[Sportsradio 610]: Astros trade Ensberg to Padres

[bwarren]

Sportsradio 610 just reported that Morgan Ensberg has been traded to the Padres for a player to be named later. The Astros have agreed to pay part of Ensberg's salary as part of the deal.

[ind0fo0]

Sportsradio 610 just reported that Morgan Ensberg has been traded to the Padres for a player to be named later. The Astros have agreed to pay part of Ensberg's salary as part of the deal.

:( poor ensberg.

[BigSherv]

at least he will get away from the humidity and rain.

[bwarren]

MSNBC confirms it:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20056496/

[texanskan]

I'm sure the player we get will never end up playing for the Astros but still wtf are the Padres thinking even paying a part of Ensbergs salary?

[Cannonball]

If we had just waived Ensberg, would we have still had to pay him? The Friars picking up part of the contract may be the best part of the deal.

[MadMax]

They've also announced a press conference at 4pm....no idea what that is yet. But it isn't gonna be this Ensberg deal :)

[msn]

They've also announced a press conference at 4pm....no idea what that is yet. But it isn't gonna be this Ensberg deal :)
A trade? A firing?

[MadMax]

A trade? A firing?

given today's the trade deadline, i'm guessing trade.

[Raven Lunatic]

If we had just waived Ensberg, would we have still had to pay him? The Friars picking up part of the contract may be the best part of the deal.

I'm pretty sure that all salaries are guaranteed in baseball. So had we just waived him, we would have been on the hook for his entire contract. I tend to agree with whoever felt that this player we will get in return probably won't ever see a major league field...but it is a way for us to get out of part of Ensberg's contract and for the Pads to take a shot at getting the Ensberg of old to re-emerge.

[WoodlandsBoy]

Astros have News Confrence at 4:00pm

[Preston27]

The last time the Padres got a 3B from the Astros, he became an MVP.

[No Worries]

Astros trade Enberg to San Diego (http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070731&content_id=2120290&vkey=pr_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou)
HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros announced today that the club has sent infielder Morgan Ensberg and cash considerations to the San Diego Padres in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The announcement was made by General Manager Tim Purpura.

[Howyalikemenow]

Astros have News Confrence at 4:00pm

Maybe Tim Purpy has gone ahead and traded Hunter Pence for Dan Wheeler from Tampa Bay.

It's not a bad idea, we need a setup man now for Lidge.

:cool:

[htownbball]

latest rumors were

San Diego after both Lamb and Loretta

Seattle after Loretta

Purpura has diarrhea

[No Worries]

The last time the Padres got a 3B from the Astros, he became an MVP.
Steriods meet Enberg. Ensberg meet steroids.

[msn]

OK; it's after 3pm. Whatever this press conference is about is done now, if it's about a trade at all.

Enquiring, impatient, instant-gratification minds want to know!

[Blake]

If we did make a trade, I hope we were not fleeced.

[Fuzzy Zoeller]

The last time the Padres got a 3B from the Astros, he became an MVP.
Too bad they test for steroids now.

[Mr. Clutch]

If we did make a trade, I hope we were not fleeced.

If we traded Ensberg, the other team was definitely fleeced.

[Cannonball]

I hope they're not just announcing the Ensberg deal.

[Refman]

Too bad they test for steroids now.
HGH meet Ensberg....Ensberg meet HGH. :D

[Fuzzy Zoeller]

Damn you No Worries! That was supposed to be my joke!

:p




Back on topic - good for Mo, good for Stros.

[leroy420]

Got someone to take him even though he would have been free in 9 days. Can't really complain about this one regardless of who the PTBNL is.

Also, it's a good move for Morgan. He gets a change of scenery where the expectations will be lower and he gets to go home (relatively) to SoCal.

Probably the best trade Purp has ever made...

[rocketlaunch]

http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/Drayton.jpg

Drayton Just wants to tell us how he is building a "Champion"

[MadMax]

I hope they're not just announcing the Ensberg deal.

they're not gonna have a press conference because they're bringing in cash considerations. :D

[Refman]

I hope they're not just announcing the Ensberg deal.
Is Ensberg for a PTBNL worthy of a news conference?

[texanskan]

Fire Garner!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please

[tested911]

http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/Drayton.jpg

Drayton Just wants to tell us how he is building a "Champion"

Drayton: Why are you guys saying that I don't open up my wallet? I just bought this suit and tie from Savers 2nd hand clothing store..

