Beltran traded to Astros for Dotel and John Buck

Beltran an Astros???

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune...0341jun20,1,3727529.column?coll=cs-columnists

Center of attention: Beltran to Astros?

Keep an eye on the Houston Astros in the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes.

With Roger Clemens turning in a vintage performance at 41, the Astros know they must do everything possible to make the playoffs. General manager Gerry Hunsicker isn't inclined to place the blame for the 1-6 stretch against Milwaukee and the Cubs on manager Jimy Williams, and the only other way to jump-start the fifth-place team is to make a major transaction.

Given the troubles that Craig Biggio has had playing center field, especially in the quirky pastures of Minute Maid Park, a five-tool player like Beltran makes all the sense in the world.

Poor fielding, especially the limited range that the Astros have at virtually every position except shortstop, is the most telling flaw of a team where the sum doesn't seem to equal the parts. Beltran not only would be a godsend for Houston pitchers, but his acquisition would send a huge statement in the National League Central.

The trade of Richard Hidalgo to the New York Mets opened right field for 27-year-old Jason Lane, a prodigious run producer in the minor leagues. But with Beltran aboard, Lane could share time in left with Biggio, with Lance Berkman moving to right.

Biggio, who is waiting to see if the Astros pick up his option for 2005, also could give second baseman Jeff Kent and maybe even first baseman Jeff Bagwell some needed rest. But owner Drayton McLane will be careful in his handling of Biggio, who entered the weekend hitting .302 with eight homers and 28 runs batted in.

With two catching prospects in John Buck and Hector Gimenez and infield prospects in Chris Burke and Tommy Whiteman, the Astros are among the teams that can meet Kansas City GM Allard Baird's asking price, which is a catcher and a third baseman.

According to sources, the only talks between the Astros and Royals have been about reliever Jason Grimsley. But Beltran is very much on the minds of the Houston front office.

This is the time to make a grab for Beltran, not July 31. A team like Houston could have him for six weeks, then put him on the market again before the trade deadline if he hasn't brought a large return.

 

not sure how i feel about biggio in left. but obviously, i'd welcome carlos beltran.

 

The Astros will never trade Tommy Whiteman as long as Drayton owns the team.

 

That was funny..
I would like Beltran playing for us......Biggio in Left?WTF

 

Beltran would be a substantial upgrade to our outfield and lineup. I reserve my doubts, but it's a nice thought.

 

I really dont want to entertain the thought of having Beltran on my team because chances are it wont happen. It would be damn nice though.

 

He's Kiowa/Crow Indian. Good as gone.

 

Biggio in left makes more sense than Biggio in center. What doesn't make sense is Berkman in right. His arm is so week.

 

Biggio in left makes more sense than Biggio in center. What doesn't make sense is Berkman in right. His arm is so week.

Biggio in Left compared to Berkman is a wash. Berkman in right vs. Lane in right - don't really know. But the key is Beltran in center over Biggio is worth any drop in right field, in my opinion. I'd rather have range over good arms.

 

Greg Maddux went 1st to 3rd on a solid single to RF, that's all you need to know about Lane's arm.

 

Yeah, though I wonder what Jimy would do. Remember when he had Berkman in center and Hidalgo in right?

 

If this was to go down, I really think that Bagwell may be giving the management reason to think he's retiring. Hence, our lineup next year could be...

CF-Beltran
LF-Biggio
1B-Berkman
2B-Kent
RF-Lane
3B-Ensberg
SS-Everett
C-Ausmus

Not too damn bad.

 

The only problem with your lineup is that Kent has hinted this will be his last year as well.

 

That's a definite likelihood (and it would free up more $$$ to rebuild the team).

Chris Burke is ready to take over... he's slugging away at New Orleans right now.

Also, John Buck is slugging away as well... he should be the everyday catcher next year.

Then, you hope Lane and Ensberg can put up some decent power numbers the rest of this year, so you won't be too shabby with them in your clean-up spots.

Hell... with the way Beltran swings, he might be a better RBI man on this team, and let Everett get the lead-off spot.

 

Really? I haven't heard that? I think that makes a trade more likely, but who knows.

 

I know that site says powered by the Tribune, but was that a fan article or from an actual sports journalist.

By the way, Beltran is possibly the most overrated player in the league right now. He's Bernie Williams with a batter arm and nothing more.

 

It was written by Phil Rogers from the Tribune.

PRogers@tribune.com

 

So, to answer your question, Dan, it was not by an actual sports journalist.

 

I just checked out his archive and he is an Astros fan moonlighting as the national baseball writer for the Tribune. Don't put any weight in that article.