Happy New Year everyone! With only about 3 hours old, let us reflect back on the truly remarkable season of 2005 for the Astros and baseball, and the goals for our Astros lineup in 2006.
2005 was the best season in Astros franchise history, period. It saw the Astros turn a 15-30 disasterous season into an 89-73 Wild-Card clinching finish. Fans saw the Astros climb slowly back into contention in June/July after the horrendus start in April/May. The Astros finally clinched the Wild Card on the last day of the regualr season, Oct. 2. From there, the Astros defeated the rival Braves 3-1 in the NLDS, where the Astros pulled out a comeback win in the 18-inning marathon that was truly one of the best games ever played in baseball history. Then, the Astros beat out the division winners, the Cardinals, 4-2 in a best of seven series that ended in Roy Oswalt earning the MVP honors. The first World Series for the Astros fell in late August, and even though every game was close, the Astros offense could not muster up enough support for the pitching, and the White Sox were able to win the championship in 4 games. Here are a few great things that 2005 brought/didn’t bring the Astros, besides the first World Series:

- 2005 didn’t bring the Astros Carlos Beltran, thank goodness, who hit only 16 home runs and batted a dismal .266.

- 2005 did bring us Willy Taveras, one of the fastest players in baseball.

- 2005 also brought us a healthy Andy Pettitte, who helped the Astros oh so many times in the quest for the pennant.

- 2005 brought us two great set-up men in Chad Qualls and Dan Wheeler, and the game’s best closer, Brad Lidge.

- 2005 brought us the emergence of Morgan Ensberg, who hit 36 home runs and 101 RBI’s.

- 2005 gave Roy Oswalt 20 wins, Roger Clemens a career low ERA of 1.87, and Andy Pettitte a 2.29 ERA.

- 2005 brought the Astros Jason Lane’s first full season, where he hit .262 with 26 home runs.

- 2005 didn’t bring us any offense, but that’s not a “great thing.”

- 2005 did bring the Astros so many suprises, twists, great games, and memorable moments…So long 2005!

With every New Year comes New Year resolutions…And here are some of the Astros New Year resolutions for next season…

Willy Taveras: His NYR (New Year’s Resolution) is to fina new ways to get on base. His speed in ’05 was the key factor in his high number of infield hits, now he needs to find different ways to reach first. He shoudl try and lessen his number of strikeouts and turn them into walks. Taveras also shoudl resolve to steal at least 40 bases next season.

Craig Biggio: Biggio should resolve to hit at least 22 home runs. His power is needed badly.

Lance Berkman: Berkman should first resolve to not play football on rusty churchyards, and second, eh needs to try and hit 30 HR and 100 RBI.

Morgan Ensberg: Morgan resolves to be the same player next season. Next year is a make or break season for Morgan, adn he needs to show up ready to go.

Jeff Bagwell: Bagwell’s NYR is to play at least in 90 games…either that or retire.

Jason Lane: Jason resolves to post the same or better stats as last year, as his future with the club hinges on if he can stay consistant.

Adam Everett: Everett resolves to stop swinging at crapola out of the strike zone. If he doesn’t, expect another disappointing season and possibly a replacement by Bruntlett.

Brad Ausmus: Brad says that he will try and bat .255 or better next season.

Luke Scott: Luke’s NYR is to get over his jitters and become a productive hitter. Batting .188 is not accpetable when you tear it up in AAA, Venezulean League, and Spring Training.

Orlando Palmeiro: Orlando says he wants to try and have another good season, but for the whole season this time.

Mike Lamb: Mike wants to have the same power, but a lot better of a batting average.

Chris Burke: Burke’s NYR is to improve his batting average, and he’ll play more.

Roy Oswalt: Roy’s NYR is to try and lose less than 10 games, so he can be considered for Cy-Young.

Andy Pettitte: Andy will dedicate himself to keeping healthy, so the Astros rotation will stay strong.

Roger Clemens: He resolves to stop all theis publicity stuff and just re-sign on May 1st.

Brandon Backe: Backe says that he will try and become a consistant pitcher, so the Astros can rely on him more heavily.

Brad Lidge: He promises to forget about last postseason and get on with his career. What’s done is done.

Dan Wheeler: Dan;s NYR is to get 25 holds and play consistant like last year.