[msn]

It's a blockbuster deal: Tejada for Everett, Lane, Jennings, Lamb, Palmeiro, and Moehller.

You heard it here first. :p

[rocketfat]

Is Ensberg for a PTBNL worthy of a news conference?


loretta for a prospect isnt either.

it's probably lardpura just giving a rundown of what he tried to do but couldnt. you know, like trading lamb, dieting, and exercising.

[Refman]

they're not gonna have a press conference because they're bringing in cash considerations. :D
Of course not...they are going to announce that in addition to a PTBNL, the Pads are sending Timmy P a big plate of mouth watering nachos. :eek:

[weslinder]

I know that the Astros have no bargaining position for this, but I'd like to see them get Clay Hensley as the PTBNL. He had a good year last year, and I think he can do well again. And he's a Lamar grad, so when DeLome makes the bigs next year, they'll be able to swap stories. :D

[bobrek]

I'm pretty sure that all salaries are guaranteed in baseball. So had we just waived him, we would have been on the hook for his entire contract. I tend to agree with whoever felt that this player we will get in return probably won't ever see a major league field...but it is a way for us to get out of part of Ensberg's contract and for the Pads to take a shot at getting the Ensberg of old to re-emerge.

If a player is picked up via waivers, then they are on the hook for the remainder of his salary. If a player is picked up after being released, then I think the team that picks him up is liable for the prorated version of the ML minimum and the team that released him has to pick up the rest.

[rocketlaunch]

Are you all ready for the spin. they will say there was nothing offered. We would rather keep them and get draft picks after the season. Even though they seem to never offer players arbitration when they are free agents.

[codell]

Word has it that the PTBNL is none other than Buddy Biancalana Jr.

[Nice Rollin]

latest rumors were

San Diego after both Lamb and Loretta

Seattle after Loretta

Purpura has diarrhea
LOL

NO...It's "PUPURA HAS PUPURA"

[Akhorahil]

Paddy MO (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLb&id=3150)

Mo and cash for a player to be named or cash...
If anything the press conference should be an apology.

[Jared Novak]

Are you all ready for the spin. they will say there was nothing offered. We would rather keep them and get draft picks after the season. Even though they seem to never offer players arbitration when they are free agents.

We have a winner!

[Groogrux]

Are you all ready for the spin. they will say there was nothing offered. We would rather keep them and get draft picks after the season. Even though they seem to never offer players arbitration when they are free agents.

And you would know anything they say to be untrue how, exactly?

[Nice Rollin]

And you would know anything they say to be untrue how, exactly?
because the GM is Tim Pupura

[Groogrux]

because the GM is Tim Pupura

You're right. I forgot that a bunch of yahoos on an internet message board at 3:30 on a Tuesday afternoon are better versed in the wheelings and dealings of major league baseball teams than the actual general manager of one.

You can agree or disagree with any move they may or may not make, but some of you are acting like they're doing nothing (and we don't even know that) for the sake of doing nothing. As if they don't want to improve the team.

But you're all so witty with your fat jokes. :rolleyes:

[Akhorahil]

While ya'll are arguing... I posted the trade up there...

Mo and cash to Padres for a player to be named and cash. If there is something else, I guess we will have to wait till 4pm.

[MadMax]

While ya'll are arguing... I posted the trade up there...

Mo and cash to Padres for a player to be named and cash. If there is something else, I guess we will have to wait till 4pm.

that trade was posted a while ago...we know it. but i doubt seriously there's a press conference for that.

[rocketlaunch]

790 is saying there is no word of another move yet. Only thing they keep mentioning is the astros have not posted their lineup for the game tonite.

[ima_drummer2k]

While ya'll are arguing... I posted the trade up there...

Mo and cash to Padres for a player to be named and cash. If there is something else, I guess we will have to wait till 4pm.
Wow, thanks for the scoop. Can you tell us anything about the possibility of Steve Francis coming back to the Rockets?

[The Cat]

There aren't any other moves.

Ultimately Ensberg was the only Astros traded as the non-waiver trade deadline elapsed at 3 p.m.

After entertaining offers for Mark Loretta and Mike Lamb and hearing plenty of interest in relievers Chad Qualls and Brad Lidge, the Ensberg trade was the only one the Astros made.

“The players that we talked about getting back from other teams were not close to what we valued for our players,” general manager Tim Purpura said via phone from Houston. “It made no sense to give away our players.”

http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5015186.html

[MadMax]

There aren't any other moves.



http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5015186.html

so is garner gone?

