As far as catchers go, I'd much rather have a smart defensive minded catcher than a guy with a big bat. I don't know much about Gimenez or Buck, but it sounds like Gimenez may be the better catcher and Buck is just a good hitter. Anyway...this trade is looking like a half-season rental. Hopefully it will be worth it. The only way I can see the Stros re-signing Beltran is if we let Kent, Bidge, Clemens, and probably Wade Miller walk after the season. The first three aren't too hard to let go, but Wade is pretty young. If the Yankees or some other big market make a ridiculous offer to him that the Astros have no chance of matching (which is likely), then forget about it. That team would be nice though... Ausmus Bagwell Burke Everett Ensberg Berkman Beltran Lane However that makes the rotation a little thinner with just Oswalt, Pettitte, and Redding from this team. Then you have to rely on inexperienced guys getting it done.
I love this deal... LOVE IT.... and we didn't even give up that much in return. Buck was solid, but you could tell that the organization started to view Gimenez as their guy, especially with the way they let Buck toil in the minors and kept guys like Greg Zaun and Raul Chavez in the majors. Additionally, its basically addition by subtraction with Dotel... even though he's got one of the best arms in the leauge, its not the same arm as a closer. Problem is, there was no way he could have gone back to set-up for us.... he may be able to for another team. As for Beltran, he will be an absolutely tremendous upgrade in our outfield defense... and I only pray that he can provide the missing piece in this lineup to FINALLY get this offense clicking. Also, its pretty clear that he won't be signing here for the long-term, and if this team is still in 4th-5th place at the trading deadline, Gerry and co. may be inclined to trade him again... for more help (but not help that would be expiring after this year). Guys like Williamson and Damon from Boston... Either way, its amazing... wow... speechless... phew. Between this and T-mac, my head has spin spinning non-stop for a week now.
I love the fact we only gave up a good setup man (lets face it, he was not the best closer), and a catching prospect. We selected six cathers in the draft so I am betting that we end up with another good catching prospect.
Just watching him in BP, and the way the ball jumped off his bat you could tell that he had pop. What can I say? I liked Buck.....I was hoping he would be in the major leagues by now. He was a nice guy, always signed autographs for the kids, and plalyed a good backstop. I guess it is not ok to like a player around here as everyone will jump down your throat for saying that you think trading him was a mistake. Please !! DD
Posted by Codell: From Dotel: Quote: "It's tough for me to leave this club. What can I do? It's part of the job," Dotel said. "I feel happy because I did all I could do for Houston. I hope they appreciated what I did for them and I appreciated what they did for me. Thank you for everything." Classy This is how you handle a trade when you're the guy being traded.
I just wish I felt like there was a chance in hell he'd be an Astro next year. I guess we'll see what happens...but he's gonna be super-expensive next year. But again...this is a good move. I feel like we got over in a lot of ways giving up so very little to get easily the most coveted player of this crop.
If we lose Beltran, we'll get at least 1 first round pick back. That might make up for the loss of Buck, long term. And Dotel was likely to get more in arbitration than he's worth. In the meantime, this team is built for this year, and getting a premiere center fielder will go a long way towards making our first title run possible. Gerry Hunsicker might be the best GM in baseball.
From Jason Stark: Buck, meanwhile, was once regarded as one of the best catching prospects in baseball. His star has fallen in the last year, but he will catch in the big leagues. And if Tony Pena can't iron out his release issues, nobody can. Buck's build (6-foot-3, 210) reminds scouts of a young Carlton Fisk. His game, however, is a little short of that, though he will hit some home runs. And if he quickens his release, he will throw out some runners. And again, given Baird's options, he could have done worse
Of course, Dotel didn't play on a rebuilding Astros club for four years then finally make the playoffs only to be traded to the worst MLB club. How classy would he have been if we traded him to the Pirates? BTW, I'm gonna hold out hope on Beltran resigning with us. Vlad took a lot less than many believed he would demand. Who knows, maybe in his three months here, he'll fall in love with the team and/or city. With Kent and Bagwell possibly retiring, we may free up some money to make a competitive offer. If only Uncle Dreighton McClayne would open up his wallet or make a trade every once in a while.
Do you guys really think Beltran is going to sign with the Astros next season? I doubt it. The Yankees are interested.
Comparing Francis to Dotel is assanine. Dotel hasn't been the one carrying his team only to have fans and media constantly bash his faults for two years running. I don't blame Francis for not wanting to leave, he gave it his all through these lean years and when the team is finally on the right track, he's traded to a rebuilding project. He has the right to be upset initially. Dotel is getting traded to a better team, he should have nothing to complain about.
I notice that Buck has 11 errors already this year which is unheard of for a major league catcher. Since I have never seen him, I can only assume he doesn't throw well. Is that the case?
Honestly, for the first time that a deal like this has ever been made... I don't care if he's not back next year. If he goes on a tear and this city absoultely loves him to death, and he gets all the media exposure he's sorely craved, then maybe there's a chance... only person I could think of that did that was Mark McGwire with St. Louis But, its cool if he doen'st because it IS about this year... and if they fall short, I'm fine with the rebuilding of the team with the young guns like Tavares and Burke. Buck was good, but Gimenez looks like another I-Rod in the making.
Aww poor Franchise. Is $75 million living in Orlando enough to console the baby? Seriously, Francis should have kept his unhapiness behind closed doors. By making it public, he appeared to be sabotaging the deal and a sore loser. This isn't the first time he has behaved this way. It's business. What's the point in staying in Houston when Houston doesn't want you. Suck it up go to Orlando then force a trade after our transaction is complete.
His arm is ok, but that is not what I liked about him, it was his demeanor, the way he carried himself and the way the ball jumped off his bat. As for the 11 errors, I honestly don't know....it could be a throwing problem, maybe he has gottena case of the Steve Sax. Behad, All I said was that I did not like losing Buck.....what is so bad about that? DD
Actually, more like gotten a case of the Mackey Sasser. THats right guys. Im pulling Mackey Sasser out of my back pocket. Now bow down before me.