Chad Qualls: Chad also vows to pitch consistantly, and not whine to be traded to be a closer.

Wandy Rodriguez: Wandy says that he will devlop other pitcher to complement his curveball, and become a more effective starter for the ‘Stros.

Well, that about does it for the New Years! Hope everyone had a great time!
Until Next Time, LETS GO ‘STROS!

The offseason is winding down now that most of the top free agents are off the market. There are still some players names being thrown around in trade rumors, but otherwise, it’s time to take a look at the potential Astros starting lineup, along with other predications regarding Clemens, offseason moves, etc. Lets get started.Here is the projected lineup for the Astros:
CF Willy Taveras – I give Taveras back his leadoff spot. Now that he has a season under his belt, I expect him to start getting on base any way he can, bunting, soft grounders, bloop singles, etc. Also, I think the number of strikeouts will diminish from last year. I think Willy will bat .300 with 5 homers, and 30 RBI. I also think we will see Willy steal 50 times next season.

2B Craig Biggio- He may be getting up there in years (40) but he had a productive season in 2005. I think he will have a steady year, batting .275 with 23 home runs and 68 RBI.

LF/1B Lance Berkman – If he stays healthy during the offseason, he will have a good year. Lance was injured at the beginning of last year, and it took a little while for him to get started, but I think this year we will see 35 home runs and 100+ RBI’s out of Lance, with a Batting Avg. of over .300.

3B -Morgan Ensberg- He came off a great 2005 season, and I think is ready to prove himself again in ’06. His poor hitting at the end of the season was the result of a pitch that hit him in the wrist against the Phillies. With that recovered, I bet that Ensberg will hit 30 homers, and have a 100+ RBI season, while batting about .290.

1B Jeff Bagwell/ Mike Lamb – If Jeff comes back, who knows what could happen? I think Bagwell will hit about 20 home runs, and knock in about 70 runs, with a .270 BA. Not outstanding, but good for Bagwell since he came off shoulder surgery,

RF Jason Lane – He had his first full season, and put up a good 26 home run total. Since he has some experience now, I think he will hit about 28-30 home runs, knock in around 65 runs, maintain a batting average of .270, and have fewer strikeouts.

C Brad Ausmus – I don’t expect much offensivley out of Brad, but a nice 5 home runs and 35 RBI would help out from Brad, along with a .250 avg.

SS Adam Everett – I have never been much of a fan of Everett, but I think he will put up 12-14 home runs, 50 or so RBI, and at least a .240 avg. I look for him to steal a few more bases in 2006.

PITCHING ROTATION—-
1) Andy Pettitte – Our first starter, Andy will post 20 victories in 2006, and hold an ERA of about 2.40.
2) Roy Oswalt – Our “ace” will post another 20 victories with Pettitte, and have an ERA of 2.70.
3) Roger Clemens- Yes, thats right, Roger Clemens. He will be back after May 1, and I think he is good for 13-15 victories and an ERA of 2.30.
4) Brandon Backe – This is going to be his breakout year. I fhe can stay healthy, then look for him to pitch 35 starts and have a good 12 wins, and a 3.70 ERA.
5) Wandy Rodriguez- He showed some promise in ’05, look for Wandy to work with his curveball and compile about 10 wins maximum and an ERA of about 4.00.

BULLPEN—-
CLP – Brad Lidge- He will shake off the postseason and have 40 saves easy. No problem.
SU1 – Dan Wheeler – He pitches strikes and knows how to get guys out. He’s our first set-up guy.
SU2 -Chad Qualls – a nasty slider and good fastball, I think Qualls will have another successful season.
LHP – Mike Gallo- Good at getting lefties out, look for him to continue doing that.
MRP – Russ Springer- He had a couple rough starts early last season, but was pretty reliable. I think he will pitch decently, with a few rough outings.
RHP – Zeke Astacio- Well, I’m not a fan of his either, but maybe he will get better…
LHP – Ryan Franklin – He is a free agent now from the Mariners, and I think the Astros will acquire him for more lefty help.

BENCH —-
Mike Lamb – He has good power, and will be able to provide the Astros and Bagwell with some relief and a good pinch-hitter against righties.

Orlando Palmeiro- He is a good spot starter in the outfield, and can get a lot of contact, but no much power. Look for him to come up as a pinch hitter when the Astros need base-runners.