[jtotheb]

Don't you guys think that if it was anything of any substance, someone would've broken the story by now?

It's probably just another Drayton McClain "Pep Rally" to tell us all that it's not over and that they need us to support the Astros now more than ever!

I'll always be an Astros fan...but today, their front office makes me sick.

[jtotheb]

There aren't any other moves.



http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5015186.html


Open wide H-Town...Drayton and Timmy just gave us a nice big SH!TBURGER to eat. Enjoy!! :rolleyes:

[JPM0016]

Perhaps the astros will discuss their excitement over the Texans new QB or ponder how Rick Adelman will balance the minutes between so many guards?

[Refman]

You're right. I forgot that a bunch of yahoos on an internet message board at 3:30 on a Tuesday afternoon are better versed in the wheelings and dealings of major league baseball teams than the actual general manager of one.
You didn't know that? Being on clutchfans and having a bully pulpit makes you a baseball expert. Also, they all bugged the Astros phone system and all know that the Yankees offered A-Rod for Mark Loretta and the Giants offered Barry Bonds and Matt Morris for Jason Lane and Junction Jack.

[geeimsobored]

You're right. I forgot that a bunch of yahoos on an internet message board at 3:30 on a Tuesday afternoon are better versed in the wheelings and dealings of major league baseball teams than the actual general manager of one.

You can agree or disagree with any move they may or may not make, but some of you are acting like they're doing nothing (and we don't even know that) for the sake of doing nothing. As if they don't want to improve the team.

But you're all so witty with your fat jokes. :rolleyes:

Heh... we were right. There weren't any other moves. With the Astros, jokes just tend to reflect reality. A sad indictment on the situation today.

[ind0fo0]

not only does ensberg suck at baseball.
he thinks so-cal has better mexican food than htown. :rolleyes:

"I can’t wait to go have Mexican food.”-ensberg today

[Groogrux]

Heh... we were right. There weren't any other moves. With the Astros, jokes just tend to reflect reality. A sad indictment on the situation today.

So, is it your belief that the Astros do not want to improve their team?

[Refman]

Open wide H-Town...Drayton and Timmy just gave us a nice big SH!TBURGER to eat. Enjoy!! :rolleyes:
Has anybody here considered the possibility that other teams were not offering anything of value to this team? Getting a decent player that does not fill a lineup hole while trading away a pitcher that creates a bullpen hole is not really helpful.

[wreck]

Ensberg to Padres only move as deadline passes

[Groogrux]

Has anybody here considered the possibility that other teams were not offering anything of value to this team? Getting a decent player that does not fill a lineup hole while trading away a pitcher that creates a bullpen hole is not really helpful.

It's easier to call someone fat.

[leroy420]

I know that the Astros have no bargaining position for this, but I'd like to see them get Clay Hensley as the PTBNL. He had a good year last year, and I think he can do well again. And he's a Lamar grad, so when DeLome makes the bigs next year, they'll be able to swap stories. :D

They should have gotten SHSU grad Luke Prihoda from Arizona or Jordan Tata from Detroit (who threw 7 innings allowing only 2 er and 6 hits in his first career start in place of Kenny Rogers). Those Lamar kids are duds.

;)

[rocketlaunch]

So, is it your belief that the Astros do not want to improve their team?


I know they want to, but sometimes I question it. I sometimes feel Drayton wants to just have a somewhat competitive team that will bring people to his stadium.

[Nice Rollin]

You're right. I forgot that a bunch of yahoos on an internet message board at 3:30 on a Tuesday afternoon are better versed in the wheelings and dealings of major league baseball teams than the actual general manager of one.

You can agree or disagree with any move they may or may not make, but some of you are acting like they're doing nothing (and we don't even know that) for the sake of doing nothing. As if they don't want to improve the team.

But you're all so witty with your fat jokes. :rolleyes:
pupura has pupura isnt a fat joke...it's a skip disease joke

[msn]

Ensberg to Padres only move as deadline passes
"Cabrera a Brave."

(bonus points to any who remember that one)

[Blake]

Well, he is fat, and IMO he's not a great GM. He's not terrible, either. He is just in a bad situation...he wanted to keep the team intact thinking we could make a run and he has to sleep in the bed he made. If he tries to make wholesale changes at multiple positions, he's basically admitting he was wrong in his assessments of our overall talent, and that would be damning.

