Brownie revealed tonight that the Astros were pretty damn close to getting Lee, but Melvin didn't want to trade him to a team within the division (especially not one who consistently finishes ahead of the Brewers every year, and additionally has the finances to re-sign him). They'll likely have Lee on the short list of free agents they'll go after... but if he shows up big in the AL, the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels, and White Sox are all going to try and attain his services (whereas some of those teams wouldn't have bothered had he remained in the NL).
That's cool. I hope we do pursue him. I wish all the best to this years team, but I'm already looking forward to next year, when we hopefully retool with just a tad bit more offense. This season is KILLING me!
No doubt... but they could add more than just a "tad bit"... and still be hovering around .500 if they don't get better pitching from both the starters and bullpen. They can't mess around and put out guys who were even mediocre in the minor leagues (Wandy), as well as constantly believing in lefty-lefty or righty-righty situations that don't mean much (Gallo). Also, watch out for Patton... he's just made the jump to AA (and had one good game already). If he finishes the year off strong there... and Pettite/Clemens make their expected departure... I'd say he could have a 50/50 shot of making this team out of spring training. At the least, he could start the year in AAA and come up if one of Buchholz/Backe/Sampson/Albers falters (high likelihood). Also, pencil in Nieve for late inning releif... the organization seems to have him on the same career path Qualls was (even though Nieve had more success as a starter than Qualls ever did in the minors). Its funny that a team that's in such a precarious position right now in 2006... can actually have such a big upside for next year (with the increased money available for a FA bat, as well as the continued development of guys liks Hirsh, Patton, Nieve and Pence).
And he still has a house in Chicago from his days with the Sox & has expressed interest in playing for the Cubs. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2006-07-19-deadline-lee_x.htm
Well crap, that sucks. But we'll have mucho dinero. Either way, it'll still be interesting next year if Timmy does the the right thing.
