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barzilla	Magic Bullet	Lead	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 6701 (11/01/2009 11:27 AM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Tags : None No one from management has said what the payroll will be next season, but they have said it will be smaller. I'm guessing in the neighborhood of 90 million. After we give raises to Michael Bourn, Hunter Pence, and Wandy Rodriguez I am guessing we will have enough money to sign one significant free agent, so without divulging names, where would you like to see that magic bullet fired? What position do you want the Astros to target in free agency? (Total Votes: 29) - Closed Starting Pitcher (19 / 65.5%) Closer (including re-signing Valverde) (1 / 3.4%) Shortstop (1 / 3.4%) Third Base (5 / 17.2%) Other (3 / 10.3%)
bsb8532		#1	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 1130 (11/01/2009 4:23 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I went with 3rd. I don't really think any magic bullet will work as all of those areas are needs. Are you assuming we resign Hawkins? I could handle him as closer for a year. There's a lot of decent depth at 3rd that we could acquire. You should also put in dismantling the team and aiming to be above mediocre at some point in the next 5 years.
barzilla		#2	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 6703 (11/01/2009 4:32 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I'm not assuming anything at this point and happen to agree there is no magic bullet. I chose a starting pitcher because if you can get three guys that can hurl 200 innings a piece (FA, Wandy, and Roy O) then you can shorten the game some and cover for a bullpen that isn't as deep. I think Lidge has ironically shown that you don't HAVE to have a great closer to make it. If Hawkins will sign for the same four million I wouldn't mind having him back, but also wouldn't mind going without if it helps get a better starter. The problem with the third base proposal is that they can go with the Blum/Keppinger combo again and get decent results. I'd also be tempted to go shortstop as the next option. I wish there were some way to pry Jack Wilson from the Mariners. I also wouldn't mind a Lance Berkman deal to the Rangers in exchange for Elvis Andrus, Chris Davis, and a stud pitching prospect. I'd also wouldn't mind seeing Roy O going for a similar deal as the Padres got for Peavy. Check out my new Astros blog at kissmyastros.com
Clack		#3	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 16745 (11/01/2009 5:14 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Jack Wilson is a free agent; it's true that he may re-sign with the Mariners. I am thinking that he has a $8 million option, which Seattle is not likely to pick up. Personally, I voted for 3d base. There are some decent options available, and it is the easiest way to improve the offense.
The Boulder Thinks		#4	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 67 (11/01/2009 7:13 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	barzilla wrote: I'd also be tempted to go shortstop as the next option. I wish there were some way to pry Jack Wilson from the Mariners. The Boulder would pass on Wilson. A career .310 OBP hitter and the wrong side of 30. The Boulder would not mind seeing Valverde return at a reasonable price, but that may be a pipe dream.
barzilla		#5	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 6705 (11/01/2009 10:57 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Good point boulder, the question with Wilson is whether he would be a better hitter than manzella. He will be a better than average fielder like manzella and might stem the tide to Mier. Another question is whether anyone would actually take Everett back if the opportunity arises. Check out my new Astros blog at kissmyastros.com
Bob Hulsey		#6	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 7131 (11/02/2009 1:30 AM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I agree that there's no magic bullet but I'd like to see us unload one of the big three contracts for a young ML-ready starter and some good prospects. That then takes the payroll down close to 90-95 area instantly and allows us to offer arbitration to Tejada and Valverde without worrying about blowing the budget. I'd say the chances are less than 50% either one of them accepts (more likely Tejada) but if they sign elsewhere we then get to load up on draft picks for 2010 and that's what we need most - guys that can all peak around the same time. If we don't deal first, I'm afraid we won't offer to either one and then watch them walk away for nothing. Even if we were forced to re-sign Tejada or Valverde for 2010, we can still move them for prospects next July, assuming we aren't in the race. "We don't do anything easy. We're the Astros." - Craig Biggio
RyanED		#7	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 37960 (11/02/2009 8:42 AM) Golden Boy Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Barzilla, I honestly feel the best chance the Astros have of remaining competitive in 2010 is going to be because they have a very good starting rotation. If Roy Oswalt has a bounce back year, Wandy Rodriguez continues his amazing success from this past season and Bud Norris keeps developing into something special, there's no question the Astros have a very strong foundation already in place for their 2010 starting rotation. I can live with Brian Moehler as a fifth starter and perhaps the Astros use their free agent dollars on a notable starting pitcher. A solid number three starter is what I have in mind. We would have a very strong starting rotation in 2010... 1. Roy Oswalt 2. Wandy Rodriguez 3. Notable Free Agent 4. Bud Norris 5. Brian Moehler Statistically speaking, the Astros offense in 2009 wasn't much worse than the 2005 offense that reached the World Series believe it or not. The Astros offense has always been horrible since 2004, but it's been proven the Astros can still field a competitive team with strong pitching and little offense. They did that in 2005 and 2008. So that tells me having a good offense isn't that important. It's the pitching that will make or break a team's ultimate success. My uncle once told me during a playoff game we attended at the Houston Astrodome between the Astros and Braves, Game 3 of the 1997 NLDS, "Son, it doesn't matter how many superstars you have in your lineup, without having that ( he pointed to John Smoltz on the pitching mound ), this Astros team will never win a World Series." The Astros need to have a very good starting rotation and reliable bullpen in 2010. If they do, they may be able to compete regardless of what type of names Brad Mills is writing on his lineup card. I believe the starting rotation can be very good in 2010 and I have my fingers crossed the bullpen will be a decent one.
