No support for Berkman's open piehole

[JaneDoe]

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2332626&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[pravata]

Backe said. "Maybe he's a little upset that his buddy Chris Burke was traded. But I don't know. He said what he said, and he certainly has a right to say what he wants."

For several years there has been a large contingent of demonstratively religious people on the Astros.  Ensberg, Everett, Scott, Springer, several of the other relievers, I think they're all mostly gone now.  I think Berkman was comfortable in that clubhouse.  This team is now the type of team that contemplates bringing Anna Benson into the booth with Milo.  Times are changing Lance.  There's only two teams in Texas and the Rangers have no pitching that the Astros need so just make the best of it.

[Noe]

"Maybe he's a little upset that his buddy Chris Burke was traded." - Brandon Backe.

Man, you just have to love Brandon Backe.  BTW - Woody Williams fired his own salvo at Berkman and it makes sense to me since Berkman threw both Backe and Williams under the bus in McTaggart's blog report:

Williams said he "strongly" disagrees with Berkman's opinions.

"Chemistry is what you make of it," the veteran starting pitcher said. "It's how you approach people, and it's how open you are with your teammates and how willing you are to get to know different people.  (*cough*, Jeff Bagwell, *cough* - added by Noe)

"There's guys that have been here five or six years, and they have a good camaraderie and some good close friendships were made. And now it's time to split them apart, and it's always hard. I know a lot of that's personal for Lance. He's the face of the organization, and he's someone that everyone looks up to, so his concerns concern a lot of people."

[JaneDoe]

"Maybe he's a little upset that his buddy Chris Burke was traded." - Brandon Backe.

Man, you just have to love Brandon Backe. 

Yeah, I laughed out loud when I read that.  Backe just opened his mouth and said what everyone in Houston was thinking.

[jasonact]

Yeah, I laughed out loud when I read that.  Backe just opened his mouth and said what everyone in Houston was thinking.

Another reason why Brandon Backe is one of my favorite players.

About Berkman, isn't he supposed to be the laid back type? If so, this chemistry thing probably won't matter come February. Take 'em out for pancakes and make some new friends.

[Towlie]

No wonder I like Backe so much.

[believin]

Did you see Richard Justice's (largely indecipherable) response?
 
http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2007/12/dumb_old_lance.html

I think he thought about Footer and started feeling a little penis envy. At least, the whining in his article makes it appear so.

[jbm]

Did you see Richard Justice's (largely indecipherable) response?
 
http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2007/12/dumb_old_lance.html

I think he thought about Footer and started feeling a little penis envy. At least, the whining in his article makes it appear so.

that blog was embarrassing, like he's got some agenda.  I view Footer's piece as telling the other side of the story, the other side the Chronicle writers should have had in their original article.  No need to get whiny at someone presenting more points of view.

[believin]

that blog was embarrassing, like he's got some agenda.  I view Footer's piece as telling the other side of the story, the other side the Chronicle writers should have had in their original article.  No need to get whiny at someone presenting more points of view.

Completely agree.  I think it is amazing just how bad that is... even for him.

[Don]

Did you see Richard Justice's (largely indecipherable) response?
 
http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2007/12/dumb_old_lance.html

I think he thought about Footer and started feeling a little penis envy. At least, the whining in his article makes it appear so.

This joke of a column left no room for doubt.

The off-season moves are the best thing that could have happened to Justice. A whole new team of players who will actually talk to him (maybe even treat him like a serious journalist) since they haven't yet learned what a useless tool he is.

Brad will have his work cut out for him schoolin' all the new guys during Spring Training.

[Outlawscotty]

Justice is not long for the Houston market.  There is no way in Hell he can maintain a 'relationship' with the hometown team with this kind of whining.  He basically called anyone who refuses to speak to him a suckup and is obviously jealous of Footer's access.  Does he think this entry will gain him access to the newest players on the team?  To me, this is like he is trying to get 'let go' from the Chronicle to persue something else (see national market.)  Very irrational.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

You know, I like Backe as well.  But has he actually had an entire season where he has stayed healthy?  Is Woody Williams not 41?   I understand Berkman's comments should have been made in-house.  That doesn't make them invalid.  This team has a seriously week rotation after Oswalt. 

