Jump to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Surly Horns

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Featured Replies

 
Yeah all these dudes making Academy/Dick's stops the next few days. Still waiting to hear which one Goodrum is going to before I commit to camping out
  • Replies 5.8k
  • Views 347.6k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Popular Posts

  • henrygandorf
    henrygandorf

    love these articles and comments from the mlb media about marring a world series or how the baseball world will be critical of the astros for this move. get. the. fuck. out. with. that. nonsense.

  • MaybeACoordinator
    MaybeACoordinator

    Going through old pics because of the death of my grandmother / mom and came across this -- 1996, my son's first Astros game.

  • NSIAP, but 10000% of this.  

Posted Images

3 minutes ago, Scraps said:
26 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:
 

Yeah all these dudes making Academy/Dick's stops the next few days. Still waiting to hear which one Goodrum is going to before I commit to camping out

Oh, Niko....

ignored-forgot-you-were-there.gif.0a2cb99d94d4bfd17955587988e1b6b2.gif

 

 

33 minutes ago, Chuckie Finster said:

?

Dudes finished 1-2 in batting in the year immediately following the extensions.

Yet the team won a WS without either of them really doing anything.

FYI Saw this on FanDuel from this morning:

 

MLB insider Jon Heyman reports the Astros executives are "meeting on" former Chicago Cub Willson Contreras. Contreras should receive a $19.65 million qualifying offer from Chicago, but reports suggest he'll turn this down and test the open market. 

This isn't the first time Houston had sights set on Contreras. According to Heyman, the Astros had a trade in place for Contreras back in July, but owner Jim Crane "nixed it."

Houston instead traded for Christian Vazquez and used him in rotation with Martin Maldonado. 

The plan worked this past season, but it's clear that won't stop Houston's front office from considering a different route with Contreras available in free agency. Contreras slashed .243/.349/.466 with 22 home runs and 55 RBIs in 2022 and is considered the best offensive catcher on the market.

54 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

The less Crane talks the better.

1 hour ago, HtownHorn said:

Yet the team won a WS without either of them really doing anything.

That doesn’t make him “more right.” It makes him half right at best. 

And, for what it’s worth, if you’re consistent in that logic, it means his offer for Contreras dumb, because they clearly didn’t need him either. (And it was dumb: 3+ years of control of a proven major league pitcher for a rental part part-time catcher is asinine.)

Just now, formermav43 said:

That doesn’t make him “more right.” It makes him half right at best. 

And, for what it’s worth, if you’re consistent in that logic, it means his offer for Contreras dumb, because they clearly didn’t need him either. (And it was dumb: 3+ years of control of a proven major league pitcher for a rental part part-time catcher is asinine.)

At the time of trade deadline, the Astros had glaring holes at DH-LF/1B/C. Which is why they traded for Mancini and Vazquez.

Seems they like Contreras enough that they are now interested in signing him. His bat is good enough to be the primary DH or he could move to 1B.

As it turns out, the pitching staff built by Click was so good, the Astros got away with getting nothing from 3 or 4 spots in their lineup in each round of the playoffs. But there is no reason to build a team with 3 or 4 automatic outs.

18 minutes ago, HtownHorn said:

At the time of trade deadline, the Astros had glaring holes at DH-LF/1B/C. Which is why they traded for Mancini and Vazquez.

Seems they like Contreras enough that they are now interested in signing him. His bat is good enough to be the primary DH or he could move to 1B.

As it turns out, the pitching staff built by Click was so good, the Astros got away with getting nothing from 3 or 4 spots in their lineup in each round of the playoffs. But there is no reason to build a team with 3 or 4 automatic outs.

Getting Contreras for cash is good. Getting him for Urquidy was not.

  • Author
2 minutes ago, formermav43 said:

Getting Contreras for cash is good. Getting him for Urquidy was not.


correct 

Every team needs arms, and urquidy is a proven post season grinder 

Edited by tx 3 putt

55 minutes ago, HtownHorn said:

At the time of trade deadline, the Astros had glaring holes at DH-LF/1B/C. Which is why they traded for Mancini and Vazquez.

Seems they like Contreras enough that they are now interested in signing him. His bat is good enough to be the primary DH or he could move to 1B.

As it turns out, the pitching staff built by Click was so good, the Astros got away with getting nothing from 3 or 4 spots in their lineup in each round of the playoffs. But there is no reason to build a team with 3 or 4 automatic outs.

