On tonight's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony gear up for the Super Bowl. The guys start by discussing the controversies surrounding the game, then talk about the game itself by picking more ridiculous wagers and finally pick the winner and Super Bowl MVP.
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Friday, January 30, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 048
On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony reminisce over the 2014-15 NFL season. The guys go over their win total over/unders, award winner predictions, disappointing teams and much more.
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Click here to listen
Monday, January 26, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 047
On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony discuss the the first WWE pay-per-view of the new year, the Royal Rumble. A little good but a lot of bad.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
Saturday, January 24, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 046
On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony are all about the WWE's Royal Rumble as they pick out winners, dark horse challengers, and try to guess a few surprise participants. Also they complain about Monday Night Raw again. Shocker.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 045
On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony talk all things Astros including the Dexter Fowler trade and the signing of Colby Rasmus. Afterwards, the boys jump into the biggest signing of the off-season: Max Scherzer to the Nationals.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
Monday, January 19, 2015
Wheeling and Dealing: Astros trade Fowler
 |
| Courtesy of CBSSports.com |
Houston Astros continue making moves
On Monday morning, the Houston Astros announced the trade of center fielder Dexter Fowler to the Chicago Cubs. In exchange, the Astros receive third baseman Luis Valbuena and starting pitcher Dan Straily.
One and done for Fowler
With an outfield group that has since increased over the off-season (see: Quick hit: Evan Gattis trade) and a near certain free-agent exodus following the 2015 season, Fowler quickly became an expendable trade piece. Fowler, who was acquired prior to the 2014 season in trade with the Colorado Rockies, never lived up to the light-to-moderate power or penchant to rack up triples as he had in years prior, due to a back injury that cost him over a month of playing time. His less than stellar defense also made it easier for the club to part ways, as they have Jake Marisnick and George Springer (originally drafted as a CF) who can manage center field. Finally, it was reported that he was seeking $10 million dollars in arbitration, which would have been a questionable increase given his sub-par 2014 season, potential for injury, and defensive miscues. Although the rest of the outfielders do not collectively scream out Gold Glove group, the remaining salaries among this group do not come close to Fowler's impending 2015 salary, much less his 2014 salary either, and money certainly talked in this deal.
A look at the newest Astros
This offseason, the Astros set out to make improvements to nearly every area of the roster. We have seen improvements to the bullpen, at the shortstop position, and in the power department. With this trade, the Astros add depth at third base in Valbuena, and bring in another starting pitcher in Straily.
Valbuena can play both third base and second base. With second base locked up by a certain 5'5 hitting machine, it is clear that Valbuena will continue to see the majority of his playing time at third base. The acquisition of Valbuena also shows that the Astros are nearing a breaking point with current third baseman Matt Dominguez (a guy whom I have supported on at least one episode of the Q&A podcast), who has frustrated everyone with two seasons of inconsistency at the plate and below average defense. Last season Valbuena matched Dominguez in homeruns in fewer games played. He also produced higher totals in doubles, walks, batting average, OPS, and OPS+ over Dominguez. Defensively, Valbuena was only marginally better than Dominguez based on errors committed, though Valbuena's nine errors were committed in nearly 100 fewer chances at third base (my loyalty to Dominguez at third base apparently knows no bounds...must remain impartial). Clearly, Luis Valbuena will be brought in to compete with Dominguez for the starting job at third base while the team allows Colin Moran to continue to develop in the minors.
Straily is a 25 year old starting pitcher who has pitched only one full season (2013 Oakland Athletics). The right-handed starter was traded from Oakland to Chicago last season as a part of the Jeff Samardzija deal. As a member of the Oakland Athletics Straily fared well inside Minute Maid Park. Though he only has two career starts inside the ol' Juice Box, Straily has 18 strikeouts and 5 earned runs allowed in a total of 13 innings. While that is a very small sample compared to the rest of career outside of Minute Maid Park, Straily has shown some strikeout potential at his new home ballpark. However, being shipped to and from the minor leagues is something that he has had to deal with over the past two years, so he has yet to string along consecutive successful seasons. Hopefully he will get a chance to somewhere to pitch a full season and let the strikeouts pile up.
