An Inside Look at Astros Offseason Through Luhnow’s Eyes

Luhnow on…Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek

uSep 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Will Gregerson be saving games for the Astros in 2015?  Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Luhnow did acknowledge that the Astros were after Andrew Miller, Sergio Romo, and David Robertson. “We lost out on Miller heading into the winter meetings, we were glad that was resolved, then we could focus on other avenues,” Luhnow said. “A shortlist of relievers for us to look at…We had to decide what combination we wanted, one or two players that we could acquire.”

“We lost out on Miller heading into the winter meeting, we were glad that was resolved, then we could focus on other avenues”-Jeff Luhnow.

Luhnow said that when the opportunities arose to get both Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek in one swoop, they jumped on it. In fact, Luhnow described the situation where one agent was supposed to come up to the Astros suite at 10:00 pm and the other at 10:45 pm, both agents ended up riding in the elevator at the same time.

Oct 6, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Pat Neshek (37) pitches during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The agents quickly figured out that the Astros were going to sign both relievers. “It could have been an awkward situation, but it was kind of interesting. The players knew each other as well as the agents knew each other.” They celebrated the double signing with a champagne toast. Don’t worry; they did sign the contracts on opposite sides of the suite.

“It could have been an awkward situation, but it was kind of interesting.”-Jeff Luhnow.

“Chad Qualls could not have been better or more cooperative or more helpful. He has played with both those players” Luhnow said. Qualls was very unselfish and jumped in to help recruit Gregerson and Neshek. Instead of caring about losing saves to one or both of them, “Qualls cared about having a winning team.”

“Chad Qualls could not have been better or more cooperative or more helpful. He has played with both those players”-Jeff Luhnow.

“I have heard criticism; you’re not a good team yet, why improve bullpen? You can’t be a good team giving up the lead late in games.” Luhnow believes that the Astros must have a strong bullpen to become a better all-around team in 2015.

Next: Luhnow on...Jed Lowrie