Free Agent Targets

[TonyStarks]

Forgive the intrusion here.....

Just wondering...which FA's the 'Stros were looking at?

I myself was wondering if you folks were going to go after Carlos Lee to play LF and hit behind Berkman? I think that he would be a good fit for this club.


I'm not sure what Drayton and Co. are looking to spend, but getting a bat like Lee's could do Houston well. And playing in that bandbox could mean 50+ HRs for Lee.



Thoughts?

[Go Stros]

Keep hearing the Carlos Lee buzz. He will be a good fit in the cleanup spot, giving Berkman the protection he needs. If they sign Lee, I don't think they will sign Huff. Berkman would then play 1B and Ensberg would be called upon to hopefully return to his 2005 form. The Astros might also take a hard look at one-time Astro Julio Lugo. He would make for an excellent 2 hole hitter behind Taveras, making it difficult for opposing pitchers/defenses with that much speed at the top of the lineup.

Soriano is another name thrown around, which would be bigger prize and he could bring more to the table than Lee. But Soriano will probably go to the highest bidder on eBay.

Really need a big productive bat no matter who it is. We'll see.

[TonyStarks]

I think that Lee would probably be a better fit for this club than Soriano would.

Soriano comes with that swagger that you don't see from anyone on this team. I don't think they have a place for egos.

As talented as Soriano is, it could be a bad mix.

[EvanAparra]

I've heard Lee has already decided he wants to go to Houston. Just need to work out the contract.

[TonyStarks]

I've heard Lee has already decided he wants to go to Houston. Just need to work out the contract.

That would be awesome for Berkman and this team.

[Brandon1537]

I personally wouldn't mind having lee in the club he's a great player.I'm hoping they may be able to get soriano but better chance at Dunn that's if they want a person who strikes out 190 times but at least he has production when he does hit and he still takes an immense amount of walks and belts over 40 homers a yr and has an on base percentage of .380 not bad.Not to mention he is intrested in the Astros seeing it is his hometown it's a matter if the Astro's want him.

[lamearm]

Lee and Benji Molina would be my #1 & 2 priorities in that order. I don't understand why a lot of people want Everett replaced...Sure not with Lugo and his Iron Glove. If the Astros get some more production out of the catcher, they can live with Adam's low offense #. Sorryano has too much baggage for this team. Ensberg and Lane need to be shopped around. They also need to address some pitching needs. After all Oswalt is the only sure thing..Pettitte has to re-sign, Clemens is uncertain. There is nobody ready to step into the 4 or 5 spot. Fat Albers or Sampson would be my choice. I think Buchholz, Wandy, or Hirsh need more time in AAA. They just don't seem to have the mindset to pitch in the show. Pen is okay, unless a big offer for Lidge comes down.

[Brandon1537]

Yes no need to replave Everett he is no doubt one of the best defensive players in the game at this time.Now Ausmus he needs to start getting some production this past year he struck out and got into far to many double plays and when the club needed it.

[lamearm]

According to today's Chronicle, the Astros are going to concentrate on some power in the outfield. Good...go get Carlos Lee. I was kinda disappointed they weren't looking to add some power in the catcher's slot as well. Bad mistake if they don't pursue Benji Molina after signing Lee.

[TigersFanB406]

I heard they're interested in Jamie Walker. Is this true?

[Go Stros]

According to ESPN...

The Astros have made multi-year offers to free-agent sluggers Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, according to media reports out of Houston.

A Major League Baseball official said the Astros also are in serious discussions with right-handed pitcher Woody Williams, the Houston Chronicle reported Thursday night. Astros general manager Tim Purpura told the Fox television affiliate in Houston that he plans to make an offer to Williams in the next day or so.

Purpura told the Chronicle late Wednesday he had made some offers, but wouldn't confirm to which players.

Meanwhile, Lee's agent, Adam Katz, told the Fox station the two sides have talked and that the discussions have been productive.

Lee hit .286 with 37 homers and 116 RBI last season with the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers. Soriano hit .277 with 46 homers, 41 steals and 95 RBI for the Washington Nationals.

Williams was 12-5 with a 3.65 earned-run average for the San Diego Padres.