Sunday Morning Hot Links

14 months ago I made a deal with God that, if the Astros could win the World Series, I would not get physically upset about the outcome of a sporting event (save for future Astros' playoff games, and Leeds United, and the USMNT). So, OU....I'm laughing, actually. Everything is fine.

*Wow the rumor mill really picked up today!

*Oh here's something:

Hearing that the Astros and Mets have recently been engaged in trade talks. Houston has shown interest in Seth Lugo and New York has been doing some background work on Astros minor leaguers. Unclear if talk has gained traction.

— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 29, 2018

Seth Lugo is 29, won't be a free agent until 2023, and is a Very Good Reliever. Seth Lugo has a Very High Spin Rate on his curveball - the highest spin rate on a curve ever tracked. The Astros sorta like all those kinds of things.

But the Mets are a franchise without a direction so it's literally impossible to figure out what they may want. I'm sure the Astros could give up a really good pair of prospects that would transform the Mets and not really dent the Astros' pipeline, because the Wilpons would like to pay $2.13/hour + tips.

*Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo says the Astros and Phillies are "very interested" in Arizona pitcher Robbie Ray. From 2016-2018, Ray has thrown 460IP, 398H/201ER, 601K:212BB, a 3.93 ERA / 1.33 WHIP backed up by a 3.89 FIP and an incredible 11.8 K/9. Walks are something, tho, having just posted a 5.1 BB/9 (70BB in 123.2IP) line in 2018.

*The Astros are apparently still interested in J.T. Realmuto, but the Marlins are still insisting on Forrest Whitley or Kyle Tucker. So the Marlins should be contracted and their former ownership and front office should be thrown in jail for corruption. F Jeter.

*Brian McTaggart went on MLB Network and said the Astros' chances of reacquiring Dallas Keuchel are "slim."

*Jon Morosi went on MLB.com and said that the Astros *could* be involved in a trade for Cleveland's Seattle's Edwin Encarnacion.

*SI.com's Emma Baccellieri says that, should Michael Brantley stay healthy, he'll be a good addition. Wow a high-contact, low-K LHB with a bit of power could help a potent, RHB-heavy offense, but only if he's actually on the field? Color me shocked.

*FiveThirtyEight has an interesting chart in which they rank the best (and worst) Sports Teams of 2018. The Astros ranked 2nd. The Red Sox ranked 1st. Recently I said that the Astros "ran into a buzzsaw" in the form of the Red Sox, and that wasn't really true. Alex Bregman damn near won two ALCS games by himself. Joe West and MLB Replays helped make sure the Red Sox won Game 4. I've said it - probably many times before - that the 2018 Red Sox caught every break that the 2017 Astros caught, and maybe more. It's whatever.

*Surprise! The Luxury Tax penalty might be bullcrap and is overexaggerated by owners who want to increase their profit margin.

*A Musical Selection:

Wednesday Morning Hot Links

*Hey so Dallas Keuchel is feeling better!

*Luke Gregerson will pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

*The White Sox want a deal similar to what they got for Chris Sale for Jose Quintana.

*The Astros offered Edwin Encarnacion 3yrs/$66m, which he obviously turned down in order to eventually make less money in Cleveland.

*The Astros 5-3 win over Cleveland on May 11 ranked as one of the best AL games of the year. So did the Red Sox 6-5 win over the Astros three days later.

*Here's a look inside Biggio's, the new sports bar inside the Marriott Marquis Houston.

*Jayson Stark's Strange But True 2016 column is always fun.

*"Baseball isn't church." Rob Manfred (who is not the one who gave that quote) sat down with the New York Daily News to discuss the future of baseball.

*Watch Jonathan Villar steal home in the Dominican Republic

*Bob Bradley got screwed.

Friday Morning Hot Links

*Cockroach makes his long-awaited return to Astros County by making a case for Jose Quintana.

*Houston native Todd Kalas will replace Bill Brown in the broadcast booth this season. Kalas has spent the last 19 years as the Rays' play-by-play man and is the son of legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas.

*Corpus' Brendan McCurry was suspended 50 games after testing positive for meth (!). McCurry was acquired by Oakland in the Jed Lowrie trade - no, the second one - and split time between Corpus and Fresno. In 82IP McCurry allowed a 3.07 ERA/1.17 WHIP with 94 strikeouts.

