Position players: C - Brad Ausmus 1B - Lance Berkman 2B - Craig Biggio SS - Adam Everett 3B - Morgan Ensberg OF - Willy Taveras OF - Luke Scott 3B/OF - Aubrey Huff 2B/OF - Chris Burke OF - Jason Lane PH - Rafael Palmeiro SS - Eric Bruntlett 1B/3B - Mike Lamb Astros suffered immensely with a OBP barely above .300 between Biggio, Everett and Ausmus, collectively. The Astros cannot stay put with those 3 guys all in the lineup, plus the pitcher position. Biggio will be resigned and get his 3000th hit in an Astro uniform. Look for him to get off to his usual hot start, and then after he gets to 3000 (late May/early June), I think Burke will start most road games with Biggio focusing mainly on playing at home (where he excels), keeping him fresh for the end of the year (and hopefully a playoff run). Do the Astros continue with players like Everett, Ensberg and Lane? I think with Lane, it's obvious he's worn out his welcome. I just can't see him being on the roster next season. Aubrey Huff is a free agent, and is an enticing resign for the Astros, based solely on his versatility (1B/3B/OF). His career numbers are good (30 homer, 100 RBI kinda guy), and could provide for a good 5 or 6 spot in the lineup. Luke Scott seems to have sewn up left field for next season, but will have to perform in spring training to convince management that he is truly the answer (its his job to lose, basically). Free Agent pickups: Hopefully the Astros go after Carlos Lee really hard. He will be the perfect 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 could 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. Here is what the lineup would look like: Taveras Lugo Berkman Lee Scott Ensberg Biggio/Burke Ausmus This would also take some of the pressure off Scott as not having to be a cleanup hitter. He would still be called upon to protect Lee, however. Starting Pitching: Oswalt Clemens Pettitte Backe Buckholz Hirsh Sampson Rodriguez Albers Astacio Nieve Oswalt is signed for the long haul, which is nice. Clemens and Pettitte are both free agents. Backe is out for the entire 2007 season due to Tommy John surgery. That makes it all the more important to try signing either or both Clemens and Pettitte. I think the Astros will sign both to a one year deal (with maybe an option year added to Pettitte's contract). I think the end of the season brought back hope of what might have been, and what could be. I think Hirsh and Nieve stand the best chance at filling a starting spot in the rotation. I just don't see Rodriguez having much of a major league career. Astacio may be too much of a long term project as well. Sampson and Albers may contend for a spot if they have an outstanding spring training. Free Agent Pickups: Jason Schmidt, Mark Buerhle, Woody Williams If the Astros resign Clemens and Pettitte, then I think the last 2 spots will be filled by rookies and the Astros will not look to free agency to fill em. If they don't sign either, then I think they need to sign 3 free agents to fill spots 2, 3 and 4 in the rotation. The starting rotation would hopefully look as follows: Oswalt Schmidt Buerhle Williams Hirsh/Nieve/Sampson/Albers Bullpen: Wheeler Qualls Lidge Springer Miller Borkowski Nieve Springer is a free agent and more than likely won't be resigned. Lidge is likely a trade prospect. The Astros could use him to trade for a really good setup man, or a young prospect. If that is the case, then Wheeler will go into the 2007 season as the closer, with Qualls the principal setup man. Free Agent Pickups: Chad Bradford, David Riske The bullpen would look as follows: Wheeler - closer Qualls - set up Bradford - 6th inning/7th inning Riske - 6th inning/7th inning Miller - left handed specialist Borkowski - long/middle relief
Nice work Istlsl. The 'Stros will undoubtedly make a run at a big bat, whether it's Carlos Lee or Soriano. I think they're going to stick with Everett at short, and don't see them expressing any interest for Lugo. That relationship didn't end well, and it's not like McLane to rekindle it. Between Lee and Soriano, I give a slight edge to Soriano due to his athleticism. However, it's largely a toss up from an offensive production standpoint.
Clemens: I wonder if Clemens will be back. You have to think the recent allegations (although since discredited) about steroid etc. use don't sit well with him. If the Astros had backed him even the slightest more his record would have been better, can't ask for a much better ERA. If he returns I believe if will be on the same timetable as this year. Biggio: He will start out the year in the lead off spot and get to 3,000 hits (He only needs 70 hits). He'll retire after next year and IMHO make it to the Hall of Fame @ 2nd base. Biggio has been very loyal to the Astros and has passed up opportunities to move on to other teams including the Yanks. Glad to see the Stros giving him some loyalty back.
Believe me I would love Soriano over Lee. He would be the perfect hitter in the 2 hole and presents the same problem as Lugo would on the basepaths. I just think Soriano will command way too much for the Astros to afford. Soriano could easily hit 60 homers as an Astro.
I just think its too difficult to walk away from the game with an ERA of 2.30 this season and 1.87 the season before. He's still the best pitcher in baseball at age 44. The key might be if the Astros can resign Pettitte, even if it's a one year deal. Then the Rocket comes back in June like he did this past season. And of course having Ausmus back there behind the plate only adds to the probability of him coming back to the Stros.
Screw Clemens. He should just "retire" again and then immediately announce his unretirement and go play for the Mets or something.
Yeah he was hurt...shoulder problem if I remember correctly So he is a question mark at this point...makes it tougher for Pupura in the off season...but he is under contract....my guess is that they will stick with him and Lamb at 3B
