In recent weeks, the Astros have been connected to Phillies ace Cole Hamels, but it doesn’t sound as though he’s their top pitching target. Â Instead, it’s Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto that is atop Houston’s wish list, according to sources who spoke with Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle.
One of the main reasons for their preference of Cueto over Hamels is that the Astros are seeking out a 2015 rental or possibly someone whose contract runs for one more year.  With a hefty contract that runs through 2018, Hamels simply doesn’t fit the bill.  Cueto, meanwhile, is only owed the prorated portion of his 2015 salary of $10MM, which is a little over $5MM the rest of the way.  Hamels, meanwhile, is set to earn the balance of his $22.5MM salary for the remainder of this season, $22.5MM in the next three seasons, and a $20MM option/$6MM buyout that can vest with good health and a certain number of innings pitched.
For his part, Hamels recently indicated that he would be “open-minded” to being traded to any team, including the Astros.  Instead, it sounds like Houston has their attention focused on the Reds’ pitching, where other suitors include the Dodgers, Yankees, and Blue Jays, a source tells Drellich.  All in all, Drellich hears that the Phillies have been pumping up the perception of the Astros’ interest as negotiating leverage in talks about Hamels.
The Astros are casting a wide net in their effort to add a solid starter to their rotation to go with Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh, Vincent Velasquez, and Lance McCullers.  In addition to Cueto and Mike Leake, the Astros are doing their homework on A’s lefty Scott Kazmir, Brewers right-handers Matt Garza and Kyle Lohse, and White Sox right-hander Jeff Samardzija.
The conversation that the Astros had with Amaro probably didn’t help much either.. I can imagine it went something like.. “What would it take to bring Hamels into the Astros rotation?” Amaro “Well, we can start with Correa and then you can throw in,” “Hello?” “Hellllooo?”
I think a package of Domingo Santana, Michael Feliz, and Joe Musgrove would be a fair deal for Cueto. Santana could take over for Marlon Byrd in left. Feliz could help the 2016 (and later) bullpen. Musgrove should end up as a #5 starter/long relief guy although he may be better than that. That trade package is comparable prospect-wise to deals for Zack Greinke, CC Sabathia, and other aces. I think Santana would be better as the centerpiece over Appel just because the Reds are deep with starting pitchers in the minors.
That trade is horrible for the Reds and if it happened should be the for sure last coal on the fire that is one Walt Jocketty.
No way on this deal….Cueto go’s to the yankees….for Flores or Williams,Sanchez and Jagielo…..
Is there any chance that you will change your mind and bring back disqus as your commenting host? I hope so
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This commenting system is killing all interaction.
Yes it is
This is one of the most commented articles and 2/3 of the comments are about the commenting system and not the story. That can’t possibly be good.
Yep. During trade season, people (myself included) refresh pages a lot to read new comments. Now that nobody is commenting, there will be far less refreshes, resulting in far less ad revenue for MLBTR. I think they need to at least consider bringing it back.
The only reason I even know you replied is because I happened to check the comments again. I don’t want an email every time I receive a reply, so I have no way of knowing unless I check each thread. Something I’m sure almost everyone isn’t willing to do.
There is no chance, sorry. The first round of improvements should be coming pretty soon.
I think they’re pretty steadfast in not changing back, which is a big shame. However, if they can get this system up to at least what’s in place at hoopsrumors, it’ll be a little better. Hoopsrumors has nested comment threads that can be minimized and also has a voting system and the ability to edit. Not as good as disqus, but still not too bad.
Very arrogant and stubborn of them in my opinion. Doesn’t seem to be much logic here….
I have to agree. It’s their site and they should do whatever they want to, but they seem to be totally ignoring their most ardent supporters (the commenters) in favor of something that isn’t working out at all. But it’s still very early with this new system, so maybe they’ll work out the kinks.
I think there needs to be a moratorium between now and the trade deadline on the term “casting a wide net”.. Lol
Correa, Altuve, and Dallas for Cueto.
i cant see that happening! good thinking though!
So in other words, Houston is still taking the cheap ! They have a young ball club but only want a top pitcher for 1 more year ? IDIOCY.
ASTROS can send to REDS L.J. Hoes Domingo Santana 2B Tony Kemp 3B duffy For cueto and done deal or to the YANKEES for Pitcher RHP Mitchell LF Ramon Flores and A. Judge and close deal .