Just a note: ESPN writers think that Robertson will be the No. 5 pitcher. http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=542 Above is the link where you can vote on which team you believe has the best starting rotation. As for the Robertson/Redding debate, I just want to clarify something. I do not believe that Robertson necessarily is a better pitcher than Redding. I think that they are both great, but the ol' ticker in my head best remembers that he simply won more games last season. The sweet spot is that either of these guys is our No. 5. On a more reality-based plane of existence, Jimy is probably going to play with the lineup, having both of them start on occasion.
They don't need to improve their starting lineup. They finished 4th in the league in runs last year, behind the Atlanta juggernaut, St. Louis, and of course the Coors field aided Rockies. And this is factoring in Kent missed time, as did Hidalgo, Berkman had a subpar year for most of the season by his standards, and Jimy Williams sat Morgan Ensberg on the bench quite a bit the second half of the season. Also, the pitching staff allowed the 3rd fewest runs in the National League, without getting typical production from Miller and Oswalt and having Ron Villone and Jeriome Robertson in the rotation. You don't think a healthy Oswalt, and replacing Villone and Robertson with Pettitte and Clemens will improve the staff? I do. I'll be honest, if houston plays up to its abilities, and stays healthy, they are the favorites in the NL as of right now, and yes things can change depending how free agency winds up. Finally on this myth of choking, only one time did the astros have the better team than their opponent, and that was in 98 against the Padres. Atlanta always had better pitching, and the offense at that time was not nearly as complete as it is now. I want to see how they do now that in my opinion, they have a team that can get to the World Series, and stands a great chance at winning a postseason series for the first time in franchise history.
I agree. I think Ausmus definitely has helped our young pitching staff the past couple of years. He's a great great catcher (not the offensive juggernaut as some of the all-stars but nonetheless he's instrumental to the Astros). With a couple of great veteran pitching and Ausmus behind the plate, watch out. This could be a very exciting pitching staff if everyone remains healthy. I also hope all the Astros games sells out or at least does better than the current downward spiral. We need some fans back in the stands!!! Time to get excited about Houston sports again.
Yeah. We are loaded. We have three MVP Candidates (Bagwell, Kent, Berkman) We have Three Cy Young Candidates (Pettite, Clemens, Oswalt,) We have two gold glove candidates up the middle(Hildago, Ausmus) We have firmeman of the year candidate (Dotel) We have Power All we need is some speed....
I cannot believe he signed for only $5 million. He will sell out 20 games this year by himself not to mention apparel sales of Clemens shirts and the like. He must have been promised a deal like Ryan had with the Rangers. As far as the back burners comment, I wonder Derek and Bennie and all the other role players who played for the Yankees over the last 10 years feel like back burner guys when they look at their rings. They all benefitted from the best pitching that money could buy.
the press conference is on right now watch it online live http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=hou
Yea, I think you are right. It sucked that the A-Rod trade didn't go through but I was glad that Lucchino didn't give in to Hicks' idiotic demand of Boston paying for Manny's contract like at 5 million a year (Hicks showed that he is a major dumbass). Nonetheless, I'll keep my fingers crossed that they can re-sign Nomar or find someone to take his place for the 2005 season. BTW - congratulations on this. I am not a Clemens fan but him doing this almost makes me forgive him for his Yankee actions. Besides, you got to love the guy when he inspires drivel like this: Roger Clemens should be barred from the HoF Frauds need not apply By Jim Frasch NYYFans.com Staff Writer January 12, 2004 Looks like NY was just another stop on the Rocket trip to fraudville for Roger Clemens. ESPN is reporting that Roger will be announcing an agreement to play for the Houston Astros in 2004. Being elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame is based upon the following: "Voting shall be based upon the player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played." As seen in Boston and NY, Roger lacks both character and integrity. If Charlie Hustle isn't in the Hall, neither should Roger...if he ever retires.
Nah... ESPN went live for Pettite as well. There's nothing better to do at 2pm on a weekday (besides the endless SC reruns). Watching Gerry try to crack jokes, w/out being able to hear the audience's reaction, is a bit grating... he does seem ever-so-giddy though. I bet HE'S glad he didn't take the Mets job.
