the latter. again, Lane has nothing to do with Pence. Lane isn't starting. they're not going to bring Pence up to sit on the bench at this stage of his development.
so bench Burke, I guess? i just don't see the Astros doing that at this point. i think this all hinges on Biggio. and i have no problem with that.
I would bench whoever struggles between Burke or Luke. I have a feeling one of them will struggle. Of course if they don't struggle and then we will all forget about Pence.
i suppose either one COULD struggle. it would be a lot easier for me if luke did. but i'll be honest...i don't think either is gonna struggle enough to merit taking away their starting roles. i don't think luke was a fluke...and i'd be more concerned with that for him than with burke. plus, burke and fluke don't rhyme. not even chris and fluke rhyme. so clearly, the astros will win the world series.
True Burke and fluke don't rhyme! I am now convinced the Astros are going all the way. National League champs at least.
Seeing how poorly Biggio did on the road versus home, I would not be surprise if Biggio starts less than half of the road games, even before he nets his 3000 hit. I also will not be surprised if PG makes no changes in how he uses Biggio after the 3000 hit. If Lane does struggle and Pence is crushing AAA, Lane's time with the Astros will likely be over. Pence will be called up and will platoon in CF and LF.
I can't belive he would get a hit off the great Jennings when pitchers are "going at full speed" a few days before the season.
If the Astros were smart, and they're not, Pence would be the starting CF, Burke would be the starting 2B, and Biggio would be coming off the bench.
i disagree. when you have a guy who played a part in saving the franchise for houston by taking less to stay here in 96. who has played 20 years here. who is arguably the franchise's greatest player and is a lock for the HOF...you give that guy a chance to get to 3,000...and you do it to demonstrate to every guy in your organization that if you perform like that and demonstrate loyalty, you will be rewarded with loyalty as well. particularly when all he needs is 70 hits.
Boy o boy. Pence is sure lighting it up. The only question I really have about him is defensively in center field. Haven't got to see enough to know if he can handle MMP. I still think the Stros are doing the right thing here. He'll be back, quickly.
Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams gets my vote. Remembering him makes me feel warm and fuzzy about Brad Lidge.
Not sure there's enough pt at 2nd to juggle Biggio, Loretta *and* Burke. Burke needs to hit & show he can play CF or he might end up in a bench role. No way they trade him, I wouldn't think. Pretty obvious that they like him much more than Conrad (who I think can be an excellent utility guy for them next year, ala Loretta). They have lots of options to deal with whoever on the team gets hurt or struggles. That's a very good thing.
