Astros Update: Bautista, Cruz Jr., Winn, Burnitz, Byrd, Estes

[NIKEstrad]

On Bautista, Cruz Jr., Winn, and Byrd (http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGBSYA1NT3E.html)

TAMPA - The Devil Rays' pursuit of free-agent outfielder Danny Bautista could be affected by the Astros' fail- ure to re-sign All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran.

Tampa Bay has a contract offer on the table for Bautista, who would come in as a temporary replacement for injured Rocco Baldelli, who is expected to miss at least the first two months of the season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

The offer to Bautista is believed to be similar to the contract signed last week by new Rays third baseman Alex Gonzalez (one year, $1.75 million).

The Astros also are believed to be interested in signing Bautista to add outfield depth. In addition to losing Beltran to the Mets, Houston will be without Lance Berkman (knee) until May at the earliest.

The Astros also reportedly have discussed trades involving Rays right fielder Jose Cruz Jr., Mariners (and former Rays) outfielder Randy Winn and Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd.

The Rays likely wouldn't part with Cruz (who is scheduled to make $4 million in 2005) for less than a starting outfielder (Houston's Jason Lane?) and a pitching prospect.

I probably wouldn't want to trade Lane for Cruz straight up, especially if we were footing the bill for Cruz. Much less throw in a prospect.

Bautista hit .286 with 11 HRs last year, probably his best season. Pretty lukewarm numbers imo. He'll be 33 when the season starts. He's listed as a RF; his SB numbers don't indicate him to have the speed to play CF.

Byrd is a 27 year old CFer coming off a horrible season. ..228 BA, 287 OBP. He hit .303 with a .366 OBP the year before. He's a pretty speedy defensive player if memory serves, but hasn't displayed much power in his career- 20 XBH in 346 ABs this past year. For comparison's sake, Adam Everett had 25 XBH in 384 ABs.

I won't go over Randy Winn- he's a speedy, leadoff CF type with serviceable power (14 HR this year).

On Jeromy Burnitz (and Estes (http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~96~2646335,00.html)

Houston, after losing outfielder Carlos Beltran, remains a slight favorite to land Burnitz, who has indicated he would like to play center field. Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and the Chicago Cubs also are interested.

"Best that I can tell you is that we should have something done by the end of the week," agent Howard Simon said of Burnitz, who hit 37 home runs last season.

Coors inflated or not, 37 HR, 110 RBI is rock solid. Very interesting that Burnitz wants to play CF- he's been a corner OF most of his career, and has a pretty good arm. The article mentions Estes, a rumored Astros target, signed for one year, 2.5 mill.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by NIKEstrad
[ Houston, after losing outfielder Carlos Beltran, remains a slight favorite to land Burnitz, [b]who has indicated he would like to play center field

so would i

This is some Plan B we had!

Marlon Byrd can't hit his weight. Estes is a disaster. Burnitz couldn't negotiate a speed bump...let alone Tal's Hill.

[SamCassell]

Originally posted by NIKEstrad
Coors inflated or not, 37 HR, 110 RBI is rock solid. Very interesting that Burnitz wants to play CF- he's been a corner OF most of his career, and has a pretty good arm. The article mentions Estes, a rumored Astros target, signed for one year, 2.5 mill.
No, its not. .244, 14, 42 are his road numbers, and he strikes out alot. He's also 35. He actually split time between LF and CF last year in Coors, and did OK in center. But the Rockies declining a 3m option on him means that they, evidently, aren't fooled by the 37 Coors-assisted homers into believing he's a good everyday player.

[rrj_gamz]

In other words, we're screwed...To think after rehab Berkman will be 100%...give me a break...It'll take time for him to get back to his form...

It's going to be a long season...:(

[Phillyrocket]

What a said list.... and just say no to Marlon Byrd!!!!

[leroy420]

Out of all of them, I would take a chance on either Burnitz or Bautista. Bautista can hit for average and is a good defender. He has had some injury problems over the years and has yet to really play a full season. He would be good off the bench once Berkman is ready. I liken him to a better version of Orlando Palmeiro.