Over the past 3 yrs:
Pitcher     Starts   IP in Starts  Avg (approx)
Backe        38        219            5 2/3
Williams     83        490            5 2/3
Rodriguez   77        492            5 2/3
Sampson   22         129            5 2/3

And just to elaborate, Backe and Sampson have never had more than 25 starts in a single MLB season.  Sampson only has 1 full season in the Majors, during which he was injured.  Wandy has spent time in the minors in every year but last year.  And Woody, as much as I love his guile and determination, is on the decline.  Sure, if everything breaks perfectly (i.e. no injuries, no extended bouts of inconsistency, returning injured players have no set backs etc...) this could be a solid rotation.  The emphasis is on "could be".  Their starting depth after those 5 is pathetic.  You have one having not pitched at all last year (Nieve), another with a total of 19 innings and 3 starts in the majors, and the last one who's never seen time in the majors at all combined with the fact that he's been groomed primarily as a reliever (estrada).    But hey, they added Cassell, right?  So the problem is solved. 

So the "chemistry" comment was misguided.  Big friggin' deal.  Was he off base with his comments about the pitching being a serious question?  It's been said, and I understand why, but the Pitching, Speed, Defense plan was scrapped about the time they traded for Tejada.  So you don't have Everett at peak level, Manzella could have come in and would not have killed this offense hitting 8th.  You still have Albers and Patton in your pitching talent pool, and Scott available in a trade for a reliever.  I recognize Patton and Albers were young and still have alot to prove.   But talent wise, they were solid and gave you viable alternatives if/when the starting 5 at end of ST faulter.  What are the Astros alternatives now?

This team reminds me of 2003.  And yes, I am painfully aware that I am in agreement with the Chron writers.  The difference is, I hope I'm wrong while those douche bags look at it as potential catalyst to start cries for another person, far more qualified than they are, to lose their job.  Only this time, it may be Tal Smith and then we'll get to see the impact Pam Gardner can have with no one obstructing her "business" approach to baseball. 

[pravata]

....So the "chemistry" comment was misguided.  Big friggin' deal.  Was he off base with his comments about the pitching being a serious question? ....

No they weren't misguided, several people have commented on the changed makeup of the Astros.  But Berkman said it, and while it should be a big deal, it probably isn't.  He's made his reputation as a clown and consequently no one should take him seriously.  Either the fans nor his teammates.  The meaning of what he said is this, I can't count on these pitchers, the team needs to get someone else.  Backe and Williams should be pissed.  Likely they'll just shrug it off and go try to do their job. 

[Kent's Moustache]

There's only two teams in Texas and the Rangers have no pitching that the Astros need so just make the best of it.

Don't kid yourself.  The Rangers' top pitching prospects--Volquez, Hurley, Mendoza, Diamond--are head-and-shoulders better and light-years ahead of anyone on the Astros' farm.

[pravata]

Don't kid yourself.  The Rangers' top pitching prospects--Volquez, Hurley, Mendoza, Diamond--are head-and-shoulders better and light-years ahead of anyone on the Astros' farm.

Yeah, yeah prospects, everybody has prospects.  I think the Astros have shown exactly how much they value prospects.

[MusicMan]

"There's no such thing as a pitching prospect."

[pravata]

Did you see Richard Justice's (largely indecipherable) response?
 
http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2007/12/dumb_old_lance.html

I think he thought about Footer and started feeling a little penis envy. At least, the whining in his article makes it appear so.

Has Justice removed this entry from his blog?  The link still works, but if you look at the "Main" list, which is where you'd see it if you didn't know it existed, his entrys have skipped from the 17th to the 19th.  [eta]Yep, it's gone, he's embarassed by his own crapulence.

[Andyzipp]

Has Justice removed this entry from his blog?  The link still works, but if you look at the "Main" list, which is where you'd see it if you didn't know it existed, his entrys have skipped from the 17th to the 19th.  [eta]Yep, it's gone, he's embarassed by his own crapulence.

If I cared, it does seem like the kind of thing I would cut and paste into a word document so I can refer to it over and over.  If I cared.

[Astroholic]

Has Justice removed this entry from his blog?  The link still works, but if you look at the "Main" list, which is where you'd see it if you didn't know it existed, his entrys have skipped from the 17th to the 19th.  [eta]Yep, it's gone, he's embarassed by his own crapulence.