Clack		#8	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 16746 (11/02/2009 9:49 AM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Statistically speaking, the Astros offense in 2009 wasn't much worse than the 2005 offense that reached the World Series believe it or not. I don't agree with that, RyanED, and the only reason I bring it up is because I think a lot of people have the misconception that last year's offense would have been adequate with a much better rotation. The 2005 team scored exactly 50 runs more than the 2009 team scored. That isn't an insignificant difference. The 2005 team also hit 19 more HRs than the 2009 team. The team OPS was 11 points higher in 2005. This may be surprising to fans whose lasting recollection of the 2005 team is frustrating offensive production. Now the 2008 offense was better than the 2005 team. It scored about 10 more runs and hit 6 more HRs, for instance. I find it interesting that the difference in HRs between 2008 and 2009 is 25, which is nearly the same as Wigginton's 22 HRs hit in 2008. To some extent, the loss of Wigginton's 2008 offensive production accounts for much of the offensive decline from 08 to 09. I'm not saying that the Astros should go sign Wigginton, but I think the lack of power and OBP at 3d base needs to be remedied.
RyanED		#9	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 37961 (11/02/2009 10:43 AM) Golden Boy Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Clack, it doesn't really matter.... 2004 was the last time the Astros had a respectable offense that ranked highly in the National League. My point being, the Astros were still very competitive in 2005 ( reaching the World Series ) and 2008 ( coming up short of the wild card ) despite having a horrible offensive team. I do think better starting pitching is the fastest way for this current team to become competitive again. Give me another stud in the starting rotation with Geoff Blum at third base, over say, Scott Rolen at third base and no additions being made to the starting rotation. I'll take a good starting pitcher any day over a good position player. Even one who can hit 25 home runs, drive in 100 RBIs and hit near .300. Looking back, I wish we had never signed Carlos Lee. We'd probably have been better off re-signing Andy Pettitte and hanging on to Roger Clemens for his final season as well. Last Edited By: RyanED 11/02/2009 10:48 AM. Edited 3 times.
SnoSkiDrew		#10	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 1169 (11/02/2009 10:47 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Save the money, bring in the AAA club and let em get seasoning! "Berkman in the last two games: 9 for 10, 1 HR, 4 doubles, 6 runs, 5 RBIs. For good hitters, that's a week. For some players, that's two weeks. For Ausmus, that's two months." - Bob Hulsey
RyanED		#11	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 37962 (11/02/2009 10:53 AM) Golden Boy Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Clack wrote: I think a lot of people have the misconception that last year's offense would have been adequate with a much better rotation. They would have been given a better chance to win... Having guys like Felipe Paulino and his 6.27 ERA or Brian Moehler and his 5.47 ERA wasn't exactly breathing any confidence into the starting rotation. What about Russ Ortiz and his 5.57 ERA or Mike Hampton and his 5.30 ERA? The Astros offense didn't even have a chance in a lot of games. The game was already over during the middle innings... If you can give me a healthy and all-star caliber Roy Oswalt in 2010, the same Wandy Rodriguez we had in 2009, an improving young stud in Bud Norris and perhaps a free agent addition who can give you a respectable mid-3 ERA. I'll be nearly certain the Astros will have a winning ball club similar to that 2008 team. At the very least, going down to the final week still alive in the postseason race. Last Edited By: RyanED 11/02/2009 10:57 AM. Edited 1 times.
James A46		#12	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 3156 (11/02/2009 11:49 AM) ALL-STAR Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I voted for "other" because I think McLane needs to change his focus from trying to bring in high profile names to put butts in the seat and focus all of his financial energy toward rebuilding the minor league system. There are too many problem areas on this team and one fix in one area is not going to make this a competitive team unless McLane decides to start spending like the Yankees which isn't going to happen. Carlos Lee needs to go, Miguel Tejada needs to go, Matsui needs to go. Once they put the over-the-hill dead weight and the underachieving non-motivated over-paid ballplayers behind them, they can then focus on the future. With a clear goal of building from within and strengthening the farm system, the team will finally be back on a path that will be a formula for success. By the way, my "magic bullet" is a .44 magnum 240 grain hollow point. "Yes, I am here in Cooperstown....This place, my field, my dream." -Gene Elston July 30th, 2006 - Ford C. Frick Award Acceptance Speech, Cooperstown, NY
barzilla		#13	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 6706 (11/02/2009 1:57 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	James, you and I both know that ain't going to happen. I've written that too many times already here and elsewhere to waste my energy on it more. Bob suggested trading one or more of the big three and I think that would be the perfect move. If you traded both Berkman and Oswalt you would probably get six or seven good young players in return (if you trade them to two separate teams). I'd love to get my hands on someone like Elvis Andrus in Texas. No, he is not a great hitter, but he is good enough to accompany his fielding. Throw in a Chris Davis and a good young pitching prospect and you have me sold there. Oswalt could bring in three prospects of his own. However, these things won't happen. So, I focus on what free agents could do the most good and the least amount of long-term damage. Check out my new Astros blog at kissmyastros.com
pillage		#14	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 853 (11/02/2009 2:43 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	If these were the only options available then I'd say SP, however I'm no longer interested in temporary mediocre stop-gap success and maybe squeaking into contention. The most shocking part of the organization is AAA and my vote would is to rebuild that. It does nothing for me personally because I don't watch/pay attention/really care that much about the minors but I'd rather focus finances on the minors at the expense of the parent team in the short term. Offer arbitration to everyone worth having, trade every veteran with value away.
