Clemens, Pettitte, Springer, Huff all denied arbitration

[Gizzmonic]

Just heard this on Sportsradio 610.  Not sure what to make of any of these moves, except that it seems to me Huff is not going to be an Astro any longer.

[SeanBergmanRules]

I don't really understand not offering arbitration to Huff.  You figure with SF, Baltimore and Philadelphia still wanting another hitter, and Huff and Bonds basically the only guys left, that he's gonna get a decent multiyear deal from someone, meaning he'd likely turn down arbitration and you get a free draft pick.

[I'm Richies Dad]

He could have accepted the arbitration and the Astros would have had to pay him the market rate for a one year deal.

[JimR]

right. as Andy said yesterday, the arbitration process is a "player's number or team's number" decision, and a hearing is divisive. i think it is too bad. the 3-4-5 with Huff would have been imposing. i wonder if the club has moved on or if the two sides still are talking.

if we are facing another season with Ensberg, i hope like hell it is the free swinging one.they still need a 5 hitter.

[Jose Cruz III]

Quote:

if we are facing another season with Ensberg, i hope like hell it is the free swinging one.they still need a 5 hitter.

Ensberg has Saberhagen disease. Great one year terrible the next. I say Ensberg breaks out this year. If, IF, Ensberg and Lidge comes back to form, about all the Astros need right now is a couple of starters.