I don't know who Steve Berthiaume is...

[MusicMan]

...but his ideas intrigue me, and I would like to subscribe to his newsletter.

[geezerdonk]

Clearly, the man is a genius.

[Limey]

And, looking ahead to next year, they will have less than $40 million committed to payroll for the 2011 season.

Wow!

[Ron Brand]

Fuck it, let's skip the off-season.

[MusicMan]

Wow!

I think that's misleading.

Guaranteed:
Lee, $18.5M
Myers, $7M
Lyon, $5.25M
... so there's $30.75M

Abritration:
Wandy, $5M this year (expect $9-10M?)
Pence, $3.5M this year (expect $6-7M?)
Bourn, $2.4M this year (expect at least $5M)
Lidstrom, $1.625M this year (expect at least $2.5M?)
Byrdak, $1.6M this year
Kepp, $1.15M this year (expect at least $2.5M)
Q, $0.75M this year
Happ, $470K this year

So that's at least $52-$55M just to keep the band together.

[Bench]

I think that's misleading.

Guaranteed:
Lee, $18.5M
Myers, $7M
Lyon, $5.25M
... so there's $30.75M

Abritration:
Wandy, $5M this year (expect $9-10M?)
Pence, $3.5M this year (expect $6-7M?)
Bourn, $2.4M this year (expect at least $5M)
Lidstrom, $1.625M this year (expect at least $2.5M?)
Byrdak, $1.6M this year
Kepp, $1.15M this year (expect at least $2.5M)
Q, $0.75M this year
Happ, $470K this year

So that's at least $52-$55M just to keep the band together.

Racist cheapskate.

[OregonStrosFan]

Wow!

The $40M is pretty misleading (though I won't quibble with the rest of the article):

The Astros have $41.250M in committed payroll for next year (including $7M for Oswalt and $2M for Berkman).  This number does not include arbityration eligible players, which consists of Wandy, Spaz, Bourn, Lindtrom, Byrdak, Keppinger, Q, or Paulino nor any of the players who have not accrued enough service time yet to qualify for arbitration.

So, if you include estimated (or in this case WAGed) arbitration salaries of $25M and non-arbitration eligible salaries of $4.5M, the number is a bit over $70M.

ETA: see handy-dandy spreadsheet over at Cot's

Also ETA: Cabrera can kiss my ass!

[Limey]

So that's at least $52-$55M just to keep the band together.

Thanks.  I did realise that he didn't mean that the whole payroll was $40mm.  What's amazing is the flexibility that's been achieved with so few trades.  Carl Crawford is now a real possibility (shame for Wallace, but c'est la vie).

[JackAstro]

The $40M is pretty misleading (though I won't quibble with the rest of the article):

The Astros have $41.250M in committed payroll for next year (including $7M for Oswalt and $2M for Berkman).  This number does not include arbityration eligible players, which consists of Wandy, Spaz, Bourn, Lindtrom, Byrdak, Keppinger, Q, or Paulino nor any of the players who have not accrued enough service time yet to qualify for arbitration.

So, if you include estimated (or in this case WAGed) arbitration salaries of $25M and non-arbitration eligible salaries of $4.5M, the number is a bit over $70M.

ETA: see handy-dandy spreadsheet over at Cot's

Also ETA: Cabrera can kiss my ass!

And while you're at it, might as well include Cot's potential 2011 FA list, so we can all start deciding how to spend the money Wade found under the couch cushions. I personally think the team is skewing too young, and would like to see them make a run at Jamie Moyer to restore some balance.

[MusicMan]

I personally think the team is skewing too young, and would like to see them make a run at Jamie Moyer to restore some balance.

Rajah and Bonds could still get out from that whole "grand jury indictment" thing.

And Jamie Moyer can kiss my ass.

[BudGirl]

Thanks.  I did realise that he didn't mean that the whole payroll was $40mm.  What's amazing is the flexibility that's been achieved with so few trades.  Carl Crawford is now a real possibility (shame for Wallace, but c'est la vie).

Some of you write Wallace off way easier than I would.  I think he's one that would make you cry a couple years later thinking he could have been yours.

[Astroholic]

Some of you write Wallace off way easier than I would.  I think he's one that would make you cry a couple years later thinking he could have been yours.