*George Springer is still deciding on whether or not he'll play in the World Baseball Classic. Springer:
It'll obviously be an honor to play for whoever it is (Springer can play for USA or Puerto Rico), but at the same time my first commitment is the Houston Astros and the 25 guys who are going to be in that clubhouse. 

*There are 95 known HOF ballots (about 21%) and Jeff Bagwell has appeared on 87 (92%) of them, having picked up five of the 12 ballots he needs to get that 75%.

*The wait is over: The Indians have signed Edwin Encarnacion to a 3yr/$60m deal (max deal is 4yrs/$80m with option/buyout). That's a lot shorter of a deal, and a lot cheaper of a deal, than I - and probably most people - were expecting. As we get closer to the start of the season, we'll be looking at how the Astros stack up (on paper) against the major AL contenders. As of right now I'd have the Astros up against the Indians, Red Sox, and Rangers in the top four in the American League. The Rangers could field a team of 12 blind guys, 10 cats, and three random kids from Forney and I'd still think "Yeah, but Banister sure can get something out of that team."

*Jeff Sullivan: Pitch framing was doomed from the start.

*Jerry Crasnick: Did Curt Schilling tweet his way out of Cooperstown?

*The Yankees and Red Sox might play a series in London.

Thursday Morning Hot Links

Apologies for the lag in posting but (a) traveling and (b) not much had happened other than feverishly watching Tibbs' HOF tracker. More on that below. Monday night I did get to hang out with my Lima Time Time co-host/star Patrick McLellan. You should have been there, it was fun. 

*The Batguy wrote up details of actual discussions he had with three BBWAA members who left Bagwell off their ballot.

*Meanwhile, the indispensable HOF Tracker has 84 known ballots (~19.3%), and Bagwell is sitting at 90%. Considering that the difference between Bagwell's Actual 2016 percentage (71.6) and Bagwell's Known Ballot percentage (75.8%) was 4.2%, if that margin holds, we're all going to Cooperstown next summer.

*Ken Rosenthal says the team that doesn't sign Edwin Encarnacion will be the one that blows it. Jim Ralph Bowden says the Indians, Blue Jays, Rangers, A's, and Astros have made offers to Encarnacion, with Cleveland, Dallas, and Oakland as the likeliest destinations. Jon Heyman suggests the Astros are not currently involved.

Have the Astros made an offer to Encarnacion? I firmly believe that they did, but then got Beltran on a shorter deal. So saying the Astros made an offer, but not indicating when that offer was made, is a tad misleading. Unless of course the Astros have recently made an offer to Encarnacion, then whatever they're going to score 20 runs a game.

*The Rangers continue to lurk.

*FanGraphs' Dave Cameron: Maybe the Astros don't need Jose Quintana (or any other starter)

*FanGraphs' updated Steamer division projections sure are fun.

*The Astros will play on Sunday Night Baseball at Yankee Stadium on May 14, the night the Yankees retire Phil Nevin's Derek Jeter's number.

*Campbell University's Jim Perry Field is getting some upgrades as they host the Astros' Carolina League team for the next two seasons.

*The Red Sox signed Matt Dominguez to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training.

*The Long, Lonely Fall of Rashaan Salaam

Monday Morning Hot Links

*Ken Rosenthal says the Astros chose Beltran over Edwin Encarnacion in part because of the positional flexibility he provides, allowing Yuli Gurriel to play 1B. The Astros are "paying close attention to" the Rays' starting pitchers. However, Rosenthal tweeted that if Encarnacion's price were to drop, the Astros could get back in and play Gurriel at LF, Edwin at 1B, and Beltran at DH.

This is me talking (a noted idiot), but I don't see how the Astros sign Encarnacion. There aren't enough positions now. This may be a good reason for why they would do it. But with the Yankees signing Matt Holliday yesterday, the Astros getting Beltran, Encarnacion's market seems to be drying up. I would imagine that the Rangers would try to take advantage of his falling price tag (I don't think Edwin gets that 5yr/$125m deal, after all.)

*Jeff Sullivan referred to the Astros as "the league's best lineup." The Astros. Our collective favorite team. What a time to be alive. Peep these 2017 Projected Standings from FanGraphs, and that's before the Astros potentially add a front-line starter.

