Astros News

[Brandon1537]

Bagwell's carrer with Astros endshttp://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061031&content_id=1728521&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou
Clemens/Pettitte file for free agencyhttp://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061031&content_id=1728496&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[Knick9]

It's sad to see Jeff go. He had such a good career with the Astros. Either he's going to DH in the AL (slim chance, though) or he will just hang up the cleets.

I have a bad feeling where Clemens and Pettite might be headed to...

[Brandon1537]

Well Clemens and Pettitte work together in a way so if one goes a certain way the other is likely to follow.

[KCGHOST]

Hate to see a guy like Bagwell go out this way. He did pick up a cool $26M for not playing the last two years of contract including the 2007 option year.

[lamearm]

Well, its too bad Bagwell goes out this way. It would have been nice for him to have a final "tour", but the team is probably better off this way. Notice Pupura "senses" a deal is close to being made with Biggio. While it would be nice to see him get 3k in Houston, I think he will hurt the team overall. Clemens and Pettitte announcing they are going to declare free agency is nothing more than a business move. Clemens is going to pitch somewhere. He wants to overtake Warren Spahn as the winningest pitcher of the "Modern Era". Altho Pettitte has been injury prone since coming to Houston, his contributions to the team would be hard to replace with what the Astros have now. They might look at a guy like Randy Wolf or Woody Williams and Albers/Sampson to finish out the rotation. Hirsh, Buchholz or Rodriguez just are not ready to pitch here, IMO.

I don't look for the Astros to re-sign Huff. He wants too much for what he does. I have said over and over they need to go after Lee and Benji Molina. Noticed Pupura has had "contact" with Lee and Sorryano's agents. Probably cross Sorriano off the list since Boras is his agent.

[BagwellFan]

I agree with everyone else. It is very sad to see such a great career end like this. I was hoping for that last tour or even more just one last opportunity for the crowd to cheer him while in uniform. Though it wasn't at home, I wish Bagwell was pulled off the DL for the last game of the year. That way Garner could have had him announced as a starter, then immediately taken him out. (Yes I know it would have waste a roster spot, but we were out of it before the game started)
It would have had that last opportunity to see him in an Astros uniform. I think for most their last memory of him, in uniform, will be his fly out in Game 4 of the World Series. But nonetheless a great career, and I will miss his presence on the field.

As for some of this other discussion, maybe I don't understand, but what is the advantage of getting Benji Molina? I know his power numbers are better then Ausmus, as is his batting average, but their OBP are comparable, Molina is the slowest position player in the majors, and Ausmus does amazing work prepping and handling the pitching staff. I just don't see a reason to drop him. There are other positions that can be bolstered, in my opinion.

[Brandon1537]

If they can get offense from the other hitters no reason Ausmus shouldn't be the catcher.Near the end this season he had some cluctch hits.

[EvanAparra]

If they can get offense from the other hitters no reason Ausmus shouldn't be the catcher.Near the end this season he had some cluctch hits.

When have the Astros had enough offense? I think it's time to say goodbye to Ausmus. He actually HURTS his team on offense.

[PopTop]

When have the Astros had enough offense?Lack of offense has been a problem for this club just about through their entire history, save for maybe 1999-2001.

The problem isn't just Ausmus or just Everett. The problem is both of them in the 7-8 slots, plus the pitcher in the #9 hole and, for a good portion of this year, people like Lane, Ensberg and others in the 6-slot. The Astros basically had 40%+ of their lineup that was ineffective over the course of the campaign.

However, you could sign/trade for Derek Jeter and Joe Mauer to play SS and C for Houston next year, and if the pitching staff blows beets and allows 100+ extra runs in 2007 (as they did in 2006 compared to 2005), you're still going to have problems winning consistently.

[lamearm]

The nail has been hit right on the head by Pop. I can live with Adam's weak offensive, his glove more than makes up for that. It's the weak hitting out of the 6, 8, and 9 guys that really kill us. And yes, some pitching has to be brought in, & I don't mean from Round Rock..Albers/Sampson yes, but Hirsch, Buchholz and Rodriguez just don't have the mental toughness...I know, I've about beat that horse to death, but IMO thats the truth.