Burnitz is a local guy (Conroe) and would also be a good addition. He would be a good power hitter. He strikes out a lot and his numbers from last year were definitely Coors Field inflated. That said, he wants to play center and would add some depth. If it means keeping Palmeiro out of the lineup, then I'm all for it.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by SamCassell
No, its not. .244, 14, 42 are his road numbers, and he strikes out alot. He's also 35. He actually split time between LF and CF last year in Coors, and did OK in center. But the Rockies declining a 3m option on him means that they, evidently, aren't fooled by the 37 Coors-assisted homers into believing he's a good everyday player.

BTW, it was a mutual option and the Rockies said all along that they were going with a youth movement.

[Austin70]

And wasn't Estes the one that stole that police bicycle a few years ago?

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by leroy420
I liken him to a better version of Orlando Palmeiro.

.


Oooh...pinch me...i must be dreaming. There's a one way ticket to the playoffs

Burnitz is a local guy (Conroe) and would also be a good addition. He would be a good power hitter. He strikes out a lot and his numbers from last year were definitely Coors Field inflated. That said, he wants to play center and would add some depth. If it means keeping Palmeiro out of the lineup, then I'm all for it

If we were fielding a mens slow pitch softball team, I'd agree. He could then go to Little Woodrow's after the games and brag how he hit three homeruns and threw 2 guys out against Consolidated Plumbers.:rolleyes:

[leroy420]

Originally posted by NJRocket
Oooh...pinch me...i must be dreaming. There's a one way ticket to the playoffs



If we were fielding a mens slow pitch softball team, I'd agree. He could then go to Little Woodrow's after the games and brag how he hit three homeruns and threw 2 guys out against Consolidated Plumbers.:rolleyes:

Are you now just being a jackass because I disagree with you?

The Astros didn't get Beltran. Get over it and move on. If you are so pissed about it, go become a Mets fan.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by leroy420
Are you now just being a jackass because I disagree with you?

The Astros didn't get Beltran. Get over it and move on. If you are so pissed about it, go become a Mets fan.


pipe down leo...if you don;t like my opinions, then place me on ignore....and if you are going to be sensitive to anyone who responds to your post, try the bbs for peace and tranquility

[NIKEstrad]

Originally posted by SamCassell
No, its not. .244, 14, 42 are his road numbers, and he strikes out alot. He's also 35. He actually split time between LF and CF last year in Coors, and did OK in center. But the Rockies declining a 3m option on him means that they, evidently, aren't fooled by the 37 Coors-assisted homers into believing he's a good everyday player.

It's not like Burnitz came out of nowhere- he's always been a fine power hitter. He has hit 30+ HR for 6 out of the last 7 years.

For grins and giggles-

In 78 road games, Burnitz hit .244, 13 HR, 42 RBI in 270 AB with an OBP of .327, a SLG of .448, 67 Ks.

In 78 home games (KC+Houston), Beltran hit .225, 15 HR, 41 RBI in 284 AB with an OBP of .315, a SLG of .458, 49 Ks.

I'm not trying to say Burnitz is anywhere near Beltran's equal, just that as bad as Burnitz was on the road, Beltran was his equal at home- and most people here wouldn't have blinked at paying Carlos 15+ mill a year.

He's not Beltran, but if we can get Burnitz for one year, 2.5 mill or so as the stop gap until Taveras can take over, what does it hurt? You'd rather get Danny Bautista for 1.75 mill like the D-Rays are talking?

[SamCassell]

Originally posted by NIKEstrad
I'm not trying to say Burnitz is anywhere near Beltran's equal, just that as bad as Burnitz was on the road, Beltran was his equal at home- and most people here wouldn't have blinked at paying Carlos 15+ mill a year.
The difference being, of course, that the Coors Field effect is a documented phenomenon that affects pretty much any player with some power who plays there, and what you're talking about with Beltran isn't. Numbers in Denver just aren't the same, period, as they are at ground level.

He's not Beltran, but if we can get Burnitz for one year, 2.5 mill or so as the stop gap until Taveras can take over, what does it hurt? You'd rather get Danny Bautista for 1.75 mill like the D-Rays are talking?
Bautista sucks. Burnitz is just below average. It's like making me decide between George W. Bush and John Kerry for president - I don't really like either choice. Forced to decide, I'd pick Burnitz, but only because I shudder thinking about Orlando Palmeiro as a starter. I think Burnitz could hit .250, 30, 100 given a full-time gig in Houston, which at least looks good on paper.