bsb8532		#15	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 1132 (11/02/2009 5:49 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Ryan, I agree that the Astros have had a lot of success without a lot of hitting, but even if we sign a free agent we won't have anywhere near the rotation we had in 2005. That 3 man rotation was one of the best of all time statistically. Roy is no longer the same guy, Wandy is no Pettitte, and no free agent will be as good as Clemens was during his 3 years here. I think the only notable player the Astros would consider trading is Wandy. Roy and Berkman are Drayton's boys and Lee is untradeable (though Wade is surely licking his chops at the possibility of dealing him after his no trade is gone). Wandy to the Angels for a package focusing on Brandon Wood seems like a plausible scenario that could work for both teams. I know everyone doesn't like trading Wandy, but lets not forget that he too is not exactly young, is due a big raise, and is nearing free agency. While he'll still be a bargain next year, one has to wonder how much a solid lefty will garner in the free agency market (at least $12+ million). I'm not sold on Wandy long-term to make that kind of investment and making such an investment would be doing more of the same in regards to what got us in this mess to begin with. Wood can play a position of need (you can try him at SS but he has gold glove potential at 3rd) and provides much needed young power potential. Just as important, he shaves $5-6 million off your payroll that can be used on acquiring a quality starter to replace Wandy.
CC Hookem		#16	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 357 (11/02/2009 6:19 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	How much would you guys pay to keep Tejada for another year? Even maybe move him to third? 3 or 4 Million?
Clack		#17	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 16750 (11/02/2009 8:19 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I would consider going higher than that CC; $6 million is probably fair.
Bob Hulsey		#18	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 7135 (11/02/2009 10:23 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I think Tejada is looking for at least $8-$10 million. After all, he does play a critical position, hit over .300, drove in 86 runs. He's not the guy who got the big payday from the Orioles but he's not a bad hitter at all for a shortstop. You can cite his .795 OPS, his lack of walks, his high rate of GIDPs, etc. but he's still one of the top players at his position and he's going to be in demand this offseason in spite of all the negative stories. I think he's legitimately grateful that McLane and the Astros stood by him during his legal troubles and might be willing to give something of a discount to us (not sure his agent will agree with that) but I wouldn't expect him to go down to $6 mil or less without something multiyear that offers job security and is loaded with bonuses and incentives. Miggy is like a cold cup of beer on a hot day with small leak in the cup. You really want to enjoy him but he's also going to make a mess and you'll end up questioning if it was worth it. I don't want to see him walk away for nothing. I'd rather offer him arb, hope he says no but, if he says yes, have the payroll flexibility to sign him to a 1-year deal and trade him at the deadline next July. "We don't do anything easy. We're the Astros." - Craig Biggio
barzilla		#19	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 6707 (11/02/2009 11:07 PM) Astros Fan Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	The issue with Tejada is the same with Billy Wagner. Both players will be commodities this off-season, but not necessarily at the positions they want. I respect that 795 OPS as a shortstop and don't care how he arrives at it. However, a 795 OPS for a third basemen is merely solid and not spectacular. If he really wants to remain a shortstop there might not be much of a market for him because I think the industry agrees he has lost a step or two. He could be a very serviceable third baseman. The same is true of Wagner. He supposedly wants to be a closer, but I just don't see that many openings for him. The Astros could conceivably get him at a bargain price if they guaranteed him the slot. So, the price for both guys depends greatly on the role they are willing to play. I could see someone offering 6-8 million for Tejada as a third baseman. If his ego tells him to be a shortstop you could conceivably swallow hard and take another season of diminished range for under that price. Check out my new Astros blog at kissmyastros.com
The Boulder Thinks		#20	[-]
Astros Fan Posts: 68 (11/03/2009 10:05 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Another issue with Miggy is that he will be looking for at least a 3 year deal. The Astros would be foolish to offer Miggy anything more than a two year deal @ $6 million per. The Boulder is intrigued with the idea of offering Valverde arbitration. If Valverde does not re-sign, the Astros will get a pick and could bring in Wagner to finish his career here.

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What position do you want the Astros to target in free agency? (Total Votes: 29) - Closed

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