I'm sorry but Pence has never seemed to be a "once in a lifetime player" that the Astros have to hold on to. Having said that I would find it hard to see many suitors for him, especially at the price the Astros would likely be asking for him. No one on this team has that feel about them. The Astros need to supernova this team and hope to put together enough pieces that can be fused into a championship contender 4-5 yrs from now.
Get rid of Pence please. Too many fans like him because of his looks and style of play, but honestly the kid can't take a walk and will never put a good OBP together. He's just wasting a spot at what is supposed to be a power position in the lineup.
I like him because that little punk has a hot ass GF (or had don't really know): (She's got some more smokin hot photos of her modeling search her up you won't be dissapointed) We already lost Jennie Finch, we're not losing Terrie B.!!!!!! It'll hurt too much
Word. Pence has not shown any improvement with plate discipline and is a horrible outfielder despite his speed.
if they're seriously trying to trade Bourn, then the Astros management is smarter and more forward-thinking than we give them credit for. Bourn is my favorite Astro...but I think you're selling high right now...and if you could turn him into 2-3 good prospects, i'd be fine with that.
Plus, we actually have a little OF depth in the minors, perhaps Gaston, Shuck, or more likely Bogusevic will be ready to make the jump next season.
haha, seems like McLains's ignorance of not understanding the need to start over may be inadvertently working to our favor, as it seems to be driving up the price for Oswalt! I'm actually quite ok keeping Roy unless a team picks up all / close to all of his contract, and gives us stud prospects. I'm sure Roy will broaden his list of teams in the off season when he sticks round here for the rest of the year, has an ERA of round 3, whip 1, and losses round 14
I would let Oswalt's agent be working the phone's and let the 'stros sit back and say bring us the best deal and oh by the way don't waste our time with non impact propsects. Roy wants out ..... will only play for certain teams ...... wants to get paid............... let him do the work. Let him listen to the other teams lowball offers . If he can't make a deal we have no hurry as there is always the offseason and next years deadline. BTW if McLane is trying to be loyal with Berkman and Oswalt.........just let him wait until their contracts are up and see how loyal they are in return..............NOT!
If you're looking at at least a three to five year window of rebuilding, you have to trade Bourn now if you can get anything of value for him. (Value = Pitcher, Power-hitting infielder) This organization has plenty of outfielders and 1st baseman, and utility type players in the minors. I would trade him in a heartbeat for a good hitting shortstop. Same with Keppinger and Pence. They are all not once in a generation type players.
Who are the 1st baseman in the minors that will be major league ready in a year or two? Shelton is 30. I don't have much faith that Clemens will evolve into a major league first baseman. Pelligrini is 25+ and still in A ball.
Hah I didnt say any were ready in a year or two. Maybe 3 years. But yeah Clemens, Hinze, i've heard that there was talk of moving both Martinez and Bogusevic there. It just seems first base a haven for good hitting/ bad fielding outfielders or infielders. I would happily take a power hitting first baseman in any deal as they are still considered infielders last time I checked.
I was just responding to that part of your post which says that the organization has plenty of first basemen. I was just curious as to who they currently were. Clemens and Hinze will both be 26+ in 3 years. Granted they may move an outfielder to first base, but the organization is currently thin with prospects that play first base.
I think the only position where the Astros aren't thin is outfield. Until players from the last few drafts start to move through the system and we can get a better read on their abilities, it's hard to say that we have depth anywhere else. Even in outfield, it's not clear that we have any blue chip talent but there is definitely more depth in terms of potential major leaguers.
jaysonst Heard from one source that the 2 major-league players StL told Hou it would deal for Oswalt are John Jay & Brendan Ryan. Not enough for Hou!
