Here’s why Houston Astros under-the-radar pivot options look so promising
SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE
24 February 2023
The Houston Astros have a ton of depth on their pitching staff, and with Lance McCullers being shutdown from throwing, it looks like they're going to need it early in the season.
The loss of Justin Verlander looks like it might hurt a little more than initially thought, and we discuss if owner Jim Crane is having second thoughts about letting him walk.
Plus, we examine some options the Astros could use this season to soften the blow of Verlander's departure. Hunter Brown, Forrest Whitley, and Brandon Bielak come to mind. But what about Bryan Abreu? Could he start some games and work out of the bullpen, similarly to how Cristian Javier did last season?
The Astros knew Verlander would get his rightful deal, McCullers might take time, but besides rotation Brown, they rejected several serious inquiries for Bryan Abreu, who many from the pitching and international side believe can be a top three starter.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) February 23, 2023
Peter Gammons thinks it could be a possibility, but we haven't heard anything about it from the Astros at this point.
Be sure to check out the video above as we cover all the angles.
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The NBA trade rumor mill is in overdrive, and once again, Kevin Durant finds himself at the center of the chaos. As teams across the league weigh their options, the Houston Rockets have emerged as one of the most intriguing possibilities — a rising squad with young talent, cap flexibility, and the ambition to make a major move. But is Durant the final piece that could launch the Rockets into true contender status?
In this episode, we dive deep into the latest whispers surrounding KD’s future, including the Suns’ disappointment with Houston’s current offer and their desire to pry Jalen Green and/or Jabari Smith from the Rockets' promising core. Phoenix is playing hardball, reportedly seeking either the Spurs' No. 2 pick in the draft, Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, or possibly both — a steep price for a 35-year-old star on a two-year deal.
San Antonio has quietly emerged as a serious contender for Durant’s services, potentially leapfrogging other suitors like the Heat — who, according to reports, sit at the bottom of KD’s preferred destinations list. With Durant’s age becoming a factor and the Suns trying to balance long-term development with short-term competitiveness, Phoenix faces a tough question: are they chasing the Durant of a decade ago, or can they still extract elite value from what he brings now?
We break down the top three teams in the KD sweepstakes, the Suns’ aggressive demands, and whether Houston’s front office will push its chips in — or walk away from the table.
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