Regardless, I am glad that he didn't make a trade just to make one (getting ripped off in the process)

At least we got cash for Mo and although I don't love the Wheeler trade, it isn't terrible.

[RKREBORN]

I've heard rumors they have asked Biggio to step aside before the season is over. Maybe his retirement will be before season's end?

[RedRaiderRocket]

So, is it your belief that the Astros do not want to improve their team?

More like they have so many holes they don't know where to start improving, so they just and wait for the offseason. It is just amazing how quickly a team can go such down hole since Hunshicker left. Don't give me the crap that Pupura's great GMing brought us to a world series, he stumbled into one. By far the worst GM in all of sports.

[weslinder]

Those Lamar kids are duds.

All 22 (http://lamarcardinals.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/071207aab.html) of them?

[Blake]

More like they have so many holes they don't know where to start improving, so they just and wait for the offseason. It is just amazing how quickly a team can go such down hole since Hunshicker left. Don't give me the crap that Pupura's great GMing brought us to a world series, he stumbled into one. By far the worst GM in all of sports.

Isiah Thomas resents that last sentence. So does Kevin McHale

[codell]

I've heard rumors they have asked Biggio to step aside before the season is over. Maybe his retirement will be before season's end?

Im going to go out on a limb here and say that there is a 100% chance of that not happening.

[The Cat]

More like they have so many holes they don't know where to start improving, so they just and wait for the offseason. It is just amazing how quickly a team can go such down hole since Hunshicker left. Don't give me the crap that Pupura's great GMing brought us to a world series, he stumbled into one. By far the worst GM in all of sports.

It's amazing how Hunsicker gets all the credit for building a World Series team, yet he gets none of the blame for the demise of the farm system. (which is the way it is because of drafting from 1999 to 2003)

[msn]

More like they have so many holes they don't know where to start improving, so they just and wait for the offseason. It is just amazing how quickly a team can go such down hole since Hunshicker left. Don't give me the crap that Pupura's great GMing brought us to a world series, he stumbled into one. By far the worst GM in all of sports.
He's done absolutely nothing to distinguish himself, sans the Loretta and Lee signings, but "worst GM in all of sports"? Man, Hunsicker and Morey really had/have us spoiled. There are tons worse out there; one is the GM of the Orlando Magic (unless he's finally quit or been fired).

[bobrek]

Perhaps they have signed Loretta and/or Lamb to contracts for next season.

[Refman]

Isiah Thomas resents that last sentence. So does Kevin McHale
Not mention the basketball GMs in Portland, New Orleans, and the baseball GMs in Kansas City and Toronto.

[msn]

It's amazing how Hunsicker gets all the credit for building a World Series team, yet he gets none of the blame for the demise of the farm system. (which is the way it is because of drafting from 1999 to 2003)
...while at the same time trading away pieces of that same farm system which he was failing to replenish at the drafts.

[Another Brother]

I've heard rumors they have asked Biggio to step aside before the season is over. Maybe his retirement will be before season's end?

Worse rumor in the history of the BBS.

[Austin70]

I thought that he would have been a better fit in San Fran, with the way he likes to watch those balls go my him.

[Dave2000]

Worse rumor in the history of the BBS.

hmm, let me take a stab at AB's routine....

"making a post to count up post counts on a Biggio comment"

smart

"making a ridiculous rumor that the Astros WANT Biggio to step aside before the season ends..."

stupid

problem solved :) (yea i just added that, its an AB trademark :) )

[Major]

It's amazing how Hunsicker gets all the credit for building a World Series team, yet he gets none of the blame for the demise of the farm system. (which is the way it is because of drafting from 1999 to 2003)

I think a big part of it is that no one was complaining about the farm system or Hunsicker destroying it until the Astros tanked this year. It sounds a lot like a blame game. This offseason, the argument for trading for Jennings was that we needed a #2 SP and have plenty of guys in the farm that can replace Hirsh and Willy T, for example. No one talked about this as a looming crisis until Purpura started getting crap for this season.

[Groogrux]

Tampa Bay in the World Series!!!!!!!

Oh...wait.

