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Astros Rumors: Team scouting Yu Darvish…really?
By Eric Huysman
You better watch out Astros if you want to trade for Yu Darvish.
The Houston Astros appear to have the rotation they need to win in the regular season. Some question how effective the backend of the rotation will be in the playoffs. The Astros have looked at everyone on the starting pitching market. Apparently, everyone.
What about Yu?
Nothing against Yu Darvish as a pitcher or person, but the Astros reportedly had scouts watching him pitch last night. This was reported by Jon Morosi.
When Astros fans saw that tweet, they probably got queasy. Nothing against Darvish himself, but they would have to trade with the Rangers for him. Darvish will be a free agent next year. The Rangers are more likely not going to be able to afford him. On that note, maybe out of the Astros grasp as a free agent as well.
#Astros scouted Yu Darvish's start last night, sources say. Team is tracking all major rotation trade candidates. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 22, 2017
In 21 starts, Darvish has a 6-8 record with a 3.44 ERA with 143 strikeouts in 133 1/3 innings. If the Astros scout was at the game, then they saw him pitch eight innings allowing three runs and struck out 12. While it would be a great addition, what would it take to get him?
Rivals trading with each other?
The Astros and Rangers have become one of the more dynamic rivals in the MLB. However, they are division rivals and neither side wants to help the other get better.
Making a trade with the #Rangers for Yu Darvish would be like the Capulets and Montagues having arranged marriages. #Astros pic.twitter.com/1Aib2B9Hod
— Eric Huysman (@EricTalksStros) July 22, 2017
The Astros don’t want to expediate the Rangers rebuilding efforts. The Rangers don’t want to give the Stros the final piece to possibly win the World Series. While the Houston prefers not to pay a lot for a rental, the Rangers would need to be blown away.
Trade the future to the Rangers?
Would Houston fans want to watch Kyle Tucker or Forrest Whitley in a Rangers uniform? While not impossible, it doesn’t seem likely that the two sides would agree to a trade. Likely, another team will scoop Darvish up and face us in the playoffs.
I have another thought, what if they were there scouting Alex Cobb or Alex Colome? The Rays haven’t put up a for sale sign, but the Stros would be ready if they do!
Next: Top Five Untouchable Prospects
Listen to us discuss this on Talking Stros on SportsTalk 790 tomorrow after the 10th Inning show on iHeart radio.
***Stats from Baseball-Reference***