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Climbing Tal's Hill

Houston Astros: The “Sipp” Solution

By Colin Gay

Apr 27, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Tony Sipp (29) stands on the mound after surrendering a solo-home run to Seattle Mariners designated hitter Adam Lind (26, background) during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Tony Sipp (29) stands on the mound after surrendering a solo-home run to Seattle Mariners designated hitter Adam Lind (26, background) during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Choice 3: Will Smith

Jun 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Will Smith (13) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Will Smith (13) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Smith has been a stellar piece out of the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen for the past three seasons. Before the 2016 season started, the closer’s role was down to either him or right-hander Jeremy Jeffress.  However, after he tore his LCL in his right knee in Spring Training, Smith lost a good chunk of his 2016 season.

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In his limited amount of playing time, though, Smith has been impressive. In his 17 innings of work, Smith has a 2.12 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. With a .169 batting average against, he has only given up ten hits in his 17 innings.

More importantly, for the Astros, Smith has been practically unhittable against left-handed bats. He has given up no runs on five hits with seven strikeouts this season. He has a .179 average against lefties with a WHIP of 0.63.

The bad thing for the Astros is that they will not be the only team pursuing Smith. With the Brewers in fourth place and 14.5 games back in the NL Central, they are looking for prospects to aid in rebuilding that organization. Even though the Astros have the kind of prospects that would get them Smith, the Astros should be careful with how much they give away for another bullpen piece.

Although Smith has the stuff to gain him save opportunities and closer consideration, the Astros may not want to pay the price that the Brewers are expecting in return. However, Smith is an underrated piece that could put the Astros over the top come late September and early October.

Next: Choice 4

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