so what happens when the Mets up THEIR offer after we increase our offer? it'll just be another n everending story until the winning bidder/franchise basically mortgages any financial stability they once had. i agree with you that the Astros were being foolish for not having a backup plan. If they had one, they could have used that as a bluff for Boras/Beltran (i.e. "if he dont' want to sign with us, fine. I have Delgado, Lowe, Ordonez on speed dial"). Play hardball. But expecting our owner to go the distance when the length of the distance is not even known is asking a bit much. We know McLane "lowballed" with the 70 mil offer. But how can that be a lowball offer when it's right in line with the likes of Pujols, Guerrero, etc? Okay he got a spectacular postseason on his resume. We bump up our deal. It finally reached the vicinity of 100-105 mil. We didn't even try to match or even beat the Mets' 112 offer. But what if we did? It's a lose-lose situation. We lose in that we caved in and offered to beat it (say 113 mil). But would have have guaranteed Beltran signing with us? Knowing how Minaya is running the Mets right now, they would have upped their offer. Then what? We basically keep countering until Boras gets what he wants. And what if we DO sign Beltran at an astronomical price? Like 120 mil? How much financial leeway do the Astros have in terms of filling other holes and resigning their own, LOYAL, players? Berkman and Oswalt still have contracts to think about. We still need pitching depth. McLane might have made a shrewd move by not beating the Mets offer but do you honestly think that Beltran is worth that kind of money? I dont' like it that we didn't go into battle with a contingency plan but there's no point in blaming the management now. We basically 'hit' on 2 Kings on a table of Blackjack. We could have doubled down, but the jackpot was too much so we gambled. Stupid but we gambled.
Buck, I appreciate what you're saying. But, the agent works for the athlete, not the other way around. Anything Boras did was because Carlos wanted it that way. This is all his choosing and so he is the one to blame. Boras is just doing his job -- he's a snake and he does it well. Carlos is the guy who could have been honest with the organization about his intentions. He could have respected the team that gave him the opportunity to shine in a contract year. He chose to be silent and let Boras do the dealing. We were used.
I'm pissed, but I'm not aware that CB has said anything as to his motives. And until he does, and since he repeatedly said that he dislikes the business side of baseball and will "leave that to my agent", I will not heap scorn on anyone. I will also not begrude anyone for seeking financial security for their entire extended, extended, grown up in tremendous poverty, famiily. Sucks, but I don't think CB called the shots here. I'd rather cheer for the guys wearing Astros uni's than boo anyone else, maybe that's just me.
well for whtas its worth i hope he chokes in ny like the yankees did against boston.go stros delgado and a pither to go.please.
I wonder how much Drayton would like a taste of his own medicine. Since I've lived in Houston for quite some time (certainly more than Beltran's 3 months), I'm going to offer the Astros 80% of the face value for season tickets. That seems about right. Hometown discount!
well yeah if it was $140 mill but screw that if we would have to offer him that thought espn just said it was $119 mill
Man, my hangover made me forget about this....until I logged onto my pc! Damn you Beltran! You are so being booed by me, and I might just do that monopoly money thing. Sounds perfect for him. Screw him for making us wait this long. Damnit. Now what.....we are screwed. Delgado?
Now...we have nothing. I wouldnt mind signing Magglio for a year, but Im not in the mood to deal with Boras again. I liked that rumor regarding Soriano. At least its some sort of a consolation prize. We have to do something though...this team is just not going to cut it.
with the current lineup....we have no RBI's. Berkman....injured right now, and Baggy. Pretty much no one else. Damnit, I wish we still had Kent. so this mean LANE is starting in the OF?
or we could (and probably are barring the outcoming of this offseason) be in a 3-4 year rebuilding process
C: Ausmus 1B: Bagwell 2B: Burke SS: Everett 3B: Ensberg OF: Berkman OF: Biggio OF: Lane Imagine that lineup with Berkman out...
