I know this is my second post in as many minutes, but I was wondering if anyone knew anything about how Lane was going to be used in this next season. I remember hearing a lot about him, and his potential, and I didn't really think he had the at-bats to get comfortable with the majors.
The major league at bats Lane had last year were very promising. I wouldn't be surprised to see both Ward and Hidalgo dealt to open a starting spot for Lane.
ward's trade value is next to nothing... and hidalgo? geez, who would take hidalgo??? even before he was shot, he was way overpaid...until he plays awhile no GM in his right mind is going to take a chance on him at that kind of salary with health uncertainties. i'm afraid we're stuck with him.
I could see an American League team or an NL team with no 1B taking a chance on Ward. Agreed about Hidalgo though. Time to start thinking positive and hope that he returns to his 2000 form next year.
Ward is tradable, but worth a lot more if he proves something. Doggy is a dog on the trade boards. Ward will be given away for a sore limbed lefty set up guy -- and we'll be crying about it all summer. Lots of summers. (Think Brian Giles or Sean Casey, only less so...)
Ward belongs in the American League. He doesn't have any fielding skills, and would be better fit as a DH. Although his trade value is down significantly, the Astros can still get something for him. Plus I think its only right that the Astros try to find Ward somewhere to play (much like the Rockets did with Matt Bullard after acquiring Glen Rice). As for Hidalgo he would be traded for a player with high expectations but was a letdown (Much like Lima for Mlicki, one team's problem for another). I would rather see Biggio in LF, with Berkman in RF, and hopefully a leadoff and adequately defensive CF. I think with the addition of Jeff Kent, the Astros are going to make a move to lessen the blow of the escalating team payroll.
One thing about Ward is that he's still relatively cheap at $375K. He swings a decent bat, but he's slow, and isn't very good defensively -- a glaring problem since he was moved into the starting role. If we could trade him for something better -- great! But what's wrong with moving him back to the role of pinch hitter and backup outfielder? He excelled in that role -- enough that people on this board were begging for him to get a starting spot. He got his shot, and didn't fit well in a starting role. But, there's nothing to say he couldn't put in one good at bat a game, and rotate in for the occasional outfield relief. It's great to have stars, but having good role players, like relief pitchers, pinch hitters, and utility infielders, are often what makes the difference. Like I said, he's cheap, and can be an asset to the team -- just not as an everyday outfielder.
Well, it's great to know that there will be a more promising and prominent outfielding rotation than pitching rotation. Hope for the best.
Aw guys, give Ward a break, ONE full season he's been playing one full season where he's had a starting position. ALthough he was subpar, I have a feeling he will pick up.
Lane will be in AAA. Without any majors trades or injuries, he'll probably spend the entire year there. Scouts feel he needs more time to work on hitting breaking balls. Lane does not have the potential that Ward does and may never get a real shot with Houston.
I'd like to say you're right, but I just can't. Mark my words...Daryle Ward will be the next Charlie Kerfeld...that's right...he's going to eat himself out of baseball.
Not really, RIET, lane went to college first where he was teammates with zito at USC. Barry thinks highly of him btw. And ensberg was on those teams. Greg, there is no chance of lane spending all next year in triple A, none, he did fine there, and did reasonably well after his 2nd callup. Maybe for a month or two, but not for the full season.
I'm sorry what I wrote wasn't very clear. I'm not implying he needs that much time to work on hitting breaking balls. He needs to spend some time in Nawlins but with the glut of OFs in Houston, he'll probably spend the entire season there. If only he had the arm to play RF.....
Another of his teammates at USC was Morgan Ensberg, who looks to be a lock to make the big club. Hopefully this team will see a monumentous battle for playing time at 3B between Morgan and Geoff, i.e. not of the Taylor/Thomas/Griffin variety. And yes, 27 is old to be a rookie, college or not.
All I was getting at age wise is in baseball a lot of really good players have been older than one would think, if they go to 4 years of college like jason. I really dont think Hun will have all these guys on the club by the start of the season anyway.
