a note in the chronicle states that the astros could trade Elarton and Ward/Lane for astacio, who could be a major cog for the 'stros in the pennant race. hopefully we could trade lane instead of ward ------------------ What is the difference between Kelvin Cato and Macey Gray?? Macey has bigger hair
Drew: lane will probably be better than ward. He can hit for power, but he's supposed to have a quicker bat, which means a higher average. He also evidently has some fielding ability, in which Ward is sadly lacking . ------------------ Clutchcity.net... source for all your Rockets, Astros, political, music, humor, and Gordita news. [This message has been edited by haven (edited July 20, 2001).]
Astacio won't win us any championships. The guy is 6-11, and has consistenly underacheived. He's basically an Octavio Dotel with less upside. ------------------ "Oh No..." -Bill Walton in 97 just before Stockton's buzzer beater
up to now, I've been all for keeping ward throughout all of these proposed deals. but, at this point, I say trade ward, sign alou to keep bagwell happy [not to mention the fact that alou rocks], and then keep grooming lane as the 3rd outfielder of the future along with hidalgo and berkman. for that matter, just trade hidalgo. he is going to be one injury after another his whole career. ------------------ houston rockets = 2 utah jazz = 0
As a starter I believe he is an improvement in stuff at this point over either Elarton or using Milicki as a band-aid here and there. Key is, he is not a number 1 or 2 but a more consistent 4 or maybe 5 right now. Funny thing is, in the playoffs the rotations tighten up. I would assume the Astros rotation will be Oswalt, Reynolds, and Miller with a 4th starter as needed. Do you feel confident with Elie or Redding starting these games? Man, Astacio or Leiter would sure look good in the strecth run and playoff rotation. At what price becomes the key issue, but if it is Ward/prospect I say roll the dice. Look at the Cubs rotation for this series... Redding vs Lieber....Advantage Cubs (really no argument here) Milicki vs Tapani...Advantage Cubs Shane Reynolds vs Jason Beret...Advantage Cubs (once again Beret has had the better year and has been suprisingly solid) Roy Oswalt vs. Kerry Wood...pick em' (I think Roy is due for a bounce back and expect a good showing but Wood is tough on the stros) Now granted, Miller did not pitch in this series but the Astros rotation sure could use another frontline starter. Kinda worries me considering how good the Cubs pitching has been. Not to mention their pen which has been dominant. Kinda scares me. ------------------
Ward has a very quick bat. He and Alou were the only g uys who seemed able to catch up to Colon's fastball. I wouldn't even trade Elarton for Astacio. Throw in Ward or Lane ? No way. ------------------ "norm, would you like to buy an indian scalp ? This deal isn't gonna make or break me Norm, so don't jerk me around." Harry Carey "Norm, if I had a mohawk scalp, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you."
Let's consider... It seems that the sticking point for trading Ward is the issue of whether or not Alou will return next season. I dont think this is an issue unless you view Ward as an EVERYDAY outfielder. IMO if Alou does not return, a better option is to stick Hidalgo back in his natural position in right and shop for a true CENTER fielder. This plus the development of Lane as a possible 4th outfielder, and I don't see a spot for Daryle in the lineup. He seems much more suited for an AL team. As to Astacio, I would highly consider Elarton/Ward for him. Especially if you consider him to be the missing piece that puts you over the top. Ask the Mets, I am sure that they would tell you the Hampton trade was worth it, even though it cost the young talent, it put them in the series. Same with the Randy Deal for us. If he would have got us to the series it would have been a great deal. You can't guarantee that your young talent will every get you to that level. If the Astros seriously think they are a piece (in this case a quality starter) away, roll the dice. [This message has been edited by stringthing (edited July 20, 2001).]
But, Astacio's era is over 5. Is that all because of Coors ? ------------------ "norm, would you like to buy an indian scalp ? This deal isn't gonna make or break me Norm, so don't jerk me around." Harry Carey "Norm, if I had a mohawk scalp, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you."
