Giles up for any role with Astros; isn't too familiar with Houston

By foxsports
Published

Reliever Ken Giles had his first engagement as a member of the Houston Astros on Monday, trying on his new jersey for the first time since coming over in the big trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. 

While it's expected that the Astros will hand closing duties over to Giles - a role Luke Gregerson had for the 2015 season - he was careful to say that he's pretty much open to whatever role the club gives him. He knows, too, the high price the Astros paid to acquire his services, as quoted by Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle: 

He's also joining Houston without much prior information about the city itself: 

“They had to give up a lot to get me,” he said. “That shows how much they want to take it to the next level and take that next step for the Houston Astros. That’s what they want to do. They want to succeed a lot further down the road. I think they did a great job. I’m happy to be here and be sought out as an important piece for your organization.”

Astros manager A.J. Hinch, meanwhile, says he doesn't have to address the 'closer situation' just yet: 

Given Gregerson's previous experience as a set-up man for the seventh and/or eighth innings, it does seem realistic for Giles to man the ninth inning with his triple-digit velocity (something Gregerson does not have in his repertoire). However, Hinch is correct in saying this isn't necessarily something that needs to be declared just yet...especially with spring training still a few months away. 

“I think they all buy in that they’re going to have to be a collective group for us to get where we want to get,” Hinch said. “I’m no dummy. I understand we paid a lot to get Ken Giles. I understand how trade dynamics work. I understand the difference between 100-mph and 90-mph, but right now it’s just nothing we need to address.”