I can't believe this is still being debated... if Beltran had really wanted to be an Astro, he would have... end of story. EVERYTHING leaked to the media, about how Beltran liked it here, how his wife liked it here, how he wanted the low-key lifestyle, and how all his friends said he'd end up here... ALL of that was spun by team Boras/Beltran. They knew that Houston wanted him bad. I refuse to believe anything else about how much he "liked" it here... especially since he never formally said that in any interview to any local media here, on television, or in print. This was a leak. I don't think there was a dollar amount that could have convinced him to come here... even if we went as high as $120 million (because in the end, our offer is "only" 1 million more than the Mets'). Also, think about this... if Beltran was truly interested in signing with Houston... why did he sign with another team RIGHT AFTER the deadline for us (where if he waited, other teams like the Cubs might have jumped in). That only indicates that he probably decided to go to NY as soon as they jumped in the running... and he used the deadline to ensure a solid offer from them.
I agree Max. Drayton stayed in there till the end and made a very competitive offer but Borass was not interested and used Drayton to a certain extent. We are not privy to the conversations between them so it will never be truly known what Borass said to Drayton or Vise-versa. I do know that about 2 months before the deadline Borass told Drayton that the Astros were not meeting his demands and they were not longer being considered. Drayton said lets make a joint announcement that it is over and since there really were no other offers on the table, Borass could not afford the Astros to officailly be out of it so he convinced Drayton that they may still have chance. Drayton knew he needed to sign Beltran and rolled the dice. Well if you dance with the devil ( Borass) you might get burned. Drayton got burned but at least he trying to do the right thing.
EXCELLENT point. Why not wait to drum up interest elsewhere? See what happens with Sosa? See if the Yanks finally bite?
Yeah but by the same token, if oyu are serious about keeping someone, and plan B is obviously eithe non existant or rebuilding, then you don't let it get to the point where your leverage is gone ...and THAT is exactly why we ingrates, as RM likes to call us, are furious! If Drayton truly thought in his heart that this was the case, then the fact that he didn't "move on", shows that he really didn;t have a backup plan....it was Carlos (who, apparently, was going to ask for way more than Drayton was willing to pay) or nothing.
I understand your point but if these supposed "deal-breakers" are NEVER talked about nor even implied by the person wanting them until the very last minute, how can that be the fault of the person being lied to? What backup plan do you believe we should have had? Who was available to play CF that would have been an option? Drayton offered to biggest contract in Astros history and dealt with Borass in a honest way. Borass never dealt with the Astros in a honest way. Whos fault is that? Borass strung the Astros on and Beltran stated behind the scenes that he loved it here in Houston. If Drayton had backed out early, the same people b****ing about him waiting too long would be complaining that he did not wait long enough.
Podsednik was available for trade (as was Carlos Lee apparently) Free agents that could have either filled the CF slot or just plain filled a batting slot: Alou, Cabrera, Drew, Renteria, Dye, Glaus, Maglio (still there)...hell, Hidalgo would look good in the OF at 1 yr/ 5 million about now...not to mention a plethora of pitchers that would have enabled us to trade a guy like Backe and nevre think twice. and Drayton obviously knew this when he called Boras' bluff by saying "lets put out a press release"...and Boras folded his hand and said...."well, hold up now..." Right there, he should have gotten on his horse and rode out of town and let beltran say "hey, Scott...nice f-ing plan....now what?"
You mean the guy who just came off of a 244 % batting year and hit only 12 HRs. OK maybe but if we were still in the running for Beltran....according to Borass why would you do that move? Renteria and Glaus wanted too much money as well as Maggs(which is not a true CF) Drew is not worth the 10+ mill he is getting paid and is always hurt. As for Alou, I wonder if you have actually seen him play defense because he has not done that since his Marlins days. To have him play CF would be as bad as Biggio. What Pitchers are you refering to? I am not interested in trading Backe at all. What if Pettitte does not come back strong? We need him. Again, I say that the people complaining about Drayton waiting too long would be complaining about not spending the money if he backed out early. Bottom line is that Beltran never had any intention to sign with Houston but let us all think he did to drive up his price. The Astros' offer was well within market value for a 266 switch hitter with some power and defense. Is that Drayton's fault that he was lied to...maybe a little but he is by far the lest to blame in all this. I for one am glad we are focusing on younger guys and have the financial flexabilty to get a vet when we are ready to make a move.
you asked what a plan B could have been....or did you forget? the career 275 hitter who is the best base stealer in the major leagues? yes Clement, Lowe, Wade Miller, Millwood (granted he is coming off surgery), Milton, Ortiz, Pavano, O Perez, Woody Williams or Jaret Wright
