Pence would *have* to be part of the price. I think Ryan's proposed trade (Peavy for Pence, Bourn, Wandy and two prospects) is just about on-target and I would swallow hard before doing it but I would probably do it, even though it would dramatically expand payroll.

Here's why:

There seems to be three tiers of pitchers:

1. The Studs. Not only are they very good but they are *consistently* good. There's probably less than 10 of them around at any one time. Oswalt is one of them. Peavy is another one. To have two immediately makes you a contender.

2. The Flashes. These are guys who have a great year or two but spend most of their careers as average or below average due to either injury or inconsistency. You can load up on these pitchers and hope they have good years but they may also disappoint big time.

3. The Average. These are your 3-5 starters who could blow hot or cold at any time but you really don't know for sure who you've got from start to start. Think Wandy and Backe.

The problem with pitchers is that they are expensive and most are so inconsistent. Back when I used to do fantasy baseball, that was one of the lessons learned. Pitching is pricey but spotty. Hitters are more consistent year-to-year. They're more predictable so they are sounder long-term investments than pitchers are. That's why you need to get stud starting pitchers whenever they become available because they are the few sound investments on the pitching side.

We can always find a marginal outfielder to put out there until a better replacement is found or comes up. Heck, we could put Wiggy in right field and re-sign Mike Lamb or play Blum more at third.

I love Pence and his hustle but you have to give up something to get something and, in this case, Peavy would be worth it.

"We don't do anything easy. We're the Astros." - Craig Biggio