Bud Girl should be happy.......

[Jose Cruz III]

her fantasy to stay in Houston for 2 more years. Didn't hear the terms yet.

[jasonact]

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her fantasy to stay in Houston for 2 more years. Didn't hear the terms yet.

 The Link

[BudGirl]

The Link

The link provided by pravata in another thread.

[Jose Cruz III]

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The Link

The link provided by pravata in another thread.

Break open the bubbly BG.

[pravata]

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The Link

The link provided by pravata in another thread.

Not only me, see here
The Link

or here
The Link

and here
The Link

Not a press release, just an enlightening article by Jim Molony.

[otterj]

Nice.

Ausmus takes entirely too much shit for being a pretty damn solid catcher. A solid leader of the club, on the field and in the clubhouse.

[Tralfaz]

Solid.  Glad Purpua got it done.  What up now Roger?

[das]

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What up now Roger?  

"Not offense", I would suppose he is thinking if he still cares about the team.  Looks like the same exact team as last year so far.  Whether or not that is a good thing is a whole 'nuther discussion.

[pravata]

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What up now Roger?  

"Not offense", I would suppose he is thinking if he still cares about the team.  Looks like the same exact team as last year so far.  Whether or not that is a good thing is a whole 'nuther discussion.

Not quite the exact team.  Berkman, for instance, will be 100%.  He wasn't at any time last season.

[Twoniner]

2 years 7.5 million per ESPN.com

So we will have a 38 year old catcher bringing in nearly 4 million dollars in 2007.   Good idea.

[HudsonHawk]

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2 years 7.5 million per ESPN.com

So we will have a 38 year old catcher bringing in nearly 4 million dollars in 2007.   Good idea.

What difference does it make if he's making $4 million or $40,000?  You're not paying it.

[Tralfaz]

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What up now Roger?  

"Not offense", I would suppose he is thinking if he still cares about the team.  Looks like the same exact team as last year so far.  Whether or not that is a good thing is a whole 'nuther discussion.

Same exact thing?  Well I would say that's a pretty good thing, considering it took us to the World Series.

[CJM]

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2 years 7.5 million per ESPN.com

So we will have a 38 year old catcher bringing in nearly 4 million dollars in 2007.   Good idea.

Yea who wants a plus field backstop that caught just about 4 of every 5 games, and had a OBP north of .350?  He broke down so bad towards the end of last season that he had more hits than any other catcher in the NL after the AS break.  Plus he is always going on the DL.  

Good idea.

[Fredia]

dont let them give you a hard time BG i understand entirely.

[das]

Like I said, that's another discussion.  But, here goes.  As a fan, I was pleased with the outcome that the offense contributed to.  Do I think the offense carried the team?  Nope, only a fool would think so but they clearly contributed as they scored runs to win games.  Every layer of Astros baseball-dom from management to the players to the media (ick) to most of the idots in this place have said the offense is the place to upgrade.  That and a solid #3 starter but that's like saying that 3 cases of beer are better than two.  (Ir)Regardless of the situation.  A cursory look reveals that the team is signing the same players as last year and looking to upgrade or maintain the couple that were let go with marginally better players.  For someone like Roger (and the media and most of the fan base) this looks alot like the same old unit.  Do I think it is?  No.  Berkman should be better (nod to Pravata).  Lane should be better.  The unit, as a whole, should perform more like the 2nd half of last season instead of the first half.  Could that be successful?  Recent history says yes.  Will that "satisfy" Roger and the national media?  No.  Do I care?  No.  Do I think the team can win the Central or WC next year with this methodology?  Probably.

[astro pete]

And Jeff Bagwell instead of Chris Burke.

[jasonact]

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And Jeff Bagwell instead of Chris Burke.

Although the reports are good, I think that's still yet to be seen.

[astro pete]

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And Jeff Bagwell instead of Chris Burke.

Although the reports are good, I think that's still yet to be seen.

Nah, he's as good as back.

[jasonact]

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And Jeff Bagwell instead of Chris Burke.

Although the reports are good, I think that's still yet to be seen.

Nah, he's as good as back.

I know that the Astros are looking at acquiring mid-level players (i.e. White, Mench), as opposed to top-tier players, and Bagwell lifting weights is a fabulous sign, but what makes you so sure? I'd like to share your optimism.

[das]

 

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but what makes you so sure? I'd like to share your optimism.  

Bagwell's a gamer.  He rubbed some dirt on it.  'Nuff said.

