So long Cody

[pravata]

Kevin Hooper, a popular infielder for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens over the past three seasons, has left the Tigers organization to sign with the Houston Astros as a minor-league free agent.

Hooper’s agent, Steve Canter, said Tuesday evening that a major factor in the decision was the prospect of making the Astros’ Opening Day roster as a utility infielder

“He’s got a legitimate opportunity to break camp with the (Astros) as a utility infielder, ... link

What has Wade been telling people?  Are those offers to Matsui and Iguchi serious?  Burke looks to have a very slim window of opportunity.  Likely either starter or traded. 

[Jacksonian]

Even Pravata can be Cabrera'd.

However, I get all warm and tingly with the notion that you and I reached the same conclusion.

[JimR]

Kevin Hooper, a popular infielder for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens over the past three seasons, has left the Tigers organization to sign with the Houston Astros as a minor-league free agent.

Hooper’s agent, Steve Canter, said Tuesday evening that a major factor in the decision was the prospect of making the Astros’ Opening Day roster as a utility infielder

“He’s got a legitimate opportunity to break camp with the (Astros) as a utility infielder, ... link

What has Wade been telling people?  Are those offers to Matsui and Iguchi serious?  Burke looks to have a very slim window of opportunity.  Likely either starter or traded. 

crap, what do i see in Ransom that no one else sees?

[Jacksonian]

crap, what do i see in Ransom that no one else sees?

The Astros saw enough to bring him up.

I think the one thing that hurt him most was that he never hit for a high average because he's a great defender and has developed solid power.

Hooper's history suggests he's a solid defender who hits for higher average but less power than Ransom.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Even Pravata can be Cabrera'd.

However, I get all warm and tingly with the notion that you and I reached the same conclusion.

Sorry Pravata.  The void has forced me to get off my virtual ass and google up some Astros news.  I'd like to find an answer to your question on Iguchi, Matsui, and Burke.  Does Iguchi still factor into Houston's plans?  Is Matsui the primary target?  And if that fails are they stuck with Burke and Blum?  I liked the version of Wade that kept the press updated with his day to day dealings.   I may need a break from sports related interests...

[pravata]

Even Pravata can be Cabrera'd.

However, I get all warm and tingly with the notion that you and I reached the same conclusion.

DANG!  I wouldnt get too comfortable with that warm and tingly feeling, it spreads.  I wonder if the idea that he could start the season with the Astros is coming from the Astros, or is just that he has a better chance with the Astros than he does with the Tigers.  The guy apparently plays a decent short.

[Jacksonian]

DANG!  I wouldnt get too comfortable with that warm and tingly feeling, it spreads.  I wonder if the idea that he could start the season with the Astros is coming from the Astros, or is just that he has a better chance with the Astros than he does with the Tigers.  The guy apparently plays a decent short.

Well the quote is from his agent...

It can't have escaped SmithWade that they needed a solid backup at short.  The main difference I can find between him and Ransom is that Hooper hits for higher average while striking out less and Ransom hits for more power.

[londoncalling]

It's getting more and more obvious that Wade has no alligence to any of the mid to fringe guys on the 40 man and is willing to pass on them for "others."  The core of Berkman, Lee, Pence, and Oswalt (and Ausmus in a new role) seem locked in while Burke, Lamb, Loretta, Anderson, Bruntlett, Ransom, and Palmeiro are looking for roles/new teams/new apartments.  I am surprised there isn't more conversation/speculation on Everett and Wigginton.  I guess Wade loves AE's defense and 3B is just too hard to fill.

While Wigginton isn't my idea of a ML 3B, he would seem to be a decent candidate to be a less-than version of Placido Polanco.  His bat would fit better at 2B and has 106 ML starts at 2B with only 8 errors.  Then resign Lamb or a Pedro Feliz, to play 3rd (Feliz hit .253 w/ 20 HRs and 72 RBIs in a much biggre ball park)?  Not the best DEF alignment, but the bats would be nice.  Then trade Burke for an arm?

[MikeyBoy]

  Then trade Burke for an arm?

and Albers for the rest of the body.

[ValpoCory]

The core of Berkman, Lee, Pence, and Oswalt (and Ausmus in a new role) seem locked in while ... Anderson, ... are looking for roles/new teams...

I think Anderson has found his new team.

[Jacksonian]

It's getting more and more obvious that Wade has no alligence to any of the mid to fringe guys on the 40 man and is willing to pass on them for "others."  The core of Berkman, Lee, Pence, and Oswalt (and Ausmus in a new role) seem locked in while Burke, Lamb, Loretta, Anderson, Bruntlett, Ransom, and Palmeiro are looking for roles/new teams/new apartments.  I am surprised there isn't more conversation/speculation on Everett and Wigginton.  I guess Wade loves AE's defense and 3B is just too hard to fill.

While Wigginton isn't my idea of a ML 3B, he would seem to be a decent candidate to be a less-than version of Placido Polanco.  His bat would fit better at 2B and has 106 ML starts at 2B with only 8 errors.  Then resign Lamb or a Pedro Feliz, to play 3rd (Feliz hit .253 w/ 20 HRs and 72 RBIs in a much biggre ball park)?  Not the best DEF alignment, but the bats would be nice.  Then trade Burke for an arm?

Why would Wigginton take his bat out to 2b?

Pitching, speed, defense and the hitting will work out.

[Andyzipp]

While Wigginton isn't my idea of a ML 3B, he would seem to be a decent candidate to be a less-than version of Placido Polanco.  His bat would fit better at 2B and has 106 ML starts at 2B with only 8 errors.  Then resign Lamb or a Pedro Feliz, to play 3rd (Feliz hit .253 w/ 20 HRs and 72 RBIs in a much biggre ball park)?  Not the best DEF alignment, but the bats would be nice.  Then trade Burke for an arm?

How does Wigginton at 2b address the "speed and defense" theme of the off-season?

[JimR]

  I am surprised there isn't more conversation/speculation on Everett and Wigginton. 

this is why you should be reading more and posting less.