[EvanAparra]

but Hirsch, Buchholz and Rodriguez just don't have the mental toughness.
How do you know about these pitcher's mental toughness? Have you coached them or know them personally?

[PopTop]

I think lame's just basing that from his own observations, Evan. I'm not sure I would call it 'toughness,' but Buchholz and Wandy both seem to lose their focus at times. Hirsh, as much as I want him to succeed, just reminds me of Scott Elarton too much.

IF we could talk Roger and Andy into coming back for one more year, and IF we could maybe package Ensberg and Lane for one more nice reliever, and IF we could sign Aramis Ramirez to play third, I think we'd be in good shape.

But then, IF an otter had teeth and a tail like a beaver, then otters would probably be pretty good dam builders, too :D

[EvanAparra]

Why trade Ensberg? He was the second best offensive player on the team last year.

[PopTop]

Considering how poorly the offense did at times, that statement is a little like saying Fingers McCall is the second nicest guy at Attica Prison.

[EvanAparra]

Considering how poorly the offense did at times, that statement is a little like saying Fingers McCall is the second nicest guy at Attica Prison.
Right, but he's still hardly the problem. If you have a team that can't hit, why trade one of your only players that can? (along with pretty good defense). Lane should definately be traded, along with Tavares (but i seem to be the only one to think so now a days).

[Brandon1537]

Well at least Luke Scott will be playing hopefully for the whole year and my god was he part of their success toward the end of the year.It was awesome to see him hit for the cycle at the extra inning diamond back game.

[PopTop]

Right, but he's still hardly the problem. If you have a team that can't hit, why trade one of your only players that can?He's part of the team that can't hit, pretty simple really. Ensberg has proven to be inconsistent and plays with a certain apathy in my opinion. If he would show some semblance of consistency, it would be one thing. But he hasn't. Improving your on-base pct by a few points while seeing your slugging average drop by about 100 just won't cut the mustard. Ensberg got off to a nice start and I was very happy to see that it looked like he would prove his 2005 season was his norm. But then he just fell off completely; the injury was no doubt a part of the reason, but I do not think it was the only reason.

If we can get someone better/more consistent to play third and improve the bullpen or pitching by trading Ensberg, then I'm all for it. You obviously disagree, and that's ok with me.

[The Toy Cannon]

I fear this team stands on quite a precipice right now, with Clemens/Pettitte potentially gone, Lidge and Ensberg regressing, and the unavoidable fact that Ausmus and Biggio are approaching the end.

The Astros already pack their lineup with a few too many all-glove, no-hit guys(Ausmus, Everett, Taveras), and, unfortunately, their farm system doesn't appear to have a lot of future star hitters waiting in the wings. If the rotation can't carry the team anymore...yikes. It could be a mega-freefall.

[PopTop]

Agree, Toy. The keys will be first trying to get Clemens and Pettitte to come back, and that needs to be decided in the next 2-3 weeks I feel. Otherwise, the team really should explore going into a fairly comprehensive rebuilding mode aimed at getting us back into playoff contention as early as 2008 but at least by 2009.

I loved the quote by Clemens that he hasn't even thought about what he's going to do next year. Funny, I assumed that since he did go ahead and file for free agency that he's at least given it some small amount of thought.

[Joe Dodger]

I have a bad feeling where Clemens and Pettite might be headed to...
The front page of the SPORTS section of all national newspapers when the steroid leak surfaces soon?

[Knick9]

The front page of the SPORTS section of all national newspapers when the steroid leak surfaces soon?

I meant the Bronx, going back to the Yankees.

[Brandon1537]

Highly doubt either will go with the Yankees......I'm still sure one of these if not both will return to the Astros

[PopTop]

The front page of the SPORTS section of all national newspapers when the steroid leak surfaces soon?You mean like the lst time their names were front page news in the Grimsley deal, and all of that proved to be a bunch of crap? :rolleyes:

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.