Revisiting the Houston Astros Impact of Offseason Moves

Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek

Apr 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher

(15) and relief pitcher Luke Gregerson (44) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Then:

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.

“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, “Qualls cared about having a winning team.”

“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.

Apr 14, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Pat Neshek (37) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Now:

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While they have had their moments when they were unproductive, as a whole Neshek and Gregerson have been the glue that holds the bullpen together. It was probably a good thing that most of these players have played together before because their chemistry in the bullpen has been excellent.

Luke Gregerson: 2-0/ 3.38 ERA/ 9 saves/ 13 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched. (Stats from Baseball-Reference)

Pat Neshek: 3-0/ 3.14 ERA/ 0 saves/ 14 strikeouts in 14.1 innings pitched. (Stats from Baseball-Reference)

Grade: 

Top closer target David Robertson declined the Astros contract offer and is probably regretting it with the Astros success. Had the Astros signed Robertson, they would not have had the money to add both the relievers. They were able to BOGO two relievers for the price of one, no buyers regret there by Jeff Luhnow. The Astros get an A for this move as well. Chad Qualls has been rewarded with a few saves this season, so this is a win-win for all parties involved.

Next: Jed Lowrie