Which Astros are in a race against time? | STONE COLD 'STROS #12

ASTROS PODCAST


On this week's episode of Stone Cold 'Stros: Forrest Whitley gets a Spring Training start but he's still throwing grapefruits. Kyle Tucker is not a fan of the pitch clock. How the new rules could impact how we consume baseball. Former Astros GM is now behind enemy lines. Alex Bregman may send Manny Machado's agent a giant fruit basket.

About Stone Cold 'Stros:SportsMap Houston is proud to bring you what we believe to be the most informative and interactive Astros podcast: Stone Cold 'Stros! Featuring senior content contributor Charlie Pallilo, Sportsmap.com editor Josh Jordan, and digital sports director Brandon Strange, our goal is to make Stone Cold 'Stros your go-to source for Astros news and reaction without all the noisy, exhausting hot takes.

New episodes stream LIVE Mondays at 3pm on the SportsMap HOU YouTube channel, where you can interact with the show. The audio version will release across most listening platforms later that evening. Search for us on your favorite podcast provider today or click one of the providers below and be sure to subscribe. Let's go 'Stros!

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Should the Astros sign Blake Snell? Composite Getty Image.

Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy made a lot of fans nervous on Friday when he exited his spring training start after just 43 pitches. Elbow pain reportedly was what cut his start short. Urquidy was then sent back to Houston for further evaluation.

Astros manager Joe Espada gave an injury update on Monday. According to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, Urquidy is dealing with a forearm muscle strain and will likely begin the season on IL.

Houston had already been reported to have interest in signing free agent pitcher Blake Snell in recent days, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

But USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend the Astros now appear to be a “long-shot” to sign him. He's looking for a 2-year, $66 million deal and with a player option for year two.

A contract like this would put the Astros over the second tax-threshold. Not to mention he turned down the Padres qualifying offer as did closer Josh Hader. Which means the Astros would have to send two draft picks to San Diego if they sign Snell.

But if owner Jim Crane decides to pass on Snell, we're looking at a starting rotation of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, JP France, Ronel Blanco, and possibly Brandon Bielak if they opt for a 6-man rotation.

So what should the Astros do? Throw caution to the wind and sign Snell, or hope they get their guys back healthy sooner rather than later?

It's important to keep in perspective that the Yankees have several injuries to their rotation as well. Opening Day will be a matchup between Nestor Cortes and Framber Valdez. Not Gerrit Cole vs.Justin Verlander, like we once expected.

Be sure to watch the video above as we break down the rotation, all the Astros other options, and much more!

Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) every Monday on YouTube.

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