*Tommy Stokke of FanRag Sports says that, while the Astros' lineup isn't perfect, they've improved in the "Veteran Leadership" category.

*From Saturday: Jon Heyman reports the Astros are positioning themselves to make a play for Chris Archer.

*Reid Ryan told MLB Network Radio that the Astros are missing "an automatic W" at the top of the rotation.

*McTaggart: All that's missing is a starting pitcher

*Brian T. Smith: Beltran adds to a stacked 25-Man roster.

*With 19 ballots in, Jeff Bagwell is running at 84%, appearing on 16 of 19 known ballots. To that end, David Maril says Bagwell "comes up a little short" as a hitter regardless of steroids talk. Bruce Jenkins didn't even attempt an explanation as to why Bagwell didn't get his checkmark. Tony Massarotti has already been addressed.

*The Nationals are going after both Chris Sale and Andrew McCutchen.

*John Schuerholtz and Bud Selig are going into the Hall of Fame.

*The Runner took a look at pitching prospect Rogelio Armenteros.

*The Padres' rotation will feature Paul Clemens and Jarred Cosart and might be "historically poor."

*Players' meal money on the road is going from $105/day to $30/day, but teams will provide pre- and post-game meal options in the clubhouse.

*Michael Lewis' new book (out tomorrow) is about the guys who shaped the paradigm of Moneyball.

Running down the rumors: Wednesday Morning Hot Links

*The Masked Marvel has a good recap of the Astros' additions and subtractions thus far in the offseason.

*Ken Rosenthal reports that the Astros made a big play for Yoenis Cespedes, who ended up signing a 4yr/$110m deal with New York. Which is notable because...

*Edwin Encarnacion will apparently sign with a team soon. The Astros are seemingly hard after Encarnacion, according to the ESPN baseball guys. Three randoms tweeted that Encarnacion will sign with the Astros.

*ESPN's Jim Ralph Bowden is reporting that the Astros are among four teams "in full pursuit" of Rich Hill.

*Ken Rosenthal talked to a "rival exec" who believes the Astros are loading up on offense to give them the flexibility to deal talent for an elite starter. *IF* the Astros do sign Encarnacion, that leaves flexibility for someone like George Springer or Alex Bregman to highlight a package for someone like Chris Sale.

*There is cautious optimism regarding the ratification of a new CBA.

*George Springer is ready to play more CF:
I will do whatever A.J. asks me to do. I understand (Reddick's) positioning and understand where I played the last two years, but I'll do whatever it is they ask me and give the exact same effort. 

The Astros have a lot of defensive options in the outfield, between Springer, Reddick, Gurriel, Marisnick, and Aoki.

Springer, on how hard Reddick plays:
He's played a very, very hard style of baseball and that's obviously wanted. He reminds me of almost like a dog. He goes after it until he gets it. Plus, he can throw. 

Definitely need to get a dog who can throw.

*The Mariners are interested in Doug Fister.

*Japan's Shohei Otani could blow up next year's free agency class.

*Houston's Bill Neder won the contest that made the new Houston baseball franchise the Colt .45s. His grandson just won the contest that named Waco's new baseball team.

*Atletico Nacional - the team who was supposed to play Chapacoense in the Copa Sudamerica final before Chapacoense's tragic plane crash - wants to award the title to the grief-stricken club.

Pitcher and first basemen option for the Astros

Previously on Astros County...

Now it's time to look at pitcher first basemen options, based on MLB Trade Rumors Top 50 Free Agents and Predictions article. I would like to reiterate that we're only looking at free agents based on the interest identified by MLB Trade Rumors.

We'll start at first basemen, because that's the first name to pop-up.

Edwin Encarnacion - At the end of last article we had about $14.5MM to spare. Signing Edwin Encarnacion would likely blow up signing several free agents as he's predicted to sign with the Red Sox $23MM annually. It was pointed out that I was too focused on handedness when looking at free agents. And that's fair, but I also think shouldn't be overlooked. If they ignore handedness in the offseason, I'm sure we'll be writing and reading articles about how the Astros lineup isn't balanced enough. Blah, blah, blah. Handedness aside, Encarnacion is 33 years old and should probably be in the designated hitter role at this point in his career. Still he'd add some above average offense to the Astros lineup at first base. Something we haven't seen much of in a while at that position. I don't see a great fit, but hey I wouldn't mind seeing him walk the parrot in a Houston uniform.

Luis Valbuena - He'll be 31 next season. MLB Trade Rumors has him to the Brewers for $7MM annually. He'd fit nicely into the budget and would have the versatility to play third or first base. He can certainly be a frustrating player to watch, but when he's on he's a lot of fun. The question is if he'll be the hitter that was having a career year before going down with an injury or the average hitter he's been over his career. Average production at first would be an improvement for the Astros. I wouldn't be upset to see him resign with the Astros.

If the Astros want to upgrade at first the more likely chance is via trade.The Astros have a lot of young talented options for the rotation. Chris Devenski and Michael Feliz are too such options. Here are the potential free agents that could help anchor the rotation in 2017 (I get to drop my handeness fetish here).

Jeremy Hellickson - Entering his age 30 season, he had a career year for the Phillies. Posting a 3.2 WAR in 189 innings. He's predicted to pitch for the Rangers (boo!) at $15MM annually. Hellickson has a qualifying offer attached to him this year, unless things change with the CBA. Meaning, if the Astros sign him they'll lose their top pick in the 2017 draft. Considering they're at the backend of the round, maybe not a bad thing. He'll provide the rotation with innings and a sub four ERA.

Rich Hill - After pitching 195 innings in 2007 for the Cubs, Hill struggled to stay healthy. Over the next nine season he would fail to reach even 60 innings pitched with stops in Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles (Anaheim), and New York. This season he pitched 110 1/3 innings for Oakland and Los Angeles. Next season will be his age 37 season. He's predicted to sign with the Yankees for about $17MM annually. He's a left-handed sexy strikeout pitcher which explains the high price tag for a guy who is old and has struggled to stay healthy.

Jason Hammel - 34 years old next year. He's predicted to go to the Braves for $14MM annually. He's been a sub four ERA guy the last few years with the Cubs. Over his career he's been in the mid-four ERA range. He would be a solid edition for the backend of the rotation.

Travis Wood - Previously a starter, he's spent the last couple years in the Cubs bullpen. He is left-handed, which would fill the Astros need for a left-hander in the bullpen. He could also be turned back into a starter. Entering his age 30 season, he is predicted to sign with the Marlins for $7MM annually. He's a flyball pitcher with a four ERA over 900 innings.

Charlie Morton - He just turned 33 (a belated Happy Birthday!). He's predicted to sign with the Royals for one year at $8MM annually. He's a groundball pitcher with some strikeout ability. If you're looking for an under-the-radar sign that could bring a nice payoff, this is it. 

Saturday Morning Hot Links

Links for you to read this morning while you wait for your preferred college football team to play yet another meaningless game...

*The County Mountie wrote about potential catching and outfield free agent options.

*I wrote about Franklin Perez.

*The Blue Jays signed Kendrys Morales, so that likely seals Edwin Encarnacion's exploration of free agency. Richard Justice thinks it's between the Red Sox and Astros. Justice:
Like the Red Sox, the Astros have young players who may be productive, but none of them is likely to have the kind of immediate impact Encarnacion would have. 

*The New York Post reports that the Yankees want one "super-prospect" in exchange for Brian McCann

*The Astros have not determined the long-term roles of Chris Devenski or Michael Feliz. Luhnow:
Devenski was such an important part of our bullpen that it's hard to think about him not in that role. But at the same time, starting pitching's hard to find and I think he can do it. And the same thing for Feliz. So, we're going to have to see how the offseason goes before we make a determination on those two guys.

*Free agent catcher Jason Castro has interest from three AL teams, and will meet with Minnesota for a second time next week. My prediction is that Castro gets 3yrs/$30m with a club option for a 4th year.

*I didn't see this coming: the Astros did not sign Yulieski Gurriel's younger brother Lourdes. The Blue Jays did. There wasn't a great long-term fit for Gurriel on the Astros, but I'm still surprised.

*FanGraphs' David Cameron posted his Top 50 Free Agents, while FanGraphs also lists the Astros as one of the teams with the most money to spend.