[RedRaiderRocket]

Isiah Thomas resents that last sentence. So does Kevin McHale

People are pissed because they traded Garnett but int the process, they had to do this deal. KG was not going to win them nothing, and more than likely was going to opt out of his deal next season. So they got a future star in Al Jefferson, as well Gerald Green who could be a star still hold my doubts, 2 1st round picks, and salary cap relief next season. As bad as of a GM Isiah least he isn't afraid to make moves to "try" and improve his team. He has know idea how to run a salary cap though. Pupura goes by lets just stumble our way and see what happens. The only deal he has made he has got raped on by trading Willy T, and potential prospects in Bucholz and Hirsh for Jennings. If he couldn't find a team that was willling to get equal value or better value move on. I stand pat that he is the worst GM in all of sports, the GM for the Lions could be a close 2nd.

[htownhustla]

does anyone know what channel on tv it going to be on

[RedRaiderRocket]

It's amazing how Hunsicker gets all the credit for building a World Series team, yet he gets none of the blame for the demise of the farm system. (which is the way it is because of drafting from 1999 to 2003)
He made the moves to put to try and put our team over the top, granted most of them didn't work but I would much rather see a GM not afraid to bring in the big name guys for our team to go somewhere special. If you are refering to the Randy Johnson deal, yeah that was a move that probably didn't need to be made, but we had to 2 20 game win starters as it was but he knew we were close to make a run for the title. Can't blame a guy for jumping the gun, in order to make a run at the penant.

[msn]

I would much rather see a GM not afraid to bring in the big name guys for our team to go somewhere special.
Carlos Lee agrees.

[The Cat]

He made the moves to put to try and put our team over the top, granted most of them didn't work but I would much rather see a GM not afraid to bring in the big name guys for our team to go somewhere special. If you are refering to the Randy Johnson deal, yeah that was a move that probably didn't need to be made, but we had to 2 20 game win starters as it was but he knew we were close to make a run for the title. Can't blame a guy for jumping the gun, in order to make a run at the penant.

I don't blame that at all. That was a necessary risk. I'm talking about the poor draft management in the early stages of this decade. This franchise didn't draft well at all for a few years (under Hunsicker's guidance, as I understand his role), and it's paying a price for that now. I'm not saying it's the only reason they're struggling, but it's one of them.

[Blake]

People are pissed because they traded Garnett but int the process, they had to do this deal. KG was not going to win them nothing, and more than likely was going to opt out of his deal next season. So they got a future star in Al Jefferson, as well Gerald Green who could be a star still hold my doubts, 2 1st round picks, and salary cap relief next season. As bad as of a GM Isiah least he isn't afraid to make moves to "try" and improve his team. He has know idea how to run a salary cap though. Pupura goes by lets just stumble our way and see what happens. The only deal he has made he has got raped on by trading Willy T, and potential prospects in Bucholz and Hirsh for Jennings. If he couldn't find a team that was willling to get equal value or better value move on. I stand pat that he is the worst GM in all of sports, the GM for the Lions could be a close 2nd.

McHale-Look at his moves prior to this trade. Wasn't even talking about the KG deal. Two words: Joe Smith.

Thomas-Just because a GM tries to improve there team doesn't mean he is a good GM. Every GM tries to improve their team. Isiah has made some of the worst trades and free agent signings in recent NBA history. He can draft well, though.


Look, Timmy P made a bad trade for Jennings, but at the time it didn't seem bad. Hirsch is not a very good pitcher and would have trouble in our rotation. Bucholz is a non-factor and was demoted early on. Losing Willy T hurt, but we needed a quality #2 over a lead off hitter with speed. Please show me your posts saying that Jennings was going to suck this year and I will consider this point of yours valid.

The only deal he made? Who signed Loretta and Lee? Who got rid of Ensberg? (Finally!) Look, he's made some bad moves (Woody Williams, letting Pettite go, etc..), but he is far from the worst GM in MLB, let alone in professional sports.

[htownhustla]

i dunno what channel its on, can some1 fill me in on whats gion on in the press conference is it just a we will be contenders soon one

[BigSherv]

Boooooooooooooooooooo!

Ensberg to Padres only move as deadline passes

ATLANTA – A difficult situation turned into a blessing for Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg, who was traded to the San Diego Padres for a player to be named or cash considerations two days after he was designated for assignment. Ultimately Ensberg was the only Astros traded as the non-waiver trade deadline elapsed at 3 p.m.

After entertaining offers for Mark Loretta and Mike Lamb and hearing plenty of interest in relievers Chad Qualls and Brad Lidge, the Ensberg trade was the only one the Astros made.

“The players that we talked about getting back from other teams were not close to what we valued for our players,” general manager Tim Purpura said via phone from Houston. “It made no sense to give away our players.”

