Houston Astros: Let's Trade for Starter Recap

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Last week, the writers at CTH got a jump on potential trade partners the Astros could match up with during the 2015 trade deadline. While we offered suggestions, we are not fortune tellers or experts at the art of making a deal, we did our best to look at what a possible number one-three type of pitcher. We I approached the writers on this series, I gave them the option of which player to target, describe how that pitcher will help the Astros.

I also asked that they include a Google Form, which allows us to get quick comments from the readers of their opinion on the trade ideas that we presented. Some people enjoyed the ideas while others called us morons, but it’s part of the job writing about a team that people really are passionate about.

The whole premise of this series was to discuss an area of need for the suddenly good Houston Astros. This need is an addition to the starting rotation. With the Scott Feldman injury, this need could be even more pressing. Will there be a trade? In this post, I will look at each trade offered as well as your opinions on the trade idea. Below is the link for each trade offer made.

Part 1 Let’s Trade with the Oakland Athletics

Part 2 Let’s Trade with the Phillies

Part 3 Let’s Trade with the Reds

Part 4 Let’s Trade with the Reds Part 2

Part 5 Let’s Trade with the Brewers

Part 6 Let’s Trade with the someone with Rasmus

Part 7 Let’s Trade with the White Sox

Part 8 Let’s Make no Trades

Part 9 Let’s Trade with the Phillies (Harang)

Next: Let's Make a Trade with the Reds

Let’s Make a Trade with the Reds

More from Astros Rumors

Mike Leake

This was one of my ideas, to trade for Mike Leake of the Cincinnati Reds. When you think of Mike Leake, you don’t think of an ace pitcher. However, that is a good thing that he is not an ace because you can get him cheaper than a Johnny Cueto or Cole Hamels. Leake is a 27-year-old pitcher with five years of MLB experience in six seasons, all with the Cincinnati Reds. You can find my full article here.

According to ESPN’s article by Jim Bowden, The 20 players most likely to be dealt before the trade deadline, he gives the Astros a possible chance of landing Mike Leake. The following is a quote from the article on Leake;

“Leake is one of the most underrated middle-of-the-rotation pitchers in baseball. He’s durable, affordable and would be a perfect fit in the Astros rotation afterDallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh.”-Bowden.

My trade idea was;

The Houston Astros trade (RHP) Michael Feliz and (Of) Teoscar Hernandez to the Cincinnati Reds for (RHP) Mike Leake.

What did the readers think of this trade?

Yes, I think it can work – 57.9%

No, giving up too much- 36.8%

Other – 5.3%

Let’s look at some of the readers comments

Astros could trade Tucker, Nottingham, Dyxhoorn and Feliz to White Sox for Samardzija.
I’m a Reds fan, and I like it and we’ll even throw in Brandon Phillips and eat half his salary.
Our farm system is too talented to be trading away for rentals. Let’s continue to grow the system and see what becomes of them. This is not our year to go to the WS. We are above where we are supposed to be. Keep going forward with what we have. Will get much more for some players later.
Leake for Santana and Feliz is fair or make a bigger deal, such as Leake and Frazier for Santana, Feliz, Moran and Velasquez
That would work. But not trading Mark Appel
Reds fan here. I actually like the deal – the Reds need a rebuild or at east a re-tooling. One note – the Reds are deep in pitching prospects but very, very thin on position prospects. This deal gives them an arm and importantly, talented position player, too. The Astros get a smart, crafty pitcher who is consistently good while eating innings. You’re right. Leake is not a top of the rotation pitcher, but he IS a terrific #3 to complement a team’s top 2 aces.

Next: Let's Make Trade with Reds Part 2

Let’s Make Trade with Reds Part 2

May 19, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher

Johnny Cueto

(47) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

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Johnny Cueto

Here are a few excerpts from Kennon Riley, the author of this trade idea. Should you wish to read the full post, you can read it here.

“This summer’s biggest blockbuster could feature the Houston Astros acquiring bothAroldis Chapman and Johnny Cueto. Chapman, one of the best closers in MLB, is under team control through 2016 while Cueto is in his contract year. But with the Reds struggling big time under Bryan Price, the organization is likely to sell some players to net some quality prospects.” – Kennon Riley.