To be clear, Click only added five arms to that incredible pitching staff - Stanek, Montero, Maton, Baez, and Smith. Montero was the only piece that had a substantial role in the postseason. You can also give him partial credit if you want for resigning Verlander, but that has Crane’s fingerprints all over it. Not attacking the guy, but let’s assign the credit where it’s actually due…and just bring back Luhnow (know it’ll never happen).

Just now, IDIOTsavant said:

To be clear, Click only added five arms to that incredible pitching staff - Stanek, Montero, Maton, Baez, and Smith. Montero was the only piece that had a substantial role in the postseason. You can also give him partial credit if you want for resigning Verlander, but that has Crane’s fingerprints all over it. Not attacking the guy, but let’s assign the credit where it’s actually due…and just bring back Luhnow (know it’ll never happen).

Think you forgot Neris.

Just now, mbtex said:

Think you forgot Neris.

Indeed. Neris was nails. Even including him, it’s clear Click didn’t build that staff as was suggested. Again, not hating on Click, but acknowledging he inherited a gold mine.

7 minutes ago, IDIOTsavant said:

To be clear, Click only added five arms to that incredible pitching staff - Stanek, Montero, Maton, Baez, and Smith. Montero was the only piece that had a substantial role in the postseason. You can also give him partial credit if you want for resigning Verlander, but that has Crane’s fingerprints all over it. Not attacking the guy, but let’s assign the credit where it’s actually due…and just bring back Luhnow (know it’ll never happen).

Also extended Pressly.

 

I swear, some of y'all would give Luhnow a sloppy BJ by the dumpsters in the bowels of MMP if given the chance.

8 minutes ago, royiv said:

I swear, some of y'all would give Luhnow a sloppy BJ by the dumpsters in the bowels of MMP if given the chance.

 

5789B3D2-E766-4A97-B564-BBBF4F9F1F9C.gif

17 minutes ago, IDIOTsavant said:

To be clear, Click only added five arms to that incredible pitching staff - Stanek, Montero, Maton, Baez, and Smith. Montero was the only piece that had a substantial role in the postseason. You can also give him partial credit if you want for resigning Verlander, but that has Crane’s fingerprints all over it. Not attacking the guy, but let’s assign the credit where it’s actually due…and just bring back Luhnow (know it’ll never happen).

Uh, the only 3 pitchers that pitched in 2019 WS that are still on the team are Verlander, Pressly, and Urquidy. McCullers is essentially a wash as he didn't pitch that season, and I think everyone wished he hadn't pitched game 4 either.

So, Click was in charge of developing an entirely new pitching staff in 3 years. If anyone deserves credit for Javier, Valdez, Urquidy, and Garcia being in the organization it's Oz Ocampo.

1 minute ago, HtownHorn said:

Uh, the only 3 pitchers that pitched in 2019 WS that are still on the team are Verlander, Pressly, and Urquidy. McCullers is essentially a wash as he didn't pitch that season, and I think everyone wished he hadn't pitched game 4 either.

So, Click was in charge of developing an entirely new pitching staff in 3 years. If anyone deserves credit for Javier, Valdez, Urquidy, and Garcia being in the organization it's Oz Ocampo.

Don’t disagree on the Latin American contingent, but Click didn’t do anything to drive that. Everything Oz put in place that we’re reaping was in place prior to Click arriving. 

12 minutes ago, HtownHorn said:

If anyone deserves credit for Javier, Valdez, Urquidy, and Garcia being in the organization it's Oz Ocampo.

Exactly.  Click sure as hell doesn't.  Ocampo followed Luhnow from St. Louis.

27 minutes ago, royiv said:

I swear, some of y'all would give Luhnow a sloppy BJ by the dumpsters in the bowels of MMP if given the chance.

Would that bring him back?

Asking for a friend.

It's fair to acknowledge Click built a great bullpen, and that was pretty much his doing. It's also fair to acknowledge he inherited all the pitchers in the rotation (unless you want to count Odorizzi...). 

I don't see why there needs to be different "sides" to this, it's pretty straightforward.

Two of Click's 2021 draft picks are turning heads in the AFL

 

Edited by Gourmand

I was fine with moving on from Click when Sig's and Steans' names were being floated, but Crane acting as GM with Bags and Reggie as advisors sound like a terrible idea:

 

Crane can get Stearns this year if he’s willing to pay the piper. Everything has a price. I’m just not sure what Milwaukee’s price is. Everyone needs pitching. Urquidy for Stearns?