Damn.  Just read it.  Pin is off of his rocker.   Bitter little angry man.

[pravata]

If I cared, it does seem like the kind of thing I would cut and paste into a word document so I can refer to it over and over.  If I cared.

Yeah, I do, it's about to become an NYCU.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I didn't say they should not be pissed.  I would hope Berkman will clarify to them that he was not questioning their professionalism.  And he would do well to highlight his own slow start last season, as reflective that all players can and will struggle, as well as his need to improve his own focus on the field (in other words, his professionalism). 

Often times, the reputation and background of the source is reason to dismiss the value of comments made by that person.  But in considering Berkman's comments, do you think he was wrong?  I mean other than stating in publicly. 

This team has received a major over-haul, regardless of maintaining their "core guys".  We won't know if it's good or bad until the season is well under way.  The biggest glaring hole going into the off-season was pitching.  Not only did that situation not improve, it got worse.  What they lacked in quality starters, they made up for in potential and volume.  Now, all they have are known guys with issues (age, inconsistency, or injury).   

The best possible outcome is Berkman clears the air with the players he's "called out" and they find further motivation (which is not to say they lacked motivation to begin with).  The one positive I will say about the starters is that, other than Wandy, they are all tough, focused competitors. 

KM - I followed the Rangers while I lived in Dallas.  They seem to have alot of "talented pitching prospects" but very few seem to make it to the majors, with Texas, and have much success.  I hope that changes, as it would be fun team to watch if they could run pitchers out there that could come close to their every-day lineup. 

[Jacksonian]

Don't kid yourself.  The Rangers' top pitching prospects--Volquez, Hurley, Mendoza, Diamond--are head-and-shoulders better and light-years ahead of anyone on the Astros' farm.

Hurley, yes.  I have my doubts about Diamond long-term.  I don't know much about Mendoza.  But Paulino is every bit as good as Volquez.

Just picking nits.

[pravata]

But in considering Berkman's comments, do you think he was wrong?  I mean other than stating in publicly. 

I don't think this is relevant.  Everyone knows that the Astros pitchers face challenges.  Backe and Williams especially are aware of what they have to do.  Saying that the Astros need to get some more pitchers doesn't show a lot of confidence in his teammates.  I think that he's uncomfortable with his new teammates and needs to talk to them.  Not the media.  Of course, he's losing, if not already lost credibility with his teammates and has made the problem worse.  I think "Lance is Lance" is the same as "Manny being Manny".  No one can count on him so whatever he says can be excused.

[Noe]

I understand Berkman's comments should have been made in-house.

That is the point of Backe and Williams firing back at Berkman's opinion, not about them, but about other things.  You know... things.  This is basically a way of telling Berkman "shut the hell up and come talk to me in private next time".  By saying you disagree with Berkman in public, you're calling him out for calling you out.  It is not about what they said, those are opinions and everyone has one, it is how and where they're saying it.  Chemistry is hard to engender as a leader if you're throwing guys under the bus.

That *IS* the point of all this.

"... his buddy..." is classic and one of my all-time favorite lines now, along with "traveling horseshit show" and "lawnmower repairmen".

[otterjb]

"There's no such thing as a pitching prospect."

I think Bill James has said that he "proved" that it is basically impossible to predict, with a reasonable amount of accuracy, a pitcher's performance from year to year. Or something to that effect.

[jbm]

The best possible outcome is Berkman clears the air with the players he's "called out" and they find further motivation (which is not to say they lacked motivation to begin with).  The one positive I will say about the starters is that, other than Wandy, they are all tough, focused competitors. 

I find the rather frank rebuttal by at least three players rather refreshing and heartening.  I don't claim to understand the interpersonal dynamics of the club, and don't know who the leaders were, if any.    However, if there were any lingering hopes, by anyone within the organization, that Berkman might fill a leadership role, this public "insurrection" seems to put them finally to rest.  In short, the public clearing of the air makes it easier for natural leaders to step forward.

[pravata]

"Antics"? Did someone mention "antics"?  Remember this scene?