“Chapman is a flame thrower with an average velocity very close to 100 miles per hour. In fact, Brooks Baseball credits Aroldis with a 101.09 fastball for the month of May in 2015. In 19 1/3 innings this year, Chapman has a 1.86 ERA and 31 strikeouts. There is some concern due to his H/9 and BB/9 rates being up, but his BABIP is at .386 opposed to a career mark of .280. It is likely that the Reds’ defense is part to blame as Chapman’s FIP of 1.80 is very close to his career mark of 1.96.” – Kennon Riley.

The Trade idea

The Houston Astros trade (c) Max Stassi, (of) Domingo Santana, (LHP) Josh Hader, (of) Colby Rasmus, and Daniel Mengden to the Cincinnati Reds for (RHP) Johnny Cueto and (LHP) Adrois Chapman.

What did readers think?

Yes, I think it will work – 40%

No, giving up too – 25.7%

Other – 34.3%

Reader Comments

Too many players.

It works

It’s been ten years, since the last time the Astros were a Championship caliber team. Don’t let a good start to the 2015 season, two years prior to the season they were expected to compete for a WS… STAY THE COURSE!!!! #letthekidsplay

No, trades. Build from within the farm system

The Reds would be fools to take that deal. I love how everyone that proposes a trade includes some guy who description is “A lanky left-handed pitcher who struggles with his control at times”. I promise you the Reds don’t want your busts like Colby Rasmus, a backup catcher, and Hader, A lanky left-handed pitcher who struggles with his control at times. The Reds want two solid prospects and a good lower level prospect. Keep your garbage players, we don;t want them.

This is a VERY lopsided trade in the Astros favor. We trade an average at best CF in Rasmus, a future at best #3 unproven SP in Hader, plus other below average prospects for a top 10 SP and arguably the game’s best closer? That’s highway robbery; I would want a LOT more if I’m the Reds then this package.

Johnny Cueto, Aroldis Chapman, and Joey Votto for Conrad Gregor, Mark Appel, Michael Feliz, Domingo Santana, Chris Carter, and AJ Reed

I feel we are set up to win for years to come. It doesn’t make sense to trade the farm for a 1/2-year rental. (not this year at least) If we want Johnny Cueto that bad, sign him next year. This way we only lose a draft pick, and will have his services for years to come. Chapman is great, but not if we lose that much talent for one closer.

Next: Let's Trade with the Oakland Athletics

Let’s Trade with the Oakland Athletics

More from Astros Rumors

Scott Kazmir

Jason had the unique perspective of being an Athletics blogger, then was asked to come be an editor at CTH, and he quickly became an Astros fan with everything they did the past year. So he has a good knowledge of Billy Beane‘s thinking as well as Jeff Luhnow’s. Don’t expect the A’s to want Scott Feldman or Colby Rasmus, they want cheap young talent back in a trade. So let’s look at a few excerpts from Jason’s article, the full article can be found here.

“Chances are you’ve already thought of the Houston Astros making a play for Kazmir this season, but one name that isn’t as talked about is Tyler Clippard, the fill-in closer that was acquired during the offseason for Yunel Escobar. With the A’s playing terribly up until a few days ago, Clippard wasn’t seeing a ton of action accumulating just 19 innings this season while notching a 2.37 ERA. Why acquire Clippard? Pairing him with Luke Gregerson would give the eighth and ninth innings a whole new feel and would also allow Josh Fields, Chad Qualls and Pat Neshek to man earlier innings.”-Jason Burke.

Jason then went on to create an actual trade idea.

“The timeframe for the deal could play a role in the package that is offered, but the pair of Michael Feliz and Brett Phillips could do the trick. If a deal is struck well before the deadline, Joe Sclafani could be an extra player that Oakland would target. While Sclafani is having a down year thus far with Fresno, his versatility would be coveted by Beane, and would make trading Ben Zobrist that much easier. Feliz had a 4.41 ERA in Lancaster this season, but was called up to Corpus Christi late last week and has yet to make an appearance with the Hooks. Phillips is batting .339 with seven homers and 27 driven in with the JetHawks this season, and would make trading Josh Reddick a possibility to consider for Oakland.”-Jason Burke.

The Trade Idea

The Houston Astros trade (RHP) Michael Feliz, (CF) Brett Phillips, and (UTIL) Joe Sclafani to the Oakland Athletics for (LHP) Scott Kazmir and (RP) Tyler Clippard

What did the Readers Think of the Trade Idea?

