Let's say Houston trades away Musgrove, McCullers, Feliz, Martes, and Paulino this offseason to acquire 2 star players. Would anyone claim the system is barren when it would still feature these arms: Forrest Whitley Franklin Perez Cionel Perez Albert Abreu Lupe Chavez And that doesn't mention 2nd tier guys (Bostick, Thornton, Armenteros, Hernandez, etc etc etc). I think Houston should be all in this offseason to put themselves in a position to run away with the division and not waste the precious years they have Altuve/Correa/Springer/Keuchel all together.
It wouldn't be barren, but those guys are much farther from the majors. Musgrove, McCullers, Feliz, & Paulino have all reached the majors, with the first 3 showing a lot of promise. Trading all of those guys would damage the rotation depth we could have going into next season (I'd like to have at least 2 guys in the minors ready to start as needed).
Astros need more veterans, but not just any veterans. They need 2 or 3 quality guys who aren't necessary thinking about their next contract. Guys who made their money and are playing for pride and the love of the game. And if trading some youth to acquire that type of player gets it done, then the Astros can't shy away from it, just because past attempts have floundered. The Rangers are built around those type of guys and one reason they have a knack of winning close games. They just won't be denied, type of mentality. Successful teams always seem to have a healthy combination of talent, and guys not playing for a contract, just pride.
Just saw Jon Singleton at Starbucks, dude looks like he's totally given up on staying in shape, probably pushing 300 lbs
Miguelangel Sierra #14 prospect in the Appalachian League. I don't think that Forrest Whitley did not make enough appearances to qualify for the list.
From the chat: Oz Ocampo on Alcala: Oz Ocampo on Guzman: Some players in the system have claimed that Guzman has hit 103 with his fastball.
Midwest League Top 20 prospects 4. Kyle Tucker 10. Franklin Perez 14. Albert Abreu Tucker: Perez: Abreu:
Not that I'm particularly complaining about it, but there's definitely some cognitive dissonance in refusing to post WTHB's free rule V draft coverage and then posting BA's paywall'ed material.
Not to mention is kind of like when you walk out of Walmart forgetting to pay for something vs doing the same at a mom & pop shop (obviously ESPN Insider is more like that).