Climbing Tal's Hill
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A Conspiracy Theorist Guide to Johnny Cueto and the Astros

By Eric Huysman

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Part two of the Conspiracy

Jul 7, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) reacts after pitching a complete game shut out against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Cincinnati Reds defeat Washington Nationals 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Then a harmless Tweet from Jose de Jesus Ortiz came out on Friday before the deadline for the Final Vote.

“I’m surprised Astros fans have not rallied to get a future Astros player into the All-Star game, – Jose de Jesus Ortiz. While this was probably a tongue-in-cheek statement, Mel Gibson would say that Mr. Ortiz knows something. Does McTaggart, Ortiz, and Luhnow already know that a trade is going to go down, they just have to wait until the All-Star festivities are over? He could also just be really confident that the Astros can pull it off.

I am done with the conspiracy theory part of the post; it was all in good fun. The Astros might have an idea on what they would give up to get Johnny Cueto and Aroldis Chapman, but is McTaggart right on with the overall concept of the trade? Would the Astros trade Brett Phillips, Josh Hader, Michael Feliz, and Tony Kemp for two rental players in Cueto and Chapman?

If you want my opinion? I don’t think that Phillips will be traded for anyone other than Cole Hamels because he is far too valuable to the Astros organization. Nothing against the other guys, but that’s the hard part of trades; you have to give up something to get something. As Astros fans, we have been force-fed the ‘process’ so long that we have gotten to know our prospects more than in the past. Any trade where significant prospects are traded, there will be some outspoken upset people out there.

Why would other teams want these four prospects?

Brett Phillips: Rare combination of defense, speed, and power.

Tony Kemp: Hit for average, speed, and knows how to score runs.

Josh Hader: Left-handed flame thrower who has been compared to Chris Sale.

Michael Feliz: Could be a closer in waiting for the Astros or another team.

This seems like a lot of talent to trade away, but you have to give something to get something. Like I said at the beginning of the month, July will be really crazy. After the All-Star break is when the pieces might start to fall. Keep checking back with CTH for the latest trade rumors or suggestions.

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