SB Nation User Blog: HighLeveragePerformer

Friday Astros News: Drayton McLane thinks sell

HighLeveragePerformer — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:08:55 -0000

by David J. Phillip - AP

Here today...gone tomorrow?

I'm back home for the Christmas Holiday, and it was startling to wake up Thursday morning and walk into the kitchen to find this article in the sports section of the Chronicle. Apparently, the whole "Drayton would consider selling the Astros" story-line has some legs to it. The revelation that the team was almost sold to Houston businessman Jim Crane in 2008 was somewhat startling, considering what a fixture Drayton McLane, Jr. has been with the Astros for the better part of two decades. To read the pseudo-obituary that Richard Justice penned was surreal, to be honest.

While all things, good and bad, must come to an end, I get the impression that most of us would be happy to see McLane sell the team and be on his billionaire way. Which is fine. I mean, the proof is in the pudding, and the Astros' pudding hasn't tasted good in a few years. To think, however, that Drayton's sole objective in buying the Astros was to turn a profit and speak to genteel civic luncheons is misguided. As much as we jump all over him for failing to sign draft choices or allowing the somewhat egregious signings of Carlos Lee, Woody William, Kaz Matsui, et al, I can't help but look past that and to the big picture of baseball in our city.

When Drayton McLane bought the club in 1992, the Astros had reached the playoffs a whopping total of three times in thirty seasons. Their home ball park was the Astrodome, and while we all love the place, it wasn't the greatest place to play or see a ball game. Attendance was minuscule, and the team was a distant third in popularity behind the Warren Moon led Oilers and an up and coming Rockets club. As Justice notes, the Astros were sold for $117 million in 1992, approximately on par with the San Francisco Giants. With the club valued at nearly four times that amount in 2009, McLane the businessman surely has to be pleased at the return on his investment.

As fans (ok, we're all beyond being called fans...super-fans?) we don't particularly care about the profitability of the Astros, beyond any effect it has on the product on the field and our record in the NL Central. Bottom line for the front office means a completely different thing than the bottom line for fanatics like us. Of course, winning on the field usually leads to winning at the box office. Which is truly the confusing part of the Drayton McLane saga for me. For such a savvy businessman, he has seemingly lost his way in determining what will best help his on field product these past few seasons. Attempting to compete by signing veteran free agents and neglecting the backbone of any baseball team- its farm system- has obviously cost Drayton in the short and long run. Surely he has to have realized that.

Now, with the Texas Rangers having gone through one of the more harrowing sales in sports that I can remember, it seems appropriate to consider Drayton McLane's sports-mortality. When ultimately his eulogy is given, I would like to think that fans will remember him for being the man who ushered baseball into relevancy in the collective mind of Houston sports fans, and gave the community a team they could be proud of. He may be a control freak to an extent, and we may not always agree with his hires, fires or in-betweens but if winning is the ultimate measure of a team, an organization and an owner, Drayton McLane has been a success. I told DQ just this past week that I don't care if the Astros never employ a sabermetric idea, as long as they get back to winning games and contending for playoff spots. Looking at the game objectively allows us to have a different appreciation for the decision making process of an organization, which by and large is a good thing.

Often times though, we neglect to mention that baseball is as much about emotion, the emotion of fans, players, coaches and ownership, as anything else. From what I can discern, emotion was lacking in 1992 surrounding our Astros. Their fanbase today is many times over what it was in the early 90s, due in no small part to McLane's ownership. We may get upset with him, but at least there is a palpable feeling towards the team, which I cannot say for certain was the case years ago. In wishing Drayton a fast exit from our lives, let's not be too hasty to dismiss his role in improving baseball in Houston.

FanGraphs analyzes Astros' drafts from 2006-2009

HighLeveragePerformer — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:01:38 -0000

FanGraphs analyzes Astros' drafts from 2006-2009

Pretty even handed assessment, in my opinion.

Author of the article Marc Hulet believes that our 2008 haul is especialy promising, with 6/10 of our top 10 prospects were selected last year.

A terrible 2007 draft was preceded by a 2006 version which yielded a potential "solid utility/platoon" player in Chris Johnson and our number three starter, Bud Norris.

Out of these drafts, I would expect Johnson, Norris, and anywhere from 6-8 of the guys from the 2008 and 2009 classes to be on the major league roster by 2012. Considering how 2007 was a black-hole, the Astros did fairly well in selecting young talent via the draft.

Astros show interest in Kelly Johnson, Gustavo Chacin and Jason Michaels sign on the dotted line

HighLeveragePerformer — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:37:02 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

How does "Kelly Johnson, Houston Astro" sound?

