http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/jacob_luft/12/17/hot.stove/index.html 18 -- Houston Astros The front office must be watching a lot of World Series of Poker on ESPN, because the Astros are "all in" on the combo of Roger Clemens and Carlos Beltran. If those two bolt, it's going to be a long summer at Minute Maid Park. If they come back, start printing World Series tickets.
The poker analogy is terribly inaccurate. The bit makes it look like the Astros had a choice on what to do this offseason. What could've they done instead? They could've brought back Jeff Kent. But he's pretty much worn out his welcome in this clubhouse, not to mention the GM thinks Chris Burke is ready. They could've gone after Glaus or Beltre, except Ensberg/Lamb's production at 3rd base last year was quite good. Especially consider their combined salaries. They could've gone after a starting pitcher, if they actually thought the likes of Benson/Ortiz/Clement are $8 mil/yr pitchers. Or that Pedro's worth the money the Mets gave. The Astros biggest places for upgrades are at CF, C, and SP. Beltran, the best CF, is still unsigned. Varitek, the best catcher available is also unsigned. And starting pitchers are just getting ridiculous contract. That the Astros are bypassing the major names for likely bargain bin pickups is simply a sign of good management.
I'd say the Cardinals have had a much worse offseason. Losing Renteria, Matheny, Calero and Haren is going to hurt much worse than picking up Mulder.
Don't forget Tony Womack. His speed really helped the Cards last year. The NL Central is still going to be very tough next year despite of the teams' rankings on this list (Cards 16th, Astros 18th, Cubs 22nd). You have to figure that the Cards will add some other pieces (since they didn't resign Renteria and saved all those money) and their rotation actually looks quite decent now; the Cubs will do something with their outfield positions, regardless of whether they are able to move Sosa or not, and they still have strong pitching. In order to compete the Astros have to either (1) Retain Beltran or (2) add another big-bat while at the same time resign Clemens. If we can get Roger back, I'm optimistic about our chances next year.
