Everything I've seen indicates he is going to get a whole, whole lot of money - like in excess of $15mil/per for 4 years simply because there are very few other pitchers on the market that are decent and aren't hurt. Also, I've read that he really performs much better in a large park. I personally wouldn't touch him. I like the idea of Randy Wolf if he can be had cheap/short term.
Totally agree with you there. Also, Castillo is starting to slow down and likely won't be effective for more than a couple more years. Rather go with the younger guy with more pop.
I hate when free agency period begins with any of our teams....I find myself watching Berman religiously EVERY night. Or, I'll turn on 790 just to hear Dalati to see if he has any scoop. It's borderline obsession, I tell you.
I agree 15 mil/per would be way too much. I thought 6-7 mil/per deal for 3 years would do it. Regardless, he looks like a young control pitcher that is starting to figure things out, and he is on his way to become a pretty good pitcher.
Wolf's injury history (including a good portion of last season) scares me after our experience with JJ. When he is healthy, he is a decent 2/3. I know a lot of guys on here are high on Linebrink...but is he really all that much better than Qualls? Castillo, imo, will stay in NY...and thats fine...i dont think the difference between he and Burke (or obviously Iguchi) is going to make or break us. Frankly, us going after a 2B only makes sense if we are pretty sure that we can package Burke and whatever else it takes to get a solid #2 behind Roy. Gotta get that rotation set....every year we wait to land a big fish for the rotation (and i understand there isnt much out there on the market other than perhaps Dontrelle), is another year that we "waste" of Roy's prime.
Don't know why he would be, but hell yes! Averaging 90 rbi and 30 hr in his first 2 years in the majors. He's not a terrible defender. He does strike out a lot (167 in 2007). Adding him to Pence, Berkman, & Lee would make for a pretty formidable lineup. That said, no chance he's traded w/o giving up half our prospects. It would probably take Towels and Patton at the least.
Hmm, I assume they'll only do that if they trade Cabrera to the Angels and get Kendrick in return. Uggla gives you good power from the 2nd base position, but he strikes out a lot.
no thanks on Uggla. Solid young player...would take too much to get him, and we have bigger needs. Would rather keep the prospects unless we're trading for a pitcher (or I guess a Miguel Cabrera-level guy)
1560 (justice) is saying that someone (probably not the astros) made a 4 year offer to Cordero yesterday....and that the 4 year thing may take the astros out of the running for him
Ken Rosenthal's reporting the same thing (which is where Justice probably got it): http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7445434 I'm not sure I wouldn't go four years -- would Cordero really be that bad at 36? Plenty of closers have been effective in their late 30s. The combination of the price tag and the length of the deal does seem too high, though.
I liked the mention in that article about maybe going after Livan Hernandez. He's still only 33 (seems like he's been around forever) and is the definition of "innings eater". Don't know if Wade has considered it, but I hope he does. He'd be a nice fit to the rotation.
Somehow it seemed like Livan finally hit the wall after all those innings. I think they've caught up to him, and I'd rather not seem him here.. it FELT like he had become as inconsistent as Woody. I'm sure it wasn't quite that bad though.. but at the price differential, I'd rather stay away
I would like to know what people think. How much should this team expect out of the following next year: Brandon Backe Chris Sampson Fernando Nieve Can you count on regular starts out of Backe or Sampson? And what about Matt Albers and Troy Patton? Do either of them get penciled in as regular starters?
i don't look for much out of any of the three patton i look for him to have a chance to get into the rotation out of spring training, wandy however better improve or they need to move him, it's ridiculous the difference in home/away
I think Backe is going to be the #3, barring the signing of more than 1 free agent SP. Sampson will be in a fight for #5. Nieve will be in AAA regaining his strength coming off of Tommy John surgery. I think the rotation is going to be... Oswalt FA Backe Wandy Patton/Williams/Sampson/Albers If no FA is signed, then... Oswalt Backe Wandy Patton Williams/Sampson/Albers
Backe has a history of injuries, so it would not surprised to see him injured next year or moved to the bully. Astros definitely need a Plan B, in case Backe gets hurt as a SP.