[rezdawg]

Just go get Soriano and Winn. Thats doable.

Lets not waste our times with these other players.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by rezdawg
Just go get Soriano and Winn. Thats doable.

Lets not waste our times with these other players.

I'd like that.

[NewRoxFan]

I too shudder about Palmeiro as a starting OFer. if the 'stros don't pick up a regular outfielder to replace Beltran i would rather see Taveras in CF. After all, if Taveras isn't ready to hit this year, starting Orlando would mean Taveras would be called on a lot to PH (after Lamb or Enserg?), no? That would seem as bad for his development as throwing him out there...

[NIKEstrad]

SC- I think .250, 30, 100 would be fair, and hold out hope that maybe Burnitz hits closer to .270. If you can get that production out of a 1 year, 2.5 mill deal, I don't see why you wouldn't. That's a fairly ideal stop gap before Taveras is handed the keys to CF.

rez- How? The asking price for Soriano is Backe and Burke. Our pitching is pretty sparse as it is. You don't want Hernandez, Redding, Duckworth to be our 3, 4, 5 do you? As for Winn, I have no idea what Seattle would want for him. Most likely a good pitching prospect, like Buchholz.

[meh]

Not that I really care for the Astros to get Burnitz, but studies have shown that road numbers for Rockies players are generally deflated compared to a hitter's ability. Coors field really messes up a player's hitting because of the huge contrast between the way the ball travel at home and away.

I think Burnitz is good enough for .270 BA and maybe 20-30 HRs(depending on how well he uses MMP). And probably worth a decent one year deal. For 2006, we need to take stock of Lane's ability and Taveras' development before making any major decisons regarding the outfield.

[RocketFan007]

Estes is off to Arizona, so you can take him off the list.

I'd give Burnitz a one year deal, as NIKEstrad said, even if he hits like he did away from Coors this season, you've still got .250 25 homers and 90 RBI. I'd say those numbers are good enough for a one year deal.

[right1]

Should we go after Sosa? He had a falling out with Chicago... so what? He does a lot for the community and adds excitement, corked bat or not. What if he put up .300 45 HR 120 RBI for the 'Stros? It would be classic if we beat out the Cubs and Mets and went to the World Series with Sosa in an Astros uniform.

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by NIKEstrad
rez- How? The asking price for Soriano is Backe and Burke. Our pitching is pretty sparse as it is. You don't want Hernandez, Redding, Duckworth to be our 3, 4, 5 do you? As for Winn, I have no idea what Seattle would want for him. Most likely a good pitching prospect, like Buchholz.

I dont think its been stated what the asking price for Soriano is. At this point, its all speculation. I could be completely wrong. In any case, Purpura has mentioned that we have a lot of pitching prospects that teams are interested in. He didnt mention names, but he did say that we are deep in that position.

If it takes Burke and some random prospect for Soriano, I do the deal in a heartbeat. If Backe has to be included, then scratch it. I think Texas is more interested in reducing payroll by getting rid of Soriano, so their asking price may not be equivalent to Soriano's actual worth.

As far as Winn is concerned, I dont think it would take much to get him.

Everything is speculation at this point, however, I think it is quite feasible to end up with both Soriano and Winn, without depleting our whole minor league system.

[RocketFan007]

Rangers won't trade Soriano unless they are "overwhelmed." No thanks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1942979

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
Rangers won't trade Soriano unless they are "overwhelmed." No thanks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1942979

nice plan B drayton...nice plan B:mad:

[RocketFan007]

originally posted by NJRocket
nice plan B drayton...nice plan B

You have no idea what the Astros management have planned yet you continue to post the same thing over and over again. It's really starting to get old.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
You have no idea what the Astros management have planned yet you continue to post the same thing over and over again. It's really starting to get old.

give me a morsel of a reason why i should think they are doing nothing but sitting around with their collective thumbs up their asses saying to themsleves "what now?"

