re: DAT: 2017 World Champions Houston Astros offseason discussion: ASTROS ACQUIRE GERRIT COLE

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Luhnow must have his eye on a FA he feels good about or a Rule5 guy. That's the only reason he'd punt centano and leave a 40-man spot open

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Centeno struggled throwing runners out a graded out very poorly at framing pitches. He delivered a few clutch hits for us over the season, but he sucked pretty bad behind the plate. I don't think the Astros care about offensive numbers from their catchers as much as we'd like, . Stassi is considerably better defensively, so I am guessing they feel they are ok going into next season with McCann & Stassi with Gattis DH'ing full time while maybe getting the very rare start behind the plate in emergencies.

If they do bring in a free agent catcher, i am sure it will be a defensive wiz who probably cant hit his body weight in batting average

edit: and maybe the Stros banked on centeno not being claimed by anyone too. Damn Rangers