The first response should be no, as long as they continue to win & push towards the playoffs. However, the way this season has been such a rollercoaster ride, if they hit another dry spell, it could knock us out of playoff contention. So, with that thought in mind, should we trade Bagwell & Biggio to a team (or teams) fighting for playoff positioning, if we fall out of contention? Both Bagwell & Biggio have seen their batting averages drop off slowly over the last 4 years. Bagwell continues to knock out about 40 HRs & 120+ RBIs each year, while Biggio hits about 15-20 HRs & 70+ RBIs, along with other veteran contributions. They obviously, still produce, but I'm concerned with the drop in their batting averages. Bagwell is 34 years old & Biggio is almost 37 years old. If the Astros fade from the playoffs, there should be several teams jockeying for position, that would be willing to send us some quality minor league talent, as well as a veteran or two. Depending on whom we get, Ward could move his slow running a** to first base. That would open a position for Jason Lane in the outfield or, if we get a true center fielder in one of the trades, we could move Hidalgo over to left field. With his arm & the short field in left, there's a chance that he could throw an occasional runner out at first & no one would be able to tag up at third to score on him. I realize that Bagwell is one of our most productive players, but he hasn't been able to carry us that extra distance to the World Series & he's only getting older. Boston is only 4 games in back of the Yankees & would most likely love to bring him back home. There's also the Mariners, Angels, & Athletics that are involved in close races currently. I'd hesitate to trade either Bagwell or Biggio to a National League team, but if the offer is right, I would. Would you do it?
Can't do it due to their salaries, but I Wouldn't do it if we could. The Negative PR associated with trading either of them would massively outweigh the positive aspect of getting great young talents.
You couldn't get value, imo. Biggio's stock is probably lower than his actual value. He's still a good hitting 2b, but he doesn't have a future, and it would be a single shot deal for anybody... and that sort of deal has to be the kind that gets you a super star (which he isn't anymore)... or in which you don't trade much, in which case Houston wouldn't do it. Bagwell's more intriguing... but good hitting 1b's are pretty common and some are less pricey.
I am VERY against trading either of these guys. However, if you're talking about a haul the likes not seen since the Herschel Walker deal in the NFL a few years back, I'd at least listen. If you are a GM calling me up and don't knock my socks off with the offer, I'm hanging up the phone.
At this point...no. We're 5 games out in the Central, and 5.5 out of the wildcard. Both of them are hitting great the last month or so. I see no reason to risk a huge PR debacle.
I say no. They can still hit and produce and there's the negative PR. BTW, thanks to the choking Cubs, unfortunatly, the 'Stros are again at 6 games out.
They need to first develop a good pitching staff. The ones they have now w/ Miller and Oswalt is good, but the rest of them....starting wise, needs some work. The relief is ok, but Wagner needs to be consistent...
Well, considering that the trade deadline is 3 days away, and the Astros are creeping up on St. Louis, there is no chance at all that will happen. I'd be against it anyway. The Astros would lose tremendous interest from the fans if they traded both away, and it would take a long time to recover.
Both have 10 & 5 rights and can veto any trade. Other than Bagwell going to Boston, it's highly doubtful either of them want to leave Houston, which they've stated repeatedly.
Why would you want to trade two of the biggest icons in Houston pro sports history? Remember Nolan Ryan? We traded him prematurely and he made us pay with at least 2 more good years. Bagwell and Biggio may not be able to produce the way they did in the mid-late 90's, but they still go out there and play hard, play hurt, and hustle. Trading either of these guys would leave huge holes in our lineup. Even though Bags is having an off year, he's a threat to go deep every time up, and pitchers have to respect him. Biggio is still a good defensive 2B, and a serviceable #2 hitter. The main problem with this team is after the #6 hitter, Ausmus and Geoff Blum come to bat. That's when fans start heading for the restrooms. All rallies are killed by the bottom of our lineup. Not to mention the fact that Hidalgo has forgotten how to hit a baseball with runners on base.
While a 4 or five game deficit may not seem like much, the odds of overcoming one at this time of year are slim. There was an article (on ESPN.com?) about this recently. Mid season standing are a pretty good indicator of where teams will end up.
Hydra, you obviously weren't paying attention last season, when the Astros and Cards surged the second half of the season to tie for NL Central 1st place...
