Crazy Eyes Valverde to Astros

[soccer10k]

Just saw this reported on ESPN.

 

EDIT: He was traded for Chris Burke and a couple other guys, I think.

Edited December 14, 2007 by soccer10k

[BCVM22]

Great trade for Houston, but I do not at all see the value from Arizona's end.

[Schwarber Fan]

damn, we gotta face his obnoxiousness more times this season... hopefully he stays rattled from the postseason.. a la Brad Lidge...

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

I don't think he will be in a position to close many games this year.

[Guest]

Valverde has been pretty inconsistent throughout his career up to 2007. AZ getting Qualls & Burke back for him isn't too bad.

[Guest]

It seems like the DBacks bought high in one deal (Haren) but sold high in the other deal (Valverde).

[YearofDaCubs]

Steal by Astros. Burke and Qualls. Edited December 14, 2007 by YearofDaCubs

[Post Count Padder]

Seems like a better trade for the Astros.

[Guest]

2.15 ---> 4.25 ---> 2.44 ---> 5.84 ---> 2.66

 

I don't see a lot of consistency from Valverde. I believe he's going to be pretty expensive through arbitration this year. He's got a history of health issues (which has driven much of the inconsistency).

 

With Qualls, you pretty much know what you're getting. And he's a lot cheaper.

[Rob]

Burke, Qualls, and Guitierrez... one of the two remaining pitching prospects in the system.

 

Houston now...

 

2B - Matsui

CF - Bourn

SS - Tejada

1B - Berkman

LF - Lee

RF - Pence

C - Towles

3B - Wiggington

 

SP1 - Oswalt

SP2 - Rodriguez

SP3 - Backe

SP4 - Williams

SP5 - Paulino

 

And the only bench players they have of note are Ausmus, Loretta, and Blum... and the only bullpen guys of note are Valverde and Brocail.

 

The only chance they have of competing is if everybody stays completely healthy, and that rotation really surprises...

 

Honestly, they would have been better off just putting Guitierrez in the rotation than trading for a "proven closer." This isn't a steal at all.

[Omar]

I did a count last season and 22/25 of the Astros players were white. Now with the addition of Tejada and now Valverde, it looks like Houston is trying it's hardest to steer clear of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

[Smack]

He's got the craziest eyes I think I've ever seen.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Outstanding thread title.

[FergieJ31]

He's got the craziest eyes I think I've ever seen.

Yes indeed:

 

 

http://bp1.blogger.com/_OybGn9OTdG0/RwsPCsV6gsI/AAAAAAAAAA0/CJNMTXIjhNw/s320/Valverde.bmp

[don_kessinger_was_good]

The Astros will need to out-hit everybody to win in 08, because that might be the worst pitching staff in the league. They have one great starter, one great but inconsistent closer, and everyone else is uninspiring, at best. Plus, they now have absolutely ZERO help in the minor leagues, so I would imagine they'll be in the market for every veteran has-been pitcher on the block.

 

I think Houston has made enough moves to get themselves out of the Central cellar, but that's about it. Reds and Astros fight it out for 3rd and 4th in the division?

[questionmarkgrace]

I guess Burke is decent enough insurance for Orlando Hudson at second but will he be used anywhere else? When he had that five hit game against the cubs a couple of years ago I remember thinking he was going to be a real good player. But Houston kept moving him around so that Biggio could keep playing and he seemed to get worse with less playing time. Its too bad it doesnt look like he is going to see much more playing time in AZ.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

I guess Burke is decent enough insurance for Orlando Hudson at second but will he be used anywhere else? When he had that five hit game against the cubs a couple of years ago I remember thinking he was going to be a real good player. But Houston kept moving him around so that Biggio could keep playing and he seemed to get worse with less playing time. Its too bad it doesnt look like he is going to see much more playing time in AZ.

 

For as long as Arizona still has Hudson, I'd imagine the role they envision for Burke is to be their super-sub. He can play 2B, 3B and the OF. Nice guy to have for the bench.

[rawaction]

I think this is a good deal for Arizona.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

While this trade is probably in the Astros favor, it's still a bad trade for them. Wade gave up more trade chips without improving a starting rotation that is Roy Oswalt and pray for four days of rain. Considering they have a retractable roof, that might not work out very well for them.

 

The Astros current rotation is Oswalt, W. Williams, Backe, and A Fish Called Wandy. The fifth spot is unfilled, and in the Tejada trade they traded away the two most viable candidates for it.

 

So, even if Valverde is a light's out closer for the Astros, how many chances will he get in games not started by Oswalt?

 

If the Astros were going to package their best available bullpen arm along with Burke, they should have aimed at someone to improve their rotation.

[nilodnayr]

Even if the Astros didn't go into rebuilding mode like they should have, they absolutely should not have gone with a mortgage the future to win now strategy. AND in going for that strategy they focused on entirely the wrong points to improve. Its really hard to imagine any other team having a worse offseason, even this early into it.

[Balsa]

Crap, more of his craziness. What an ass.

[Lefty]

I am friendly with a D'Back coach and was chatting with him outside of Wrigley last year (after the Y. Petit shutout). When Valverde came out he signed something for everybody who asked him on both sides of the buses. I was very impressed because he could have easily gotten on the bus several times. He did a few rounds until everyone was satisfied. Way beyond the call, and not necessarily what you would expect based on his on-field demeanor.

[Sammy Sofa]

This guy's behavior is awesome on the field. I hope Zambrano is taking notes.