Offense isn't the problem for this team right now, and it especially won't be when they replace Biggio and Ausmus with (hopefully) league average caliber players. That lineup is more than adequate; imo, the resources need to be spent on the rotation.
If Burke is the starting second baseman next year, that will indicate at least in part a desire by the Astros to give him a shot in the role he's considered most suited for - i.e. playing second and leading off. That eliminates the search for a speedy leadoff-type outfielder. That means the only reason to go after an outfielder would be to improve upon Luke Scott - who seems to have proven that he can hit at least as well as a league-average corner OF. If you then buy that Ty Wigginton was acquired to stabilize third base, and bearing in mind that the organization ain't moving Adam Everett, the only position that they could in their wildest dreams think of signing a free agent for is catcher. Eric Munson doesn't even have to hit as well as he has this year to be league-average offensively there, although he's less "proven" than Scott is. So yeah - if Burke is going to start at second next year, I think the pitching staff and mayyyyyyyybe catcher are the only positions they'll look to upgrade via free agency. If they indicate that they don't think Burke is capable of starting (and assuming Wigginton isn't moved over to second) - that sort of opens the tricklegates, since then they could go after their speedy leadoff outfielder (replacing Scott) AND a second baseman who can hit somewhere in the middle of the order. Either way, here's hoping we see a much more stable lineup next year.
