GM Interviews: Houston Astros

[Ken Rosenthal]

GM: Will Hannon, Houston Astros

HOUSTON, T.X. - Here we are with yet another edition of our interviews with the General Managers of Base Knock Dynasty Baseball.  Today, I had the privilege of interviewing second-year GM Will Hannon of the Houston Astros.  Houston has endured back to back seasons without the playoffs, although Hannon directed the Astros to a 9-10 season last year.  

The evidence of improvement has continued into the beginning of this season.  In the first two weeks, Houston has beaten two National League favorites and division rivals in the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs which few called.  They currently rank 3rd in the league in points scored.  They are also home to Jake Arrieta, perhaps the most dominate pitcher in the game today.

This is clearly a team that is going to make some noise this season.  So, without further ado, let's take a look at what the GM of this surprise Astros team had to say about his team.  

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KR: Thanks for the interview, Will. How are things in Houston's camp today in April?

WH: Reporting in from China!

KR: Wow, the world-traveler General Manager.  The Astros turned a lot of heads by outscoring the Cubs Week 1... were you surprised by the outcome, or did you see it coming?

WH: The NL Central is hands down the best division in the league (sorry AL West), so we knew we had to start off atrong, particlarly against mainstays Cincinnati and Chicago. While I can't say I was too suprised with the win, I will say that I am glad we were able to utilize our gameplan and bring home the victory and start the season off strong.

KR: Jake Arrieta was spectacular against Chicago, scoring 45+ points in two starts... is it safe to say he's the leader of this club?

WH: Jake Arrieta is definitely going to be winning some weeks for this club, but in general, I think there is a lot of depth and vets to rely on.

KR: Arrieta broke the record for most points by a pitcher in a season last year with 678.4. Over/Under 700 points this year in your opinion?

WH: I will stay on the betting man's side and say under 700 points for Arrieta still, (though I would take more!).

KR: Your ace is one of the first to reach the end of an arbitration contract since the system was implemented years ago. Any worries about resigning him to a max deal, still considering it, or is it a sure thing?

WH: At this rate, I think both our front office and Arrieta realize that the budget next year will be tough to maneuver and find room for what we expect to be a $35M franchise tag. Given our history though, the Astros are very much interested in keeping him around.

KR: Another big name, Albert Pujols, nearly totaled 600 points last season for you at first base. He's also in a contract season and will be 37 next year. Thoughts on his potential return beyond this year?

WH: We are less optimistic about Pujols' return, but if the price is right, we could see a return. In the meantime, we expect him to continue to produce for 2016.

KR: Here's another over/under for you: Albert Pujols is a relevant fantasy talent for 3 more years?

WH: If Pujols can stay healthy, I think he finds a way to hit 30 HRs in each of the next 3 years, but that health is a BIG if.

KR: Let's talk about this season: what was the best move you made this off-season to put yourself in a position to be successful this year.

WH: I think the best move of the offseason was trading Shelby Miller and Cody Allen for Carlos Gonzalez and Jose Quintana. The Astros saw enough issues in Miller to be even more confident in Quintana and get a much lighter pitcher contract in return. Additionally, we wanted to bring in another superstar on offense to pair with Cespedes, and we were fortunate enough to find a trade partner looking for some of our team's immense bullpen depth in return for Cargo. Honorable mentions go to Colby Rasmus on a long and cheap contract, and getting back Cespedes on a great contract with the R-tag.

KR: I thought you did a great job personally this off-season from my view.  How would you describe the 2016 Houston Astros team?

WH: The 2016 Astros are all about depth at every position. We expect to milk as many starts as possible out of the lineup, rotation, and bullpen as we look to maximize our weekly scores.

KR: Every knows you've beaten Chicago, but where do you see yourself at the end of the year out of the six teams in the NL Central?

WH: The Astros are gunning for 1st place in the Central, but the Brewers are now the team to beat. I will be bold and say that our depth gets us to 1st.

KR: I suppose you're a bit obligated to say that as the Houston GM, but your team has looked very convincing thus far.  You're certainly not in a playoff-or-bust mode with your roster's contract situation, but might there be some pressure from the fan base after missing the post-season two years in a row?

WH: Last season, ownership wanted to feel out the old roster to see what worked and what didn't. Now that we have an offseason under our belt, I think Astros fans will be pleased with where this team is headed in 2016 and beyond.

KR: This will be your second season with Base Knock Dynasty Baseball, what's been the most enjoyable part for you so far?

WH: The start of this season has been the best and managing the roster day in and day out. We live for competition and the baseball season is well under way.

KR: Glad you're enjoying your time!  Now for one of my favorite questions, looking at your farm system, give me three names of prospects that can potentially help you by the end of the season.

WH: Already, we are receiving help from 2nd Round pick Joey Rickard, and we are looking forward to Jose Berrios' call up to add one more SP to the rotation, and Joey Gallo to come up and start hitting homeruns.

KR: I'm a big Berrios guy, so I'm excited to see how he performs.  Well, I certainly appreciate the time, Will.  Any last words for us?

WH: Thanks to the other owners who offered some advice in getting the new front office up and running for a competitive 2016.

We were very fortunate to take over a mostly competitive roster that needed a few tweaks. I'm happy to be the manager that gets to right the ship and bring home some banners back to Houston.

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And that's a wrap!  A special thanks to Will for taking part in the interview.  Best of luck to you in the ultra-competitive National League Central division.  

Until next time,

Ken Rosenthal