Luke Scott – He has power, and it shows in the minors, but canhe take the step up and display that power in the Majors? Hopefully…

Chris Burke – He improved a lot last year, and will be an option to start in Lance plays first. Look to see him play at second some too.

Eric Bruntlett – He will be the new utility man who will play everywhere and anywhere. He has got some good defensive skills, so look to see him play more in ’06.

Raul Chavez/Humberto Quintero- our backup catchers, don’t look to see them play very much, unless to give Brad a rest for a day.
———–
You notcied that I mention Clemens as part of the Astros rotation in ’06. Well, Here is why:

1) Clemens will be playing in the World Baseball Classic, and I think that he would be ready to pitch during the season if he is pitching in March.

2) His son Kobe is going to be a September call-up, maybe. He would love to play on the same team as his son.

3) With the Astros, he gets to be around his family, miss trips he doesn’t start on, and play for a more relaxed ballclub, in a town that loves him. Plus, he doesn’t have to pitch a full season, he gets to start in May or June.

4) The Rangers just got Kevin Millwood, and I don’t see them spending more money on Roger.

5) The Red Sox are a long-shot. They have so many holes to fill, they need the money to get a shortstop, first-baseman, outfielder, some relief, etc.

6) The Yankees would ahve to spend more money to get Roger. Plus, they don’t give him the same benefits the Astros do.

7) Roger would have to pitch to the DH again, and converting to the AL can be rough.

There, that seems fitting. Seven reasons for the seven-time Cy-Young winner. See you in May.
———
The Astros offseason is pretty much over. There wasn’t much filling, but I think the Astros did the right thing. Here is what I see left for the Astros to do:
1) The Astros will acquire Ryan Franklin. He is a former farm-boy of the Astros, and could be a good relief pitcher/spot starter.
2) I don’t see any Manny Ramirez/Miggy trade on the horizon for the Astros. Sure, it would be nice, but Tim Purpura and Co. aren’t keen on trading some players these teams would want.
3) Sit around. Wait for spring training. What else can you do? Try and find some good young talent in the minors to try and build for tomorrow. If you can’t improve for today, improve for the next day.

That about does it for today’s posting. Hope everyone had a good Christmas. Leave some comments if you think the Astros should go after some other players, or your thoughts on Clemens. Till next time,
LETS GO ‘STROS!

I hope everyone has a great Christmas or holiday! Sorry about not posting in awhile, but it turned out my computer had blocked MLBlogs for some reason… Anyway, I’m on for just a quick post before I go to bed.
Regarding the Astros, Rondell White signed with the Twins to play as a DH. His throwing arm is not very good at all, so the Twins thought that his bat could help out their lineup. I am pretty happy to see the Astros pass up on Rondell White. He is not the answer to our offensive problems, and is not a model of consistency. He has only played in more than 150 games once in his career (1997 season with the late Montreal Expos) and has never hit more than 28 homers in a season nor has he driven in over 100 RBI once in his 12-year career. With his prime definatley past him, I wouldn’t bet on him breaking this pattern. Looking at his past 3 seasons, he has batted in 66, 67, and 53 runs. To me, these aren’t great RBI numbers for a real “RBI” guy that we need. So I’m glad the Astros decided to pass up on Rondell. Instead of acquiring Rondell, I think the front office needs to focus on getting players that can really fill the holes our team has, instead of just making a move to be making a move. I am also happy he found a home in Minnesota.

Now let’s move on to Tejada. I posted an early entry about how I would love to see Tejada in an Astros uniform. Who wouldn’t? He has played in all but 2 games since 2000. Just 2 games he has missed. In those 6 seasons, he has hit 30 homers or more in 4 times (2000, ’01, ’02, and ’04), he has hit 100 RBI or more 5 times (98 RBI in 2005 season) and has held a batting average of over .300 3 times (’02, ’04, ’05). His OPB hasn’t gone below .325 (.325 in 2000). His slugging percentage hasn’t dropped below .476 (’01). He has gotten at least 166 hits in each of his past 6 seasons, with his highest total at 204 coming in ’02. He has at least 30 doubles in each of the 6 seasons, his highest total coming in ’05. To sum it up, Tejada is a spectacular player. His fielding percentage is in the .970′s through his entire career, which is pretty much identical to Adam Everett’s, give or take a point or two. The buzz on the market is that Tejada still wants to be traded despite his comments about wanting to stay in Baltimore. The Cubs seem to be in the lead in the talks, but the Cubs want to offer Mark Prior to the O’s for Tejada, while the Orioles are really interested in Carlos Zambrano. The Cubs don’t want to trade their ace, or their top prospect Felix Pie. I think that either trade would be bad for the Cubs. Losing a pitcher like Prior or Zambrano would kill their pitching staff. I mean, Glendon Rusch is no ace, Maddux has seen much better days, Kerry Wood has seen seldom days at all, and Jerome Williams is still lacking experience. Even though the Cubs would have a potent offense, the game is ultimately determined by pitching, which would not be strong for the Cubs.

