[Clemens on ESPN radio] Odds of returning next year not good

I'd love Pavano, but he's going to cost some big bucks, and I have a feeling he'll likely be wearing pinstripes next season.

 

Damn...

The Astros aren't going to go after a top notch pitcher like Pavano or Sheets regardless of Roger Clemens status. Its most likely going to be Carlos Beltran or bust.

 

I would have to agree with this assesment. Building around Beltran is a much better option for the Astros. Clemens is more than likely going to go out on top.

 

If it isn't Beltran, it they should go hard after Jason Varitek. He calls good games, is good defensively, and is a good hitter.

Ben Sheets is under club control, making $2,425,000
right now. The Brewers aren't going to give him up for anything. They might be close to a .500 team next season.

Pavano will be a Yankee. George will over pay.

If Clemens isn't back (which I believe he won't be), IMO, the rotation will look something like this...

Oswalt
Pettitte
Miller
Backe
one of Buckholz, DJ Houlton(12-5 2.94 era 159 K/47 bb in 159 innings for AA Round Rock) , or Carlos Hernandez. There is a chance for a free agent, but it will be to fill this spot exclusively.

 

what do you guys think of possibly signing mike lowell?

he is gonna be waived by the florida marlins because of financial constraints. he is a gold glove 3rd baseman and has very good power. I think we can keep lamb for bench and trade ensberg/redding for some relief help.

maybe 2 years 16 mil. ? something similar to kent's contract.

 

I really hope Clemens comes back.

Hopefully he will get away and relax for a few months, and start burning about game 7.

The big man has unfinished business.

 

If he was on the staff he'd sign a contract within the first month to get back in the game.

I think he comes back.

 

Certainly wouldn't be a terrible idea. I like Lowell. He won't be back in Fla. I believe his contract can be torn up if a new stadium deal isn't in the works. It still isn't.

 

He wants to spend more time with his family, and being on the staff does not accomplish that at all.

He has a sweetheart deal that allows him to skip road trips that he is not pitching on, and to only show up the day before he pitches.

That is the only way he comes back, with the same deal.

DD

 

If you want to give out 8 mil a year to a 3B why not go after Aramis Ramirez. He is a F.A. also. He strikes out alot but his defense has improved and he can hit you 35 bombs.

 

I don't have a problem with that.

 

I don't see why anyone would.

People talk about it like it's some huge concession.

If he's not going to pitch, he doesn't need to be there.

 

It sets a precendent. I'm willing to look over that though for one of the best pitchers in the game.

Where this discussion gets fun is when you think about what happens in a couple of years when Oswalt wants the same concession.

 

Sure, when he hits 40 years of age; and has won 6 going on 7 Cy Youngs i don't see why not.

 

no its okay, no ex-cubbies for me. They learned how to professionally whine there and we don't need that in the clubhouse. Plus Lowell's glove is helluva a lot better than Ramirez. Ramirez's Long ball is better but not by much. Lowell is 30 so he has 2-3 years of really good ball left in him.

 

Lowell is only 30? I was thinking he was like 35 or something. I guess he would be a good fit if he decided to come here.