An Inside Look at Astros Offseason Through Luhnow’s Eyes

Luhnow on…Evan Gattis and James Hoyt

Sep 25, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) grounds out in the fifth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field. The Pirates won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

This was my favorite move of the offseason, and by the answers that Jeff Luhnow gave us concerning this trade; it was his favorite as well.

They did indeed have conversations with the Braves earlier in the offseason concerning Evan Gattis, and as I wrote at the time, did involve B.J. Upton. The Astros backed off for a while, but then when the Braves traded away Jayson Heyward and Justin Upton, Luhnow got back into the discussion for Gattis. “We were able to detach Gattis from other things we were able to talk to them about our interest in Gattis,” without having to take on Upton’s contract.

“We were able to detach Gattis from other things we were able to talk to them about our interest in Gattis,”-Jeff Luhnow.

“They ask for the moon right out of the gate, which they should do.” There were two other teams involved in possible trades, “but they liked our guys better.” In baseball, you have to give up talent to get talent. “It came at a cost for sure. We don’t trade these guys because they are not good, we trade them because they are good! They help us get something that we need right now.”

“We don’t trade these guys because they are not good, we trade them because they are good! They help us get something that we need right now.”-Jeff Luhnow.

Luhnow said that “Folty” will be a great starter; he hated to lose Ruiz because he has a personal relationship with his family. “We felt good about losing those players with having Moran, the 2014 draft class, and Matt Dominguez to cover third base. To get the power we did in Gattis in this ballpark is great.”

“To get the power we did in Gattis in this ballpark is great.”-Jeff Luhnow.

“The sleeper in the deal was the pitcher I received in the deal, James Hoyt, who was added at the last-minute” on purpose by Luhnow because he didn’t want to show his hand until the end. He has a plus arm, and demonstrated that in Dominican Winter League. He mentioned that a blogger did a story on Hoyt, he screamed to himself “no don’t talk about him, he is the add-on to the deal, don’t blow my cover!”

“No don’t talk about him, he is the add-on to the deal, don’t blow my cover!”-Jeff Luhnow.

The addition of Gattis brings a premium power bat to the lineup with years under control. “Gattis jerseys in the team store will quickly become a fan favorite in Houston.

The addition of James Hoyt will further add to the Astros bullpen. “He’s (Hoyt) unproven…but he can get outs in the big leagues.”

Next: Luhnow on...Luis Valbuena and Dan Straily