The Astros haven’t come close to trading for Tejada, but are interested. It’s still a wonder who we will give up for him. Adam Everett, Brad Lidge, Wandy Rodriguez, Brandon Backe, Jason Lane, Zeke Astacio, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, etc, could all be possible trade bait, but the O’s haven’t bitten, yet.

Around the League, the Nats got lefty relief in Mike Stanton, which should boost the Nats strong pen, and my man Vizcaino signed with the Giants, I am sad to see him go, but at least he’s found a team and will play for the Giants. Good Luck, Viz.

I’m off to get some sleep. Happy Holidays, everyone. Be safe.

Since the Astros are pretty boring right about now, lets talk about the Damon deal. Yankees fans are rejoicing at this early Christmas gift, while the Red Sox Nation is planning a mass burning of Damon jersies near Fenway Park. Talk about a slap in the face. The deal was for 4 year and 52 million, but didn’t the Red Sox offer something similar? If any Red Sox or Yanks fan is reading this, please correct me. Johnny must have really wanted to play in New York, because from what I’m hearing, the Red Sox offered something very similar to Damon. Now the Yankees fill a hole, while the Sox dig another one. I look at the Sox lineup, and I don’t know what to expect. Mike Lowell will play at third base, but he had a HORRIBLE season last year. Maybe the Green Monster will be nice to Lowell, because he did play in Pro Player/Dolphin Stadium which has huge dimensions. Who knows with him… At short, they don’t have any real options…They could get Alex Gonzalez which would at least FILL the position, but not much else. The outfield currently has Manny, probably Jeremy Reed, and Trot Nixon, but that could change if Manny ever gets his Christmas present and is dealt. Then the Sox would be in real trouble. Second Base will rpobably be played by Mark Loretta, and Jason Varitek will be behing the plate. Big Papi will be playing DH, as usual. But who will play first? Will Ortiz play there so he can win a MVP award? But then, who’s the DH? The Red Sox rotation is above average, but not outstanding. Curt Schilling (old and injury prone) Josh Beckett (another injury-possibility) Jonathan Papelbon, David Wells (old), and Tim Wakefield, assuming the Matt Clement -Jeremy Reed trade is done. The pen is rounded out with Mike Timlin, Keith Foulke and Mota…Basically, the Red Sox have an ok bullppen, which swings on if Keith Foulke can rebound, a starting staff that is OLD and prone to injury, a lineup that isn’t certain with a lot of holes, and Andy Marte sitting on your bench when he should be playing. There are a lot of ifs for next season. But look at the bright side, Sox fans, you still have Manny-Ortiz 3-4 punch, for now. Hey, the ‘Stros will give ya Chad Qualls to strengthen your pen, Adam Everett to fill the void at short, and Mike Lamb to start at first, filling 2 gaping holes and making your weakest point stronger. However, you will have to pay a season of Manny’s salary, which is around 18 million…I think. Then the ‘Stros could start Burke at short, while letting Bagwell or Berkman play at first. The trade would give the Astros that RBI bat they lacked all season last year, since Berkman was being pitched around. And I don’t think Manny would act up, since Houston is not as big a baseball market as Boston; he wouldn’t be on national news or ESPN every night, and he wouldn’t be part of the big Yanks-Sox rivalry. He would be in a more low-key, relaxed enviroment where he could have a little more privacy if that’s what he wants. The Sox would get Lamb, a good power left-handed hitter who could pull balls downt the right field line to Pesky’s Pole and then hit for power the other way. Adam Everett would be a better glove at short, but not necessarily a better bat, and Qualls gives the Sox a larger bullpen depth….However, I doubt this trade would happen, even though it sounds pretty good.
The Yankees ar eon the opposite end of the spectrum…They have filled some holes they had last year, and gotten better, but of course, for more money. Damon obviosuly fills in at center where the Yanks weren’t very good with Bubba Crosby. Dotel helps the Yanks in the pen where most of their woes came from, and fills in for Tom Gordon who is know the Phillies’ closer. Kyle Farnsworth also comes in to help get to Rivera. Here is how the Yanks stack up: Giambi will be playing first base and probably doing some designated hitting. Second base will be taken over by Miguel Cairo if the Yanks can acquire him. Shortstop is manned by Jeter, and third by Alex Rodriguez. The outfield consists of Gary Sheffield, Matsui, and Damon. Behind the plate is Posada. But who plays at first, if Giambi is DH-ing? The rotation is the same as last year, Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Chein-Ming Wang, and Carl Pavano. The bullpen should consist of Octavio Dotel, Kyle Farnsworth, Mariano Rivera, Ron Villone, Mike Myers and Jaret Wright, which isn’t too bad. The Yankees look really good, if they can stay away from injuries and players can go out and perform as expected. Either way, the Damon ordeal just adds another chapter to the rivalry.

