[2017] Astros acquire Justin Verlander

When is his contract up?

 

After the 2019 season. There was an option for 2020 that would vest if he finished in the top 5 in Cy Young voting in 2019. They agreed to void that portion. The Tigers are paying $8 million of the $28 million he's owed in 2018 & 2019.

 

Glad he's not a two month rental like Randy Johnson

 

There's still a PTBNL or more cash coming our way, too. It was 3 good prospects but, you're right, at least it wasn't for a rental. We get him for 2 years beyond this at a price that, while high, isn't so bad that it should prevent other moves, extensions, etc.

 

You get him for the playoffs and 2 more yrs. Certainly not a high price to pay like they did for Johnson.

 

totally worth it

 

So excited for the game tonight!

 

I have a fantasy draft at 7:30 that I'm praying will be done by 9. Tonight is can't-miss-TV!

 

My draft is at 8:30 tonight. Thank goodness for DVR.

 

Can't remember the last non-playoff game that I've been *this* excited for.

Honestly, may be Clemens first start.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/how-justin-verlander-got-his-groove-back/

Interesting article on Verlander. Key points in the article are:

1. His effective velocity minus actual velocity was down earlier in the year versus his 2015-2016 numbers. This indicates he wasn't getting the same extension as before (i.e. his mechanics were off). His starts more recently are similar to 2015-2-016 numbers.
2. He's dumped his change and reduced his curve usage and become more of a fastball slider pitcher.

 

Verlander this yr against the Indians:

Apr 15th (@ Clev)
4 IP 9 R 11 H BB 1 K 4
L 6-13

May 2nd (@ Detroit)
7 IP 2 R 4 H BB 4 K 5
W 5-2

July 2nd (@ Detroit)
3.1 IP 7 R 9 H BB 3 K 0
L 8-11

July 8th (@ Clev)
6.2 IP 1 R 6 H BB 4 K 6
L 0-4

That last start on July 8th is when he started turning things around.

 

Let's just hope being in a new team will give him the extra juice and motivation to show his Cy young form for the rest of his starts this season.

My worries is the bullpen.

 

Right now, the bullpen may very well feature the two best relievers in baseball. Meanwhile, Devenski has given up 1 run in his last 14 appearances and Martes has 39 Ks in 27.1 innings of relief; a FIP of 3.42. If Will Harris can round into shape and Peacock and Morton can translate their nasty stuff to the pen, they could have the best bullpen in the postseason.

 

Completely agree on everything you said, but I still have no faith in Will Harris. He's done this the last 3 seasons now. He starts off nails, but after the ASB, he's a disaster. I DO NOT want the ball in his hands in a high leverage situation in the playoffs.

 

ya harris is developing a pattern of late season yips... but if you have a pen w devo, musgrove, peacock, morton, martes and giles that's pretty damn stout. i have a hard time believing peacock and morton would struggle coming out of the pen but you never know.

 

I agree about Harris. Hopefully he gets his $hit together!!

 

http://m.milb.com/milb/player/665865#nav_career

 

Juan Ramirez, who turns 19 on April 9, signed with the Tigers for $185,000 on July 2, 2015.

Ramirez has a 59:35 BB:K ratio in 103 career games, all of which have come in the complex leagues. Had a pretty good US debut this past season; he slashed .301/.385/.362 with 10 RBI in 46 games for the GCL Tigers West. He walked 20 times while striking out just 14 times in 188 plate appearances. This is what Ben Badler from Baseball America wrote about him:

Spoiler

Probably would've gone to Greeneville had the Astros stayed in the Appy League.

 

Contact is probably the most underrated quality by scouts and prospect lists. Hoping Badler is right about power developing as high contact rate + moderate power is usually a guy that at least makes majors with a chance to be a player.