Astros Rumors: Yovani Gallardo could be a target for Luhnow

Please Don’t Sign Gallardo by Eric Huysman

Oct 8, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo throws a pitch in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game one of the ALDS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Fred Thornhill-Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Maybe my distaste for Gallardo comes from the time that I kept Gallardo over Yu Darvish one year in fantasy baseball, that was the season (2013) when Darvish was a top pitcher and Gallardo struggled against all teams except the Houston Astros. Chris Carter dominated in Seattle, Gallardo is at true form when he is facing the Astros hitters, but becomes Tim Redding against other teams.

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

• Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
• Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
• Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
• Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
• Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer

I wouldn’t even mind signing Gallardo as the fifth starter as I know that he can go deep into a game, even when he has given up six runs or so, but he will come with a really hefty price tag. I am not talking about the suggested four-year deal, I am talking about strengthing your main competition in the A.L. West, the Texas Rangers. Last year the Astros did not protect Delino DeShields Jr. at the Rule V deadline, he was selected by the Rangers, and he was a big part of the Rangers success in 2015.

If the Astros sign a contract with Gallardo, they will lose a first round pick to the Rangers in the compensation round of the 2016 MLB Draft. With Scott Kazmir willing to come back to Houston for a slightly below market contract without a draft pick, I rather have Kazmir than Gallardo.

Believe it or not, Gallardo is still young, the Mexico-born pitcher is only 29-years-old. However, his stuff is not quite the same as it used to be; he has a hard time missing bats. Gallardo used to average 200 strikeouts in a season but now averages around 140 innings. The Rangers offense led to his highest WAR season with a 4.1 WAR in 2015.

Next: Ken Giles traded to the Houston Astros for 4 Players

His WHIP and home run totals could be a little alarming, he had his best season in 2015 from recent memory and could improve in Houston, but having to sign him to a four-year deal is just not the Astros mo. I wouldn’t mind the signing, but I’m not rooting for it.