Not much else to talk about now…The Cards got Sidney Ponson, and knowing our luck he have a terrific season filling in for Mike Morris, that is, unless he goes to jail. The Rangers also got Adam Eaton and Otsuka from the Padres in a big swap, which filled the holes in the Ranger’s pitching and bullpen, but required the Rangers to part with some young outfielders.

That about does it for the Hot Stove. Everyone have a safe and happy Holiday season.
LET’S GO STROS!

The Astros didn’t play it smart and Nomar Garciaparra will be wearing Dodger Blue next season. It wasn’t any major suprise to see Nomar go to the Dodgers, considering he is a So Cal guy himself. But the Astros were on his list, and I think our front office should have been more active in pursuing him. We didn’t offer Nomar a chance to come to Houston, meet the Astros management, get a tour and feel welcome. The Dodgers did this, and Nomar accepted their offer, which was pretty much the same as the Astros’. What’s done is done, and we won’t be seeing Nomar in pinstripes (the good kind).
Otherwise, Washburn signed with Seattle, making the free agent pitching market that much thinner. His agent was Boras, and I doubt the Astros will ever negotiate with Boras after Beltran. However, this stupid feud is gonna have to end sometime. Boras represents a heck of a lot of players, and good ones too. Chances are, we are goning to have to deal with him. Plus, our own Willy Taveras is a Boras client, so if we want Willy to stay in Houston for a long time, then it will be through Boras.

In Astros News, well, the only real rumor is Rondell White. He is the only person that is rumored to be on our scopes. I personally think this is a terrible idea. Rondell has only played 150 games in a season ONCE in his career. Once. And we want him to be our everyday left-fielder? He’s also 35, not exactly a new-comer, but not as old as John Franco. I just don’t think he is the answer to our offensive problems. I would rather have Luke Scott start in left, since he is cranking out HR’s in the Venezulan League like they are going out of style. If he could hit like that in the Majors, then that would really solve a lot of woes in a hurry, and it would be very cheap.

Clemens is soaking up the publicity, currently stating the 4 teams he would play for. Astros, Yankees, Rangers and Red Sox. You look at every team but the Astros, and each team would have to pay him over 20 million to sign him. He doesn’t get the benefits of not travelling while on road trips that he doesn’t pitch, and he isn’t close to home. But if Clemens is really after the money, then he would probably sign elsewhere. I don’t know, this whole ordeal is just taking up the media’s time. Especially the NY Media, which has probably already deemed Clemens as returning to the Bronx for another stint as a Yankee.

Everything else is quiet. I’m sure the offseason will get it’s “second wind” after the Holidays with GM’s and owners looking forward to spring training and the new season. Which gives me a chance to wish everyone here a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. I hope that your holidays will be safe and enjoyable. Please check back and leave any thoughts or comments! Until next time, LETS GO ‘STROS!