[RocketFan007]

originally posted by NJRocket
give me a morsel of a reason why i should think they are doing nothing but sitting around with their collective thumbs up their asses saying to themsleves "what now?"

Give me a reason why you think they're sitting around doing nothing. You've given them about 48 hours to make a move after they lost out on Beltran. I'd actually be a little worried if they had already done something. I'd rather them sit back and make sure the next move is the RIGHT move. We're not probably not going to contend this season, so there's no need to mortage our future just to make a move. We all know how you feel on the issue, there's no reason to repeat it everytime a little news breaks.

[ArtV]

How well could Delgado play the OF? He couldn't be worse than Biggio (no offense Craig)...

[NIKEstrad]

Originally posted by NJRocket
nice plan B drayton...nice plan B:mad:

You did see that the article was from December 7, no?

Art- The answer is not really. He's a big time free agent, and he's going to be a 1B or DH. Delgado actually came through the minors as a catcher, and also spent some time in the OF his first couple years- a total of 58 games there. He hasn't played the OF in 10 years, and at 32 is much more of a lumbering slugger- he hasn't stolen a base in 3 years.

[NJRocket]

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/news/hou_news.jsp?ymd=20050110&content_id=929525&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp (http://http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/news/hou_news.jsp?ymd=20050110&content_id=929525&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp)

HOUSTON -- During the Winter Meetings, the Astros and Rangers had a brief meeting regarding a possible trade involving Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano. The Astros asked to table the conversations until after the Carlos Beltran saga ended. Now that Beltran has gone elsewhere, it appears the Soriano talks may resume.
According to a Fort Worth Star-Telegram report, the Rangers may be willing to part with Soriano for starting pitcher Brandon Backe. But the Astros are not likely to trade the right-hander, considering Roger Clemens may decide to retire.

Astros second-base prospect Chris Burke might not be off-limits, and the Astros also have a number of pitching prospects who could factor into a trade.

The question is, with so many holes in the outfield, do the Astros need a second baseman? Burke, a former No. 1 draft pick, was set to compete for the the starting job this spring, and the Astros also have second-baseman-turned-outfielder Craig Biggio available.


But Soriano, who hit 280 with 32 doubles, 28 homers and 91 RBIs over 145 games for the Rangers last year, could provide a healthy bat in the meat of the lineup, something the Astros are in dire need of after losing Jeff Kent and Beltran this winter. The 29-year-old Soriano has said publicly in the past that he does not want to play in the outfield.

While the Astros were highly disappointed after the Beltran negotiations fell through, general manager Tim Purpura, who declined to comment on the club's interest in Soriano, was optimistic about the tremendous payroll flexibility the Astros now have. Even factoring in the large sums that are about to heaped upon Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt -- and, possibly, Clemens -- the Astros still have money to spend.

"In terms of who's out there right now via trade or free agency, we'll have to see what works for us right now," Purpura said. "If there's not anyone, Spring Training will always bring opportunities. And even if we go into the season without a huge move, (owner) Drayton (McLane) has said, 'Come June or July, if we're competitive, we've got great capacity to add.' "

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by NJRocket
[ "In terms of who's out there right now via trade or free agency, we'll have to see what works for us right now," Purpura said. "If there's not anyone, Spring Training will always bring opportunities. And even if we go into the season without a huge move, (owner) Drayton (McLane) has said, 'Come June or July, if we're competitive, we've got great capacity to add.' "

Some plan B

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by NJRocket
[ Drayton (McLane) has said, 'Come June or July, if we're competitive, we've got great capacity to add.' "

Well, I guess we wont have to worry about that...but thanks for offering.

[rezdawg]

NJ, you're cracking me up dude.

I still dont agree with you about this though. ;)

[Austin70]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
Rangers won't trade Soriano unless they are "overwhelmed." No thanks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1942979

That artical is Dec 9th, I think they have changed their mind a bit.

[RocketFan007]

NJRocket, what would you like the Astros to do? As I said earlier, we're not likely to contend this season, and I don't think there is a deal out there that will make us a contender. So this is the perfect oppurtunity to see what guys like Burke and Lane can do, and see if they're players.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
NJRocket, what would you like the Astros to do? As I said earlier, we're not likely to contend this season, and I don't think there is a deal out there that will make a contender. So this is the perfect oppurtunity to see what guys like Burke and Lane can do, and see if they're players.