Sounds Good! Make it Happen, Luhnow! – 20.9%

No Way Oakland Accepts that Offer! – 20.1%

We’re Sending Too Much! – 59%

Readers Comments

No, trades! It’s not how are building this new team. We have already given away all our talent and Now we are building it with prospects, not by trades. I guessed it’s something to write about but did you pass this by the owner before you wrote it? I think not! Patience and development of prospects win championships; you can’t buy them.
I do not know if this is a good trade (it seems a little expensive from an Astro perspective), but the folks over at the Crawfish Boxes don’t think highly of it.

Next: Let's Make a Trade with the Phillies

Let’s Make a Trade with the Phillies

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

Cole Hamels

Brandon wrote about trading for Cole Hamels, as I have done already several times already. I wanted to give the readers another person’s perspective. Brandon was a little too generous with his prospects included in the trade, but he realizes that is what the Phillies are looking for. Let’s take a look at his trade idea through the following excerpts, with the full article can be found here.

“In February, I wrote an article for Climbing Tal’s Hill stating why Cole Hamels would be the perfect fit for the Houston Astros. My reasoning then was that with the off-season additions of Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek, the Astros had significantly upgraded their bullpen. The Astros also extended their lineup with the additions of major-league talent like Evan Gattis, Luis Valbuena, Colby Rasmus and Jed Lowrie. I argued then that the Astros had taken steps to make themselves relevant again in Houston and around baseball. But that they needed a starting pitcher and not just any starting pitcher. They need an ace to put at the top of the rotation that had the experience and the pedigree to go toe to toe with Felix Hernandez, Sonny Gray, Yu Darvish and Garrett Richards.”-Brandon Del Castillo.

Brandon went on to discuss the reasoning of the trade below.

“However, the starting pitching needs an upgrade for the Astros to be considered a serious World Series contender. Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh have outstood and to be fair, Roberto Hernandez, Scott Feldman and now Lance McCullers have all faired well and kept the Astros in most games. But the Astros still need that commanding presence at the top of their rotation, and who better than a former World Series MVP that is signed through 2018?” – Brandon Del Castillo.

“The best move for the Astros is to trade for Cole Hamels. He gives immediate legitimacy to the rotation and allows Keuchel and McHugh to face the opponents 2^ndand 3^rd best pitchers. It would also allow the Astros to either trade Roberto Hernandez or Scott Feldman and move McCullers into the bullpen to be a lockdown power arm like the Cardinals did with Adam Wainwright. ” – Brandon Del Castillo.

The Trade Idea

”The Philadelphia Phillies announce they have traded Cole Hamels to the Houston Astros in exchange for Mark Appel, Domingo Santana, Vincent Velasquez, Michael Feliz, and Teoscar Hernandez.”

What did the Readers Think of the Trade Idea?

Yes, I think it could work – 40%

No, giving up too much – 50%

Other – 10%

Reader Comments

Appel, Phillips, Feliz, and the PTBNL (possibly Dansby Swanson or whoever we get at 1.2 or 1.5)
I am not qualified to make a decision like this without having inside information on the Astros plans for the future. Let’s leave it up to the GM.
We need to keep the prospect supply line intact.
I have no prob giving up Appel, but Santana, Velasquez, and Feliz is too much. Maybe Appel, Velasquez, and something else. We can’t sacrifice our future for a player who could be on IR tomorrow. I’d look for a potential Rule 5 prospect and add him in the trade.
I am not opposed to giving up a star pitching prospect (although he isn’t playing like one) in Appel and throwing in Feliz. As well as some high strikeout big time power bats (we have enough of them) to get Hamels. Our outfield looks solid at the big league level already, and we’ve got Phillips coming eventually. But Velasquez, to me, is a deal-breaker. Do we really need him in the deal? We are already giving up our 2, 3, 5 and nine prospects. His ETA is next season, and I think he could have a big impact. We have other pitching prospects that have the stuff and stats comparable to Velasquez like Musgrove and Mengden, but they won’t be ready next year like Velasquez will when we need him. These are just some thoughts. I’m happy that the team is doing well, and I do want to win now. But at the same time, I don’t want to overpay and then be disappointed when the moves don’t end up making us win (i.e. the A’s last year)
Brett Phillips, Derek Fisher, AJ Reed, Tony Kemp, Lance McCullers, Jacob Nottingham, Domingo Santana for Cole Hamels and Cody Asche. Maikel Franco‘s hot start has Asche back in AAA learning to play LF, but the ‘Stros could use him at 3rd. Even if they’re lower ranked than those in your five player proposal, seven players looks excessive, and Asche’s inclusion adds balance on paper. That’s not to say Asche lacks value; he’s worth as much as the lesser prospects in the package. One might complain about trading away seven prospects playing well this season, but such a deal would be inconceivable without those strong numbers. Aside from Velasquez and Santana, the other 3 in your proposal are not helping their value with their play this season. Putting less weight on 2015 production makes your five player proposal much more valuable than my seven player offer, even if Asche is not involved. Based on MLB.com you’re giving up 4 top 100 prospects and 5 or the system’s top 8. The Phillies newfound minor league pitching depth and lack if position prospects are why they might prefer my deal. Full disclosure – I am a Phillies fan, but this deal should be preferable for your guys as well. The Astros keep the pitching prospects they need and give up players at positions they have filled long-term. I might be dumb for not taking your deal, but some compromise that keeps Feliz or Velasquez in the deal could make the most sense. Ruben Amaro‘s ego would certainly prefer your deal for its top 100 prospects, but my proposal works better for both teams.

