So, in my never-ending search to fill the void, I've read a number of baseball websites that shall go un-named at this time. However, without fail, all the astros fans clamor for that elusive starting pitcher to fill out the rotation. Now, as I've said, I've raid quite a bit of info on the MLB offseason. Outside of two FA starting pitchers, are there any worth the FA Dollars they are likely to land?
Of those worthy, I'm thinking Lackey and Wolf. As has been stated just about everywhere, neither is likely to land in Houston.
So... one, I think Wade is serious about bringing back Valverde AND Hawkins, if possible. As the bullpen is likely to be the strength of this pitching staff, if all goes as planned.
Hopefully, with the rest of the roster moves, defense is a priority. After one season of watching an offensively powerful yet defensively challenged team, I am fully in favor of the Astros NOT becoming the Rangers South (especially considering they have abandoned the all hit, no defense model themselves).
Whether they bring back Tejada to man 3B, is doubtful (again, no major revelation). But a team that has 2 guys that can go 6, followed by 3 more who will go 4.2 to 5.1 innings, on average, would need to be offset by a mighty strong pen (smells like 2004 to me, maybe a little of 2003 as well). Hey, at least this kept the Astros in contention!
