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Astros Rumors: Does Luhnow have to trade Appel and Phillips?
By Eric Huysman
May 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow waves to the crowd before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
If there was any doubt whether the Astros are buyers or sellers at the 2015 July 31st trade deadline, last nights win changed that. The Astros rumors are starting to intensify after a two-day hiatus. The Astros behind a shaky but effective Collin McHugh and an early injury to Chris Carter got the 3-2 win over the Rangers for the chance to go back ahead of the Angels in the AL West. Evan Drellich on the radio, on #AstrosChat with Andy Pondillo, and in his article feels very strongly that the Astros will make some trade. If they don’t, they will let the other players and fans down with so many holes on the roster when the team is in a good position to win this year.
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The question by most Astros fans is, do we have to give up any of the top 2015 draft picks or any of our top three players in Brett Phillips, Mark Appel, and A.J. Reed. I am not slighting any of the other prospects, and the Astros have one of the deepest systems in baseball. They may not have the top-20 talent, but they can go deeper than other teams in terms of overall talent. The Astros main needs for the future right now is at centerfield, first base, and starting pitching.
Sure, the Astros have needs at catcher and third base, but Colin Moran, Alex Bregman, or J.D. Davis could eventually take the job. I think the Astros will be set with Jacob Nottingham in next couple years, even though I’m still waiting for his interview.
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Next: Is Phillips untouchable?