I think Wallace will be fine, but Lee at 1st and Crawford in outfield makes me wet.  Wallace still has options and could take Lee's place in a few years.

[mrpink]

I think Wallace will be fine, but Lee at 1st and Crawford in outfield makes me wet.  Wallace still has options and could take Lee's place in a few years.

If Crawford costs too much, is there any reason to to attempt to bring Berkman back and leave Lee in left?  I have a hard time believing Wallace outhits Berkman next year.

[MusicMan]

I have a hard time believing Wallace outhits Berkman next year.

I'll take that bet.

[Astroholic]

If Crawford costs too much, is there any reason to to attempt to bring Berkman back and leave Lee in left?  I have a hard time believing Wallace outhits Berkman next year.

I would love to see Lance in a bench role.  Wonder how much that would cost?

[mrpink]

I'll take that bet.

Name the terms.  And for the record I'd prefer to see Berkman in a bench role, too.  I'd just be surprised if he was actually willing.

[Astroholic]

Name the terms.  And for the record I'd prefer to see Berkman in a bench role, too.  I'd just be surprised if he was actually willing.

I think he would be willing, if the price was right. 

[homer]

And Jamie Moyer can kiss my ass.

Indeed. Fuck that guy.

[Jacksonian]

I'll take that bet.

x2

[Limey]

Some of you write Wallace off way easier than I would.  I think he's one that would make you cry a couple years later thinking he could have been yours.

Not writing him off.  It's just that if the Astros sign Carl Crawford, then Lee takes the bulk of the playing time at 1B and Wallace is the gooseberry.

[Reuben]

I think the phrase "lukewarm at best" applies here:

Crawford still lives in Houston during the offseason. When asked earlier this month if friends there will pressure him to sign with the Astros, Crawford replied, “Nah, man. They know me. They know I’m going to do what I want to do. There’ll be no pressure. They all understand what’s going on. Plus, the Astros are not really winning right now. They want to see me on a team that’s winning.”

The Astros have actually done some winning lately, with a 46-32 record — second-best in the National League — since June 22.

Crawford was reminded that Minute Maid Park has the “Crawford Boxes” — named after Crawford Street — in left field, right behind where Crawford would play.

“They’ve been there for a long time,” he said. “Houston is always a place I’ve loved. I have no complaints about it. We’ll just have to see.”

Link

[austro]

I think the phrase "lukewarm at best" applies here:Link

Google translates it as "Pay me, Yankees."

[MusicMan]

Google translates it as "Pay me, Yankees."

me payer, yanquis

[BlownRanger]

...but his ideas intrigue me, and I would like to subscribe to his newsletter.

I don't know who he is either, but  I suspect he's trying to get fired from ESPN.

[Noe]

This whole idea of Carl Crawford coming to Houston (and thus maybe moving Carlos Lee to another club maybe) intrigues me.  Anyone care to elaborate what the thinking is there about this sort of wild arse move?   I have not kept up with this at all.  Thank you, I'll hang up and listen.

[Bench]

This whole idea of Carl Crawford coming to Houston (and thus maybe moving Carlos Lee to another club maybe) intrigues me.  Anyone care to elaborate what the thinking is there about this sort of wild arse move?   I have not kept up with this at all.  Thank you, I'll hang up and listen.

Dream on.

[MusicMan]

What if the Mets were to blow things up and decline the option on Jose Reyes?

[Noe]

Dream on.

Agreed!  What were you guys thinking? (or smoking?)

[austro]

I don't know who he is either, but  I suspect he's trying to get fired from ESPN.

If so, he's going about it all wrong. He should give Harold Reynolds or Steve Philips a call.

[austro]

What if the Mets were to blow things up and decline the option on Jose Reyes?

Reyes strikes me as a head case and a malcontent. And fragile, to boot. I don't think I'd like to see that injected into the middle of a young club.

[Limey]

This whole idea of Carl Crawford coming to Houston (and thus maybe moving Carlos Lee to another club maybe) intrigues me.  Anyone care to elaborate what the thinking is there about this sort of wild arse move?   I have not kept up with this at all.  Thank you, I'll hang up and listen.

Crawford to Astros.  Lee to 1B.

[Noe]

Crawford to Astros.  Lee to 1B.