Next: Let's Trade with the Phillies Part 2

Let’s Trade with the Phillies Part 2

More from Astros Rumors

Aaron Harang

This was my second idea, even though I was not in love with the idea of the Astros trading for Aaron Harang, but he is having a decent season. I wouldn’t give up too much to the Phillies to get Harang. Let’s look at some excerpts from my trade idea below, the full article can be found here.

As our let’s make a trade for a starting pitcher series comes to a close, another name came up in an article by Jon Heyman. This name may not be an exciting name, but he could be a good cheap add to the Astros rotation. Here is the quote from Heyman’s latest Inside Baseball. “Aaron Harang, who could emerge as a trade target for many teams, has at least been discussed by the Astros, who need to lengthen their rotation.”

It’s hard to predict what to expect from Harang, but with an improved offensive team, Harang could produce a few more wins for a team that trades for him.

What would Jeff Luhnow have to give up for an older rental player? Even though it’s hard to predict what the Astros will do. The Phillies regretted including Domingo Santana as the player to be named later in the Hunter Pence trade. Maybe the trade could be centered on Santana and maybe a lower level pitching prospect such asAdrian Houser.

The Trade Idea

The Houston Astros trade (of) Domingo Santana and (RHP)Adrian Houser to the Philadephia Phillies for (RHP) Aaron Harang and cash

What did the Readers Think of the Trade Idea?

Sounds good, Luhnow make it so! – 20%

N0, the Phillies would not accept. – 0%

No, Astros giving up too much. – 80%

Reader Comments

Trade with Cleveland SP for Houston RP plus prospect SP. I will let Luhnow work out the details, but the discussion would start with Trevor Bauer for Chad Qualls and Tony Sipp.
I like Harang for Santana and a low-level prospect
None, keep our young prospects. That’s the plan.
No trade for Harang.
Too much for an old rental player.

Next: Let's Trade With the Brewers

Let’s Trade With the Brewers

More from Astros Rumors

Kyle Lohse

Blake looked at what it would take to get Kyle Lohse for the 2015 playoff run, let’s look at the excerpts of his article, the full post could be found here.

“Now as the Astros sit atop the AL West (and American League), it seems more and more likely they become buyers at the trade deadline. While big names have been tossed around such as Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels, or Scott Kazmir (which are all possible), I want to tone in on a smaller target.” – Blake Peremeter.

“By having loads of pitching seemingly accumulate in the farm system over the past few seasons, there are people to spare. Vincent Velasquez catches my eye. Although he has been a stud all of his minor league career, he still is not ready to make the jump. The Astros are in win now mode, and stability in the rotation is key to a team who is poised for October.” – Blake Peremeter.

The Trade Idea.

The Houston Astros trade Vincent Velasquez and a mid-round draft pick to the Milwaukee Brewers for Kyle Lohse. (Editors note, I know draft picks can’t be traded)

What Readers Thought of the Trade Idea?

