I would hesitate to trade Alou as well. I just think that IF they can get a quality starting pitcher (or third baseman) they would sacrifice Alou. He is a real bargain when he's healthy. There has never been any doubts about his offense although he is a slightly above average defensive player. He is certainly a better outfielder than either Berkman or Ward. Berkman does need to work on his right handed batting stroke. I just think that they will look at trading Alou or Cedeno and send off whoever gets them the best value. ------------------
From listening to Hunsicker talk, they are pretty happy with Lugo. If he keeps playing consistently, they'll probably keep him there. Bogar has also done well since he started working with the hitting coach. 3rd is another story. They could deffinitely use a good 3rd baseman and give Truby some more time to develop. A lot on Alou depends on his recovery from his ailments. He's batted well, but his defense has been horrible -- he's cost them several runs missing or fumbling for the ball. If he doesn't get better, I think they'll be better trading him to an AL team as a designated hitter, and using one of their outfielders that can play offense and defense. ------------------ Stay Cool...
there is no way the astros should let big Mo go. the only way Mo is gone, should be if he wants out to go play for his daddy again. The guy is just money. He gives protection to both Bagwell and Hidalgo by batting in the five hole. He and Bags are good friends. Bags goes and visits him in the D.R. in the off-season. The guy is nails in the playoffs, should've been World Series MVP when the fish won the whole thing. If he goes, I think Bags goes. We know that when healthy, Mo is good for .300+, 30, 100 easily. You can't replace consistancy like that. And if he does go down, we have a glut of outfielders who can hopefully step in for a week or two. On another note, it's been great to see the Astros playing well recently. Seeing as this team is so young now, it's good to see them getting that scrappy attitude. 2001 lineup Biggio Lugo Bagwell Hidalgo Alou Berkman Meluskey Truby That's if we make no changes... i think we'll upgrade at SS and/or 3B. If we can get Cammy back, this lineup looks like there aren't any easy outs top to bottom. I look for big things from this club... even if we don't make drastic changes like firing Dierker or whatever.... BTW, I miss our old hitting coach Tom McGraw, i miss hearing him referred to as our "hitting guru" =Þ ------------------
