Oswalt on the trading block
This is the second story I've read today about the Astros shopping Oswalt around. The other story was on the Chronicle, where they talked about a package deal for Tejada.
If we're going to trade Oswalt, I want to see us get more than a prospect. This Milledge guy might be great, but he's batting .233 right now. .233?!?! FOR ROY FREAKING OSWALT?!?!?
If the Astros trade Oswalt, they should be honest with the fans and come out and say "We're rebuilding."
-Mike
the hardest thing to come around is top of the line starting pitching. Its not like Pettite and Clemens are going to be around long.
This has to be a big rumor with no validity. Without Clemens and Pettitte next year, Oswalt is a guy you build your starting pitching rotation around.
My prediction... Lidge, Everett, and Pence to the O's for Tejada today. When the O's realize at the 11th hour that they have nothing, they'll bite.
Give up on this year
Get Clemens and Pettite in a locked room with the owner and explain what I was doing and why. Tell them we want them back in 2007, but with better hitting around them.
Trade Clemens and Pettite to highest bidder who offers the best proven talent in return.
Go ahead with the trade for Tejada and explain to him we're gonna be kickin *** in 07.
Then, whoop *** in 07 with Tejada, Clemens, Pettite plus all the new stuff we got in trade!!
Trending Topics
I might even stop following baseball. Would be time to learn how that Soccer game I keep hearing about works.
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
I might even stop following baseball. Would be time to learn how that Soccer game I keep hearing about works.
That's pretty damn funny!!
-Mike
-Mike
Go 'Stros.
Go 'Stros.
Think of our pitching next year.
Oswalt (possibly unhappy after trade talks)
Wandy
Backe
Buchholz
Nieve
Talk about giving up the longball...then we've always got Qualls and Lidge in the relief and closer positions.
Think about the lineup we could have had with an added big bat...take the addition of Soriano for example.
1. Biggio 2B
2. Chris Burke SS (if Everette was involved in said trade)
3. Berkman RF
4. Soriano CF
5. Mike Lamb 1B
6. Morgan Ensberg or Huff 3B
7. Preston Wilson LF
8. Ausmus C
9. Pitcher
Think of our pitching next year.
Oswalt (possibly unhappy after trade talks)
Wandy
Backe
Buchholz
Nieve
Talk about giving up the longball...then we've always got Qualls and Lidge in the relief and closer positions.
Think about the lineup we could have had with an added big bat...take the addition of Soriano for example.
1. Biggio 2B
2. Chris Burke SS (if Everette was involved in said trade)
3. Berkman RF
4. Soriano CF
5. Mike Lamb 1B
6. Morgan Ensberg or Huff 3B
7. Preston Wilson LF
8. Ausmus C
9. Pitcher
But, Oswalt has been the backbone of the rotation for the past 4 years. Look what he did for us last year in the NLCS. I've given up on this season. Maybe the Astros will do something crazy in the offseason like go after a big name free agent like Carlos Lee or Soriano with the money they are saving off of Clemens and Bagwell.
Realistically, I'm expecting the "prospects" most of which are 28-30 years old to finally make it to the big show and then the Astros will struggle all year.
Im a little bitter right now.
But, Oswalt has been the backbone of the rotation for the past 4 years. Look what he did for us last year in the NLCS. I've given up on this season. Maybe the Astros will do something crazy in the offseason like go after a big name free agent like Carlos Lee or Soriano with the money they are saving off of Clemens and Bagwell.
Realistically, I'm expecting the "prospects" most of which are 28-30 years old to finally make it to the big show and then the Astros will struggle all year.
Im a little bitter right now.
Tim Purpura and Drayton really showed their asses on this one.
Tim Purpura and Drayton really showed their asses on this one.
Its pretty safe to say that Roger won't be back. I seriously doubt that the Astros are going to offer Pettitte another contract unless its at a significant (deservedly) pay cut, so your pitching rotation looks to be pretty accurate.
Here's my assessment:
1. Biggio 2B (probably back for one more year)
2. Chris Burke SS (if Everett is traded or not, Burke should get a shot at SS)
3. Berkman RF
4. Soriano, Taveras, or minor league prospect CF (I'll believe it when I see it regarding Sorianio when/if this happens tradewise
) 5. Mike Lamb 1B
6. Morgan Ensberg or Huff 3B
7. Preston Wilson LF (probably won't be back)
8. Ausmus C (probably won't be back)
9. Pitcher
Next year probably will be even worse than this year when you look at it. If it were me, I would fire Purpura. He's done absolutely NOTHING as far as new aquisitions for impact players to help the Astros. You're also right about cheap-*** Uncle Drayton. He'll pocket a big chunk of the money from Bagwell's, Clemens', and Pettitte's contract instead of going out and getting significant difference making type of guys to contend for the division title. Drayton is content to play for the wild card and doesn't seem to have serious interest in being a big-time player for the division crown, which is sad.
Think of our pitching next year.
Oswalt (possibly unhappy after trade talks)
Wandy
Backe
Buchholz
Nieve
Talk about giving up the longball...then we've always got Qualls and Lidge in the relief and closer positions.
Think about the lineup we could have had with an added big bat...take the addition of Soriano for example.
1. Biggio 2B
2. Chris Burke SS (if Everette was involved in said trade)
3. Berkman RF
4. Soriano CF
5. Mike Lamb 1B
6. Morgan Ensberg or Huff 3B
7. Preston Wilson LF
8. Ausmus C
9. Pitcher

Drayton said this morning that the Astros did not mention Oswalt, he was brought up by other teams... they didn't bring him up. What are they supposed to do in that situation? Another team brings his name up and it leaks... now they're the bad guy. Drayton said his top priority now that the trade deadline is over is to sign an extension with Oswalt.
I wish they could have done something too, but this year is FAR from over. If Ensberg comes back and plays like he should play and Huff plays like he should play... this is a decent lineup. Definitely decent enough to win the wildcard. Scott was huge this weekend and I see good things from him. ***** T is making things happen again. Huff WILL come around. Ensberg is capable of much more than he has shown this season. Where we needed help was in the bullpen.
Even this lineup for the rest of the season looks good if they play the way they should:
1. 2B Biggio
2. CF Taveras/Burke
3. 1B Berkman
4. 3B Ensberg
5. RF Huff
6. LF Scott/Wilson
7. SS Everett
8. C Ausmus
9. P
You're all too quick to jump off the bandwagon. Call me a homer or say I have wool over my eyes... but I am not giving up this season yet.
All the Astros really need is a cattle prod on their nuts!! They just haven't kicked into gear and it's frustrating as hell...