Ensberg, a native of the Los Angeles area, actually has a home in the San Diego area, where he spends much of his winter when he’s not at home in Houston.

“I think it was absolutely the best scenario,” he said. “This season was very turbulent. It was difficult. I wish I had done better, but once everything kind of went down you feel down and then you have this blessing. It really is a blessing from God. I’m certain of it.”

Ensberg, 31, and his wife Christi were already planning on flying to San Diego today with their one-year-old twins, Beckett and Chase.

“I’m shocked,” said Ensberg, who hit .232 (52-for-224) with eight home runs and 31 RBIs this year. “My wife and I are so happy we get a chance to get back there. I really was just speechless when Tim (Purpura) told me I was going out there. I can’t wait to go have Mexican food.”

Other teams also coveted Qualls and Lidge.

“We certainly would have liked to be more active,” Purpura said. “At the end, there was no trade other than Ensberg. We were not just going to move one of our good relievers for just prospects that were years away.”

[msn]

Seriously, was the press conference cancelled?

[pgabriel]

wow, the sharks have turned on hunsicker, it sucks to be an ex astro in this forum. you guys have to be kidding. hunsicker depleted the farm system, when? when he trade for randy johnson. and gave up to pitchers, only to replace them with oswalt and what should have been a solid carlos heranandez. he depleted the farm system when he traded for beltran? giving up who, dotel?

[The Real Shady]

Tampa Bay in the World Series!!!!!!!

Oh...wait.

Why do we keep getting players from the worst team in baseball? Well, we are not that far from having a worse record then Tampa so if that's Timmy's goal we are almost there.

Purpura is on the fast track to winning the Casserly award. I just hope Timmy P is not the salesman Casserly is and hustles his way into holding on to his job for an extra 3-4 years.

BTW... Timmy P is very fat.

[BenignDMD]

I can’t wait to go have Mexican food.

Houston doesn't have Mexican food?!? :eek:

I wonder what the Taqueria served me for lunch. Italian perhaps!

[wrath_of_khan]

Seriously, was the press conference cancelled?

I'm wondering if the report of there being a press conference was wrong.

Seriously, why would you call a press conference just to stand up there and be subjected to questions about all the deals you could have/should have done in the eyes of reporters? They're certainly not going to have more than a few questions about the Ensberg reade (it's pretty straightforward).

The presser never made much sense from a PR persepctive if it's only about MoBerg.

EDIT: What's on 610/790 right now?

[msn]

wow, the sharks have turned on hunsicker, it sucks to be an ex astro in this forum. you guys have to be kidding. hunsicker depleted the farm system, when? when he trade for randy johnson. and gave up to pitchers, only to replace them with oswalt and what should have been a solid carlos heranandez. he depleted the farm system when he traded for beltran? giving up who, dotel?
My remarks could easily have been taken out of context. Hunsicker was the best GM in the history of the Astros franchise. I don't mean to devalue that fact (OK, opinion--but an accurate one IMO!).

He was the greatest, but he weren't perfect. Between '99 and '03 we made quite a few trades, most of them not blockbusters, that involved our prospects. Off the top of my head, I can only recall the Wagner trade and the Hampton and Everett trades bringing prospects back. I heard and read a lot of talk--not a little--back then, not just now--of the Astros' farm system not being what it once had been. Add to this the bad drafts from '99 to '03, and the farm is in quite a pickle.

But despite that criticism, Hunsicker was the best.

[Nick]

he depleted the farm system when he traded for beltran? giving up who, dotel?

I think the main argument by the "Hunsicker haters" is that he did not replenish the farm system via some good drafts... he also didn't get good value for Billy Wagner, and left the farm system in pretty bad shape (which is why you have the lull between breakthrough position players from Berkman to Pence).

Also, he did give up John Buck in the Beltran deal... but I would have still done both that deal, and the Randy Johnson deal, if the opportunity presented itself again (along with the Barkley deal).

[Howyalikemenow]

I'm wondering if the report of there being a press conference was wrong.

Seriously, why would you call a press conference just to stand up there and be subjected to questions about all the deals you could have/should have done in the eyes of reporters? They're certainly not going to have more than a few questions about the Ensberg reade (it's pretty straightforward).

The presser never made much sense from a PR persepctive if it's only about MoBerg.

EDIT: What's on 610/790 right now?

They're not talking about baseball at all on 610. They're just rambling on a lot of random comments... bonds, vick, funny emails. No true Astros insight.