Good question....I really don't know. I know what i wanted them to do last week...but that's irrelevant now. I have been a die hard fan since 1978 when I was 9 years old. I still have an Enos Cabell foul ball that I got at the dome. When I moved to NJ, I lived for the day that Directv came out with MLB extra innings so I could watch games again on a regular basis. I bought season tickets 2 years ago even though it cost extra money and although I didnt go to many games while I still lived in NJ, i was ok with it because if I ever moved back, I'd have them.

Now I have them and I got to taste baseball in Houston in October. I've been a loyal fan and I guess I want a little loylty back. I want the team fixed....and I want it fixed now. The sun will come up tomorrow with or without Beltran...and yes there are plenty of unfortunate events going on right now in the world that make Beltrangate look like a pimple on a bulls ass...but as a die hard fan for 20 friggin years, I want to compete like we did last year...and maybe see us play in and win the World Series....even if it costs extra money

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by rezdawg
NJ, you're cracking me up dude.

I still dont agree with you about this though. ;)

its all good

[bigboymumu]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
So this is the perfect oppurtunity to see what guys like Burke and Lane can do, and see if they're players.

I think that has always been Drayton's intention. I've been on record stating that we should of passed on Beltran. I have always thought that we were going to either pay too much for Beltran or Beltran would sign elsewhere without us being able to sign any other premier FA. We should of signed him earlier or we should of walked! Drayton knew what he was doing.

[RocketFan007]

originally posted by NJRocket
I want to compete like we did last year...and maybe see us play in and win the World Series....even if it costs extra money

I'm right there with you, but as I said is there a move out there right now that will put us at that level again? I don't think so. And as much as I want to compete now, it's not worth mortaging the future in hopes of one last run.

[Xenon]

Ok you guys are going to think I'm crazy, but how about signing Rickey Henderson to a 1 yr contract? Believe it or not the guy stole 37 bases in the minors last season. I know his major league average the last few seasons has been terrible, but look at his OBP. We are so desperate for outfielders we are looking to trade real prospects for scrubs like Cruz Jr. and Winn. Why not just sign Rickey for a mil and half and see if he can still walk his way to first base. I know its crazy, but think about it. There is not much to lose here. 80 yr old Henderson>Palmeiro

Oh yeah stats here. (http://www.sports-wired.com/profiles/HE/tbc987.asp)

Even with a .220-.230 Ba he can still maintain a .360 obp. This is better than Biggio. Also when considering his .208 ba with LA in 2003, remember that LA had a horrendous offense that season with no protection anywhere in the lineup.

[JPM0016]

Heard on 610 that the Astros have invited Turk Wendell to spring training

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by JPM0016
Heard on 610 that the Astros have invited Turk Wendell to spring training

to pitch?

[leroy420]

Originally posted by JPM0016
Heard on 610 that the Astros have invited Turk Wendell to spring training

:rolleyes:

[leroy420]

Originally posted by Xenon
Ok you guys are going to think I'm crazy, but how about signing Rickey Henderson to a 1 yr contract? Believe it or not the guy stole 37 bases in the minors last season. I know his major league average the last few seasons has been terrible, but look at his OBP. We are so desperate for outfielders we are looking to trade real prospects for scrubs like Cruz Jr. and Winn. Why not just sign Rickey for a mil and half and see if he can still walk his way to first base. I know its crazy, but think about it. There is not much to lose here. 80 yr old Henderson>Palmeiro

Oh yeah stats here. (http://www.sports-wired.com/profiles/HE/tbc987.asp)

Even with a .220-.230 Ba he can still maintain a .360 obp. This is better than Biggio. Also when considering his .208 ba with LA in 2003, remember that LA had a horrendous offense that season with no protection anywhere in the lineup.

Yes, I do think you are crazy. RickybeRicky is not someone that would be of any help to the Astros. He stole 37 bases in an independent league, not the minors. Daryl Ward could steal 20 bases in that league. Yes, there is a huge difference.