Four Trades That Push The Astros To A World Series
By Yoni Pollak
Aug 17, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; [EDITORS NOTE: Caption Correction] Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) celebrates his 2-run homer against the Los Angeles Dodgers with teammate center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY SportsHouston Astros Receive: Carlos Gomez, Jonathan Lucroy, Adam Lind
Milwaukee Brewers Receive: Mark Appel, Jonathan Singleton, Tony Kemp, Nolan Fontana, Asher Wojciechowski, Max Stassi, Danry Vasquez
THE BIG CAHUNA! A huge blockbuster trade to kick things off.
Why The Astros Would Do It
The Astros need offensive help. Sure they score a lot of runs in bunches, but that’s precisely the problem. The bunches are great, but when the power is turned off it’s ugly.
Carlos Gomez would be your starting center fielder for the rest of this year and next year. He’s making just $8 million this season and another $9 million next year. Gomez has been bothered by injuries this year but has been coming on as of late. The 2013 and 2014 All Star is slashing .278/.327/.457 in 61 games this season. He’s a huge improvement in the lineup over Jake Marisnick.
Jonathan Lucroy is under contract for a measly $3 million this year, $4 million next year, and has a cheap $5.25 million club option for 2017. A steal for a catcher that was 4th in the NL MVP voting last year.
He’s been nicked up a few times this season which explains his .241 batting average, but his recent play (.278 BA in June, .265 BA in July) may indicate that he’s healthy again and heating up.
Adam Lind isn’t the sexiest name, and the soon-to-be 32 year old isn’t going to be your franchise first basemen for years to come, but the fact is the guy produces. He’s hitting .292 with 15 home runs this season, however they all have come against righties. He’s probably better off hitting in a platoon but even his numbers against lefties have been better than any other Astros option. He’s making $7.5 million this season with a $8 million team option next year.
Why The Brewers Would Do It
The Brewers are rebuilding and what better way to rebuild than to snag prospects from the Astros. Mark Appel is still considered a top prospect, but his ceiling is probably as a #2 starting pitcher. Still, he’s arguably the best Astros pitching prospect that hasn’t reached the majors yet.
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Jonathan Singleton would be the Brewers first baseman of the future and would get regular at-bats there to prove himself. He’s already signed a large extension which could be a huge steal if he can put it together over the next few seasons.
Tony Kemp has been simply magnificent in the minors this year and could be Gomez’s future replacement. Nolan Fontana can hold down second or be a valuable utility player. Max Stassi projects to be a MLB catcher and the Reds can give him regular at-bats in the majors this year. He’s a former top 10/15 Astros prospect that hasn’t received much of a chance.
Asher Wojciechowski and Danry Vasquez are both solid pieces that are better than simple throw-ins. Wojciechowski should be slotted in the back of the rotation and could become a solid back end of the rotation pitcher. The 21-year old Vasquez has hit at every level until hitting AA this season. He needs time but could be a nice piece in a few years.
The Brewers would be getting a HUGE boost to their minor league system. They could also call up Appel, Singleton, Kemp, Stassi, and Wojciechowski and give them all two-month tryouts as major leaguers to see where they factor in the team’s plans for the future.
Astros Optimal Lineup Post Trade
George Springer RF
Jose Altuve 2B
Carlos Correa SS
Carlos Gomez CF
Evan Gattis DH
Adam Lind 1B
Jed Lowrie 3B
Jonathan Lucroy C
Colby Rasmus LF
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