Astros trade Powell

I never said they made a competitive offer to Hampton. I don't know what (if any) offer was made to Hampton after he became a free agent. I DO know that Hampton took the most money offered and gave the infamous quote "It's not about the money".

By the way, why do you say Hampton "wanted" to stay in Houston? In is generally accepted that he did not like Dierker.

Everett is a head case and was traded. Granted, they may have been able to make a better trade, but the Astros certainly have not missed him in the outfield. If Everett were still on the team, Berkman may not be.

Don't count Alou out yet. With his recent history of injuries it is wise to wait to see if he can last the entrie season before offering him a big deal. Unless they completely fall out of the race in the next month, I believe that a healthy Alou will be resigned to a 2 or 3 year deal.



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bobrek:

Hampton indicated himself that he would have liked to return to Houston. I don't know if he had a conflict with Dierker; but he said he would have accepted an offer from Houston if it had been in the range of the Rockies offer.

Bagwell also mentioned something to this effect. I believe Bagwell has also mentioned his dislike for Dierker; but both were willing to return. McLane was just too cheap to keep Hampton.

Everett... was a headcase, but was also Houston's best hitter that year. For the price they got for him, they might as well have just kept him the extra year. But perhaps you're right about resigning him.

Intend to resign Alou? Come on... the guy has practically been begging for a new contract. The Astros have been completely silent. It hasn't been "well, if he stays healthy..." They're just not interested. I don't doubt that McClane will put up some insultingly small offer whenever Alou is looking at teams, but it's not going to be competitive.

At the very least, the Astros salary cutting immediately after Enron opened was *highly* suspicious. McClane has done nothing since then to contradict my belief that he's a cheapskate. The only big contracts he's given out: Bagwell and Biggio... and not resigning them would have alienated fans past endurance.

Here's hoping that Berkman manages to endear himself with Houston enough to force the Astros to offer him a fat contract.
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[This message has been edited by haven (edited July 02, 2001).]