by Jared Webb
You can follow Jared @webberoo11 where he dedicates "more brain bytes to the Astros re-construction effort than (he) does to breathing."
There is a point in a man's life when he sees an abandoned
couch on the side of the road and thinks, "With a little Febreeze that
would be sweet"!
Let's be honest,
the 'stros are bargain bin shoppers now.
I'm not ashamed, and you shouldn't be either. So, let's grab our coupons and go shopping!! (Specifically let's focus on five recently non-tendered players who merit consideration.)
Non-Tendered by: Washington
Nationals
Considering the 'stros lack of left-handed pitching, Lannan is a guy who merits a good, long look. Johnny spent most of his time in 2012 at AAA due mainly to the fact
that the Nationals' rotation was stacked.He boasts a 88-91 mph four-seamer that he
commands to both sides of the plate. His two-seamer runs in on right handed batters and ties them up nicely. His off-speed arsenal consists of a change-up that he
throws well and a curve. His curve can
get loopy at times, but we're not talking about David Price here. He was poised to make $5 million in 2013 (a big
reason he was non-tendered), but I could see signing him for a little less with
a promised spot in the Astros' rotation.
Projected Role: #3 starter
Non-Tendered by: Boston
Red Sox
I think Sweeney is the type of player we hoped Bogey would
be. He is a very good defender with a
strong arm who provides good value at the plate. It seems Sweeney has never really gotten the opportunity
to become an everyday regular. Well, Mr.
Sweeney, Houston has a spot on the Febreezed couch just for you. Ryan is a
decent contact hitter who is willing to take a walk and has a little pop to go
with it. I could easily see him giving
us a .265/.348/.700 slash line while putting up 10 HR. I could see us getting Sweeney for 1-2 years
for $1-2 million a year. He made $1.75 mil
last year with the Red Sox.
Projected Role: 2-hole hitter, Starting RF
Non-Tendered by: Baltimore
Orioles
Remember the scene in "Signs" when Mel Gibson's brother told
the army recruiter "It just felt wrong not to swing"? Mark Reynolds wants you to know that he "likes to swing hard". He doesn't
care what the count is. He doesn't care
what the situation is. HE'S GONNA SWING
HARD!!! Mark would bring a 220 type BA
with an over .300 OBP. Another thing he
would easily bring to the Astros is 25+ HR. He is also
going to strike out 150+ times. Fans
sitting in the Crawford boxes beware, Mark is going to swing hard. I think he could be had in the $7-9 mil per
year range. Maybe a little pricey for
the Astros right now, but he is a lot of fun to watch.
Projected Position: Clean up hitter, DH/1B
Non-Tendered by: Washington
Nationals
Flores isn't going to bring much to
the batters box, but that's not why the Astros would sign him. Flores is a +++
defender behind the plate, who is young enough to lock up for a few years. Flores was pushed out
of Washington due to Wilson Ramos
and Kurt Suzuki. He could be had for less than $1million a year. He is a younger option that could be brought in to give days off to Jason Castro.
Projected Role: Back up catcher
Non-Tendered by: Atlanta
Braves
Trade speculations surrounded Jurrjens throughout the 2012 season. He squashed all of those rumors by
majorly under performing. Before you
start thinking I'm crazy for wanting Jair after he posted a mid 6.00 ERA, let's
look at some of his better qualities. Jurrjens is 26 and
has 6yrs MLB service. and in 3 of those years, posted a sub 4.00 ERA. Jurrjens has a 92-95 4-seamer with good
sinking action and arm side run. His
change up also has good sink and is effective against lefties. His curveball is good, although it is inconsistent at
times.
This is a great opportunity to
buy while his value is low, and give him a chance to rebuild. Jurrjens made $5.5 mil in 2012, and this is his final year of arbitration eligibility. This guy
is easily someone Houston could bring in on a $1-2 million/year deal and see turn into the
key part of the rotation.
Projected Role: #2 Starter
I know you guys look at some of these names and say
"this isn't exciting at all". However, every one of these guys still has quite a few years left
in the tank. I'd be willing to buy in on
their turn around value, and give them everyday starting positions in the
blooming roster. If anything, look at
these guys with a "why not" attitude.
Each has the ability to be everyday regulars for a team that is trying
to establish itself in a new division.
c2012 Jared Webb. Used with permission.
c2012 Jared Webb. Used with permission.
1 comment:
One thing to note. I gave an optimistic projection for Sweeney. He has never hit for much power, but scouts say the potential is still there. Also, Jurrjens could cost more than 1-2 mil. I'd still be willing to pay for it.
Post a Comment