The Ticket here in Dallas is reporting that Beltran and the Royals couldn't reach an agreement on a contract extension. Of course, all Astro fans would love to get this guy. I'd offer Lane and any other high pitching/hitting prospects for him.
Since Hunsicker has announced that the Astros are trying to dump salary, I doubt we will get him unless we can figure out a way to dump Hidalgo or Wagner.
According to Jose Cruz, Jr., there was absolutely no contact by the Astros to his agent...I'd say that plus the comments about cutting payroll are both pretty good signs that Beltran won't be an Astro anytime soon.
Yeah, but Cruz, Jr.'s no Beltran. I don't think anything will happen either, but when does Doggy's contract end? I'm pretty sure that Beltran's got two more years on his current one.
Hidalgo is signed through 2004. I believe there is a big Astros option for 2005 that in no way will they pick up unless Hidalgo bounces back with 2 great seasons.
Actually 3 years of age (Cruz 29, Beltran 26) and 10 pts of career on-base % (Cruz .330, Beltran .341) are the only statistically significant differences between the 2. Both play very solid D, both have been very inconsistent over their careers (injury has played a role in this), and neither is a 1-2 hole hitter. Beltran is, of course, a better long-term investment (due to age) but it wouldn't surprise me if Cruz has equal or better years over the next 2-3, unless he has problems adjusting to the NL (which isn't as much of a problem as it used to be). FYI: Cruz's career stats: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?statsId=5786&context=batting and Beltran's: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?statsId=6132&context=batting FYI2: Beltran isn't eligible for FA until after the 2004 season http://royalszone.com/stories/010303/bas_royals.shtml FYI3: [from the above article] "General manager Allard Baird told The Star from Florida that he's not interested in trying to trade Beltran, and the young star says he doesn't expect to be sent elsewhere."
if you adhere to the notion that an athlete reaches his prime at 28, then cruz is past his while beltran is still two years away from his, making the age difference rather significant. also, iirc, beltran jumped from double AA to the majors, so he's actually "younger" in terms of experience. their numbers may be similiar this year, may be similiar again next year, too, but the odds of cruz getting better are less than remote while beltran still has a relatively high ceiling. in terms of investment, he's the much better option by leaps and bounds.
'stros take on salary? Sure. Right. Uh0uh, not gonna happen. Beltran has been available for months, since before Winter meetings.
Got me there ... and nothing else. The 4 and 5 starters are fearful, the 'pen is less than last season -- no help anywhere but Kent ... and so far this is still a defensively deficient group. Third, at best, in Central. I wish I were wrong.
Who has the bullpen lost besides Borbon (big deal) and Gordon (too injured)? Right now, the bullpen is essentially the same and they'll pick up a couple of guys better/more dependable than Gordon and Borbon before the season starts.
didn't mean to start a cruz v. beltran debate...that's really not the point at all..my point is they showed ZERO interest in Cruz...add that to the statements already made by management that they're cutting payroll, and it seems highly unlikely they'll even make a run at beltran.
The 4 and 5 starters are fearful? Are you on something? The 4 and 5 guys will likely be Saarloos (who showed flashes of brilliance last year) and Munro (who was more than adequate as a 5 starter). I hate to be the one to break it to you...but a 4 and 5 starter are marginal guys on EVERY MLB roster. The pen will be better because we have gotten rid of dead wood in Borbon and Gordon. We will be able to bring in young arms that can eat up innings in middle relief where we need it the most. The defense isn't as bad as you think. It isn't the best in the NL...but it isn't terrible. Bottom line...we will be in contention most of the season.
Refman I suspect that Moehler will be the 4th guy with an all out battletfor the 5th between Munro, Saarlos, Sanchez, Redding and Fernandez (Saarlos probably has the inside track going in to spring training). Personally I think Redding would be suited as the 7th inning guy and could become quite successful at it. He seems to be fine as a starter for a few innings and then all hell breaks loose. As a one or two inning reliever, it seems he could help the bullpen tremendously.
Since the thread has turned into a debate on the pitching state of the Astros, I bring you this scenario: Suppose Reynolds doesn't return to form. He was inconsistent before his injury. Can he bounce back to be a dependable starter we can count on? We have Oswalt and Miller and a lot of question marks. Unless Redding of Saarlos step up (Moehler is not the answer) this team is in serious trouble in the starting pitching department. Just my thoughts.