[leroy420]

wow, the sharks have turned on hunsicker, it sucks to be an ex astro in this forum. you guys have to be kidding. hunsicker depleted the farm system, when? when he trade for randy johnson. and gave up to pitchers, only to replace them with oswalt and what should have been a solid carlos heranandez. he depleted the farm system when he traded for beltran? giving up who, dotel?

While I don't think the trade shouldn't have been done, Hun gave up Freddy Garcia, Carlos Guillen, & John Halama. Halama is the only one of those 3 that haven't been a recent All-Star. In hindsight, it wasn't the best trade. At the time, it was what the team needed to make a run for the World Series. We just ran into that damn Kevin Brown and Sterling Hitchcock.

Don't forget that John Buck was in that Beltran deal. Same as the RJ deal, I would have done it, too. But Buck could be the starting catcher on this team right now...

[Major]

To be fair to Hunsicker, it's not like he was the one actually scouting all these players around the country and Caribbean and such. He was relying on the reports of his scouting department, I assume. Unlike trades and free-agent signings where the GM is directly involved in the decision-making and the players are much more well-known, I imagine the GM's role in a draft is more of an overseer/manager than anything else.

I think you can maybe blame him for hiring crappy scouts or whatnot, but it's hard to directly blame him for the results of those drafts. Anyone know anything about our scouting and what happened to make the drafting go downhill so much from the days of the Oswalts?

[pgabriel]

While I don't think the trade shouldn't have been done, Hun gave up Freddy Garcia, Carlos Guillen, & John Halama. Halama is the only one of those 3 that haven't been a recent All-Star. In hindsight, it wasn't the best trade. At the time, it was what the team needed to make a run for the World Series. We just ran into that damn Kevin Brown and Sterling Hitchcock.

Don't forget that John Buck was in that Beltran deal. Same as the RJ deal, I would have done it, too. But Buck could be the starting catcher on this team right now...

Losing those prospects in the johnson trade doesn't hurt till now though.

I admit I don't know much about basdeball drafts so I'm not even going to delve into that argument, only ask if wasn't a lot of that also purpura's responsibility?

[wrath_of_khan]

They're not talking about baseball at all on 610. They're just rambling on a lot of random comments... bonds, vick, funny emails. No true Astros insight.

Yeah, so no press conference. They'd be talking about it if it were going on, don't you think?

[RedRaiderRocket]

McHale-Look at his moves prior to this trade. Wasn't even talking about the KG deal. Two words: Joe Smith..

I personally don't remember a Joe Smith deal, know there was just don't remember players involved.


Thomas-Just because a GM tries to improve there team doesn't mean he is a good GM. Every GM tries to improve their team. Isiah has made some of the worst trades and free agent signings in recent NBA history. He can draft well, though.

I am not labeling Thomas a good GM far from it, I am suprised he lasted this long but their owner is a bigger moron than he is. His signings have been bad but he felt these were the moves that he needed, basically was trying to put a "fantasy team" instead of a real basketball team.

Look, Timmy P made a bad trade for Jennings, but at the time it didn't seem bad. Hirsch is not a very good pitcher and would have trouble in our rotation. Bucholz is a non-factor and was demoted early on. Losing Willy T hurt, but we needed a quality #2 over a lead off hitter with speed. Please show me your posts saying that Jennings was going to suck this year and I will consider this point of yours valid.

The only deal he made? Who signed Loretta and Lee? Who got rid of Ensberg? (Finally!) Look, he's made some bad moves (Woody Williams, letting Pettite go, etc..), but he is far from the worst GM in MLB, let alone in professional sports.

I did think the move for Jennings was a bad move and thought we should of rather signed Pettite because that basically meant the returning of Roger Clemens. As well as dealing 3 of our best prospects, for a one year run. But I guess in the end it turns out to be a good thing we didn't offer him an extension. That sad it is true I never thought Jennings would suck like he has this season. Not sure if I posted about it but that was the truth, I thought Willy Taveras was much more than a solid lead off hitter with speed, he is probably the 2nd best fielding CF with a strong arm that worked wonders with our hill and having Lee in left.

By deals I meant trades, Lee and Loretta turned to be good signings. I liked Loretta's versatility but thought we overspended for Lee, turns out I was wrong at that one, if Berkman was having just an average year for him, Lee would have been that much better.

