*Maybe it's posturing for the Criminal Enterprise known as the Miami Marlins, but the Astros are fully prepared to head into 2019 with a combo of Robinson Chirinos and Max Stassi.
Maybe not, though, says Brian McTaggart. Luhnow:
We certainly feel good about going into the season with Stassi and Chirinos as our catchers. We've got [Garrett] Stubbs in the minor league and other players as well. It doesn't mean we won't take advantage of the opportunity if one presents itself as a way to get better, but right now we feel comfortable with the group we have.
As far as what else is on the agenda for the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas starting on Sunday, Luhnow:
We're still evaluating different ways to improve the team, but starting pitcher is one of the areas where we're looking at, maybe an arm to the bullpen and also another bat for the lineup. Those are the three avenues we're exploring.
So, to recap, the Astros are willing to explore upgrading at catcher, rotation, bullpen, and offense. Tight focus, there.
*Typical Astros said they were maybe kinda sorta in on some free agent deals:
Luhnow wouldn't say if the Astros were in on Goldschmidt or Eovaldi, but said: "We have been involved in conversations with players that have signed or been traded."— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) December 6, 2018
*Nate Eovaldi is from got dang Alvin. He went to Alvin High School. He throws hard. The Red Sox re-signed him yesterday.
*Brian T. Smith says it's a little early to be worried about the Astros' off-season.
*The three teams in serious discussions for Paul Goldschmidt were the Astros, Rays, and Cardinals, according to this Phoenix Sports Radio guy.
*Rum Bunter says the Astros are interested in Pittsburgh catcher Francisco Cervelli, and they would like Cionel Perez in return.
*I'm just going to give you the opening line - word-for-word - of this glorified press release:
LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) - Carlos Javier Correa Oppenheimer, shortstop for the Houston Astros is hosting free clinics in our area.
According to a post from the Robeson County Government Facebook page, the MLB player will be hosting free clinics with the Robeson County Parks and Rec. for boys and girls ages 7-12 on December 8 and 9.
— Calhoun (@linkcalhoun) December 6, 2018
*Ex-Marlins president David Samson said the Padres kept real and fake medical files on players. Samson:
The Padres lied. They had an entire medical file on a player and didn't disclose it. Two sets of medical records is what they had. [Padres GM and former Rangers Assistant GM] A.J. Preller shouldn't be allowed in the game. It's beyond comprehension that he's still working. They did it to the Red Sox. There are a lot of things you mess with, but you don't mess with that.
Man. When David Samson says you're unethical, you are officially at Rock Bottom.
*Kyler Murray still plans to play for the A's next year.
*Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo, both of whom played with the Astros at some point in their careers, were killed in a car wreck in
*Drew Magary on Anthony Bourdain: The last curious man.
*A Musical Selection:
