Dunno.
But whether the Astros see him behind the plate or elsewhere the continuing interest remains apparently…
https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1590143463118770178?s=20&t=zcYpztZVhQg_quXLP5xNuQ
Even with Machete and Lee on the active roster you could still give Contreras the occasional start behind the plate.
Depending on how things go with Brantley, I’d be all over that.
Curious to know if the Astros brain trust think Lee can be a #1 catcher.
Rome says Click confirmed that a 1B and a lefty bat are the “foremost priorities” this offseason.
Click mentioned Matijevic and Hensley as internal options at 1B. But the GM sounded as though he preferred to keep the latter in a utility role (smart man).
Rome tossed out Rizzo (lefty) and Bell (switch-hitter) as external possibilities which fit both priorities.
Also mentioned Ji-man Choi (lefty) as a trade candidate who he says the Astros have “long coveted” (they have?). Scheduled to make $4.5MM in arb this year. My comments: (1) the Rays are facing their usual roster crunch so shedding Choi is certainly a plausible scenario (2) but Choi’s OPS has declined almost every year since 2018 and just doesn’t move the needle all that much offensively.
I do not dislike Rizzo as much as some of you. My first choice is Yuli, of course, but if the BT think he is done, adding Rizzo would be ok with me. He was a tough out when we faced NYY. I am not eager to add Choi.
I had forgotten this (even though it was posted in the trade deadline thread…by me) but back in July Rosenthal did note that the Astros were kicking the tires on Choi…
I remembered it.
No thanks on Choi.
Choi’s profile is still crazy to me. The guy doesn’t chase, but he still strikes out a ton because he whiffs so much in the zone. Even if the overall numbers are decent it has to be maddening watching him hit.
Ugh, if they’re looking at Choi then I’d just rather have Yuli back.
I’d suppose that this is a good sign re: resigning Click. He’s been without a contract since October 31st yet continues to work for the Astros including heading off to the GM meetings in Vegas:
Crane said he’s been in discussions with general manager James Click, whose contract expired on Oct. 31. Crane said he met briefly on Monday with Click, who left to attend the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas after the parade. The two will meet again later this week, according to Crane.
And, the Astros can sign Verlander starting in an hour and 11 minutes. 5pm Eastern.
Saw a quote from Click somewhere that said that his contract just rolls into an at-will employment. Honestly, his quotes have sounded pretty reasoned and calm. Crane is a demanding owner, more involved than Sternberg but that he gives your the resources that you need to be successful.
Except for his caving to Manfred about the sign-stealing stuff, I like Crane as the owner.
Yes, this is standard. Cashman is technically working without a contract too.
It’s official and both Rizzo and Contreras were both QO’d so… 
With credit to El Arroyo, “Thanks for teaching me the word ‘plethora’ - It means a lot”
Mets not the only team handing out 5 year deals to relievers…
That seems cray cray.
To wit:
There were ZERO relievers from the 2017 team on the 2022 team.
Or the 2021 team.
And only Devo in 2020.