Final Take
The Astros set out improve multiple spots on the roster this offseason. We have seen improvements to the bullpen, at shortstop, and in the power department. The remaining targets for the team were adding depth at third base and adding another starting pitcher. While this is by no means a sexy move, the Astros accomplished both tasks with this deal. Valbuena and Straily should make decent additions to the roster, though not enough to hang your hats onto a playoff run. Plus we saved roughly five million dollars, so there's that.
A look at the newest Astros
This offseason, the Astros set out to make improvements to nearly every area of the roster. We have seen improvements to the bullpen, at the shortstop position, and in the power department. With this trade, the Astros add depth at third base in Valbuena, and bring in another starting pitcher in Straily.
Valbuena can play both third base and second base. With second base locked up by a certain 5'5 hitting machine, it is clear that Valbuena will continue to see the majority of his playing time at third base. The acquisition of Valbuena also shows that the Astros are nearing a breaking point with current third baseman Matt Dominguez (a guy whom I have supported on at least one episode of the Q&A podcast), who has frustrated everyone with two seasons of inconsistency at the plate and below average defense. Last season Valbuena matched Dominguez in homeruns in fewer games played. He also produced higher totals in doubles, walks, batting average, OPS, and OPS+ over Dominguez. Defensively, Valbuena was only marginally better than Dominguez based on errors committed, though Valbuena's nine errors were committed in nearly 100 fewer chances at third base (my loyalty to Dominguez at third base apparently knows no bounds...must remain impartial). Clearly, Luis Valbuena will be brought in to compete with Dominguez for the starting job at third base while the team allows Colin Moran to continue to develop in the minors.
Straily is a 25 year old starting pitcher who has pitched only one full season (2013 Oakland Athletics). The right-handed starter was traded from Oakland to Chicago last season as a part of the Jeff Samardzija deal. As a member of the Oakland Athletics Straily fared well inside Minute Maid Park. Though he only has two career starts inside the ol' Juice Box, Straily has 18 strikeouts and 5 earned runs allowed in a total of 13 innings. While that is a very small sample compared to the rest of career outside of Minute Maid Park, Straily has shown some strikeout potential at his new home ballpark. However, being shipped to and from the minor leagues is something that he has had to deal with over the past two years, so he has yet to string along consecutive successful seasons. Hopefully he will get a chance to somewhere to pitch a full season and let the strikeouts pile up.
Final Take
The Astros set out improve multiple spots on the roster this offseason. We have seen improvements to the bullpen, at shortstop, and in the power department. The remaining targets for the team were adding depth at third base and adding another starting pitcher. While this is by no means a sexy move, the Astros accomplished both tasks with this deal. Valbuena and Straily should make decent additions to the roster, though not enough to hang your hats onto a playoff run. Plus we saved roughly five million dollars, so there's that.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 044
On today's episode, the guys discuss the weekend's NFC and AFC title games and pick winners (Upset alert!). After that, Anthony takes some time to say how he really feels about the Evan Gattis trade.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
Friday, January 16, 2015
Quick Hit: Evan Gattis Trade
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| Courtesy of USAToday.com |
So what happened?
On Wednesday, the Houston Astros traded pitchers Mike Foltynewicz and Andrew Thurman, plus 3B Rio Ruiz to the Atlanta Braves for C/OF Evan Gattis and righty James Hoyt.
Awww I like Folty!
Join the club. Of all the pieces heading to the ALT, Foltynewicz, 23, is by far the biggest name. He has one of the best fastballs in the game, functional breaking pitches, and a decent change-up, just doesn't have the command to control them. Which isn't a surprise because if he did, he would still be an Astro and borderline untouchable. Folty's only 23, so there is a chance he'll refine his command and be a number 2 or 3 starter; there is also a chance he makes it as a dominant reliever a la Craig Kimbrel.
And Ruiz?
At 20, Ruiz has developed into a patient hitter, ranking among the top 10 percent in walk rate in the minors. but he does have a few flaws. First, he's a below average defender at third thanks to sloppy footwork and lack of speed. Secondly, Ruiz seems to only have, at best, average power. He spent the last 2 years hitting in two of the best hitting parks in the minors and hit 23 home runs. Total. If Ruiz is lucky, he'll finds some pop down the road and becomes the next Matt Carpenter. At worse, he never fills out, movers to first base, and becomes James Loney.
