Of course, "stinking it up" with an OPS of .850+ is very different from "stinking it up" with an OPS of .710.
No glaring needs? I'd say that if we could fetch a #2 or #3 starter for one of those guys, it would fill a need imo. Maybe he knows something we dont about Roger.
Not sure you could get a decent starter for Lidge/Wheels/Qualls. Don't think Roger factors in this early. Pretty sure, after this winter, Purp has a pretty good idea of what the market is for Lidge...hence the "pick our pockets" line". Besides that, what decent starter is Boston willing to offer? All the rumors out of Boston mentioned minor league OFers. No thanks.
Fools gold? What was Lidge's ERA last year? 6+????? That is not fools gold, it is a fool who rides the train into the ground. If someone offered something decent for Lidge, he should jump at it, specifically a good hitting SS or catcher. DD
But then wouldn't we have a glaring hole in the bullpen? Yeah I know lidge was far from dominant last year, but the tandem of Qualls, Wheeler and Lidge still managed to do what their jobs required them of doing; and that's close games out. Despite Lidge's struggles, I don't know if I wanna mess with that success (however shaky) unless they were to find another setup man (and slide Wheeler into the closer's role) or closer.
I think the "pick our pockets" line should defnitely not be overlooked. So teams have some interest in lidge, that doesn't mean his value is high enough to warrant getting anything substantial in return. And I'd rather the club keep him and allow him to try regain his dominance then to ship him off for pennies on the dollar.
Stros are on FSN tonight 6:05 And Matsuzaka pitches today against the buccos 12:05 (ESPN). I want to see what this overhyped pitcher has.....
The team did not make the playoffs last year, it was not a good year. I would have Lidge on a short leash, and if he struggles send him packing. It seems that his failures hurt the team more than just on the field last year, the team seemed to hold it's breath every time he took the mound. I think his struggles took a lot of the swagger away from the whole team. I would move Wheeler into the closers role and find another middle relief setup man.....if Lidge struggles. Lidge's fastball is great - when down in the zone and under control, which it hasn't been. Lidge's slider is awesome - when the other team has to worry about his fastball, right now they can just lay off both until he grooves one. If he is not locating his fastball consistently, they should stronly consider moving him......pronto. DD
IMHO if your premise is correct then you are incorrect. If there is a legitimate concern call Theo and send him to Boston apace while his perceived value is at its highest. If Lidge's lights are out then swapping him would bring much less back. I expect Lidge to bounce back, but then again life begins with the first pitch I am an eternal springtime optimist.
Woody looks bad. I have an old MLB account and it still works even though I haven't paid...I wonder how long that will keep up? DD
I dunno if this has been posted. 2007 preview from S-freaking-I. Their picking us to finish 4th in the central and 19th overall. You Bastards! SI 2007 MLB Predictions
Sounds about right. Houston teams never get respect and I think we were picked to finish 4 or even 5th last year and the team wound up 1 game back of the Cardinals for the division. And the Cardinals are nowhere near a lock to win the division again.
Can't argue there...Lidge has been given plenty of time to fix his mechanics; and I hope Garner learned his lesson from last year and doesn't ride him too long if he does struggle. But I would like to see him given at least a chance; if he doesn't make the most of it then move Wheeler up.
Seriously, Peter King wrote that. Peter. King. Who covers the NFL. Badly. You want a hilariously great season preview? Top drawer? Go read deadspin's, they've got a chick writer from Entertainment Weekly doing theirs. Same ballpark.
