Astros Morning Snippets: Brad Peacock continues to impress

The latest news around the Astros on March 19th, including an update on the effective Brad Peacock and the status of a division rivals bank account.

Brad Peacock continues to impress in Spring Training

Barring something unexpected, it looks like Brad Peacock will be an official member of the Astros‘ rotation to start the 2019 season.

Frankly, Peacock has earned the job. Through 12 innings in Spring Training, the right-hander has allowed only two earned runs and held opponents to a .200 batting average. Framber Valdez and Josh James were also viable candidates, but the former struggled while the latter was sidelined by injuries earlier in camp.

Mike Trout signed for how much?! 

Despite the obvious “rumors” following Bryce Harper‘s 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies, it appears that Mike Trout is quite content about staying with the Angels for the long-term.

Trout, who is consistently considered the best player in baseball, was rewarded with a lofty extension by the Angels. In terms of the AL West, Trout will continue to be a thorn in the Astros’ side; however, the Angels will need to find ways to surround the best player in the sport with a strong supporting cast, which it has failed to do for most of Trout’s major league career.

Dallas Keuchel is somehow remains a free-agent

Here are some of Dallas Keuchel’s numbers since the 2014 season:

• 145 GS
• 950 1/3 IP
• 3.28 ERA
• 3.45 FIP
• 121 ERA+.

Yes, I realize that Keuchel hasn’t replicated his 2015 AL Cy Young season, but you’re still looking at an above-average major league starter. As long as injuries don’t hamper Keuchel like they did in 2016-17, he is the type of pitcher who could throw meaningful innings for any club over the next three-to-five years. It is very clear that there is a disconnect between Keuchel and potential suitors over his perceived value, but the fact that his free agency is still a talking point in late March is frustrating.