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The Houston Astros are looking to acquire bullpen help (phew!) and the two free agents that are being linked to Houston are Sergio Romo and David Robertson. Robertson has a 3 year/$39M offer from a mystery team. Some believe that team is the Astros. Either way, Houston has definitely shown interest in signing the former Yankee closer.
Jon Heyman has also reported that if Robertson decides to sign somewhere else, Romo would be another likely target.
if astros dont get robertson, they may turn to sergio romo
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 1, 2014
Heyman has also reported that the Astros would not lose a draft pick if they were to sign Robertson, because their selection is protected. Looks like it’s time to compare the two options.
In 2014, Robertson saved 39 games, held a 3.08 ERA in 64 1/3 innings, had a 1.057 WHIP and struck out 13.4 batters per nine innings. The one drawback for the 29-year old righty would be his walk rate, which stood at 3.2 per nine in 2014.
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Romo on the other hand, saved just 23 games, being replaced as the Giants’ closer midway through the season. His 3.72 ERA in 2014 is more than a full run above his career average. The plus for Romo comes with his walk rate of 1.9 per nine innings, and a higher K/BB ratio than Robertson because of this (4.92 to 4.17).
Romo is projected to receive a 2 year/$12M deal this winter, according to FanGraphs. We’ve already seen the numbers that Robertson is likely to receive. Both can been seen as decent options, but both also have their own drawbacks. For Romo, the big question is whether or not the rough patch he faced in 2014 was an anomaly, or if it was a sign of things to come. Robertson is the surer bet, but will also cost twice as much.
The Astros don’t like to pay for saves, and their interest in Robertson is a bit of a surprise. At the same time, it makes perfect sense. “The process” is nearing completion, and having a solid horse at the back-end of the bullpen is an essential piece to wins both in 2015 and beyond. But is he worth the money he will likely command?
What do you think Astros fans? Take a chance on Sergio Romo, or pay David Robertson market value? Either way, the Astros bullpen will be improved heading in to next season.