I don't want to tell myself that he will probably be leaving, but I have no doubt he will. Like some others have said, NY can offer him more money, a better chance to win a world series, and put better bats around him so he isn't expected to carry the team alone. Maybe he would stay because he's gelled with some of the other guys and has enjoyed his stay here, but I know for most players the advantages of going to NY definitely overpower the ones he has by staying in Houston. I just can't see him staying based on what happened to us in the playoffs. Yes we did better than expected (or at least in my book), but I think our guys not coming through in the biggest game of the franchise's history has made him think. Had we made it to the world series and no matter if we won or lost I'd think our chances would be ten times better. Take care Carlos, it was nice while it lasted. Pugs
WTF??? Ya'll are the same bunch of PESSIMIST f*ck*rs that said the ROX wouldn't make it to the playoffs... and here you are saying the same f*ck*ng thing... HOMER all the way... GO ASTROS! GO ROX!
When you guys see stuff like this published, you need to seriously consider the source. After watching his Yankees melt down because of lousy pitching, George needs to go out and buy some arms and not give out another "Pay-Rod" like contract. If the Astros are willing to go to the $18 million level, they may be able to keep Beltran. After all, they'll be paying a clearly declining Bagwell $17 million.
I don't think there is a snowball's chance in hell of bringing Beltran back regardless of what he says now.
What does resigning Beltran have to do with someone saying they didn't think the Rockets would make the playoffs? Pugs
Realistically, if Beltran wants to get paid, and wants the shot to win every year, why wouldn't he go to NY?
I think everyone knew that the astros probebly wouldnt be able to keep Beltran even before he was traded to Houston. The Stros were trying the whole one year wonder routine, remember Randy. Just be happy that Beltran gave you all memories and got you further than anyone has taken you in baseball. I doubt Clemens will be back, Kent either. Time to start looking into the farm again for young talent.
If everybody is healthy, starting pitching should not be our problem next year. Pettite Miller Oswalt Backe Clemens?
And a great closer in Lidge. Unfortunately it's the rest of the team that concerns me. OFs - Biggio?, Berkman, Palmeiro and Lane (if Beltran doesn't resign) {At a minimum we need a CF. I don't want to see Biggio return to a CFer. In fact, I think Biggio should leave the OF and return to 2nd if he comes back.} C - Ausmus, Chavez {I wish they'd upgrade here as well - I'm not a big fan of either, but even with these 2, they are the least of my worries.} IF - Ensberg, Lamb, Vizcianno, Everett, Biggio?, Bagwell? {Very questionable infield} Beltran would be a nice building block fielder. It's up to him. But, I'm afraid he is attracted to the dark side {Yankees}.
Well if Beltran walks we have Willie Tavares to play CF. He has speed and defense but has little power and is unproven at the ML level. Biggio will not be back except as a spot starterand pinch hitter. Lane is ready and will be an upgrade from Biggio on offense and defense. These guys will stay unless an inexpensive alternative free agent presents itself Chris Burke will be the starter at 2B unless he completely collapses in spring training. He is a former 1st round pick who appears to be ready to play. He has decent power for a 2B and has speed and very good defense. Add him to Everett who a dazzeling defensive SS and is showing signs of being a good 1 0r 2 hitter. Bags is not going anywhere with that contract. If we offer 15-18 mill per year and the Yanks or Cubs ( which apparently is a place Beltran has wanted to go) offer 20 plus then I would have to say "see ya" to Carlos but I think if we make a decent offer, he will stay. But ultimately, it is Carlos' decision.
isn't there a point where the yankees can't afford these people? I thought this year they were saying they had to win world series to make a profit.. eventually you cant keep adding so much salary every year and still make money
His presence offers the every year opportunity for the playoffs. The Astros ain't exactly like the Royals. Other than 2000, the playoffs have been within reach for a decade. No matter what happens, I just pray he doesn't sign with the Cubs. That is the worst case scenario.
leroy. he offers us the chance to make PLAYOFFS every year.. the yankees already make the playoffs every year.. and always have the chance to make world series.. I think there is quite a big difference..
Remember, either this offseason or next offseason the Astros are going to have to shell out the doe to keep Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt too. As a long time Astros watcher, I'll say this. If they shell out the kind of money to all three of these players that they are sure to demand in addition to paying Bagwell big money and Pettite big money and maybe giving Clemens another contract it will be unprecedented. I always looked at this team's payroll this year as a one year shot at winning it all. We are talking about long-term deals now. I hope I'm worng, but I think Beltran is gone. Me personally, I would make the tough decision to cut Bagwell and Biggio to create the cap space to try and keep Beltran, Berkman, and Oswalt, but then you have to deal with what Mr. Beltran has all ready stated: that he has to see that Astros management is willing to keep the Astros' talent around in order to stay. Then there's the reality that we can get into a bidding war with the Yankees over Beltran and I put my money on the Yankees to win that auction.
