If Brad Ausmus leaves in free agency ( likely signs with Padres to end his career. He has home there. ) and Roger Clemens retires.
I think the Astros should replace those 2 players with the 4 players I listed in the thread title.
Brian Giles can start in LF, Benjie Molina can start at catcher. AJ Burnett would go into the starting rotation giving us a Oswalt, Pettitte, Burnett, Backe, Wandy rotation. Two Killer B's in the starting rotation.
And Julian Taveraz, bad-blood aside from 2004 NLCS .. would strengthen and solidify our bullpen.
Before you guys think this is a crazy idea, realize it is only an idea. I am just trying to make a point that options do exist out there. Be it reasonable or wishful thinking.
If Ausmus is re-signed and Clemens returns, then none of this is possible. At least, signing all 4 of them.
Perhaps 1 or 2 of them could still be signed, depending on whether or not Drayton increases payroll.
Realize that Molina and Taveraz aren't going to be bank-breakers. Both could be bargain signings.
From what I understand, Molina is seeking a 3 year deal worth 11 million. And Julian Taveraz is seeking a 2 or 3 year deal worth around 12.5 million. I think those are reasonable price tags for those two guys.
The problem is, we are tied to many large contracts already. The Bagwell contract in particular really limits what we can do this off-season. We still have to give Lidge a pay-raise and re-sign Oswalt long term.
I think the Astros should replace those 2 players with the 4 players I listed in the thread title.
Brian Giles can start in LF, Benjie Molina can start at catcher. AJ Burnett would go into the starting rotation giving us a Oswalt, Pettitte, Burnett, Backe, Wandy rotation. Two Killer B's in the starting rotation.
And Julian Taveraz, bad-blood aside from 2004 NLCS .. would strengthen and solidify our bullpen.
Before you guys think this is a crazy idea, realize it is only an idea. I am just trying to make a point that options do exist out there. Be it reasonable or wishful thinking.
If Ausmus is re-signed and Clemens returns, then none of this is possible. At least, signing all 4 of them.
Perhaps 1 or 2 of them could still be signed, depending on whether or not Drayton increases payroll.
Realize that Molina and Taveraz aren't going to be bank-breakers. Both could be bargain signings.
From what I understand, Molina is seeking a 3 year deal worth 11 million. And Julian Taveraz is seeking a 2 or 3 year deal worth around 12.5 million. I think those are reasonable price tags for those two guys.
The problem is, we are tied to many large contracts already. The Bagwell contract in particular really limits what we can do this off-season. We still have to give Lidge a pay-raise and re-sign Oswalt long term.

