It did not WORK because the group was overWORKed by then. Assuming Billy Wags is dealt then assume the $s returned will be much fewer. Soriano-Johnson-Weaver/Wags? The Boss might do it, but would Dray pay? Nah. (Besides is Weaver worth those other two studs? Yeah.)
Soriano would dominate in Minute Maid Park but I would rather deal Hidalgo to try to get him than Wagner. That way we can release Biggio, put Lane in right and have Soriano in center. Peter Gammons claims Soriano was a very good outfielder in the minors so I would love to try it.
I tend to disagree with that statment, esp. since they had been lights out in just the prior games before that one, and they continued to be solid afterwards. Hell... Wagner had more of a work-load than the other two, and he probably had his BEST save two days after this when he struck out Bonds on 101 mph heat. The bullpen never wore out... it just so happened that they ALL had a bad game that very day. Other than that game, there had not been an occasion where more than one of the big 3 struggled in any given outing.
True.. I just moved to New York, and as much as I hate the Yankees, I went to 3 games, and Mariano pitched in all 3. Man, he's awesome. A lowlight of one of those games was the group of meatheads behind me, one telling the others "ok, guys, Rivera is about to come out of the pen. When he comes out, they play 'Enter Sandman' it's so great". Anybody know whether Wagner got that before Rivera? I honestly don't know. Sadly, I went to the Astros game the day before the no hitter. Story of my life.
I actually wouldn't bet the farm against this.. 1. Steinbrenner obviously wants major changes after the WS loss. 2. Soriano has been rumored to be on the block- especially in light of his poor postseason. also, it was written that, at the end of the season, he was 'in a fog' n the field But do these things mean we don't want him? 3. Hidalgo would be a great replacement for Garcia in right. He might have thrown out Gonzalez on that play in game 6... If you think we're going to release Biggio, however, you're on crack. Just not gonna happen.
I respectfully disagree. The bullpen was worn out EXCEPT for Wags. I don't want Wags gone, but it appears to me he does want a ticket out of Drayton's playpen. Lidge was taxed beyond what his body allowed for years. I hope, and expect, that he'll add durability to his repertoire.
sometimes i wonder if you watch a completely different team you mistake for the astros. i'm pretty sure you have a direct feed to the brewers and because they're on every night, you assume you're watching the astros.
Lidge was taxed? I mean, sure he struggled a bit every now and then (throughout the season, not neccessarily the final weeks), but those were normally in games in non-save situations, where he was just pitching to get work (very much like Wagner, in that respect). In normal save situations, he was usually light's out in those 7th and 8th innings. Same with Dotel. They both only faltered that Giants game. That was the ONLY game where more than one member of the big 3 struggled.
(IP, ERA, BA, K:BB) Ricky Stone: April: 14, 1.93, .294, 9:8 May: 19.1, 1.86, .172, 7:6 June: 11.1, 9.53, .346, 6:2 July: 16.2, 2.70, .207, 10:4 Aug: 13, 1.39, .191, 8:7 Sept: 8.2, 8.31, .306, 7:4 Brad Lidge: April: 17.2, 1.02, .172, 18:7 May: 16, 2.25, .196, 20:9 June: 14, 5.79, .226, 15:8 July: 14.1, 1.26, .149, 18:6 Aug: 11.2, 10.03, .250, 14:4 Sept: 11.1, 3.18, .231, 12:8 Octavio Dotel: April: 13, 2.08, .167, 14:5 May: 17.2, 1.02, .119, 23:5 June: 16.1, 3.31, .188, 18:7 July: 12.2, 4.97, .260, 15:3 Aug: 13.2, 3.95, .200, 13:3 Sept: 13.2, 0.00, .091, 14:8
So, we watch the same thing see something different. So what? Just don't make me out as a hater. I want those guys to win. I don't believe they were 'put together' well (contract imbalances, age) and I don't believe the owner is doing what it takes to be a 'champion'. Does anyone (not related to DMc) disagree????? But -- yes, Lidge became unreliable. He also never made it thru a minor league season yet a long major league one. He will grow into the role. he's a reason for optimism. If Hidalgo were traded I'd be fine with it (provided the return was positive). He hustles, has a great arm, and hits 3-4-5 pitchers well. 1-2 pitchers eat him up.