What about Thurman?
Both Thurman and James Hoyt are in the same boat: prospect lottery tickets most likely to be bullpen fodder. Let's move on before this post hits 1,000 words.
So let's talk about Gattis...
So here's the real question- Who is more likely to drive you insane in mid-July: Evan Gattis or Chris Carter?
Gattis by far. At least Carter will walk; Gattis seems to just strike out until he lucks into homers.
So do you like the trade?
This trade reminds me of a break-up in the sense that I can understand it even if I don't like it. Power is at a premium in this non-PED era, so it makes sense that teams have to play a little more to get it.
I've noticed that other Astros' fans have been ripping this trade, but can we please take off the rose-colored prospect glasses? Thurman might make it as a fourth or fifth starter with his skill set. Ruiz became expendable the minute the Astros traded for Colin Moran last year. The real loss is Foltynewicz, who has the pitches to be a front-line starter, but his command might keep him as bullpen arm. And if that's the case, I would rather have a position player that affects 150+ games than a reliever who may get into 70. Understand that I am not 100% in favor of this trade; I just want to give it 50 games before I grade it to a failure.
What about Thurman?
Both Thurman and James Hoyt are in the same boat: prospect lottery tickets most likely to be bullpen fodder. Let's move on before this post hits 1,000 words.
So let's talk about Gattis...
Sure. In two years in the majors, Gattis has shown big-time pop, bad on-base skills and even worse defense. He's best suited as a DH/IB but he is block at both positions by a freshly paid Carter and a still maturing Singleton, so mostly likely he will be lumbering out in left field misplaying fly balls. Sigh. Gattis' best position is at the plate and with the Crawford Boxes in his sites, 30+ home runs should be a given. Also, health is a question mark; Gattis has yet to play more than 110 games in a season due to back and knee injuries.
So here's the real question- Who is more likely to drive you insane in mid-July: Evan Gattis or Chris Carter?
Gattis by far. At least Carter will walk; Gattis seems to just strike out until he lucks into homers.
So do you like the trade?
This trade reminds me of a break-up in the sense that I can understand it even if I don't like it. Power is at a premium in this non-PED era, so it makes sense that teams have to play a little more to get it.
I've noticed that other Astros' fans have been ripping this trade, but can we please take off the rose-colored prospect glasses? Thurman might make it as a fourth or fifth starter with his skill set. Ruiz became expendable the minute the Astros traded for Colin Moran last year. The real loss is Foltynewicz, who has the pitches to be a front-line starter, but his command might keep him as bullpen arm. And if that's the case, I would rather have a position player that affects 150+ games than a reliever who may get into 70. Understand that I am not 100% in favor of this trade; I just want to give it 50 games before I grade it to a failure.
Last thought: If I were to guess, I would say that this trade is just the beginning. With Gattis on board, I sincerely hope Dexter Fowler and/or Jason Castro are renting this season.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 043
On today's podcast, DeQuiency and Anthony talk about their growing disappointment in the WWE, "Macho Man" Randy Savage's induction into the Hall of Fame, and what their gimmicks would be if they were professional wrestlers. After all the wrasslin' talk, the guys nerd out and discuss the latest Avengers 2 trailer and their favorite comics.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
Saturday, January 10, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 042
On today's episode, DeQuiency and Anthony wrap up the NFL games from last week's Wild Card slate. Afterwards, the guys discuss this weekend's games and pick winners and one of our hosts goes off the board with his picks.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 041
On today's episode, it's all about the Baseball Hall of Fame results. Anthony and DeQuiency discuss the new inductees, their best guess for future candidates, and hand out their own HOF ballets. Also we have multiple rants from DeQuiency for your enjoyment.
Afterwards, the guys take some time to reflect on the life and career of the late Stuart Scott.
Click here to listen
Afterwards, the guys take some time to reflect on the life and career of the late Stuart Scott.
Click here to listen
Friday, January 2, 2015
The Q and A Podcast 040
On today's podcast, Anthony and DeQuiency get ready for the Wild Card Weekend by discussing the 4 NFL games and pick winners. Afterwards, the guys talk about the disappointment of their fantasy football teams.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
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