Lance Berkman could be suspended after he returned to the field Tuesday, June 5, despite already being ejected from the game. Berkman was ejected in the top of the eighth inning after being called out on a check-swing. When OF Carlos Lee was hit by a pitch in the ninth inning, Berkman rushed onto the field as both benches cleared. Berkman could also face additional penalties for throwing his batting gloves and a large equipment bag on the field after his ejection.

[otterjb]

Once Berkman's tears are wiped away, maybe he can just shut up and be the hitter that he's capable of being, unlike the first part of last year.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I don't think this is relevant.  Everyone knows that the Astros pitchers face challenges.  Backe and Williams especially are aware of what they have to do.  Saying that the Astros need to get some more pitchers doesn't show a lot of confidence in his teammates.  I think that he's uncomfortable with his new teammates and needs to talk to them.  Not the media.  Of course, he's losing, if not already lost credibility with his teammates and has made the problem worse.  I think "Lance is Lance" is the same as "Manny being Manny".  No one can count on him so whatever he says can be excused.

That's fair enough but this is no worse than some of the comments out of Oswalt, over the past few years, about needing more run support.  Both could stand to shut it.  Perhaps this team doesn't have the "chemistry" they (or maybe just Berkman) think they have. 

As for  the "... his buddy..." comment, yeah, that's classic.  Seems to me that Burke may not have had universal respect on the team.  Go figure.....

[Andyzipp]

That's fair enough but this is no worse than some of the comments out of Oswalt, over the past few years, about needing more run support.  Both could stand to shut it.  Perhaps this team doesn't have the "chemistry" they (or maybe just Berkman) think they have. 

As for  the "... his buddy..." comment, yeah, that's classic.  Seems to me that Burke may not have had universal respect on the team.  Go figure.....

Again, Oswalt is a whiny bitch.

[Noe]

I find the rather frank rebuttal by at least three players rather refreshing and heartening.  I don't claim to understand the interpersonal dynamics of the club, and don't know who the leaders were, if any.    However, if there were any lingering hopes, by anyone within the organization, that Berkman might fill a leadership role, this public "insurrection" seems to put them finally to rest.  In short, the public clearing of the air makes it easier for natural leaders to step forward.

Agreed. 

For once I appreciated JdJO's blog entry that went hard after Berkman's public whining.

http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/2007/12/berkman_needs_t.html

Berkman's a great hitter, but he's no leader. He loves to share the truth as he sees it, but he'd be better off looking in the mirror.

If he spent some time polling his teammates, especially the stars, he'd find out that some of them think he whines too much and that more than a few think he's lazy. I won't out those teammates, but Berkman knows he can pick up the phone real quick and find out who feels this way.

Sure, Berkman is upset. But Berkman must understand that some of the other high prized players, some of the true leaders on the club, appreciate the moves because they'd much rather win than hold hands with Chris Burke.

Only Berkman could possibly complain that a fourth-place team has been broken up.

Stay tuned, the start of spring training has the potential to get very interesting real quick when Berkman is confronted about his complaints about the new team chemistry and Valverde.

Backe and Williams couldn't wait in light of what Berkman said to McTaggart that was not in the story but reported in his blog:

http://blogs.chron.com/gamedayastros/2007/12/more_from_berkman.html

Berkman on the Astros' offseason needs: "In my opinion, we have to have to have another starter. Not that the guys we have aren't capable, but I don't think Brandon's (Backe) been healthy for a full season. You've got to have depth. You have Woody (Williams) who's getting older and more susceptible to injury.

"If nothing else, we have to have another arm or two in case these guys can't go. Now as far as I know we have absolutely nobody, maybe (Felipe) Paulino, who could stop in as a starter. We've traded away all our upper level minor league pitchers. I would be shocked if they stood pat with the staff they had now."

Berkman should've just kept his mouth shut until he had a chance to talk to his teammates about his concern.  Private matters are handled privately and no leader worth his salt would do what Berkman did unless he had the utmost respect from his teammates.  As you can read from Ortiz's blog, Berkman doesn't really have that.

[pravata]

...For once I appreciated JdJO's blog entry ....