Browse more photos »

After second baseman Kelly Johnson was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves, a number of teams have expressed interest in him. That link notes that the D-Backs are on record that their hat has been thrown in the KJ ring, but Tim Dierkes said Monday on his site that three NL Central clubs: the Pirates, Cardinals and Astros desire his services to various extents.

Johnson's non-tendering came as a surprise to many, including clack, and his bat would be welcome in Houston, assuming he returns to his normal self after a down 2009. Take Bill James' optimistic projection and the fan's projections off FanGraphs, and you can get a pretty good idea of what is expected out of the middle infielder in 2010.

This wouldn't be an offseason-defining signing by Ed Wade, but if the Astros could get Johnson, the team would be much improved. The Diamondacks are in a position where they would trade another one of their backup infielders in order to create space for Johnson. Neither the Cards or Buccos have the greatest infields in the world, and while Pittsburgh signed Bobby Crosby to bolster theirs, it's not as if Kelly Johnson wouldn't be able to get significant playing time in Pittsburgh. St. Louis may not get Troy Glaus back, which leaves them with Skip Schumaker, David Freese, and Joe Thurston at 2B/3B entering spring training. Not exactly household names.

Pedro Feliz is an upgrade for Houston over Geoff Blum, but it's no guarantee that Feliz will be even a win better than Blummers. Kaz Matsui is injury-prone at second, is coming off a disappointing season and his backup, Edwin Maysonet, does not project to be anything special. Cost is something to focus on, as KJ made $2.8 million in 2009 and should demand a contract worth more than that in 2010. A deal in the mid-3 millions for one season maybe a gamble worth taking, especially if Wade cannot sign a starting pitcher or convert Jason Bourgeois to a second baseman as some have hypothesized.

Just when we thought we were getting rid of him...he pulls us back in. Or rather, we pull him back in. That's right: Jason Michaels has been re-signed to an $800,000 contract. Again, not a disaster, but the money could have been better allocated elsewhere. I would still like to see the team make a move for Ryan Church, if their budget allows for it. Bottom line, as with most of the Astros' moves, this won't be the difference between a postseason berth and another Astro-less October. Michaels wasn't near as bad as I thought he was in 2009, but I would have liked to have seen Wade think a little more out of the box. Reggie Abercrombie, and the aforementioned Bourgeois and Church could be in the running for the fifth and assumedly final outfield reserve spot.

Alyson Footer also tweets that Gustavo Chacin has been signed to a minor league deal and given an invite to Spring Training. Chacin hasn't pitched in the majors since 2007 and hasn't pitched a full season since 2005, so let's not hold our breath on anything happening for him with the Astros. His experience working with pitching coach Brad Arnsberg in Toronto most likely has a lot to do with his being given a shot. Think of him as Russ Ortiz with perhaps a bit more upside.

Can I Interest you in ANOTHER reliever signing?

HighLeveragePerformer — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:32 -0000

Can I Interest you in ANOTHER reliever signing?

Gary Majewski signed. $100,000 guaranteed, will get an invite to Spring Training.

FanGraphs: Matt Lindstrom trade makes a lot of sense for Astros

HighLeveragePerformer — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:47:40 -0000

FanGraphs: Matt Lindstrom trade makes a lot of sense for Astros

If Joe Sheehan signs off on this move, the world may very well end.

JJO: Don't be surprised if Rafael Soriano is the Astros closer in 2010

HighLeveragePerformer — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:38:19 -0000

JJO: Don't be surprised if Rafael Soriano is the Astros closer in 2010

Kelvim Escobar and Endy Chavez are also on the Astros' radar, as the Astros would like to offer minor league contracts to both.

Milwaukee Brewers moving fast to sign LaTroy Hawkins within the day

HighLeveragePerformer — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:10:00 -0000

Milwaukee Brewers moving fast to sign LaTroy Hawkins within the day

Ed, get moving.

Jose Valverde Rejects Arbitration Offer- Who Closes Now?

HighLeveragePerformer — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:34:14 -0000

by Ross D. Franklin - AP

Adios, amigo.

View full size photo »

The Astros and GM Ed Wade were handed a great piece of news on Monday night, as closer Jose Valverde declined arbitration choosing instead to remain a free agent. Valverde made his intent to test the market in free agency known early on, and despite the extension of an arbitration offer from the Astros, Jose has decided to take the plunge and see if he can parlay his strong recent seasons into a big money free agent contract.

