Report indicates Astros could shove on starting pitching, polarizing outfielder
HOME RUN TRADE
18 July 2023
The MLB trade deadline is only two weeks away and the Houston Astros are looking to add to the club for the stretch run. Astros GM Dana Brown has stated that the team is prioritizing starting pitching, and also looking for a left-handed hitter.
According to a recent report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Astros could address both needs with just one trade. Nightengale recently shared that the Astros have checked in on Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, and outfielder/Astros hater, Cody Bellinger.
Just adding one of these players could prove costly for Houston, as many other teams with better prospects will be looking to load up for postseason run. So if adding both players feels a bit too unattainable, and it does, which player/position should the team prioritize?
If it has to be one over the over, pitching feels like the more pressing need. Brown mentioned on the Astros flagship that a “home run” trade probably isn't in the cards, but they would like to be aggressive and execute a “double” in trade terms.
If the price of Stroman is too rich for the Astros, they could also shift their focus to White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito, Cardinals' Jordan Montgomery, or Tigers' Eduardo Rodriguez. Tigers pitcher Michael Lorenzen could also be a smaller move that would improve the pitching depth.
Be sure to watch the video above as we address several options that might be a good fit for the Astros, and much more!
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NFL insiders hint at eye-opening future for Houston Texans offense
Dec 7, 2024, 2:38 pm
One of the nuggets that came out of Nick Caserio's press conference this week, was his thoughts on the job Bobby Slowik has done as an offensive coordinator. When asked if the team has considered sharing the offensive play calling, Caseiro responded with an emphatic, “absolutely not.”
Caserio went on to praise the job Slowik has done this year, and to say the team's struggles in the second half this season is due to execution.
This stance is consistent with what we've heard from Texans insiders that believe Slowik will be back next season. As much as many Texans fans believe a change at OC could help CJ Stroud, who's shown regression this year, it doesn't appear Slowik is going anywhere.
To be fair, most teams aren't looking to replace their coordinators when they're leading their division and marching toward the postseason for the second straight year.
Number crunching
When comparing Stroud's stats to last season, there is a clear dropoff in 2024. But a lot of that has to do with the addition of Joe Mixon, especially when it comes to touchdowns.
Mixon is third in the NFL with 11 rushing TDs, while Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary only combined for 6 over the entire 2023 season. One could argue the passing offense has regressed, but one could also argue the offense overall is more balanced.
Stroud is still Top 5 in passing yards, heading into this week's games. And even if we account for the bye week, Stroud will still be Top 10 after this week's slate of games.
The most concerning number to keep an eye on is sacks. Only one QB has been sacked more than Stroud, who's been sacked 41 times. CJ's protection has gotten better since Juice Scruggs was moved to guard, and Jarrett Patterson was inserted at center.
If Stroud starts getting hit again at a high level, that may be the one factor that could make the front office rethink their plans at coordinator. However, if the Texans do make a change, we expect them to address their o-line coach before any changes at OC.
Be sure to watch the video above for our full breakdown of the Texans offense, the coaching staff, and our thoughts on how the Azeez Al-Shaair suspension will impact the team.
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