From Stark's latest column: It's getting to be the time of year when the trade rumors start getting serious. The Astros are about ready to move either Daryle Ward or Richard Hidalgo if they can get a true center fielder back. One team believed to be interested in Ward is the Yankees. So they're rumored to be exploring three-way packages with somebody who can fill the Astros' needs. On the other hand, it's baffling to look up in late June and find Ward with only two home runs in 228 at-bats. Two years ago, he got only 264 at-bats all year -- and hit 20 home runs. The Astros' latest theory is that he has backed too far off the plate and has positioned his hands so high, he's lost the ability to lift the ball.
I'm not ecstatic about saying goodbye to either of these players. I wanted it to work out here for both of them. but, at this point, if we can get a for-real centerfielder who can hit leadoff and get on base and then steal some, I think it's a no-brainer. I go back and forth on which one. if Ward is the one the Yankees want, they might have enough to pry a good centerfielder away from someone else. I don't think Hidalgo is going to really live up to the contract. I think he's always going to just tantalize. but. . . with Lane in the wings, it seems like Ward is the more redundant player. a real centerfielder in center, Hidalgo in right, Berkman in left [maybe moving to 1st when bagwell is done], with Lane filling the role Ward has filled the last few years. . . that seems like a stronger outfield setup than a real centerfielder in center, Berkman in right, Ward in left with Lane as the 4th guy. make the deal, Gerry. just get us a player in CF.
While their going after a centerfielder, throw in another left hander for the bullpen too. Also, everyone should be on the table except Carlos, Roy, Lance and Wade. No hitting + no defence = Astros Would like to see them take Bags out for the rest of the season to heal that damn shoulder. Next season he will be back to normal hopefully. Spend some money Grocery man!!!! milo __________________________________________
This is what we get for building an outfield with such ridiculous dimensions. If CF weren't so vast, maybe Berkman could pass out there. Not that he's been that bad, but our field demands a true center fielder. Also, not having anyone to set the table has killed us. So we need a center fielder and a leadoff hitter ... that's a rare combo these days.
I know I'll be pummeled for this, but: "Bring Jose Cruz Jr. Home!" Yes, he's only hitting .227 this season, but he is a legitimate center fielder, speed threat (30/30!), and possibly a top-of-the-order guy.
Ideally, Cruz would be a 6th or 7th hitter because of his high k/bb rate. Also, he's not that good of a fielder.
Who would the Yanks give us? Bernie Williams is their only true CF and that aint gonna happen. I don't know the Yankees farm system, so somebody tell me who they have that we could use.
Nothing much. No top-flight OF'ers, and their only legit 3B prospect is Drew Henson, who will take over for Ventura w/in the next 2 years & is considered untradeable. They've got some ok young starters, but the 'Stros org. has those in spades. Like the article said, they'd need to get a 3rd team involed who has what the 'Stros are looking for.
I've read that the DRays have basically their entire organization on the block and want cash in return. I say we have the Yanks send some cash and a prospect to the DRays, we unload Hidalgo on the Yanks, and we get Carl Crawford in return. I know Crawford is fast but I'm not sure about his defense. He's a Houston guy anyway so that'd be cool.
Yeah, they need cash to sign their draft picks. Not sure they'd give up Crawford though, he's pretty much the jewel of their minor league system.
Unloading Hidalgo's overpaid fat @ss, and getting one of the top prospects (Crawford) in return would be too good to be true.
Hidalgo is 6-3, 190. How is he fat? Francis is 6-3 195 looks pretty skinny. 190 might be wrong, but he definately isn't still 220. Everybody who knows anything about baseball and the Astros has said that Hidalgo gained that weight to become stronger, to try and deserve the contract he had. His mistake was that the extra bulk has thrown the mechanics of his swing off. His defense is definately an important reason to keep him. There are few guys with a cannon like Hidalgo's. Also, he has been one of the few guys producing for this team. Look at his #s for June, .328 avg 10 RBI 3 HR and 9 R. In may he hit .298, the guy is starting to heat up. He could finish this year with a .300 avg, 30 HR, and 80 RBI. Do you guys really want to trade that? If anybody needs to go, it's Ward. He has been hitting for avg, but nothing else. I also find it ironic that you called Hidalgo a fat ass and didn't even mention Ward. Ward can't even play defense, he should be the one to go, some american league team needs a DH.
oski, 190 was Richard's listed weight 3 years ago. I'd bet a million bucks he's over 200, easily. Compare his body to Steve's; it's pretty obvious.
Hidalgo has to be around 225 to 230 lbs. What's funny is all that talk that he lost weight playing winter ball. He might have lost weight in his arms, and gained it back in his ass.
Giambi is 6-3 235, should the yankees trade his fat ass? Hidalgo is more valuble than Ward and any trade where we lose him instantly makes our outfield defense weaker and takes away one of the few live bats we have right now.
Everybody is talking about fat, which remindes me that this thread started with Daryle Ward. I mean honestly, do they pay that guy in ice cream? When he hit a homer last year did the Wrangler meet him at home plate, smack him on the butt and say "We're goin' to Marble Slab tonight baby!!!" ????? If he hits 30 HRs does he get to upgrade his salary to gold rimmed Blue Bell? I'm all for trading Daryle "Gold Rim" Ward if we can get a true CF.
The Astros do have a "true" centerfielder, his name is Brian Hunter - the reason he doesn't play, is like most centerfielders, he can't hit for ****. There are maybe six "true" centerfielders in the league who hit worth a damn and none are available, and thats not counting prospects, none of whom are available either, since most of the top CF prospects are in organiztions who aren't going to be trading the future for now, because they have no now. Hidalgo's pretty good defensively, and Ward has good instincts, so lets not trade a more talented player so that we can fit the stereotype of a "true" centerfielder.
