We probably need at least 2 starters during the offseason even if we are able to resign Randy Wolf. I only feel comfortable with Oswalt, Wandy, & Wolf from last years rotation. Moehler has been good this year, but we can't count on him to do it twice in a row. Backe can't stay healthy and I think he needs to be moved to the bullpen. Sampson has had moderate success at times, but is unreliable. Nieve & Paulino have shown nothing that makes me think he is even a major league pitcher. The Astros really could use to get CC Sabathia, but he will command a huge contract and the Astros probably will balk at spending that kind of money. Even though we came close this year to making the playoffs, I think we should rebuild still. Lee, Berkman, Tejada & Oswalt make an awful lot of money between them.
Who's realistically available? CC probably going to NY/Boston, is Sheets actually gettable? I know they're going to try to retain Wolf and if he performs next year like he has this year I wouldn't mind keeping him over Backe (gags).
I didnt even think about catcher... but hopefully Towles can turn it around this year or hopefully the catcher we drafted in the first round can be a good contributor when he plays in the bigs... hopefully he'll be ready soon
Which is normally when your starting pitching starts coming into form, and carries the team. If Ed Wade can't acquire/develop/upgrade the starting rotation... we need to get a GM that can. I don't care if there's not much available out there... they can't go into this season standing pat as they did last year with the mantra of "I think this rotation will suprise some people" as Wade said after spring training.