Colby Rasmus Sign With The Astros

Last year 28 year old Colby Rasmus made $7 million playing for the Blue Jays. He socked 18 homers and drove in 40 runs while posting a .735 OPS. His reward? A one year, $8 million deal with the Astros. As boxing promoter Don King used to say, Only in America. 

Rasmus, a first round selection in 2005, has never lived up to expectations. In six big league seasons he's appeared long enough to accrue 475 at-bats just one time. He's hit no more than 23 homers in a a season, and for the six years he's averaged 19 homers a season. He's driven in more than 66 runners just one time (75 in 2012). He's scored more than 75 runs just one time (85 in 2010). He has only one season with more than five steals. He's hit .276 twice, but in his other four seasons he's failed to hit better than .251 with three seasons under .230 (all in his last four campaigns). His career OBP is .313 which is less than the league average and included three seasons of four years with a mark under .300. He's also coming off a season with his career worst K-rate; a massive 33 percent (124 in 346 at-bats). There's talent here but if you draft him to be anything other than your 5th outfielder in a mixed league you're bonkers.

The Astros' offense will include Chris Carter, Jon Singleton, Evan Gattis, George Springer and Mr. Rasmus. Each of those five men has the ability to blast 25 homers. Each man also has an approach that could lead to at least 150 strikeouts. Things are going to be extremely feast or famine this year in Houston. When these guys aren't locked in it could be scary bad.

Brewers roll out 'Timeless Tickets'

Ryan Vogelsong to Astros?

I wrote about Dan Straily joining the Astros yesterday in Scherzer Signs, Fowler & Gallardo Dealt. Sounds like the 'Stros don't think he should be handed the 5th spot in the starting rotation. Reports strongly suggest that Ryan Vogelsong will sign on the dotted line to battle for a rotation spot.

Vogelsong is 37 years old and is coming off a two year run in which he's gone 12-19 with a 4.62 ERA, 1.38 WHIP an a 6.80 K/9 rate. Blah city. He did improve on those numbers last season - he had a 4.00 ERA and 1.28 WHIP while posting the second best K mark of his career at 7.36 punchouts per nine - but he's nothing other than a 37 year old with moderate talent. It also wouldn't be a benefit if he moved from the NL an a home park that favors pitcher's to the AL in a more offensive environment in Houston. 

No matter where he signs, even if he's given a starting job, he's nothing other than a league specific option in the fantasy game.