Lol, as you well know, I think pitching is so much more important than hitting. I'm happy with our pitching situation right now though. We have a set of great starters (We're very lucky Clemens came back to save the Astros' bacon, was still a very bad gamble on the Astro's part to deny him arbitration), plus I like the bullpen and I think they will turn things around.
I just saw this news and skimmed the thread after the first 5 or so pages so sorry if this has been said already. Both Zobrist and Talbot, despite their good numbers were considered 'second tier prospects' - they were not top ten guys on a team that has a very average to poor minor league system. Even if Huff leaves after the year this trade is no worse than a wash. If they resign Huff for a reasonable contract it is a brilliant deal. For a left handed batter, Huff's numbers against left handers are suprisingly close to his numbers against right handers. His 'runners in scoring position' numbers are about the same as his general numbers. Also, if you get left handed power in Minute Maid, it needs to be more of the 'line drive hitter' type than the 'every swing for a home run' type, which would be more effective with a right hander and the Crawford boxes. Given the power nature of this team, I might consider batting him 2nd some.
Love the trade offensively. I don't watch the D-Rays enough to know about his D. On the Ensberg side topic, he should be getting more atbats before Berkman when he plays. The way Lamb and Ensberg have been getting on, it would be an all you can eat buffet for Berkman.
The Astros never really have liked Ensberg. Jimy Williams hated him so much he let the Cubs win the division in 2003. Alan Ashby was always ripping on him, and I believe he was just echoing the company line.
Excellent trade - it enhances our lineup without giving up any "star" prospects. Here's my projected lineup: 1) Burke CF 2) Biggio 2B 3) Lamb 1B 4) Berkman RF 5) Huff 3B 6) Wilson LF 7) Munson/Ausmus C 8) Everett SS Ensberg can rotate in when they face a LHP, either for Lamb or Huff Now if the pitching can come around...
Nope. Your best hitter should hit 2nd or 4th. The 3rd slot is good place for a guy with good SLG but less than great OBP.
he's definitely struggled after the injury this year. i'm sure the astros are hoping he returns to form in the 2nd half. last season he was .285 with RISP in 2004 he was .270 in 2003 he was .297
doesn't surprise me in the least...remember, huff was injured this season. ensberg was hot as fire early on.
fair enough. i'm hoping ensberg pulls out of the funk he's in. it seems to me he's hurt...if so, i hope he'll take some time off and get well.
what's your point with all this??? do you think i'm an ensberg hatah???? clearly the team is concerned with where ensberg is headed...not where he's been. are you disappointed with the trade??