[Tralfaz]

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Like I said, that's another discussion.  But, here goes.  As a fan, I was pleased with the outcome that the offense contributed to.  Do I think the offense carried the team?  Nope, only a fool would think so but they clearly contributed as they scored runs to win games.  Every layer of Astros baseball-dom from management to the players to the media (ick) to most of the idots in this place have said the offense is the place to upgrade.  That and a solid #3 starter but that's like saying that 3 cases of beer are better than two.  (Ir)Regardless of the situation.  A cursory look reveals that the team is signing the same players as last year and looking to upgrade or maintain the couple that were let go with marginally better players.  For someone like Roger (and the media and most of the fan base) this looks alot like the same old unit.  Do I think it is?  No.  Berkman should be better (nod to Pravata).  Lane should be better.  The unit, as a whole, should perform more like the 2nd half of last season instead of the first half.  Could that be successful?  Recent history says yes.  Will that "satisfy" Roger and the national media?  No.  Do I care?  No.  Do I think the team can win the Central or WC next year with this methodology?  Probably.

Well put, and I appreciate the clarification, especially the beer analogy.  With the recent rumors of White, Nomar and maybe Mench I wonder if any of these will be good enough for Roger.  Or, is his mind already made up and he's just getting his drama fix.  As a fan,  I'm happy with any of the above.  Nomar would be the sexier addition and would turn more heads, along with his wife.   Mench has a tremendous cranial circumference, and White is.....hurt alot?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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Like I said, that's another discussion.  But, here goes.  As a fan, I was pleased with the outcome that the offense contributed to.  Do I think the offense carried the team?  Nope, only a fool would think so but they clearly contributed as they scored runs to win games.  Every layer of Astros baseball-dom from management to the players to the media (ick) to most of the idots in this place have said the offense is the place to upgrade.  That and a solid #3 starter but that's like saying that 3 cases of beer are better than two.  (Ir)Regardless of the situation.  A cursory look reveals that the team is signing the same players as last year and looking to upgrade or maintain the couple that were let go with marginally better players.  For someone like Roger (and the media and most of the fan base) this looks alot like the same old unit.  Do I think it is?  No.  Berkman should be better (nod to Pravata).  Lane should be better.  The unit, as a whole, should perform more like the 2nd half of last season instead of the first half.  Could that be successful?  Recent history says yes.  Will that "satisfy" Roger and the national media?  No.  Do I care?  No.  Do I think the team can win the Central or WC next year with this methodology?  Probably.

Well put, and I appreciate the clarification, especially the beer analogy.  With the recent rumors of White, Nomar and maybe Mench I wonder if any of these will be good enough for Roger.  Or, is his mind already made up and he's just getting his drama fix.  As a fan,  I'm happy with any of the above.  Nomar would be the sexier addition and would turn more heads, along with his wife.   Mench has a tremendous cranial circumference, and White is.....hurt alot?

Maybe it's just me but this Clemens bashing is getting old.  It sure would be nice if the "drama queen/greedy bastard" labels could die down a little.  The man isn't an indentured servant to the fans.  He may be an egomaniac or a drama queen/greedy bastard for all I care.  He pitched 2 awfully damn good seasons in Houston.  Does he owe something to the Houston fans?  I'm trying to understand why there are so many hurt feelings...

[Ty in Tampa]

Does he owe something to the Houston fans?

No. By the same token, do fans owe him the luxury of not calling him what he really is, a greedy, egomaniacal drama queen?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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No. By the same token, do fans owe him the luxury of not calling him what he really is, a greedy, egomaniacal drama queen?

If it makes you feel better, no.  But I'd wonder why calling someone else a name makes you feel better.

[Ty in Tampa]

It's my raging insecurities and deep-seated resentments towards my father.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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It's my raging insecurities and deep-seated resentments towards my father.

well damn... I need to be with you then!...  

you just reminded me of that scene in "Big Daddy", "He can't hurt you anymore!"....

[pravata]

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No. By the same token, do fans owe him the luxury of not calling him what he really is, a greedy, egomaniacal drama queen?

If it makes you feel better, no.  But I'd wonder why calling someone else a name makes you feel better.

Then we need to think of another phrase to describe his behavior.  Unfortunately, derogatory or not, he behaves like a drama queen.  The man seeks the spotlight.  The particular situation would be understandable, his injuries and his mom dying, except it's played out something like this the other 2 times the Astros signed him.  It has nothing to do with Clemens as baseball player; he's a lot of fun to watch on the field; it's Clemens as a public figure.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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No. By the same token, do fans owe him the luxury of not calling him what he really is, a greedy, egomaniacal drama queen?

If it makes you feel better, no.  But I'd wonder why calling someone else a name makes you feel better.

Then we need to think of another phrase to describe his behavior.  Unfortunately, derogatory or not, he behaves like a drama queen.  The man seeks the spotlight.  The particular situation would be understandable, his injuries and his mom dying, except it's played out something like this the other 2 times the Astros signed him.  It has nothing to do with Clemens as baseball player; he's a lot of fun to watch on the field; it's Clemens as a public figure.

