Tim Purpura on MLB Radio at 2PM CST

[Froback]

Actually he will be on around 2:05PM CST.

 Link

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I'm listening but either I missed Purpura or he hasn't been on yet?

[Froback]

Quote:
I'm listening but either I missed Purpura or he hasn't been on yet?

he just got on, 2:24.

[Jacksonian]

Recap?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Nothing too surprising.  First, signing Preston Wilson will help because he can play any OF position and he can hit.  He said they have gotten calls about guys like Jason Lane, Willy T., and others because they now have a perceived surplus of OFs.  However, the acquisition was really made as insurance given Bagwell's unknown status.  They hope to find out more but until Bagwell is throwing and hitting regularly, they won't know whether he'll be able to go.  The main obstacle is throwing eventually causes so much pain in the shoulder it impacts the hitting (well known at this point).  

As for the pitching, sounded to me like they won't be making any major changes prior to ST, at least, as they have a number of guys in the system that are knocking on the door of the majors.  He reiterated the Astros philosophy of developing pitcher, identifying guys with arm strength and clean deliveries that can be cleaned up and taught other pitches.  He said they have Wandy, with 10 wins last season, Zeke and a couple other guys ready to challenge for the 4th or 5th spot and that's pretty much it.  He said he doesn't really see any big name acquisition happening.  They never mentioned the rumors related to Tejada.  They did touch on the subject of Clemens coming back in June but besides saying it was a possibility, didn't elaborate much further.

He also said they try to promote 1 to 2 players each season from their system which helps them remain competitive without sicking alot of money in FAs.  Last, he said next season, they should have alot of money available to do some interesting things and see if they can't continue to build on their past success.  They did mention fan expectations after winning a division title and then a league title.  However, Purpura didn't seem to have a problem with that type of responsibility or expectation.

oh, forgot this:
He also explained that the reason they didn't sign Viz was to avoid creating a log-jam for guys like Burke (and I assume Bruntlett) who are similar players and need playing time to continue to develop.  He said, even with the addition of Wilson and Bagwell's potential return, there should be plenty of ABs for the guys on the roster.  Although, he did admit it was hard to lose a guy like Viz who was both a solid player and a good club house guy.

[Jacksonian]

Quote:
As for the pitching, sounded to me like they won't be making any major changes prior to ST, at least, as they have a number of guys in the system that are knocking on the door of the majors.  He reiterated the Astros philosophy of developing pitcher, identifying guys with arm strength and clean deliveries that can be cleaned up and taught other pitches.  He said they have Wandy, with 10 wins last season, Zeke and a couple other guys ready to challenge for the 4th or 5th spot and that's pretty much it.  

Based on certain conversations, I'd suppose the Astros will go with two of Wandy, Zeke, Nieve, or Buchholz in the rotation in April.  Most likely Wandy and Zeke.  Do not be surprised to see Nieve in the Astros bullpen in April.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

It was a worthwhile interview but Purpura really didn't reveal anything new.  We knew they wanted better offense out of LF.  Most of us suspected they'd stay in-house on the pitching issue, unless an obviously good deal surfaced, which it didn't.  

I'm sure they'd like to have Roger back in May/June but no one knows what Clemens will do.

Purpura has made a couple comments, some published and some during the interview, that lead me to agree with your information.  He's commented that Buchholtz could challenge for the rotation but most likely will end up in the pen, along with Nieve.  Either way, it provides some nice insurance for injury or Wandy and Zeke performing poorly.

[Taras Bulba]

I thought the last part of the interview was interesting:
"I can't wait to punk that son of bitch Hunsicker on a trade.  The fat bastard left a steaming turd in his desk on his way out and McLane is too much of a tightwad to hire any decent help so I had to clean the damn thing myself.  Really nasty.  I hope Lugo boots about 45 ground balls by June and gives the whole team the clap."

[Jacksonian]

Quote:
It was a worthwhile interview but Purpura really didn't reveal anything new.  We knew they wanted better offense out of LF.  Most of us suspected they'd stay in-house on the pitching issue, unless an obviously good deal surfaced, which it didn't.  

I'm sure they'd like to have Roger back in May/June but no one knows what Clemens will do.

Purpura has made a couple comments, some published and some during the interview, that lead me to agree with your information.  He's commented that Buchholtz could challenge for the rotation but most likely will end up in the pen, along with Nieve.  Either way, it provides some nice insurance for injury or Wandy and Zeke performing poorly.

My feeling was that Buchholz and Hirsh will be at the top of the RR rotation to start the season.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Quote:

Quote:
It was a worthwhile interview but Purpura really didn't reveal anything new.  We knew they wanted better offense out of LF.  Most of us suspected they'd stay in-house on the pitching issue, unless an obviously good deal surfaced, which it didn't.  

I'm sure they'd like to have Roger back in May/June but no one knows what Clemens will do.

Purpura has made a couple comments, some published and some during the interview, that lead me to agree with your information.  He's commented that Buchholtz could challenge for the rotation but most likely will end up in the pen, along with Nieve.  Either way, it provides some nice insurance for injury or Wandy and Zeke performing poorly.

My feeling was that Buchholz and Hirsh will be at the top of the RR rotation to start the season.

Which makes alot more sense if they need a spot starter etc...  There's been some positive news on Hernandez (at least it was reported but I can go look for the link) which might offer another option to keep at AAA.

[Jacksonian]

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
It was a worthwhile interview but Purpura really didn't reveal anything new.  We knew they wanted better offense out of LF.  Most of us suspected they'd stay in-house on the pitching issue, unless an obviously good deal surfaced, which it didn't.  

I'm sure they'd like to have Roger back in May/June but no one knows what Clemens will do.

Purpura has made a couple comments, some published and some during the interview, that lead me to agree with your information.  He's commented that Buchholtz could challenge for the rotation but most likely will end up in the pen, along with Nieve.  Either way, it provides some nice insurance for injury or Wandy and Zeke performing poorly.

My feeling was that Buchholz and Hirsh will be at the top of the RR rotation to start the season.

Which makes alot more sense if they need a spot starter etc...  There's been some positive news on Hernandez (at least it was reported but I can go look for the link) which might offer another option to keep at AAA.

Which makes me ask anyone, has anyone heard what velocity Carlos was reaching in Venezuela?  There a bit of range to consider when hearing he's had increased velocity over 83-84.

[Tralfaz]

Quote:
I thought the last part of the interview was interesting:
"I can't wait to punk that son of bitch Hunsicker on a trade.  The fat bastard left a steaming turd in his desk on his way out and McLane is too much of a tightwad to hire any decent help so I had to clean the damn thing myself.  Really nasty.  I hope Lugo boots about 45 ground balls by June and gives the whole team the clap."

TB, I've never typed LOL in my life, but fuck it. LOL!

[Browneye]

Yep, that was pretty good.

[Froback]

Quote:
Recap?

Here is the audio link.

 link