*And one more from FanGraphs, at the risk of getting our hopes up...again. The 2017 Expected Standings. Here's the AL West:
Houston: 88.6 wins
West Shreveport: 85.8
Seattle: 84
Anaheim: 78.7
Oakland: 73.9

*Ben Badler rips into Rob Manfred and MLB, writing that the international draft is all about the money.

Thursday Morning Hot Links

Covered a whole bunch of stuff last night in the Rumor Roundup, but there are a few items of note this morning...

*How Luhnow prioritizes the needs of 1B and LF could determine the course of the off-season (think position flexibility), but whichever way he goes, Luhnow knows the players on the roster want a plan. Luhnow:
I think players want a plan. So as long as we have a plan and we communicate it...ideally, we would have a set position for each player, but we also want to maintain their flexibility because it helps us in a long season where we need to give guys breaks. 

*Jake Kaplan threw a bunch of cold water over that "Miggy to Houston" talk.  Luhnow:
I was asked, 'Would we consider a trade for a Hall of Fame-caliber first baseman,' and we're considering everything. I think the media kind of ran with that...Whoever started that rumor, it wasn't us...

...But my broader point is we're open to a lot of different things this year that we weren't necessarily open to in the past. 

Let's also not forget that the source of the "story" was written by Jon Paul Morosi, who is from Michigan and loves the Tigers like we all love the Astros. That doesn't diminish his work as a writer, but the possibility remains that perhaps the Tigers planted it with him, or Morosi was just dreaming about how to most efficiently rebuild his team.

*The Detroit Free-Press notes that the Tigers are actively trying to reduce payroll while remaining competitive.

*Ken Rosenthal writes that the Astros are in on all these rumors because they're trying to capitalize on an "open competitive window." He notes that Edwin Encarnacion isn't a great fit for Houston, and that Brian McCann might be more of a possibility because he wouldn't have to catch as much.

*Joel Sherman says Cashman is exploring options that would entice Brian McCann to waive his no-trade clause (no West Coast teams, contenders only). Atlanta, Washington, and Houston are all options for McCann. His agent:
I don't think this is a slam dunk that it happens, I really don't. (McCann) made a choice to be in New York because that is where he wants to be and he got a full no-trade clause because of that. 

*If you're dreaming about maybe Joey Votto at 1B, stop doing that.

*Check out WTHB's Astros Farm Report for this morning. And every morning.

*Call it the Padres Rule, MLB will standardize the disclosure of medical information regarding players across the league.

Wednesday Night Rumor Roundup

Well today was a day, wasn't it? Lots of rumors and news as the GM Meetings start in Arizona, and the Astros are pretty active in them. Let's run them down:

*Jose Altuve won three awards at the Players Choice Awards tonight including MLB's Most Outstanding Player.

*Yesterday Dallas Keuchel won his 3rd straight Gold Glove award.

*Rob Manfred said they're in "the final ten yards" of the investigation into the Cardinals' breach of the Astros' Ground Control system. Manfred:
The time has come to put this one behind us. I am anxious to do that. 

*Luhnow is willing to spend money and prospects on adding a couple of bats to the lineup. Luhnow:
The reality is, we need to add somebody to our lineup. We're losing a couple good players through free agency. We've got the wherewithal - with the prospects and money - to potentially add an impact piece. We're certainly going to be looking at it...

...We need to be smart about what we do. We don't want to mortgage the future to put it all in for this year. But we do feel like we have a chance to win, so we're going to make the investment we need to. 

*To that point, Jon Paul Morosi wrote that the Astros could be interested in a trade for Tigers' Miguel Cabrera, noting the friendship between Altuve and Cabrera, who come from the same town in Venezuela. Cabrera is still owed $212m over the next seven seasons.

*In a piece about the possibility of the Yankees trading McCann, Edwin Encarnacion is looking at a 5yr/$125m deal.

*Morosi says the Astros are interested in McCann.

*The New York Daily News says that the Astros are "hot" for Carlos Beltran.

*Scott Boras doesn't expect any lingering issue with the health of Lance McCullers.

*Rob Manfred is optimistic the new Collective Bargaining Agreement will be passed by December 1.

*The people of Arlington are going to get a roof...and will be paying for it for a very long time.

Qualifying Offers and Other Notes

*Patrick and I interviewed Astros Director of Pro Scouting Kevin Goldstein for Lima Time Time.