This is red meat for Ortiz.  It'll keep his gossip column masquerading as sports reporting spinning the entire season.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

On content, known facts etc..., I agree.  I am extremely reluctant to put any faith in JdJO having actual knowledge of the team or it's players.  That is my last 'nit' which I feel compelled to pick

[Noe]

That's fair enough but this is no worse than some of the comments out of Oswalt, over the past few years, about needing more run support.  Both could stand to shut it.  Perhaps this team doesn't have the "chemistry" they (or maybe just Berkman) think they have. 

As for  the "... his buddy..." comment, yeah, that's classic.  Seems to me that Burke may not have had universal respect on the team.  Go figure.....

I think it's pretty well known around these parts that neither Berkman nor Oswalt are looked at as leaders.  Oswalt is a whiner and complainer of the first degree and does not mind throwing teammates under the bus when it suits him.  Now look what Berkman is doing.

Adam Everett has been the glue from the Bagwell/Biggio leadership transition but now he's gone.  Players have the utmost respect for AE because even when he went through some of the worse personal problems (family) imaginable, he still came to play and never complained or whined he was given a raw deal.  Heck, even when he was released last week, AE was still acting as a leader for this club on how to be a professional and roll with the punches.  Make lemonade out of lemons, understand things and don't internalize it and take it personally, be grateful, appreciate the friends and family, have your head screwed on straight.

Houston will need another leader to replace AE, but trust me... it won't be Oswalt nor Berkman.

[otterjb]

they'd much rather win than hold hands with Chris Burke

This really needs to be photoshopped.

[pravata]

That's fair enough but this is no worse than some of the comments out of Oswalt, ...

I'm sure that Roy will give us plenty of chances to be disgusted by his comments later.  Right now it's Mr Berkman's turn.  It's a sad commentary that people are looking to a second year player, or someone just acquired, to provide leadership on this team.

[Rebel Jew]

Houston will need another leader to replace AE, but trust me... it won't be Oswalt nor Berkman.

it'll be Matsui

[pravata]

it'll be Matsui

With his entourage?  Not likely.  Roy is playing "not it" with Doug Brocail.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I think it's pretty well known around these parts that neither Berkman nor Oswalt are looked at as leaders.  Oswalt is a whiner and complainer of the first degree and does not mind throwing teammates under the bus when it suits him.  Now look what Berkman is doing.

Adam Everett has been the glue from the Bagwell/Biggio leadership transition but now he's gone.  Players have the utmost respect for AE because even when he went through some of the worse personal problems (family) imaginable, he still came to play and never complained or whined he was given a raw deal.  Heck, even when he was released last week, AE was still acting as a leader for this club on how to be a professional and roll with the punches.  Make lemonade out of lemons, understand things and don't internalize it and take it personally, be grateful, appreciate the friends and family, have your head screwed on straight.

Houston will need another leader to replace AE, but trust me... it won't be Oswalt nor Berkman.

Oh, I trust you, and agree.... A void in leadership tends to lead to these types of outbursts and doesn't bode well for the up-coming season.  I sure hope those pushing Pence as the likely future leader are correct (pravata beat me to this punch)...

[Noe]

This is red meat for Ortiz.  It'll keep his gossip column masquerading as sports reporting spinning the entire season.

If you waive a red cape in front of a bull, don't get angry when he charges at you.

If you build a Frankenstein monster, don't be surprised when he destroys the village.

And on and on...

Berkman waived the red cape.  Berkman built the Frankenstein monster.

[Andyzipp]

it'll be Matsui

Banzai!

[S.P. Rodriguez]

This just gave me a flashback of "Major League" and the japanese player miming a lack of balls to Pedro Cerrano...

[Jacksonian]

I'm sure that Roy will give us plenty of chances to be disgusted by his comments later.  Right now it's Mr Berkman's turn.  It's a sad commentary that people are looking to a second year player, or someone just acquired, to provide leadership on this team.

It seems to me that if he can stay healthy and be effective on the mound, Backe could step right in.  However it would be nice to have an everyday player step up.  Wigginton in support of Pence?  Towles may be it down the line.

[EasTexAstro]

I could actually see Backe being one of those leaders in the future. No doubt, he leaves everything on the field every time he gets the chance.

[tophfar]

This just gave me a flashback of "Major League" and the japanese player miming a lack of balls to Pedro Cerrano...

please, please do not confuse Major League with any of the abomination of sequels that followed.  Thank you, that is all.

