or a younger starter because they have more arms on the way. Lowe is the perfect piece to dangle to a contender such as the Yankees, but Atlanta doesn't have an obvious need right now.
- Starting pitching depth is the Red Sox's one glaring weakness, and Rosenthal says an injury to one of their top five starters would leave the team "seriously unsettled."
Unless Lowe can bring back an impact player that can help down the stretch(which would be tough), I don’t see them trading Lowe unless they’re out of contention. It wouldn’t be wise to go with two rookies down the stretch, especially considering how Lowe’s pitched since last August……
However, if the Braves don’t trade any starters during the season…….I fully expect one of Lowe or Jurrjens to be moved in the offseason. I feel if they do in fact make an in-season trade and they’re expected to contend, they’ll move one or two of their young arms.
I know its against Twins and we are still early into the season, but the sample size is getting larger by the day and Jose Bautista is still Barry Bonds
I don’t see the Yanks trading away auseful mlb player or a top 5-8 prospect for Lowe.
On a side note…..Jorge Posada set to retire after the game?
Pretty wild about Posada, Huh? I understand that he refused to play because he didn’t want to bat 9th in the order. If that’s true, that’s just insane.There has to be something else to the story. Can’t see him actually retiring, he still has ability to hit,just has not been able to adjust to DH.
Yeah…….not sure what’s going on.
In general, the medias desire to get the word out first and all of these “sources” have made everything from Posada not playing to the Bin Ladin raid overly dramatic.
The Braves wouldn’t go for it. They have no real reason to move Lowe. I think the only way he’s moved during the season is if the Braves fall out of contention entirely or someone drastically over-pays(which won’t happen). I’m not trying to talk Lowe up like he’s an ace or anything, but he’s been terrific since last August and trading him would force the Braves to have two rookie starters in the rotation down the stretch, I just don’t see it.
I do expect to see him moved in the offseason though.
“Starting pitching depth is the Red Sox’s one glaring weakness, and Rosenthal says an injury to one of their top five starters would leave the team “seriously unsettled.””
This statement is overly broad. If, for instance, Lackey were injured then Wakefield, Dubrount, Aceves, or even Bowden would probably be an upgrade.
Just another stupid statement from Rosenthal. Granted, Doubrount just went on the DL, but on top of Wake, Aceves and Bowden, we have Kyle Weiland, Jason Rice and Brandon Duckworth all pitching relatively respectably down in Pawtucket (highest ERA of the bunch is Weiland at 4.11). While Scott Atchison is primarily a reliever, he too can fill in when needed. Any of them would be good for a spot start here and there to get us through any short-term DL stint from one of our top 5. And Doubrount should be back within 10 days or so.
I think the Astros should keep Hunter Pence. He’s an above average major leaguer, he’s home grown, well liked by both the players and fans, and if they were to try to bring in a player like him, it would probably cost them even more. They have no in house replacement that I know of.
Just because the Astros don’t have a shot to win this year doesn’t mean they have to sell off all of their useful parts. Somebody has to take the field. Pence is a youngish veteran who would relish the role of team leader. I say keep him and pay him unless you get an offer you can’t refuse.
Rosenthal..Fox News, Western CT & NYC……what does he know?
Red Sox starting pitching has been solid over the past 27 games, save and except for Lackey (who is experiencing serious medical problems at home along with trouble with his mechanics) and Wakefield, in his two spot starts. During this span, Boston’s starters have had a combined ERA of around 3.00. Wakefield (Boston’s Posada) should be released as he has become a clubhouse cancer. More importantly, he cannot pitch effectively any more.
BTW, did anyone watch Beckett’s shutout performance last night?
I’ll bet Mr. Rosenthal didn’t.