Padres News: Padres Trade Catcher to Astros
No it was not Derek Norris. After all the rumors of the two teams matching up on a potential deal, it was veteran minor league catcher Erik Kratz whom the Astros acquired from the San Diego Padres. The journeyman right handed hitting catcher had virtually no shot of playing for the Padres at this point, so the deal make a ton of sense.
With Derek Norris, Austin Hedges and Christian Bethancourt all on the major league roster currently, there was just no room for Kratz. A good move for both teams as it fits needs for each.
Source: Padres are trading Erik Kratz to Houston for Dan Straily. @EvanDrellich first mentioned Straily in deal.
— Dennis Lin (@sdutdennislin) March 29, 2016
The 35-year-old backstop signed a minor league deal in November and was just going to provide depth in Triple-A for the team. He has a decent shot at playing time with the Astros, as they need a right handed compliment to their current left-handed hitting catcher Jason Castro. Kratz makes sense for the Astros, but why would they part with Dan Straily who is still a decent pitcher? Simple. They needed a catcher real bad.
The former Athletic, Cub and Astro has a career record of 13-13 with a 4.60 ERA. He has made 45 starts in his 52 appearances in the major leagues. He spent last year up and down between Triple-A and at one point in August was placed on waivers. He cleared waivers and was returned to the Astros. That tells you a little bit about his value.
Still, Straily at the age of 27, could be serviceable as a professional. Darren Balsey will have a nice project on his hands. He will need to work his magic on Straily in order for him to be useful for the Padres in 2016.
The bullpen situation looked crowded before. Now adding Straily to the mix (who has no minor league options) means some more trades are likely. Who knows what is going on, but Straily was acquired to make the team. It appears his spot is a lock. A relief pitcher or two might have to be moved. Stay tuned Preller is Prelling.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.