Report: Could The Houston Astros Land Ryan Vogelsong?

The Houston Astros continue to be frontrunners on the free agent market this season.

I knew that they were going to be active but this has exceeded any expectations that I had ahead of the 2015 season.

Jeff Luhnow is right in the mix of all of the other teams vying for top free agents services.

In past seasons, we’d kick the tires on a few studs but it’s serious business this off-season

And you know what?

I’m loving it!

Here’s what you may have missed while you sleeping.

A flight was scheduled, a landing was made in Houston, a private car was likely sent for a VIP and his destination?

The Union Station building at 801 Crawford St!

Who?

Right-handed pitcher Ryan Vogelsong.

Wait, what?

Yes, according to reports, Vogelsong was in H-Town to partake in serious negotiations with the Astros in regard to being their newest starting pitcher.

The newest ace.

Oct 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Ryan Vogelsong throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the 8th inning during game six of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

We don’t have many — but I would consider Scott Feldman and Dallas Keuchel in that category.

Although not perfect, they were mostly money all last season and one could normally rely on those gentlemen to get the job done.

Vogelsong wouldn’t comment on the talks with Astros as he should but the fact that he was here means everything to the Astros to land the storied hurler.

If he does sign with the Astros, he will provide veteran leadership not to mention demonstrating what it means to be a champion.

As you all know, he was on the Giants’ world series roster this past season and was every bit of effective in helping his former team win.

Let me tell you this — he CAN and will be enabled to do that here.

Oct 25, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning during game four of the 2014 World Series at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

My best guess is that the Astros will short-term him but provide reasonable compensation for his services.

I’m sure there will be some maneuvering that will be made to fit his salary in.

As you know, there’s no salary cap in baseball but the Astros have had a self-imposed one as long as I could remember.

That’s totally understandable, you don’t want to prime the pump.

Any way, Vogelsong would make a nice addition to the starting rotation.  You’d have Feldman, Keuchel, Collin McHugh, Brett Oberholtzer and Vogelsong.

That’s a nice starting pitching lineup if you ask me!

According to House of Houston lead editor Yoni Pollak, talking some Hot Stove, he feels that his traits are similar to Feldman’s:

He also feels that a deal is in place but the Astros are shifting things around:

If the Astros land Vogelsong, that will likely mean that they’re done building for 2015 but Luhnow’s work is never done and is always willing to talk.

Vogelsong, 37, posted an 8-13 record, 4.00 ERA while striking out 151 batters with a 1.28 WHIP in 32 games in 2014, all starts.

His world series outing wasn’t as impressive but the improvement that he brings to the roster is something to be desired.

After all, he does have two World Series titles, one from 2012 in addition to this past season.

He had a 9.82 ERA, three strikeouts and a 2.46 WHIP in 3.2 innings of relief work against the Kansas City Royals.

His best season was in 2011 where was an All-Star, maintaining a 2.71 ERA, 4th in the NL at that time.

Something great is about to transpire so stay tuned!

I’m sure there’s more to come.

We as fans are getting closer and closer to seeing a more competitive product on the field.

Go Astros!