Astrodomain-Houston Astros
General Astros thought and opinion.Thursday, July 19, 2012
Astros "make-good" trade targets
Jeff Luhnow seems to have an open mind when making trades. A Low-A catcher here (Jobduan Morales), power left-handed reliever (Kevin Chapman) or a toolsy rookie-league outfielder (DeAndre Toney).
What about players that are blocked, or have fallen out of favor with their organization. Who could be Luhnow's next Matt Dominguez?
Some "make-good" trade candidates for the Astros:
Travis Snider (OF - Toronto) - Snider is still young, but has seen large portions of playing time in 2009-11. He has toiled at AAA Las Vegas, yet has managed a .322/12/55 line waiting for an opportunity to spring with the Jays. He remained at AAA, even after the hand injury to Jose Bautista, getting passed over for Jays #2 prospect in outfielder Anthony Gose. Tao of Stieb agrees that Snider should be allowed to spread his wings. If obtained, Snider could likely become the Astros starting rightfielder. J
Dominic Brown (OF - Philadelphia) - Yearly trade bait, Brown's situation is similar to Snider's. Perhaps the Phillies see him as a replacement for Shane Victorino, or maybe Hunter Pence should Phillies decide to trim salary at the deadline. Almost 25, the bloom is off the rose for Brown, and that could lower his value in trade a bit.
Brian Matusz (SP - Baltimore) - The Orioles first-round pick in 2008, Matusz was demoted to AAA after beginning the year 5-10, a 5.42 ERA and 1.71 WHIP. His best work came in 2010, when he notched 10 wins on a last-place Baltimore club. Jeff Luhnow could see him as a replacement for Wandy Rodriguez, should he be moved to the Orioles or another club.
What about players that are blocked, or have fallen out of favor with their organization. Who could be Luhnow's next Matt Dominguez?
Some "make-good" trade candidates for the Astros:
Travis Snider (OF - Toronto) - Snider is still young, but has seen large portions of playing time in 2009-11. He has toiled at AAA Las Vegas, yet has managed a .322/12/55 line waiting for an opportunity to spring with the Jays. He remained at AAA, even after the hand injury to Jose Bautista, getting passed over for Jays #2 prospect in outfielder Anthony Gose. Tao of Stieb agrees that Snider should be allowed to spread his wings. If obtained, Snider could likely become the Astros starting rightfielder. J
Dominic Brown (OF - Philadelphia) - Yearly trade bait, Brown's situation is similar to Snider's. Perhaps the Phillies see him as a replacement for Shane Victorino, or maybe Hunter Pence should Phillies decide to trim salary at the deadline. Almost 25, the bloom is off the rose for Brown, and that could lower his value in trade a bit.
Brian Matusz (SP - Baltimore) - The Orioles first-round pick in 2008, Matusz was demoted to AAA after beginning the year 5-10, a 5.42 ERA and 1.71 WHIP. His best work came in 2010, when he notched 10 wins on a last-place Baltimore club. Jeff Luhnow could see him as a replacement for Wandy Rodriguez, should he be moved to the Orioles or another club.
posted by dirty steve # 9:23 PM 
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