[Andyzipp]

please, please do not confuse Major League with any of the abomination of sequels that followed.  Thank you, that is all.

Right...stick to quality baseball movies...like Mr. Baseball.

I'm guessing Lance is feeling like ol' Jack Elliot these days.  Maybe someone needs to rent it for him.

[pravata]

It seems to me that if he can stay healthy and be effective on the mound, Backe could step right in.  However it would be nice to have an everyday player step up.  Wigginton in support of Pence?  Towles may be it down the line.

Wigginton is solid in every sense of the word.

[tophfar]

Right...stick to quality baseball movies...like Mr. Baseball.

notice i didnt say anything about it being a baseball movie.

Major League = funny.

Major League (anything else) = makes baby Jesus cry.

[Andyzipp]

Wigginton is solid in every sense of the word.

I'd be good with Private Pyle scheduling a blanket party for Lance.

[Andyzipp]

notice i didnt say anything about it being a baseball movie.

Major League = funny.

Major League (anything else) = makes baby Jesus cry.

The baseball in Naked Gun was more realistic than Major League. 


Enrico Palazzo!

[Rebel Jew]

With his entourage?  Not likely.  Roy is playing "not it" with Doug Brocail.

man, it would be so awesome if brocail became the leader of this team!

[Rebel Jew]

The baseball in Naked Gun was more realistic than Major League. 


Enrico Palazzo!

i like the part where the catcher with the bad knees legs out a surprise bunt single with two outs in the bottom of the 9th.  that was raul chavez' favorite part as well.

[Gizzmonic]

If you waive a red cape in front of a bull, don't get angry when he charges at you.

If you build a Frankenstein monster, don't be surprised when he destroys the village.

And on and on...

Berkman waived the red cape.  Berkman built the Frankenstein monster.

I think Ed Wade built the Frankenstein monster.  And I think he's the only one that does the "waiving" as well!

[Jacksonian]

Agreed. 

For once I appreciated JdJO's blog entry that went hard after Berkman's public whining.

http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/2007/12/berkman_needs_t.html

Backe and Williams couldn't wait in light of what Berkman said to McTaggart that was not in the story but reported in his blog:

http://blogs.chron.com/gamedayastros/2007/12/more_from_berkman.html

Berkman should've just kept his mouth shut until he had a chance to talk to his teammates about his concern.  Private matters are handled privately and no leader worth his salt would do what Berkman did unless he had the utmost respect from his teammates.  As you can read from Ortiz's blog, Berkman doesn't really have that.

With all this Berkman whining I thought I'd take a look at his status.  The Astros hold a $15mil option for 2011.  He'll be 35 for that season.  If he's still hitting well that should be a bargain.  But, what if the Astros are thinking about not having him back after that.  I'll be looking to see if the Astros draft a college first baseman this June.  A collegiate first baseman draftee in 2008 who hits well in the minors could reasonably expect to be major league ready by 2011 or 2012.  Considering the status of the current team and org, this draft should tell us a lot about the future direction of the Astros.

[Kent's Moustache]

Hurley, yes.  I have my doubts about Diamond long-term.  I don't know much about Mendoza.  But Paulino is every bit as good as Volquez.

Just picking nits.

I agree on Diamond.  However, to whom would you compare him in the Astros' system?  In terms of projection, I might say Bogusevic (other than the RHP vs. LHP distinction).  In terms of development, I might say James.  He certainly still has a lot to prove.

Mendoza cut a buzz-saw through the Texas League in '07.  I saw him pitch several times.  His fastball isn't overpowering (89-92mph), but his command is excellent, he's got a very good sinker, and he induces lots of ground balls.  He got a spot-start with the Rangers in September and acquitted himself well.  Unless his wheels come off, the Rangers probably see him as back-of-the-rotation starter in the not-too-distant future.  It's nice to be able to grow those at home.

Volquez and Paulino are certainly comparable, in that both sling filth like Larry Flynt, but both are also inconsistent.  In '07, after the Rangers gave Volquez the "Halladay" treatment--i.e., busted him back down to High-A ball and then made him work his way back up the ladder--he responded by dominating at each level back up to AAA.  Volquez will likely be in the middle of the Rangers' rotation in April.