*Jose Altuve, Mookie Betts, and Mike Trout are the three finalists for the AL MVP award. As McTaggart notes, Altuve is the first 2B to get to 100 runs, 200 hits, 40 doubles, 20 homers, 95 RBI, and 30 SB in a single season.
If I win it's going to be great, if not, I'm going to feel proud because I feel like I did what I had to do to help my team and I don't want to stop here. Like I said before and will say 100 times, I want to keep getting better. 

*McTaggart also notes that the Astros may have no choice but to overpay for Jason Castro, but could be major players in free agency.

*Predictably, the Astros did not extend the 1yr/$17.2m qualifying offer to any of their impending free agents: Colby Rasmus, Jason Castro, Luis Valbuena, or Doug Fister. It's worth noting that some potential free agent targets Edwin Encarnacion, Yoenis Cespedes, Mark Trumbo received Qualifying Offers from their respective teams. This would mean the Astros would lose their 1st Round pick in the 2017 draft should they sign one of these players. Catchers Wilson Ramos and Matt Wieters did not receive a QO.

*That said, the Blue Jays are reportedly making a push to re-sign Edwin Encarnacion.

*You can filter through MLBTR's free agent tracker.

*Francis Martes is using his time in the Arizona Fall League to work on his changeup, while Garrett Stubbs is trying to add some bulk to his frame, and Aaron Rowand - remember him? - guarantees that Ramon Laureano will be a major-leaguer.

*Carlos Gomez would like a five-year deal, please and thank you. Heyman:
Boras pointed out that Gomez, by virtue of his movement from Houston to Texas in-season, can not get a qualifying offer, which should aid him in free agency. The agent also credited the Rangers with helping him receive information that aided his vision, and led to a stark turnaround in performance. 

*Pitchers & Catchers report on February 14.

Thursday Morning Hot Links

Updated list of World Series droughts:
1. Cleveland Indians - 68 years
2. Texas Rangers - 56 years
3. Houston Astros - 55 years

Stros 2017

— Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1) November 3, 2016

*151 days until Opening Day against the Mariners.

*Jake Kaplan has three offseason storylines: Outfield, Gurriel, and Catching.

*Jon Morosi looks to the Astros, Yankees, and Red Sox as major suitors for Edwin Encarnacion.

*Read the story of the Cubs winning the World Series from the 1908 Chicago Tribune.

*The Cubs and Indians are built to contend for years.

*The Indians revolutionized baseball and still came up short

*Tim Brown: How the Cubs killed the curse

*Anthony Rizzo and the bat that saved his postseason.

*FanGraphs: Maybe the Cubs haven't peaked yet.

*Credit Jason Hayward, the Cubs' very own Carlos Gomez, with saving Game 7.

It's been a long time...but the @Cubs make Someday today. pic.twitter.com/BnUAGGaTim

— Nike (@Nike) November 3, 2016

Monday Morning Hot Links

*A.J. Hinch spent a few days last week in Arizona getting a look at the prospects in the Arizona Fall League, and had good things to say about Francis Martes and catcher Garrett Stubbs.

*With one executive saying that 2/3 of the league is looking to upgrade at catcher "or flat-out needs one," Joel Sherman says to look for the Astros to make a play for Brian McCann if the Yankees decide to shop him. Sherman:
Another executive said McCann still has enough qualities - power, durability, positive clubhouse rep, good defense - to allow the Yankees to trade him and probably get something desirable back, especially if they eat about $6 million annually of the $18 million he is owed in 2017 and 2018.

*This broke Friday afternoon, but Alan Ashby will not return to the Astros' broadcast booth in 2017. Ashby:
I am not going to be back...I am greatly hurt, but that's the way things go. It didn't catch me off guard, but when it happens, it hurts a lot. 

*The Astros have 12/1 odds to win the 2017 World Series, behind the Cubs, Dodgers, Nationals, and Red Sox, and tied with the Mets and Indians.

*Mike Fiers and his boys re-created the Sandlot picture for Halloween.

*The current CBA expires on December 1 and while both sides are hammering out negotiations, Rob Manfred said the rules could roll over through this off-season so free agents don't stall the market waiting to see what happens.