Hmmmm... sounds mildly interesting.  How did you reach such a conclusion that adding Carl Crawford might help the 2011 Houston Astros?  I'm interested in your thought process.

[Limey]

Hmmmm... sounds mildly interesting.  How did you reach such a conclusion that adding Carl Crawford might help the 2011 Houston Astros?  I'm interested in your thought process.

Crawford's bat > Wallace's bat.
Crawford in LF > Lee in LF.
Lee at 1B only marginally < Wallace at 1B.
Drayton's wallet >>>>>>> Mine.

[Bench]

Crawford's bat > Wallace's bat.
Crawford in LF > Lee in LF.
Lee at 1B only marginally < Wallace at 1B.
Drayton's wallet >>>>>>> Mine.

Not one to let a dream die?

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

If so, he's going about it all wrong. He should give Harold Reynolds or Steve Philips a call.

Surely there's an intern with low self-esteem around there somewhere...

[BUWebguy]

Hmmmm... sounds mildly interesting.  How did you reach such a conclusion that adding Carl Crawford might help the 2011 Houston Astros?  I'm interested in your thought process.

I bet you wish you had thought of that.

[MusicMan]

I bet you wish you had thought of that.

I bet he thinks this song is about him.

[Noe]

I bet you wish you had thought of that.

What?  Moi?  Do you really think I would dare bring up such a topic?  I think in terms of reality and not pipe dreams.  Emphasis on "pipe".

[AtascAstro]

Hmmmm... sounds mildly interesting.  How did you reach such a conclusion that adding Carl Crawford might help the 2011 Houston Astros?  I'm interested in your thought process.

Dream on, Dream on, Dream until your dreams come true....

Nobody said Crawford didn't make the 2011 Houston Astros much better, Carlos Lee certainly made the 2007 Astros better.

[OregonStrosFan]

This whole idea of Carl Crawford coming to Houston (and thus maybe moving Carlos Lee to another club maybe) intrigues me.  Anyone care to elaborate what the thinking is there about this sort of wild arse move?   I have not kept up with this at all.  Thank you, I'll hang up and listen.

I really don't want to go here again... but... been thinking about Crawford in right, Spaz in left and Lee at 1B. I'm not real excited about Wallace losing some prime development time in the pros at 1B or the Astros getting tied into another $100M contract (and concerned about the opportunity costs thereof)... but... the idea of seeing Crawford in brick red has grown on me. You won Noe (and not solely by attrition), good job!

[Noe]

I win nothing.  I retracted so I did not stand behind my conviction.  I didn't read where Berthaume said anything about Crawford (but Rosenthal did and he was pretty sure Crawford might be thinking about coming home... or thinking about a ton of money and winning a championship, which says Yankees and pretty much nothing else).  I was only teasing Limey to be honest with you.

[OregonStrosFan]

Retracted or not, the idea has grown on me.

[Señor Stan]

Crawford playing left in front of the Crawford boxes makes "Hunter's Lodge" look down right silly. 

[geezerdonk]

It would be great to have Crawford. If Lee can't be moved, Wallace would have to spend the year in AAA - not ideal, but not a tragedy. If Crawford goes somewhere else, I think Wallace will be a contributor next year. Wade didn't trade for him just because he had a few left over Jason Jennings uniform pants in the store room.

[pots]

This whole idea of Carl Crawford coming to Houston (and thus maybe moving Carlos Lee to another club maybe) intrigues me.  Anyone care to elaborate what the thinking is there about this sort of wild arse move?   I have not kept up with this at all.  Thank you, I'll hang up and listen.

This was discussed here as well:

http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=111344.msg341691#msg341691

[accougars]

Crawford's bat > Wallace's bat.
Crawford in LF > Lee in LF.
Lee at 1B only marginally < Wallace at 1B.
Drayton's wallet >>>>>>> Mine.

As long as we are dreaming, and given their contracts, would anyone here do a Carlos Lee for Alex Rios straight up deal?

[Bench]

From BusterTweet:     FYI: Curtis Granderson's strong finish probably makes it unlikely that the Yankees will be in the Carl Crawford/Jayson Werth market.

[Gizzmonic]

Would you say that Steve Berthiaume is like sweet perfume?

[Reuben]

From BusterTweet:     FYI: Curtis Granderson's strong finish probably makes it unlikely that the Yankees will be in the Carl Crawford/Jayson Werth market.