No matter how you slice it, in the wake of the departures of Hirsh, Bucholz, Patton, and Albers, the Astros' farm is depleted as hell of young starting pitching.  Wade would offer a kidney (not his own, mind you) to get Hurley or Volquez.

[Jacksonian]

I agree on Diamond.  However, to whom would you compare him in the Astros' system?  In terms of projection, I might say Bogusevic (other than the RHP vs. LHP distinction).  In terms of development, I might say James.  He certainly still has a lot to prove.

Mendoza cut a buzz-saw through the Texas League in '07.  I saw him pitch several times.  His fastball isn't overpowering (89-92mph), but his command is excellent, he's got a very good sinker, and he induces lots of ground balls.  He got a spot-start with the Rangers in September and acquitted himself well.  Unless his wheels come off, the Rangers probably see him as back-of-the-rotation starter in the not-too-distant future.  It's nice to be able to grow those at home.

Volquez and Paulino are certainly comparable, in that both sling filth like Larry Flynt, but both are also inconsistent.  In '07, after the Rangers gave Volquez the "Halladay" treatment--i.e., busted him back down to High-A ball and then made him work his way back up the ladder--he responded by dominating at each level back up to AAA.  Volquez will likely be in the middle of the Rangers' rotation in April.

No matter how you slice it, in the wake of the departures of Hirsh, Bucholz, Patton, and Albers, the Astros' farm is depleted as hell of young starting pitching.  Wade would offer a kidney (not his own, mind you) to get Hurley or Volquez.

Hurley for sure.  I'm not fond of Volquez after having seen him a couple of times.

The way you describe Mendoza's stuff sounds very much like Brad James.

I'm not sure the Astros have a comp to Diamond.  But missing all of last year doesn't help him.  So in terms of where he stands Bogusevic is probably the best comp.

Keep and eye out for Sergio Perez.

KM check your PM.

[jbm]

Volquez and Paulino are certainly comparable, in that both sling filth like Larry Flynt, but both are also inconsistent.  In '07, after the Rangers gave Volquez the "Halladay" treatment--i.e., busted him back down to High-A ball and then made him work his way back up the ladder--he responded by dominating at each level back up to AAA.  Volquez will likely be in the middle of the Rangers' rotation in April.

I'll be real curious about that.  I saw him start against Corpus last year.  Overall, his stuff was average, but his command was fine.  Wasn't that a problem in his 06 callup?  Anyway, he did have one of the best cut fastballs I have seen.  He consistently started it on the outer half to righties before a very late and sharp break.  It seemed unrecognizable and virtually unhittable.  I can see his potential as a very good reliever, but I'd be surprised to see him as an effective major league starter.

[Jacksonian]

I'll be real curious about that.  I saw him start against Corpus last year.  Overall, his stuff was average, but his command was fine.  Wasn't that a problem in his 06 callup?  Anyway, he did have one of the best cut fastballs I have seen.  He consistently started it on the outer half to righties before a very late and sharp break.  It seemed unrecognizable and virtually unhittable.  I can see his potential as a very good reliever, but I'd be surprised to see him as an effective major league starter.

His fastball sits easily at 95-96, and he does have that breaking pitch.  I always heard his changeup was below average.  I'd also heard he melts down easily.  I saw him implode once a couple of years ago.

[Kent's Moustache]

The way you describe Mendoza's stuff sounds very much like Brad James.

In terms of both his physical presence, his stuff, and his approach, I would compare Mendoza to former Astros farmhand and Dodgers RHP D.J. Houlton.  Except Mendoza has a real fastball.

[Lurch]

JDJOs going to milk this for all it's worth.

[Kent's Moustache]

JDJOs going to milk this for all it's worth.

Insert yourself into the "story" much, do you, JdJO?  What a narcissistic prick.

[Noe]

I think Ed Wade built the Frankenstein monster.  And I think he's the only one that does the "waiving" as well!

Sorry about the misuse of wave.  But what I meant was: Berkman built the frankenstein monster (his comments) and the destruction of the village is the fallout that came because of it.  Should Berkman be surprised by it?  No.

Berkman also waved the red cape at the bull that is the media and they charged at him.  Should the media *not* take this story and run with it?  Well, if Berkman just keeps quiet, there is nothing to report from the media.  At. All.