*Javier Baez, Francisco Lindor, Roberto Perez and the "dream" of repping Puerto Rico in the World Series. (Would have been nice to see Correa in there...)

*You have to scroll down, but Jon Heyman says the Blue Jays are leaning towards keeping Edwin Encarnacion and letting Jose Bautista walk.

*FanGraphs: The most fascinating stolen base that didn't matter in Game 5

*Hardball Times: Baseball meets horror

Wednesday Morning Hot Links

*I wrote about how everyone needs to just shut up about the Astros not drafting Kris Bryant.

*Corpus Christi Hooks president Ken Schrom was teammates with both Tito Francona and Joe Maddon.

*Rangers Assistant GM Thad Levine has been tapped as the next GM of the Minnesota Twins. Levine would be the 2nd assistant GM under Jon Daniels to go on to a GM job of another team. With A.J. Preller getting suspended for 30 days for tampering with medical records, let's see if there is a dastardly culture of corruption sullying the game fermenting with the Ramgers.

*The Astrodome is now a stop on the Red Line of the Metro Light Rail.

*Thankfully no one remembers that the White Sox won the World Series in 2005.

*The Klubot set up the rest of the series with his dominant performance last night.

*Larry Doby's legacy is alive and well in Cleveland.

*FanGraphs: The payroll disparity between the Cubs and Indians.

*Vice Sports: Who would win a series between the 1908 Cubs and the 1948 Indians?

*The Indians' star-studded dynasty that never was.

*The Blue Jays will likely extend Qualifying Offers to the Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.

Monday Morning Hot Links

Today is the 11th anniversary of the Albert Pujols home run. Take a deep dive into self-loathing, if you will.

*The Astros held their final camp at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, with everything still on track to open 2017 with the Nationals in Palm Beach County.

*Jose Altuve led the Texans on to the field last night.

*A.J. Reed and Yulieski Gurriel will retain their rookie eligibility for the 2017 season. Gurriel was one AB shy of losing his rookie status (and didn't play in the final game of the season).

*Stop saying Clayton Kershaw isn't clutch.

*Dave Roberts, Clayton Kershaw, and the 7th inning.

*The story behind the Dodgers canceling the trade for Aroldis Chapman.

*Nick Cafardo says the cost for Boston of acquiring Chris Sale would be Jackie Bradley Jr plus one top prospect (like Yoan Moncada). He also pegs Edwin Encarnacion's contract at 5yrs/$125m.

*Inside the Nationals' clubhouse following their Game 5 loss.

*67-year old Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina gets baseball back.

Thursday Morning Hot Links

*The Masked Marvel tried to calm your nerves about 2017.

*Don't miss the case for voiding the last two years of Jose Altuve's contract. Or the 2017 payroll breakdown.

*Danny Worth elected free agency in the last week and presumably will not be returning to the Astros organization.

Worth absolutely killed it in Fresno to the tune of .330/.431/.525 with 72K:54BB. But in 16 games for Houston (40 PAs) Worth hit .179/200/.231 while seeing time at 2B, 3B, SS, and DH at the height of the Astros' injury crisis.

*Astros prospect Ramon Laureano went 3x5 with a single, double, triple and an RBI in yesterday's Arizona Fall League game for Glendale. On October 11 Garrett Stubbs hit a homer for Glendale; Rogelio Armenteros threw 1.1IP, 3H/2ER, 0K:1BB. Francis Martes is scheduled to start today.

*Not for nothing, but the Blue Jays are planning on offering impending free agent Edwin Encarnacion a qualifying offer - should such a thing still exist by the beginning of 2017. Heyman reports Encarnacion will be looking for at least a four-year deal, though the Blue Jays would prefer to offer three years. He'll be in his Age 34 season in 2017 and posted an .886 OPS this season after four straight .900+ OPS seasons. (My dumb brain would happily give Encarnacion 4yrs/$90m).

*Four months after the Padres' managing partner Peter Seidler said he expected president/CEO Mike Dee to be around for a long time, Dee is out.

*The history of Clayton Kershaw's postseason bullpens. Spoiler: 53% of the runners his bullpen inherited scored. That's not all on Kershaw.

*Vice Sports: The Dodgers are still alive because things like reason and logic don't exist in the playoffs.

*Hardball Times: MLB turned a blind eye to Bobby Cox's domestic abuse