[sportsline.com] Astros have worst offseason in central

I think the biggest acquisition in the NL Central was the Cardinals acquiring Mark Mulder. He didn't have his greatist numbers last year. However, usually when an American League pitcher comes over to the NL he immediatly strives. That could give the Cards a great possibility having two 20 game winners.

 

Who's the second? If you're saying Carpenter, I really have to disagree with you. He has decent stuff... but I wouldn't even choose him right now over Wade Miller with a bum shoulder. He's just as unlikely to not finish the season healthy (hasn't done so in quite some time now), and he would show serious signs of fatigue from time to time last year (while the true aces like Clemens never ever seemed to have a bad game).

Mulder will be a difference-maker... if he's healthy (again, another big IF). He's a lot like Pettite... in fact, he's exactly like Pettite (except that he isn't as good in the big games).

 

The Cubs didn't gain financial flexibility because they're paying for most of Sosa's contract.

And if you count losing Alou and Clement as giving them financial flexibility, so do the Astros by losing Beltran and Kent.

The Cubs didn't have a better offseason than the Astros. Both teams became less talented, but will have money for FA next year or through mid-season trades.

 

When healthy, Carpenter hits 97 (consistently) on the gun. I hardly consider that decent. The guy cannot stay healthy though.

 

Have not heard anything....what are you hearing?

 

There was some jackass that called into both the morning and afternoon shows on 610 talking about this same thinga few days ago. (Sorry Mulletman if you're that guy ) . It ain't happening.

 

I actually don't disagree with this, although its hard to swallow...

This is classic: 6. Houston -- Only Frosty the Snowman (who melted, yet again) had a worse winter than the Astros.

We had the worst offseason because we didn't do jack...oh, besides the $18MM 1 year contract...