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Danny Knobler

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Astros have interest in Pudge

Posted on: March 14, 2009 7:54 pm
Edited on: March 15, 2009 1:22 pm
Score: 187
 

MIAMI -- The Astros always made sense as a potential destination for Pudge Rodriguez. Finally, the team is showing some interest in the free-agent catcher.

It's not yet clear how serious the Astros' interest is.

The three catchers on Houston's major-league roster are a combined 8-for-47 (.170) this spring. With three hits tonight against Team USA, Rodriguez is 9-for-15 in the WBC.

The Marlins also remain a potential Pudge destination. Guaranteed playing time has been an issue in talks with Florida, but it's possible that something could be worked out where Rodriguez would play some first base in addition to catching.

The Giants and Twins have also talked about Rodriguez, even though neither team is in the market for an everyday catcher. The Giants have been looking all winter for a bat at one of the corner infield positions. The Twins seem a more remote possibility, even with the possibility that Joe Mauer will have to begin the season on the disabled list.

 

 

 

 

Category: MLB
Great Point
Reputation: 81
Level: All-Star
Since: Feb 19, 2009
Posted on: March 15, 2009 12:31 am
Score: 83
 

Astros have interest in Pudge

 

 My take on who will be the Phillies fifth starter when the season starts?

Carlos Carrasco - Great prospect, a bit immature, start him in Triple-A.

Kyle Kendrick - Doesn´t appear to have enough mental strenght. Hasn´t improved enough with his complimentary pitches. Give him a Myers-esque stint in Triple-A to work it out or use him in bullpen.

J A Happ - More consistent than the two above, but has had very little experience so far of big league baseball. Use him in long relief.

Chan Ho Park - He has been consistent so far. He is experienced. He is very motivated. Start him!

 

Carrasco obviously will be very good in the future but he is still very young and why not give him the time to be ready for a few starts later in the season. I hate it when young players are forced into something they are not ready for. I´ve been a fan of Kendricks since he broke through but I fear he might become a liability and that could turn into disaster if Myers starts faltering or Moyer finally slows down (which clearly doesn´t seem to be the case right now, obviously!). Happ is the most difficult to assess but experience is mainly what makes me pick Park ahead of him. Happ probably could be used to good effect in long relief and spot starts. Park actually has had a very good career and there is very little reason to think he will get into rough periods like Myers, Kendrick or Eaton did last year at various points in the season. And basically, isn´t that kind of stability what you wish for in a fifth-starter?

 no astros dont do it



big_red01027
Reputation: 99
Level: Superstar
Since: Feb 19, 2007
Posted on: March 16, 2009 12:15 pm
Score: 114
 

Astros have interest in Pudge

The Astros' catchers suck.  Even Towles, although at least he has potential.

All any of them really has to do is keep the seat warm for Castro.  Though it seems that was too much to ask.

The team wasn't interested in signing anybody worthwhile because it'd cost too much.  Maybe now that Pudge has single-handedly outperformed the flotsam in one game at the WBC, he'll get more than a sniff.

 



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