  • Author
41 minutes ago, Gourmand said:

Two of Click's 2021 draft picks are turning heads in the AFL

 

 

wagner plays 2nd 

  • Author
Just now, TonyTexas said:

Crane can get Stearns this year if he’s willing to pay the piper. Everything has a price. I’m just not sure what Milwaukee’s price is. Everyone needs pitching. Urquidy for Stearns?

 

pass, he's free next season. im good with another year of click 

7 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:

 

pass, he's free next season. im good with another year of click 

Of course. But are you good with an interim year of Crane, Reggie and Bagwell?

Edited by TonyTexas

22 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

I was fine with moving on from Click when Sig's and Steans' names were being floated, but Crane acting as GM with Bags and Reggie as advisors sound like a terrible idea:

 

Passan doesn’t have a clue. Crane keeps Jackson around because it might be some minimal marginal help in spring training and around the building, but he knows it’s all about ego for Reggie and not really serious. Bagwell’s role/relationship I haven’t heard anything about but trust me, he ain’t putting a whole lotta stock into Reggie Jackson on serious matters. I’m guessing Bagwell is the same. 

Just now, Planet Houston said:

Passan doesn’t have a clue. Crane keeps Jackson around because it might be some minimal marginal help in spring training and around the building, but he knows it’s all about ego for Reggie and not really serious. Bagwell’s role/relationship I haven’t heard anything about but trust me, he ain’t putting a whole lotta stock into Reggie Jackson on serious matters. I’m guessing Bagwell is the same. 

Goodness I hope so

By the way have any of y’all seen Passan in person? I saw him a couple of times in the third baseline concourse during the playoffs - they guy is seriously about 5’7” 150 lbs. LOL I just looked it up and see Wiki has it at 5’9” - no fucking way. 

Seeing him in person strangely made me a little less hostile - I’m sure I’d be an overcompensating dick if I looked like that. 

  • Author

 

he'll get his ring his first game back at minute maid 

Edited by tx 3 putt

4 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:

 

he'll get his ring his first game back at minute maid 

Your move, Angels.  How much are you willing to spend to hold on to 3rd place in the division, hmmm?

Image

 

 

 

 

Chandler Rome right now with that open gig at The Athletic on his mind

Phone Texting GIF by Rich the Kid

I don't know how much money I would offer Montero.  He's had one good season in his career and bullpen guys can start sucking again overnight.

21 minutes ago, kevwun said:

I don't know how much money I would offer Montero.  He's had one good season in his career and bullpen guys can start sucking again overnight.

The ESPN FA article that Htown posted earlier projected 2/$25M for Montero. 

Omar Narvaez would be an interesting backup option at catcher. Good defender, average offense. Baseball savant had him at +6 in framing.

Edited by HtownHorn

42 minutes ago, kevwun said:

I don't know how much money I would offer Montero.  He's had one good season in his career and bullpen guys can start sucking again overnight.

Another reason I maybe don't give Click as much credit as others do.  The bullpen was very, very good this year but some of that has to be luck right?  So many guys are crap shoots year to year.  I don't think coming into 2022 that Click though Abreu would turn into one of the best relievers in the game.

4 minutes ago, WBT said:

Another reason I maybe don't give Click as much credit as others do.  The bullpen was very, very good this year but some of that has to be luck right?

Maybe not. I feel like last year's bullpen performed well overall and the additions of Graveman, Yimi, and Maton were key to their run to the World Series and the fact that this year's bullpen performed even better is arguably a testament to Click's ability to put together a key component of every championship contender. The x-factor this year was the incredible overall health of the pitching staff and the front office/coaching staff did a tremendous job managing the overall innings pitched across all arms and that has to be a feather in Click's cap imo as the general manager. 

In my wet dreams I want us to be aggressive and load up a unbeatable super team and win 3 more in a row for 4 straight. 

1 hour ago, kevwun said:

I don't know how much money I would offer Montero.  He's had one good season in his career and bullpen guys can start sucking again overnight.

I wouldn’t offer him anything, there’s much greater needs. 

2 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

 

he'll get his ring his first game back at minute maid 

Warning to the West?

It just came across the ESPN ticker, the Astros declined Smith and Manicini’s club options. 
 

Smith is unsurprising. Manicini is mildly surprising. 

  • Author
1 hour ago, TonyTexas said:

The ESPN FA article that Htown posted earlier projected 2/$25M for Montero. 

Jimmy Fallon Reaction GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

When does Astroline start up?

  • Author
31 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Warning to the West?

 

if he can eat innings and stay at .500, great pick up for the price 

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.