Speaking off... @jcrasnick: The Astros are looking to trade for a left-handed hitting platoon bat to share time with Jason Michaels in left field.
Jeremy Hermida is still only 26 years old and walks a lot. I wouldn't mind him as a bench/platoon player.
What...I've been garnering respect recently for the Astros. But if they really intend to have Lee start for an extended time at 1B and keep Wallace in the minors then tha fack.
I had a fear this was going to happen. They can't trade Lee because of his contract, and they don't want to keep him in LF. Unfortunately, they'll have him at 1st at the expense of Wallace... who may or may not be ready, but they need to find that out. I always felt that Lance could still be fine at LF (where the Cards are going to play him), but I understood if the Astros wanted to just move on and not have the "temptation" to move him back to 1st if there was an injury. Now, we are looking at a team that could possibly have no berkman, no Wallace, Lee at first base, and Jason Michales in the OF. I would have just as well paid Lance and prefer watching him play out his career here, rather than paying to watch a ****** and a never has been.
Who cares if he hit only .222. It's his rookie season and his batting average and OPS went up every month he was here. If he starts off slow next season than you might move him down.
that's just nonsense and weak sauce if that is truly their reasoning. having a history with the team precludes them from bringing him here, even though he fits their needs perfectly? blows my mind.
I do not like the direction this is going. The Stros should be rebuilding not reloading but if Lee is stuck at first for two more years then the Stros better open up their pocket book and sign a good LF. It sounds like they want to reload on the cheap and unless you have dam good GM then I don't like that plan at all.
Probably have Lyon or Melancon closing. Wallace will probably go back down to AA or AAA (he needs AB's, he won't get a lot if Lee is playing mostly at 1st).
Considering Lyon was signed for 3 years to be the closer, it is not much of a stretch to think he will be closing next year, regardless of Lindstrom's return.
He was the setup man to Lindstrom. Melacon is projected as a closer. I don't think it's a clear cut as you think, but for now, it's Lyon's job.
He was only the setup guy for the first half of the year, and that was in part because he was injured. Now, granted, when Lindstrom was blowing guys away, it was all good... but when he got hurt, and started struggling, Lyon held his own as closer. Ideally, he's a setup guy... but I wouldn't feel bad having a setup guy who has the ability to close games if the closer sucks or is hurt. Most setup guys around the league excel in the 7th and 8th innings, but shrivel up when it comes to the 9th.
I would much rather sign Matt Diaz and give him a shot at the semi-regular gig in LF job. When the guy has had that type of playing time he has succeed. Three of the last five years he has produced some good numbers but needs to stay healthy. Edit - Much rather then to sign a platoon guy like Church or Jeremy Hermida.
I didn't say that I supported their reasoning, just that it may have factored into their decision making. Regardless, this Carlos Lee signing is hurting them in ways they can't possibly imagine. At this point, it may be better for everybody if he would just go away... even if it meant them having to pay another team more $$$ just to get him off our roster. It won't happen, but its frustrating that his presence not only cost them Berkman, but now may prevent Wallace from getting a chance to prove himself sooner.
i know, i'm saying it's crazy if that factored in to their decision making. another thing that's frustrating to see. a hometown boy (dunn) who's younger, cheaper, better, and more fun to watch than lee getting signed for $6mm less/season. ah well. we're on the tail end of the lee contract boys. the pain will be over soon.