Just like they weren't in the Texiera market because they had traded for Nick Swisher?

They'll find a way, I'm sure.

[austro]

Just like they weren't in the Texiera market because they had traded for Nick Swisher?

They'll find a way, I'm sure.

I'm sure they'd be happy to open up a spot for Crawford by trading Gardner or Swisher to somebody for a young pitcher.

[OregonStrosFan]

Heyman on winter free agent contract predictions: LINK

Crawford: Executive: $126 million, 7 years. Agent 1: $120 million, 7 yrs. Agent 2: $96 million, 6 years. [Heyman]: $115 million, 7 years.

[Noe]

Heyman on winter free agent contract predictions: LINK

Crawford: Executive: $126 million, 7 years. Agent 1: $120 million, 7 yrs. Agent 2: $96 million, 6 years. [Heyman]: $115 million, 7 years.

That is more than Houston offered to Carlos Beltran, isn't it?  If so, then there is the measuring stick for a Carl Crawford around these parts.  7 years would put Crawford at age 34 when this contract runs out.  That may or may not be good depending on the way he takes care of his body.  Someone mentioned before that in the new MLB where steroids are pretty much avoided, you're going to see more guys run a-ground alot sooner than they were in the past decade.  34 a decade ago would be acceptable since players were still productive, some into their late 30s.  Now without the use of steroids, one wonders if players will break down a lot sooner and thus you have to worry about your investment.

[Bench]

That is more than Houston offered to Carlos Beltran, isn't it?  If so, then there is the measuring stick for a Carl Crawford around these parts. 

I don't think the team sees itself in the same place now as it did right after the 2004 season.  While that might be a measuring stick, I don't think it's a particularly useful one.   

[Noe]

I don't think the team sees itself in the same place now as it did right after the 2004 season.  While that might be a measuring stick, I don't think it's a particularly useful one.   

Explain to me what you're saying with this "sees itself in the same place now..." in terms of offering a 6 year contract to someone.

[Bench]

Explain to me what you're saying with this "sees itself in the same place now..." in terms of offering a 6 year contract to someone.

Context. 

[Noe]

Context. 

Que?

[Andyzipp]

That is more than Houston offered to Carlos Beltran, isn't it?  If so, then there is the measuring stick for a Carl Crawford around these parts.  7 years would put Crawford at age 34 when this contract runs out.  That may or may not be good depending on the way he takes care of his body.  Someone mentioned before that in the new MLB where steroids are pretty much avoided, you're going to see more guys run a-ground alot sooner than they were in the past decade.  34 a decade ago would be acceptable since players were still productive, some into their late 30s.  Now without the use of steroids, one wonders if players will break down a lot sooner and thus you have to worry about your investment.

a 34 year old with Crawford's body type and game is a whole lot less concerning than a 34 with Carlos Lee/Lance Berkman's body type.

[Noe]

a 34 year old with Crawford's body type and game is a whole lot less concerning than a 34 with Carlos Lee/Lance Berkman's body type.

Good point!

[JaneDoe]

a 34 year old with Crawford's body type and game is a whole lot less concerning than a 34 with Carlos Lee/Lance Berkman's body type.

I agree.

[Taras Bulba]

Maybe I'm completely off base but I think the last thing that Drayton does is get back into the long term contract bidness.  If Crawford wants seven years, he'll do it somewhere else.

[DVauthrin]

If you have a chance to get Crawford in brick red, you do it.    Having him and Bourn at the top of the order will cause nightmares for National League pitchers.   Not to mention having Crawford and Bourn in the outfield will make your starting pitching better.

Then you have the marketing angle of reuniting two Houston area players in Bourn and Crawford, who played little league ball together.   

[Andyzipp]

Maybe I'm completely off base but I think the last thing that Drayton does is get back into the long term contract bidness.  If Crawford wants seven years, he'll do it somewhere else.

I think in general, you're correct.  I've also heard that Crawford would be an exception to that.

[MusicMan]

I think in general, you're correct.  I've also heard that Crawford would be an exception to that.

Pam is having multiple orgasms over the concept of a hometown guy named Crawford playing in LF.

[austro]

Pam is having multiple orgasms over the concept of a hometown guy named Crawford playing in LF.