Its decision time for Nomar… Who’s it gonna be? The…
Yankees? Ok, Nomar, go and play for a team which won’t play you everyday. Go and play against your old team in front of a stadium of 30,000 fans booing you for switching sides. Go and get blamed for everything that is wrong with the Yankees by the New York Media. Go ahead.

Indians? Go and relax at a nice cozy park and play some Right Field for the Indians. You will be able to learn the position fast, like Chris Burke, and then feast on the Tigers and Royals pitching.

Dodgers? Well, they see to be attracting some new faces in Rafael Furcal and maybe Johnny Damon. That would be nice, Nomar, to be a part of a team which is really rebuilding itself after last year. Good way to make a comeback.

Good Guys? Sure, Nomar, the ‘Stros would love to have you. You can play in left field, which isn’t too big. You wouldn’t have to run that much, and whatever you couldn’t get, Willy T could get for you. Plus, you can show off you right-handed power and hit 20 home runs onto the short porch in left field. Wouldn’t that be fun?

It has taken awhile but, the Astros announced that they have signed Brad Ausmus to a two-year, 7.5 million dollar contract, and Mike Lamb to a one-year, 1.7 million dollar deal. Both these guys are huge role-players for the Astros. Ausmus is a great defensive catcher, and Lamb is a power-hitting first baseman who gives the Astros some left handed pinch hitters on their bench. Both signings are a demonstration that things are moving in the Astros front office. However, the signing of Brad Ausmus may entice Roger Clemens into signing with the Astros in May or June. We’ve been all subject to the onslaught of rumors that Roger is being courted by the Red Sox and Yankees and could sign with them. And yes, these rumors will continue until May or June when Clemens finally returns to the Astros or his couch. But realistically, Yankees and Sox, what chance do you think you guys have? The Yankees would be more likely, but the Red Sox are pretty much up the creek without a paddle or a canoe. He hasn’t pitched for the Sox since when, the early 90′s? He has no contacts in the Red Sox organization, no friends that he played with. The only way the Sox would be able to bag him would be to offer him like 25-30 million to pitch for a season. And I doubt they will; they have Manny which they will be stuck with, and Roger Clemens is too old to make that kind of an investment in. The Yankees are the more realistic team that Roger would pitch for. I use the word “realistic” very lightly. The Yankees would also have to fork out the dough for Roger to consider pitching for his previous team. But if I’m Roger, I look at the benefits of pitching for the Astros; I can stay home on roadrips that I don’t pitch, I make oodles of money while being close to home, and I won’t have to pitch until May or June…Plus, if Roger did re-emerge as a Yankee, I bet he would regret it. The New York Media would criticize him if the Yankees were floundering come July, laying the blame on his shoulders because hey, they had to pay him 20 million. So if I’m Roger Clemens, I’m thinking, see you Astros in June.
Ok, Roger aside, let’s look at the rumors involving the Astros right now…
1) Rondell White
He visited Houston these past couple days, and is a potential acquistion via free agency for the Astros.

PROS: He is a .298 (i think) career hitter…He hit .312 last season with 12 homers. But he played in only 97 games.

CONS: He is a injury-bug type of guy. Been on the DL 9 times in 15 seasons. Plus he is 35 years old. Not exactly Mr. Young, but still a veteran, experienced player.

FINAL EVAL: While he would bolster he offense a little, I’m worried about if he would actually play all season. Plus, if Bagwell comes back, that means Jason Lane is getting benched. Jason Lane > Rondell White. Purpura is looking to make a splash, but this isn’t it.

2) Nomar Garciaparra
Rumor has it that the Astros would like Nomar to play outfield…

PROS: Nomar has had some VERY good seasons in Boston. And Fenway Park resembles Minute Maid in a sense. Nomar swung the bat very well at the end of last season. His flexibility in the lineup is also a pro. He can backup at short or replace Everett is Everett should get injured. He is a veteran player who knows the NL Central Pitching by now.

CONS: Nomar has been injured a lot…He missed most of last season with his groin injury. He is a big risk, but a cheap one. Is he ready to play outfield with the extra running? And Bagwell’s return would force Jason Lane onto the bench again, something which I’m not too fond of.

FINAL EVAL: While his bat would help us out, I’m not sure if he is ready/capable of playing outfield. For the right price, I would get him.
3) Kevin Mench
Trying to get him for awhile now…He is a young Texas outfielder, with decent power.

