Let’s not say that GM Dana Brown’s job is on the line at this trade deadline. We don’t have to say it even if it might be true.
The fact is, the choices facing the Astros as the deadline approaches are complicated. They are very close to the first apron of the luxury tax. They have a severely depleted farm system they need to replenish, not diminish. And they still have a pretty flawed roster that, barring a huge move by team owner Jim Crane, probably wouldn’t vault the Astros into contention.
Having said all that, Brown is in the final year of his contract and the Astros are in one of the worst divisions in baseball. They are also part of the American League where no one is exactly running away with the whole thing. Adding a pitcher and/or a left handed batter could mean the difference between the postseason and a second straight year heading for vacation early.
There are no easy choices here, particularly given the logjam that is starting to happen in the starting rotation and the real lack of experience in the outfield. The only moves that make any real sense likely come from the major league roster, but who provides the necessary juice to land them a difference maker?
It also makes it tougher that there are no players in waiting for a particular position. No one is languishing on the bench or in the minors just waiting for an injury at a big league position to take over. As it stands, the Astros are likely fielding the best team they have.
So, how then do you make a move that vaults you into contention? The truth is, you probably don’t. More likely, the Astros use the deadline to tweak the lineup and bolster their pitching staff. They do their best to deal from what they have and try to avoid sending still-developing prospects away while they try to rebuild while contending — no easy feat, but one Crane has said is the aim of any team he owns.
Whatever happens, it is likely Brown’s job on the line. It’s not fair. But that’s baseball.