I want to watch her head spin around as she tries to figure out whether to keep Pence in RF or to reunite the Hou-Town Little League trio and put Bourgeois in RF with Crawford in LF and Bourn in CF.

[Reuben]

I want to watch her head spin around as she tries to figure out whether to keep Pence in RF or to reunite the Hou-Town Little League trio and put Bourgeois in RF with Crawford in LF and Bourn in CF.

I doubt Pam remembers who Bourgeois is. And won't, until he hits .320 with 20 bombs and a popular facebook or twitter page.

[Lurch]

I want to watch her head spin around as she tries to figure out whether to keep Pence in RF or to reunite the Hou-Town Little League trio and put Bourgeois in RF with Crawford in LF and Bourn in CF.

Get him to change his name to Brawford and it's a fucking gold mine.  Gold, Jerry!  Gold!

[Noe]

Get him to change his name to Brawford and it's a fucking gold mine.  Gold, Jerry!  Gold!

"Marketing Rocky, I know about that sort of thing".  "Absolutely"

[chuck]

reunite the Hou-Town Little League trio and put Bourgeois in RF with Crawford in LF and Bourn in CF.

Sign me up for this.

[Noe]

Pam is having multiple orgasms over the concept of a hometown guy named Crawford playing in LF.

And the backstory iffin this group goes off and wins a big one for their hometown is the stuff "Movie of the Week" are made of.  I remember when JR Richard was in talks with some Hollywood types about his story (mainly focusing on his time as a homeless man living under a bridge and then running a homeless ministry).  It never got past the talk stages, but I tell you a story about a hometown kid reunited with his little league buddies and they go and win a World Championship is "gold".

[Limey]

And the backstory iffin this group goes off and wins a big one for their hometown is the stuff "Movie of the Week" are made of.  I remember when JR Richard was in talks with some Hollywood types about his story (mainly focusing on his time as a homeless man living under a bridge and then running a homeless ministry).  It never got past the talk stages, but I tell you a story about a hometown kid reunited with his little league buddies and they go and win a World Championship is "gold".

They could call it "Little Big League".  Eh?  Oh.

[AtascAstro]

That is more than Houston offered to Carlos Beltran, isn't it?  If so, then there is the measuring stick for a Carl Crawford around these parts.  7 years would put Crawford at age 34 when this contract runs out. 

Did I miss something?  He is 29 today (DOB:  8/5/1981).  Adding 7 years to that makes him 36 when his contract would expire, right?

[geezerdonk]

Did I miss something?  He is 29 today (DOB:  8/5/1981).  Adding 7 years to that makes him 36 when his contract would expire, right?

That's his age in Wandy years.

[Noe]

Did I miss something?  He is 29 today (DOB:  8/5/1981).  Adding 7 years to that makes him 36 when his contract would expire, right?

Yeah, I guessed at his age.  So all the more reason, eh?

[Noe]

They could call it "Little Big League".  Eh?  Oh.

"The *Real* Sandlot Story".  BTW - one of the all-time best baseball related scenes in Hollywood history.  Hamilton "The Great Hambino" Porter can play on my team any day of the week and twice on Sundays!

[Mr. Happy]

Maybe I'm completely off base but I think the last thing that Drayton does is get back into the long term contract bidness.  If Crawford wants seven years, he'll do it somewhere else.

I think that you're correct.

[Gizzmonic]

I want to watch her head spin around as she tries to figure out whether to keep Pence in RF or to reunite the Hou-Town Little League trio and put Bourgeois in RF with Crawford in LF and Bourn in CF.

Bourn and Crawford are all the outfields you need.  You can have Pence play Rover.

[Bench]

Per today's Olney PayPerBlog:  Some rival executives are convinced that at the heart of the Carl Crawford sweepstakes this winter will be a wallet vs. wallet battle between the Boston Red Sox and the Angels.

[Matt]

Per today's Olney PayPerBlog:  Some rival executives are convinced that at the heart of the Carl Crawford sweepstakes this winter will be a wallet vs. wallet battle between the Boston Red Sox and the Angels.

The Angels really want him.

[Bench]

The Angels really want him.

Via BusterTweet:  FYI:High-ranking exec says Crawford as well-positioned for free agency as any player recently. Predicts he'll get 7 years, $126m range