DV - I like your lineup. I'm not sold on Lugo as a leadoff guy, but batting him 7th next to Ausmus creates an extremely weak bottom 3rd of the order. Not sure how Bags would feel about hitting 5th, but I'd be tempted to go Berk/Kent/Bags 3/4/5; Kent's going to be under a lot of pressure to produce early, with all the (silly, imho) questions about him being a by-product of Bonds's talent. Then again, if he hits 5th behind Berk/Bags, he's have somebody on base at least half the times he comes to the plate. I expect DW to have a much better year at the plate, just from the experience/maturity gained in his first full year as a starter. Hidalgo is another question, but Lane seems ready to step in if Richard continues his offensive ineptitude. If Lugo & Biggio can get on base at a combined .370ish clip, this lineup can be scary. There's a lot of "if's", but every contender in the NL has some.
Thanks, Buck. The thing is I think bidge is too valuable as a number 2 hitter to bat leadoff, not that I love lugo there. Ideally, I want KC to wise up and put beltran on the market and we go get him. Or maybe Cruz Jr in Tor. I would deal a lot for Beltran(Ward or Lane, Redding, and 2 more good prospects) The only reason I had kent/bags 3rd or 5th is so we would have that right-left-right balance throughout our lineup, something we haven't had for awhile.
Great news, Kent just looks like a Astro. The Astros need to go all out this year and win it all. They neen to make some more off seaon moves to push them over the top.
I know this might sound crazy, but I think Richard might bounce back big this year. Not trivializing him getting shot or anything, but he reminds me of Ruben Sierra in that he overbulked up and lost his bat speed, and this summer he supposedly dropped 20 pounds at least, plus the blood lost from this tragic incident should slim him down some more. Again, I am not trivializing the incident, it just may be a blessing in disguise.
Now if we can get Jimy Williams to add the other M to his name. Jimy Williamms, now that looks better! Shocker! It's good to hear some Stros talk nationally for a change.
wow what a suprise...Drayton pulling out his checkbook... Can't wait to see this lineup especially if Hidalgo can start hitting again.
Is this true, somebody slap me, tell me it is not a dream. Drayton spent money on his team!!!!!!!!!!! First Yao Ming plays like Wilt Chamberlin and the Rocks are contenders and now this, the Stros' contender's, wait make that Kent-tenders!!!!! This is to good to be true. excuse me, I have to leave now, I AM GOING TO BUY 2003 WORLD SEIRES TICKETS for thae game at tha' juice box. Just 1 more thing to say though, take that St Louis!! Take all of your signings and players, Woody Williams, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Fernando Vina, the FREAKIN EASTER BUNNY!!!!!! and shove it where the sun dont shine cuz we got Jeff Kent. And while your at it take down that division champs banner from 2001 cuz you werent then and you wont be next year. Those are our titles along with world series banner soon to be hanging at MMP.
now this is what i like to see!! sir, you glass is half full!! root on, fellow 'stros fan!! root on!!!
I am surprised at some of the naysayers on this signing. I've been an Astros fan all my life and NEVER have I ever even thought about acquiring an All Star calibur player without gutting our young players. This is an absolute home run. For once, a big name guy who produces has CHOSEN to play for the Astros and is excited about doing so. Too many times I have turned on ESPN to hear that "well, you have to include the Astros in the mix for his services because he does have an offseason home there blah blah blah but I dont think the Astros will pay him" Well guess what...Drayton stepped up to the plate in a big way this time and I, for one, am pretty damn excited about the upcoming season!
I think thats the move...if you put him in left, its a short field and you dont have to be a gazelle to cover it
I have listened to 30 seconds of this pc and I am convinced that this guy is going to be a great fit!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Bobrek. Check out this link and pay close attention to the Dave Campbell commments on the side(especially the first couple of sentences). I think you should send him an email and tell him he may want to read the articles on ESPN.com before he opens his mouth again. http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/1218/1478962.html
