I think we all saw that one coming! I take it he has no interest in our farm system? He could be the richest guy on the Round Rock team. I could see him sitting on a rocker in the club house and telling stories to all the young kids how things we're so much better in the old steroid days of the Clinton Era. Then he could complain how it's all about the money now and players only try hard in their contract years. That was a little cruel. Doggie seemed like a good guy. I was always rooting for him to make a comeback. Hidalgo and Berkman we're supposed to be the future when Bags and Biggio we're gone. Who would have thought Biggio would still be here and Doggie can't even make the squad?
It was worth the attempt to see if the guy can still play. He's got a cannon for an arm but the stick just isn't there any more. Oh well. Looks like Lane will get his shot on the roster. I guess that probably spells the end of Eric Bruntlett as well. Don't really need him when we've got 2 OF's (Lane & Palmiero) and 2 IF's (Lamb & Loretta) that play multiple positions.
I don't want to beat the Hunter horse, but I wonder if this played into it (the liklihood, room WILL be made for Hunter by 1 year)
I don't think the team will need to make room; I'm betting they're setting a timetable of bringing him up, if all goes well, when rosters expand. If not, and they bring him up earlier, it's because Lane or Scott (or both) or faltering. Hidalgo was let go because because he wasn't doing anything in ST; he was a long shot to begin with so he would have had to have a stellar spring (see Pence) to even be considered for the roster. Sucks that he's gone; if he found his stroke again I would have much preferred him to Lane.
Bruntlett looks to be the odd man out if the Astros carry 12 pitchers. That leaves only 5 bench players: Lamb, Loretta, Palmeiro, Lane/Scott, Quintero
Yea. Both Bruntlett and Lane are out of options. I'm sure the Stros will try to send whichever one doesn't make the team down to RR, but they won't make it through waivers without being claimed.
Doggey Hidollgo will play for a other team liek the Cardianls. I think Doggey Hidollgowill hit 40 homerons. I also think Doggey Hidollgo wants more muney after he got carr-jacked.
I was trying to figure out who the 12th pitcher would be, but then I forgot about some of those non-roster invitees that are doing well. I guess Bruntlett would be the odd duck, though in all honesty I'd rather have him than Lane..he might not have great numbers but he's one of those players (like Burke) who plays hard and good things always seem to happen with him on the field. Plus, I don't think I'll forget that dp he turned in the NLCS.
I supsect that as of right now, the 12 pitchers are: Oswalt, Jennings, Williams, Nieve, Rodriguez, Sampson, Qualls, Miller, White, Wheeler, Lidge and Borkowski.
A prime example of how guaranteed money kills a career. Athletes like him are pathetic. I don't want to hear another thing about him. He is one of the biggest mistakes the Astros have ever made.
Man, I hope they keep Bruntlett over Lane (if it comes down to it). I know that Loretta is a better hitter, but I always liked Bruntlett. He hit well enough, had a great approach, and always seemed to come through when he was needed most. Plus, he's been the best defensive player outside of Everett at several positions. IMO, regardless of the "Big P", the Lane experiment should have been over last year.
PG said that they may start the season with 11 pitchers, implying that Bruntlett makes the cut. Nine pitchers are set: Starters Oswalt, Jennings, Williams, Rodriguez, Nieve Bully Lidge, Wheeler, Qualls, Miller The rest: Sampson, White, Borkowski, Moehler 2 are certain to make the team. Sampson has options and methinks the Astros are unsure of his major league skills, so Sampson goes down to AAA. White, Borkowski, and Moehler could pitch long relieve, which is the Stros big need from these bully spots given the weakest in the backend of the starting rotation. These three will all make the cut if the Stros go with 12 pitchers. Moehler could also spot start, which may give him a leg up over the other two. My guess is that if the Stros go with 11 pitchers, they will chose White over Borkowski. Whoever the loser is might start the season on DL with a "sore" elbow, delaying the final decision unitl later.
