Which pitcher is most likely traded to the Houston Astros?

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3rd Most Likely Pitcher Traded to the Astros

Jul 19, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Cashner

Before this season, Cashner would have been my top of my wish list, but he is having a down year compared to the injury filled 2014 limiting him to 123 innings last year. However, his numbers compare favorably well with Samardzija in 2015 with more losses playing for the anemic offense that is the Padres. One red flag would be his max innings during any season was in 2013 with 175 innings and a 3.09 ERA. He is already at about 109 innings for the season, so would the Astros feel safe stretching him out to 200 plus innings for the playoff drive? However, get Cashner with Brett Strom and see magic happen.

Pros

With a down season, he could be had for very little.
Rental who you could afford to re-sign.
Still only 28-years-old and could be ready for his prime.
We need more beard on the team.

Cons

Innings limits?
Injury history
Has allowed 13 home runs in 2015
Not a Johnson type of trade.
Could be a disaster

David Price is just the 3rd pitcher in baseball this season to take a loss despite striking out 12 batters. (Sale, Cashner are the others.)
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) July 19, 2015

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My Prediction:

I predict that the Angels or Astros trade for Cashner as a third-fourth starter, for the sake of this post I will say the Angels make the move. He will probably struggle against the American League lineups and allow the Astros to reclaim first place the last day of the season. The bloggers disagreed with me by saying that Cashner was the second most likely pitcher the Astros trade for with 45 points.

For more CTH coverage of Andrew Cashner, click here.

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