Sounds good, make it happen Luhnow! – 35.4%

No way Milwaukee accepts that offer! – 8.9%

We Are giving up too much in trade! – 55.7%

Reader Comments

Trading draft picks? Only comp picks can be traded and they are all second-4th rounds unless I missed a collective bargaining agreement recently. And I don’t see Milwaukee holding any comp picks this year, and there is no way to guess when they will hold one.
Pass but I like where your head is with the non TOR guys…. They cost waaaaay less

Next: Conclusion

Conclusion

There were two other trade ideas that I will briefly mention here.

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

Jeff Samardzija

Brian wrote about possibly making a trade for White Sox Jeff Samardzija. We forgot to include a vote for this trade, but we can still add a few excerpts and comments from the readers. Should you wish to read the full article, you can look here.

“Samardzija is now just 30-years-old and is currently pitching for the Chicago White Sox. He is due to become a free agent after the season, so immediately alarm bells go off if I’m an Astros fan. Like Cueto, Samardzija could easily leave for another team desperate for pitching in the offseason. The bidding to acquire either of these big arms could also be high. I think that Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow is very hesitant to trade some of his prized prospects for a pitcher that is free to leave at the end of the season. The impending free agent status is why Cole Hamels, who is locked up for several more years, is a more attractive option.” – Brian Del Castillo.

The Trade Idea

The Chicago White Sox trade (RHP) Jeff Samardzija to the Houston Astros for (RHP) Vincent Velasquez and (C) Max Stassi

Readers Comments

What are the odds the Astros acquire a front end of the rotation starter this year by trade? Is it possible we stick to developing our own prospects and keep the talent train pushing from the farm? Right now I’m saying 60% we make a move. Smardjzia is not that high on my list either. He would be a nice addition to this staff, but I don’t want a rental at the expense of 3 prospects.
I don’t see Samardzija stepping up in front of either Beard or McHugh. That would make him a #3 starter. While I agree it would improve us it is not what we need. We do not need to spend prospects to rent a #3 pitcher.

More from Astros Rumors

Trade Colby Rasmus to Anyone

Andy went against the purpose of the series, but he did bring up a good question about what to do with Rasmus. Let’s look at some of his excerpts from his post, the full article can be found here.

“The Astros are stacked in the outfield. Preston Tucker has proven to be a valuable (and clutch) Major League hitter thus far. Even if he starts to struggle, there are a few outfielders in Fresno who has the potential to fill his shoes (i.e. Domingo Santana,Robbie Grossman). I don’t think I need to tell you how much Jake Marisnick and George Springer have contributed this season. With his one-year deal, Rasmus is the odd man out here.” – Andy Brown.

The Trade Idea

“Although Rasmus wouldn’t offer much of a reprise with his low average and high strikeouts, the Yanks might be willing to take a flyer on his defense and power numbers. This idea isn’t the flashy blockbuster we’re all hoping for the Astros! But the return could be a quietly reliable starting arm with some upside, like Alvin High School (yes, Nolan Ryan’s Alvin HS) product Nathan Eovaldi. His numbers aren’t the flashiest, but he’s only 25, and pitching coach Brent Strom has proven to be the Young Pitcher Whisperer (see Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh) since coming to Houston.” – Andy Brown.

What readers thought of the trade idea?

Yes – 59%

No – 35%

Maybe So – 6%

Reader Comments

Trade Marisnick before the season is over it will be very apparent why he has been traded from team to team his entire career.
Go for a solid middle of rotation man.
#letthekidsplay
We would need a good, dependable starting pitcher in exchange for him.
That sounds amazing, don’t trade Preston Tucker, he’s a franchise player!
You can’t get much for Rasmus, maybe a bottom of the order guy.

Overall Thoughts of the Trade Ideas

We are not GM’s, these were ideas to get the readers ready for the costs to trade for a starting pitcher. Remember last year when the Athletics traded Addison Russell for Samardzija? The Astros will not be trading Carlos Correa, but the other prospects may be had.

Which trade offer did you like the best?

Which one were you surprised that so many people liked?

Check back here often during the trade deadline countdown, as we analyze the rumors from the big boys in baseball. This will be an interesting year with the Astros in contention. Are there any Randy Johnson‘s out there to be had, and at what cost? Expect Jeff Luhnow to be getting phone calls left and right.

Next: Dallas Keuchel is the Astros Pitcher of the Month

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Houston Astros: Let’s Trade for Starter Recap

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