PROS: He is young, 27 years old only. He has good power and is a decent outfielder.

CONS: Texas wants Backe or some of our pitching for him, and the Astros don’t want to give that up. Mench would also boot Lane out of the lineup if Bagwell came back, and Lane and Mench have very similar stats. (see last post) I don’t know, but I have a feeling that Lane may be a 30 HR, 90 RBI guy next year.

FINAL EVAL: Nah, his price is too high, and he is just a younger Lane.

4) Bobby Abreu
Rumor has it that a trade looms possible..

PROS: He is an experienced outfielder, fast, a consistant 30-100-.300 guy. This is a big bat the Astros could use.

CONS: Years are piling on, has the sun passed its zenith?

FINAL EVAL: His bat would help, but he is too high priced (Backe wanted, along with pitching prospects)

5) Miguel Tejada
Well, he wanted a “change of scenery.” Are the O’s willing to trade him for some pitching?

PROS: Oh, man, this guy is full of pros. His glove, his bat, his attitude.

CONS: O’s would want Lidge or Backe along with Everett and pitching prospects.

FINAL EVAL: I wish. The O’s are reluctant to trade the guy they are building their franchise around, and even so, he would be high priced if he was traded, but could you imagine a 3-4-5 punch of Tejada, Berkman and Ensberg? Sick.

6) Brad Wilkerson
New Rangers outfielder…possible acquistion?

PROS: Not many…he has experience? He can hit sometimes?

CONS: He put up Everett-esque numbers last season…but he did play at giant RFK Stadium. His price would be high too.

FINAL EVAL: I hope not. I don’t see anything worth giving up some prime pitching prospecs for.

7) Jarrod Washburn
Clemens is “gone” for now, so should we pick up Washburn as contigency?

PROS: He is an experienced veteran pitcher, would help fill in the 3rd or 4th spot.

CONS: His agent is Scott Boras!!! That means that Astros, if they even would think of talking to him, would have to overpay for him. And after the Beltran ordeal, we are more likely to let Timmy Purpura or Junction Jack pitch than a Boras representative.

FINAL EVAL: Unless Jarrod fires Boras, we won’t see pinstripes on Jarrod.

8) Manny Ramirez
Just for fun, lets talk about Manny coming to Houston. The Red Sex may get desperate to dump him somewhere, so we may be able to pull off a steal.

PROS: Hey, the RBI machine comes to a team that couldn’t tell you what the acronym stood for. Plus, his right handed power with a 315 short porch that is a mere 20 something feet high, compared to the Green Monster, is cake.

CONS: Ohhhh, Manny is a whiner who would cause problems if the Astros weren’t winning, acquiring him would cost someone(s) important. Oh, and don’t forget the 57 million we would have to shell out for him.

FINAL EVAL: Unless the Red Sox get really desperate to dish out Manny, and are willing to lower their demand level, we aren’t going to see Manny in Houston. It would be nice, personality quirks aside.

9) Jeronmy Burnitz
Well, he is an outfielder, a free agent…and he has some power…sometimes.

PROS: He is cheap, and experienced. He has got some pop in his bat.

CONS: He strikes out a LOT and doesn’t hit well for average.

FINAL EVAL: He wouldn’t be the Astros’ Messiah by any chance. He would be a last ditch option if the Astros couldn’t come up with anything else. Lane is ultimately better, younger, stronger, etc.

10) Adam Dunn
A native Houstonian, he has wanted to play for the Astros for awhile.

PROS: He is POWERFUL. He can easily hit 40+ HR a season, and is a great addition to any offense. Oh, he’s young too.

CONS: Well, he isn’t much of an Avg. type of guy and does tend to strike out a lot.

FINAL EVAL: With the Reds trading Sean Casey to the Pirates, Dunn most likely will be staying put. But if the Reds are out of contention come July, he could be a possible midseason acquistion. He will be a free agent next year. Plus he wouldn’t come cheap. The Reds would want pitching, and lots of young talent for him.

11) Austin Kearns
Well, he is the other Reds outfielder; cheaper, but less effective.

PROS: He is cheap…not much else.

CONS: He gets bit by the injury bug often, he doesn’t avg. very well and played for Triple-A last year to regain his swing. Not a good idea for a long term investment.

