Just brainstorming here...

[jaklewein]

but assuming Andy and Clemens don't return...and the Astros aren't able to fill in all the gaps via FAgency or trade, would Lidge ever be considered for a spot in the rotation?

I wonder if such a move might take some of the pressure off and get him back to pounding the strikezone...i.e. giving up one run in such a role wouldn't be the end of the world.

Please...be gentle.

[pravata]

Quote:
but assuming Andy and Clemens don't return...and the Astros aren't able to fill in all the gaps via FAgency or trade, would Lidge ever be considered for a spot in the rotation?

I wonder if such a move might take some of the pressure off and get him back to pounding the strikezone...i.e. giving up one run in such a role wouldn't be the end of the world.

Please...be gentle.

I asked Hunsicker this question 2 years ago.  He said that because Lidge has had success as a reliever, it doesn't make economic sense for him to essentially start his career over as a starter.  As a reliever, he's a known commodity, in arbitration and in contract negotiations.

[jaklewein]

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Quote:
but assuming Andy and Clemens don't return...and the Astros aren't able to fill in all the gaps via FAgency or trade, would Lidge ever be considered for a spot in the rotation?

I wonder if such a move might take some of the pressure off and get him back to pounding the strikezone...i.e. giving up one run in such a role wouldn't be the end of the world.

Please...be gentle.

I asked Hunsicker this question 2 years ago.  He said that because Lidge has had success as a reliever, it doesn't make economic sense for him to essentially start his career over as a starter.  As a reliever, he's a known commodity, in arbitration and in contract negotiations.

Ok, definitely trying to read between the lines here, but not working for me just yet...

That was two years ago...Hunsicker is gone...Lidge's run at success in that role took somewhat of a hit last year...

Are you saying chances are that Pup feels the same way as the Hun?

[Jacksonian]

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Quote:
but assuming Andy and Clemens don't return...and the Astros aren't able to fill in all the gaps via FAgency or trade, would Lidge ever be considered for a spot in the rotation?

I wonder if such a move might take some of the pressure off and get him back to pounding the strikezone...i.e. giving up one run in such a role wouldn't be the end of the world.

Please...be gentle.

I asked Hunsicker this question 2 years ago.  He said that because Lidge has had success as a reliever, it doesn't make economic sense for him to essentially start his career over as a starter.  As a reliever, he's a known commodity, in arbitration and in contract negotiations.

Wheeler asked the brass about it at the end of the season, didn't he?

[matadorph]

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but assuming Andy and Clemens don't return...and the Astros aren't able to fill in all the gaps via FAgency or trade...

Fortunately, I think the odds are stacked against that depressing scenario. Roger will be back. AP may not return, but the organization isn't going to twiddle its thumbs waiting for him to make up his mind.

[pravata]

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but assuming Andy and Clemens don't return...and the Astros aren't able to fill in all the gaps via FAgency or trade, would Lidge ever be considered for a spot in the rotation?

I wonder if such a move might take some of the pressure off and get him back to pounding the strikezone...i.e. giving up one run in such a role wouldn't be the end of the world.

Please...be gentle.

I asked Hunsicker this question 2 years ago.  He said that because Lidge has had success as a reliever, it doesn't make economic sense for him to essentially start his career over as a starter.  As a reliever, he's a known commodity, in arbitration and in contract negotiations.

Wheeler asked the brass about it at the end of the season, didn't he?

He did.  And Purpura was caught off guard.  Wheeler has had some success, but not like Lidge had.  Wheeler would not be losing much ground, professional or economically,  if he tried starting.  Neither would the team for that matter.

[VirtualBob]

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but assuming Andy and Clemens don't return...and the Astros aren't able to fill in all the gaps via FAgency or trade, would Lidge ever be considered for a spot in the rotation?

I wonder if such a move might take some of the pressure off and get him back to pounding the strikezone...i.e. giving up one run in such a role wouldn't be the end of the world.

Please...be gentle.

I asked Hunsicker this question 2 years ago.  He said that because Lidge has had success as a reliever, it doesn't make economic sense for him to essentially start his career over as a starter.  As a reliever, he's a known commodity, in arbitration and in contract negotiations.

Also, Lidge had repeated injury problems in the minors when they were trying him as a starter ... absolutely unhittable for 3-5 games, then out for the season.