An Inside Look at Astros Offseason Through Luhnow’s Eyes

Luhnow on…Hank Conger

Sep 10, 2014; The Panda Crusher will crush some beats and home runs. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The first thing that Luhnow talked about was the Hank Conger trade and how it was probably a “potentially confusing move” for most fans as to why the Astros added the third catcher. “You have to have at least three major league ready catchers in case of injuries.” He stressed that “you can’t judge an offseason or understand an offseason until it is over. This was the first of many moves this offseason.”

“you can’t judge an offseason or understand an offseason until it is over.”-Jeff Luhnow.

He said he had conversations with Angels GM Jerry Dipoto in the past about Conger, even last year around the trade deadline as they tried to acquire Conger. The Angels said he was not available at that moment, but that changed during a game that the Astros played against the Angels.

“What made them change their mind was when they saw Nick (Tropeano) pitch against the Angels in September.”-Jeff Luhnow.

“What made them change their mind was when they saw Nick (Tropeano) pitch against the Angels in September. They felt like this was a type of guy who could fit in the back of their rotation” Luhnow said. “Now suddenly we had something they wanted as bad as we wanted Hank.”

“Now suddenly we had something they wanted as bad as we wanted Hank.”-Jeff Luhnow.

The deal happened pretty quickly after the mutual desires came to light. Jeff said that Astros fans will grow to like Hank, not only as a baseball player, but as a person. “He’s a real character.”

“In the offseason he works as a DJ, he goes by the name Panda Crusher!”

Luhnow also said that he has received 4-5 calls from GM’s asking about Conger. The Astros will have “El Oso Blanco” and “Panda Crusher” on the team.

So Jeff, I think we need to change “the Crawford Boxes” to “the Bear Den”!

Next: Luhnow on...Will Harris