The Houston Astros should trade for Scott Kazmir

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What would the Astros have to give up for Kazmir?

Jun 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Santana (13) hits a double against the New York Yankees in the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

While it is very hard to predict what Billy Beane will do as the Atheltic’s GM, but let’s give it a shot.

Any trade for a starting pitcher will include Domingo Santana, who has increased his stock with a positive performance while he was up with the Astros, versus what he did last year. The Athletics desperately need some power in their lineup, with the loss of Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss in the offseason.

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The Astros would probably have to give up one of their young arms in Mark Appel, Vincent Velasquez, or Michael Feliz in any trade to get Kazmir. The A’s, will, of course, start off with Velasquez because there is proof of what he can do in the majors so far. Appel’s name will come up, and he is in desperate need for a change of scenery. It’s starting to look like the Astros plans for Feliz is to be a late innings reliever, by the way they are handling him this year. Which one will be included? I would lean Appel at the moment, even though they could substitute a lower level pitcher in the trade. With the emergence of Joe Musgrove and Daniel Mengden, the Astros might be willing to part with Appel.

The last player I see being involved in the trade is Joe Sclafani, who fits the Ben Zobrist mode of player the Athletics seem to like, who can be included in the trade. I interviewed Sclafani here Astros Prospects: Joe Sclafani Interview.

I am not a GM, but trading for Kazmir might be better because he is a hometown boy, who the Astros could easily extend his contract or re-sign him in the offseason. Jeff Luhnow will have a discussion with Kazmir’s agent before making a decision. I just hope he is not bitter at the Astros for not giving him a shot while he was pitching with the Sugar Land Skeeters. He could be the missing link to get the Astros past the first round of the playoffs.

The Astros desperately need another top of the rotation guy, and Kazmir fits the mold. What other candidates are there, and what are the pros and cons of them? Read the rest of the series below.

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