I'm going tonight. Baseball is still baseball. They are still playing to win and its still fun to go to the games.
I've heard the same and hope for the same. I know he's a Texas boy and will be looking to the Rangers and Astros as possibilities. That doesn't solve the leadoff problem, but at least there is more pop and better defense in the OF. I like Luke Scott, but Hunter is a definite upgrade.
Even at 64, or however old he is? (actually I don't know how old he is, so what I mean to say is...) Is Hunter starting to get old?
One of the things I've like from Cooper so far is that every time he mentions the problems with the Astros, he mentions pitching & defense just about right off the bat. They could do a lot worse than Pence batting leadoff, they could do a lot better in CF. If you can get a guy like Bourn, you can move Pence to his more natural 2/3 spot in the lineup; if you can get a guy like Hunter or Rowand, leave him at leadoff.
Offensively, I'm not sure. That's up for debate. From a defensive standpoint, though, I agree. That said, I don't want the Astros to go after Hunter or any center fielders. For one, I don't see it as a need -- Pence has been just fine out there defensively. Even Torii Hunter -- the elite CF on the market -- is about on par with Scott from an offensive standpoint, so it won't improve the lineup much, if any. Is getting better defense in center field really worth $15 million a season? I think this team will -- and should -- concentrate all its resources on starting pitching. That's where the real issue with this franchise is going forward. The lineup is fine, but if there are any positions subject to upgrade -- I'd put catcher and second base as higher priorities than the outfield. I just don't see how replacing Scott with a guy like Hunter is worth the enormous contract it would take, when there are tons of other glaring holes on this team (pitching) and it wouldn't really improve the lineup much, if at all.
Sorry for not starting an "Official" thread for the last 3 series. I was out of town and it has been a really busy time at work. i should have a thread up for the next set of games.
I used to think the offense was fine and it was all pitching problems as well. Then I noticed that San Diego has scored more runs than the Astros have this season. So yeah... we could use some more offense, for sure. They need to improve in general. I don't know if that's Torii Hunter or not. He would add defense and speed to this team. He's coming off probably his best season in his career. I can say I would want him on this team this season. I don't know about next season and the future. BTW Torii Hunter is 32 years old. So I think he's a little young to be getting old. You only think he is old because he made his first appearance in 1997, a the age of 22 and was a regular starter 2 years later at 24. Actually he was 23 when he became a regular starter. He turned 24 during the season.
I'm kind of ashamed with myself. I haven't watched a game in about 2 weeks. Watched some of our last series with the cubs. We aren't going anywhere this season...might as well ruin the cub's season. GO ASTROS!
The problems with offense are at second, catcher, short and to an extent third and first, with Berkman's underachieving. Pence's injury hurt the production in center for a bit. But by and large, with Lee, Pence and Scott, the Astros have offensively one of the most productive outfields in the game. It's outstanding. Unless something falls into their laps, I don't see OF as an area they'll spend many resources trying to improve. It simply doesn't make sense, considering how strong it already is and how weak several other areas are.
For such a dismal season, the Astros sure have had some very exciting games and wins this year. I dont think that they had a one exciting win in the entire 2006 season. Here is to ruining the Cubs playoff chances.
Didn't happen tonight. Rich hill pitched a great 7 innings. Had a chance in the 9th. Down 3-2, Lamb on 3rd and Bruntlett on 1st (pinch running after Palmiero walked) and only one out, Munson hit into a game ending double play. With the Brewers losing earlier today, the cubs move back into a tie. Even with the division sucking as bad as it does, it's going down to the very end.
And I know this... MAN. hehehe Anyone who actually watched this year knows this. But it doesn't end there. You forgot to mention lack of a leadoff hitter and the ability to execute with runners in scoring position. I don't care who you are, if the runner is on 3rd with less than 2 outs you should score a run. I feel ya though. It doesn't make too much sense to me either. That's why I'm so "shrugs" about this.
If Coop is back next season, Luke will have a lot more playing time. Coop said he thinks he should play every day. However, with Josh Anderson getting a few hits lately, he could take CF and Pence to RF, which would leave nothing for Luke.
Be reasonable. Josh Anderson had a OPS at Round Rock of .650, which is pitiful. A few hits in September aren't going to vault him past a major league hitter in the .870 range... no contest. Anderson might have a shot at a bench role next season if he continues to play well, but there's absolutely no shot of him getting past Luke Scott. Guys, the Astros' outfield is set. If you believe the team needs a leadoff hitter acquisition, it will/needs to come at 2B or SS. NOTE: The above is all said on the condition that Scott is still here. Simply put, he's had far, far too good of a season not to be a starter -- because he's a very good one. BUT, if you can deal Scott for a legit SP (not sure if that's possible) and then turnaround for the leadoff hitting, speedy CF... then it's a consideration. But Scott's not going to be a fourth OF for anyone.
I think we're looking at 2 entirely different players when I read what you say about Scott. And yeah, I'm aware of his OPS.
With the way Astros management works and Anderson now hitting .500, I am being very reasonable. The Astros not playing Scott the entire year and not giving Lamb his due is being unreasonable. I am being realistic. With the way fans are so fickle, they will make a case for Anderson.