Woody Williams I didn't mind the idea of bringing him in, but thought we offered him a ridiculous contract and way too many years. Pupura's reason for signing him because he always pitched good at our park, but one short detail he forgot to mention he was pitching against our offense. Maybe I went over the top in worst GM in all of sports, but by far worst GM in baseball. It is hard for me to say this about my team because I once was a bigger Astros fan than Rockets, and still to this day almost never miss a game. There was plenty of interest in Lamb, and Loretta, and we pretty much know that neither of them will be on our team next season, instead of getting something for them. He stands pat without even getting any prospects for them. The season has been over for us since the first month and a half. Though the idea of having the idea of Chris Burke being our opening day 2nd baseman gives me sick pain in my stomach.

[msn]

I admit I don't know much about basdeball drafts so I'm not even going to delve into that argument, only ask if wasn't a lot of that also purpura's responsibility?
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong:

My understanding of it is no, he wasn't responsible at all. As the director of player development, he was responsible for the development of whomever joined the organization (the farm system), but had no say in who came and went via trade, draft, Rule V, or minor league FA.

[rrj_gamz]

Splash!

Oh wait...

[Austin70]

Who excactly said that there as going to be a press conference?

[Fuzzy Zoeller]

I personally don't remember a Joe Smith deal, know there was just don't remember players involved.

Smith was a FA that McHale didn't have enough money under the cap to offer a competitive deal to. So he did some under-the-table deal that involved a tiny salary this year with a promise to pay him next year. The NBA found out and the Wolves were penalized by having their first round draft picks taken from them for a number of years.

[RedRaiderRocket]

Ah nice thanks for info.

[Major]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong:

My understanding of it is no, he wasn't responsible at all. As the director of player development, he was responsible for the development of whomever joined the organization (the farm system), but had no say in who came and went via trade, draft, Rule V, or minor league FA.

I think the flipside of this is that we don't know if the farm system sucks because scouting was bad or if the organization simply did a bad job developing what could have been good players.

[Cannonball]

Who excactly said that there as going to be a press conference?

There was a press conference. It was about the Ensberg deal.

[msn]

There was a press conference. It was about the Ensberg deal.
More like "kerplunk" instead of "splash".

[Austin70]

More like "kerplunk" instead of "splash".


More like "flush".

[Bobblehead]

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9716/draytonmoneyvg6.jpg

[Bobblehead]

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3695/draytonpuppetcopyxa3.jpg

[MadMax]

There was a press conference. It was about the Ensberg deal.

Actually, there wasn't a press conference at all. The reporter from 610 who was there said, "It's misleading to call this a press conference. They just told us they'd make themselves available to the media. So they opened up their offices...they didn't have the formal presentation of a press conference with an announcement made. They simply answered questions."

610 was the one that said, "Press conference at 4p.m.!!!" Not the Astros.

[WhoMikeJames]

Did we get anyone yet?

[msn]

More like "flush".
Heh--that sound usually comes immediately after the particular "kerplunk" I had in mind.

[rezdawg]

Im still mad about the mexican food comment Ensberg made...

Pappas + El Tiempo >>>>>> San Diego mexican food

[leroy420]

Did we get anyone yet?

It probably won't be until after the season is over...

[DaDakota]

Ensberg, quite a debut.

3-4 with 2 HRs.

I am beginning to think there is something wrong with the Astros clubhouse, where the joy of playing ball is just not there.

DD

[BMoney]

Ensberg, quite a debut.

3-4 with 2 HRs.

I am beginning to think there is something wrong with the Astros clubhouse, where the joy of playing ball is just not there.

DD


Oh, please. Morgan Ensberg got the bat off his shoulders. Is clubhouse joy going to do that, or him?

[AGBee]

Great game by Ensberg.

[Akhorahil]

lol Really think about this for a second guys. 4 RBI, 2 HR in an 11-0 rout. Off of a guy named Petit and Nipper. Let's worry about this later in the year.

Beyond that, way to go MO.

[Preston27]

Didn't hidalgo bust out due to fixing an easily correctable flaw? What was he like a week later?

[WhoMikeJames]

Well that sucks... Hope Wiggington has a huge game soon.

[MaxwellsTemper]

Good for Ensberg. He was nothing but class while he was here, there is no reason not to wish him luck. I hope he does well.

[WhoMikeJames]

Lucky Ensberg... Padres walked off tonight. You guys should of seen the expression of joy on his face.

[smeiou78]

Lucky Ensberg... Padres walked off tonight. You guys should of seen the expression of joy on his face.

Good thing I taped the game.