Almost certainly this means the end of his tenure as the last man out the Astros 'pen. While he was certainly a positive contributor, he is a luxury that the organization cannot afford. If nothing else, we can remember Jose Valverde's as a rock of consistent, if not spectacular play, a welcome relief from the often turbulent ninths we saw from Brad Lidge. People jump all over Ed Wade and his penchant for bringing in relievers, often over cost, and rightfully so especially with a team lacking in talent like our Astros have been. At least we can say in Valverde's case that the big name reliever was as good as advertised once he got to town.

Now the question that need be answered is who will step into the vacated closer's position? Rafael Soriano, whom the Astros had reported shown interest in, has accepted the Braves' offer of arbitration, while set up man Mike Gonzalez has chosen to take the opposite route in rejecting the Braves' advances. On the Braves' front, the back end of their bullpen will be full of former and current closers, with Soriano joining Takashi Saito and Billy Wagner after the latter two recently joined Atlanta in free agency. I don't know if Braves' GM Frank Wren anticipated that Soriano would decline arbitration, but he will have a large sum of $ invested in three men who will pitch at most 190 innings combined. That's an almost Astro-like utilization of resources. To the point, Gonzalez will be an option for Ed Wade to check in on. A multi year deal would most likely be what it takes to reign in the man with the awesome windup.

Of course, LaTroy Hawkins is an option, but he has been sought after by more than just the Astros. If anything, I would expect Ed Wade to amp up his charge to sign Hawk to a one year contract for 2010. If I had to place a wager, I believe he will be re-signed and given the opportunity to be our closer. Without great strikeout stuff, Hawkins will have to overcome his lack of a killer fastball to get hitters out. Our budget may necessitate this more than anything else.

Kevin Gregg, Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney are out there, and I hope the Astros do nothing more than kick their tires and pass. J.J. Putz, however, would be an interesting sign, and could probably be had on the cheap after coming off injury and poor performance.

The Astros were given a gift last night. Who knows what can be done with it. A free agent starting pitcher and/or an affordable third base option are more realistic than last week, in terms of ability of the Astros to sign a player or two. In the long term, Bobby Heck has produced a solid draft class from 2009, and if Valverde as expected does not re-sign with the club, two draft choices will come his way. All in all, a good night for the Astros. The next couple days could be even better as a result.

Ivan Rodriguez signs 2 year contract with the Washington Nationals

HighLeveragePerformer — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:23:45 -0000

Ivan Rodriguez signs 2 year contract with the Washington Nationals

Remember when the Rangers traded for Pudge and we were like...Wow, we got something for Pudge!?

Imagine how the Rangers feel now ,as a supplemental first round draft pick heads to Arlington. Here is what the folks at Lone Star Ball have to say about I-Rod being signed to a two year contract. Interesting decision on the part of the Nats to say the least.

Fast Eddie Wade ends Astros' quiet offseason by signing pitcher Ryan Sadowski

HighLeveragePerformer — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:38:00 -0000

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

The Big Sadowski mows down the Astros this past July.

Browse more photos »

Oh, Ed. Just when we thought you were going to sit on your hands and do nothing during the early days of the hot stove season, you make a savvy, depth-conscious signing by bringing former San Francisco Giant Ryan Sadowski into the fold.

You may remember Sadowski from such games as the July 3rd, 13-0 beatdown where Sadowski pitched seven shutout innings against our boys. So I guess, if you can beat them....join...them? We'll assume that's what went through Sadowski's head this morning.

After being drafted by the Giants in 2003, "The Big Sadowski" (and yes, that nickname will stick around these parts) hung around in the minors for six seasons before getting called up last season to take the place of injured starter Jonathan Sanchez. Sadowski had mixed results in his six big league starts, finishing the season with a 4.45 ERA and a 17/17 K/BB ratio.

Without having a ton of information to go off of, the knocks against Sadowski appear to be a lack of control, and a mediocre repertoire of pitches. CHONE recently released their 2010 pitcher projections, and their outlook for Mr. Sadowski is as a reliever, but is fairly optimistic:

IP	R	BB	K	ERA
53	28	26	44	4.42

Not going to wow you, but could be a useful arm to have around come spring training. With Wesley Wright, Felipe Paulino and Wilton Lopez expected to compete for the fifth starter's slot, Sadowksi should have an opportunity as well. If he can't beat one of them out, it's not as if the starting rotation in Round Rock is overflowing with talent, so he will be ready if and when he is needed.

Not quite the big move we were hoping for at this point in the offseason, but this is the sort of under the radar acquisition that may end up paying fairly large dividends in the upcoming season.