FINAL EVAL: Unless we were desperate….

Ok, tha pretty much wraps up the remaining free agent/trade evaluations. I hope the Astros are able to make a move soon to acquire a bat. Only time will tell.

Till Next Time’
LETS GO ‘STROS!

Lidge may have thrown his last pitch in an Astros uniform. Apparently, he is on the trading block and could be dealt to some teams looking for a cheap closer. I am really against any deal involving Lidge, unless it brings someone like Albert Pujols to the Astros (not gonna happen). For one, Lidge is cheap right now. He is probably the best closer that makes less than a million a year. You aren’t gonna get that deal often. Plus, Lidge is SICK. His slider is one of the best in the game. Sure, he had a rough postseason, but does that justify trading him? The Astros organization wants Wheeler or Qualls to close off games if Lidge goes. Are they ready? Wheeler and Qualls had great seasons, but are they ready to make that jump to closer? Who knows? But I don’t like taking the risk of throwing away a great closer.  Houston has been pretty lucky with closers; Billy Wagner and Brad Lidge come to mind. Let’s not screw that up.

Rumors say that the Astros want Kevin Mench of the Rangers or Brad Wilkerson (also a Ranger). After doing a little research, I came up with this:

KEVIN MENCH: 26 HR 74 RBI .264 AVG

JASON LANE: 26 HR 78 RBI .267 AVG.

BRAD WILKERSON 11 HR 58 RBI .248 AVG

ADAM EVERETT 11 HR 54 RBI .248 AVG.

I noticed how Mench is basically Jason Lane, although Lane is a little better. brad Wilkerson has the same stats as Adam Everett. So why acquire them? We are looking to improve on offense. I just don’t think either player will help redefine our offense.

Short post tonight, but I need to get some sleep. I’ll try and post again tomorrow.

LET’S GO ‘STROS

Miguel Tejada, the O’s shortstop said he was unhappy with the O’s and wants a trade…Knock Knock Timmy Purpura. Here is your chance to really improve the Astros. We need offenseive help, duh. I think the world knows that after the World Series. Trade for Tejada. The O’s want pitching. Give them some. Give them Adam Everett, maybe Brandon Backe, Wandy Rodriguez, and a prospect or two. (Nieve?) This deal is too obviously benefital for the Astros. We would get A LOT better at short with Tejada’s bat and glove. This is the solution to our offensive problems. Insert Tejada into the third spot in the order, which would MAKE pitchers pitch to him, and Berkman. I vividly remember Tejada in Houston for the 2004 Home Run Derby, as I was sitting in the upper decks watching him launch balls out of Minute Maid. Think he would like those Crawford Boxes? I do. I don’t seriously think the Astros are going to pursue Tejada. But when we don’t know the outcome of the whole Bagwell situation, a trade for an outfielder would be stupid. I don’t want to take playing time away from Lane, because he is just getting better. I think we may see a 30+ HR season next year. Get better where we are bad. Adam had a bad year. He bat .240. He had 11 HR. He didn’t have many RBI. (i think it was 46.) His glove was good, but it didn’t offset his bat. Get Tejada, Purpura. If you do, and Clemens sees that you are trying to improve the offense, he may come back May 1st for a discount.
Here’s to wishing.

The Astros announced that they will not offer arbitration to Roger Clemens, which means that the Astros cannot sign him until May 1st. However, the Astros may sign him on May 1st or afterward so he doesn’t have to pitch the whole season. He is playing in the World Baseball Classic, so people have to think that he wants to comeback. Of course, the rumors have been flying that the Yankees and Red Sox will take a run at him, blah blah blah. I do think this was the right move to do. I hate to see Clemens go, at least until May 1st, but he is 43 years old, he was hurt at the end of the season, and is a big risk to pay 18 million dollars. Now the ‘Stros can go after another starting pitcher, like Matt Morris, or they can inquire about some other pitchers around the league that may be on the trading block. Also, we may be able to get a bat by trade, possibly Bobby Abreu or something of the like.
Now that the office has taken a step forwards, we need to see what they are going to do with it. Will we sign Brad Ausmus? Can we get some pitching and hitting off the market? Or are we going to sign Clemens in May? Many questions, many many questions.

Leave me some feedback about how you guys feel about the Clemens situation.