And that's fair enough.  I purposely separate my interest in pro-athletes/celebrities in their chose profession (Sports or specific movies for example) and discard anything they do outside those venues.  Otherwise, I'd stare at the walls all day.  Seriously, between musicians and actors spouting their politics (which I may or may not agree with) and athletes acting like over-indulged children, I couldn't stomach any entertainment given the people performing.  It's one of the biggest reasons I still follow baseball, specifically the Astros, because the owner makes character a hiring criteria.  Are there exceptions to McLane's guideline?  Sure.  But for the most part, the exception revolves around ego.  But, when you are as good at what you do as these players are, I expect more than a little ego.  Hell, I encounter coworkers with that much ego  and most of them aren't anywhere near competent let alone overwhelmingly influential outside their own minds!

What I don't get about Clemens is the off-season dramatics and then shoving guys like Burke in front of the camera when the reporters sought out Clemens??  Go figure...

[pravata]

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No. By the same token, do fans owe him the luxury of not calling him what he really is, a greedy, egomaniacal drama queen?

If it makes you feel better, no.  But I'd wonder why calling someone else a name makes you feel better.

Then we need to think of another phrase to describe his behavior.  Unfortunately, derogatory or not, he behaves like a drama queen.  The man seeks the spotlight.  The particular situation would be understandable, his injuries and his mom dying, except it's played out something like this the other 2 times the Astros signed him.  It has nothing to do with Clemens as baseball player; he's a lot of fun to watch on the field; it's Clemens as a public figure.

And that's fair enough.  I purposely separate my interest in pro-athletes/celebrities in their chose profession (Sports or specific movies for example) and discard anything they do outside those venues.  Otherwise, I'd stare at the walls all day.  Seriously, between musicians and actors spouting their politics (which I may or may not agree with) and athletes acting like over-indulged children, I couldn't stomach any entertainment given the people performing.  It's one of the biggest reasons I still follow baseball, specifically the Astros, because the owner makes character a hiring criteria.  Are there exceptions to McLane's guideline?  Sure.  But for the most part, the exception revolves around ego.  But, when you are as good at what you do as these players are, I expect more than a little ego.  Hell, I encounter coworkers with that much ego  and most of them aren't anywhere near competent let alone overwhelmingly influential outside their own minds!

What I don't get about Clemens is the off-season dramatics and then shoving guys like Burke in front of the camera when the reporters sought out Clemens??  Go figure...

Once he's on a team he's the consumate team player, at least in his Astro seasons.  Other than the tediousness of his antics, the problem I have with his "Shall I? Shant I?" histrionics is it gums up the Astros planning.  Nothing wrong with drama, but don't drag it out like the final act of Hamlet.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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No. By the same token, do fans owe him the luxury of not calling him what he really is, a greedy, egomaniacal drama queen?

If it makes you feel better, no.  But I'd wonder why calling someone else a name makes you feel better.

Then we need to think of another phrase to describe his behavior.  Unfortunately, derogatory or not, he behaves like a drama queen.  The man seeks the spotlight.  The particular situation would be understandable, his injuries and his mom dying, except it's played out something like this the other 2 times the Astros signed him.  It has nothing to do with Clemens as baseball player; he's a lot of fun to watch on the field; it's Clemens as a public figure.

And that's fair enough.  I purposely separate my interest in pro-athletes/celebrities in their chose profession (Sports or specific movies for example) and discard anything they do outside those venues.  Otherwise, I'd stare at the walls all day.  Seriously, between musicians and actors spouting their politics (which I may or may not agree with) and athletes acting like over-indulged children, I couldn't stomach any entertainment given the people performing.  It's one of the biggest reasons I still follow baseball, specifically the Astros, because the owner makes character a hiring criteria.  Are there exceptions to McLane's guideline?  Sure.  But for the most part, the exception revolves around ego.  But, when you are as good at what you do as these players are, I expect more than a little ego.  Hell, I encounter coworkers with that much ego  and most of them aren't anywhere near competent let alone overwhelmingly influential outside their own minds!

What I don't get about Clemens is the off-season dramatics and then shoving guys like Burke in front of the camera when the reporters sought out Clemens??  Go figure...

Once he's on a team he's the consumate team player, at least in his Astro seasons.  Other than the tediousness of his antics, the problem I have with his "Shall I? Shant I?" histrionics is it gums up the Astros planning.  Nothing wrong with drama, but don't drag it out like the final act of Hamlet.

No kidding.  But his situation is not the only one gumming up their planning.  If Clemens is Hamlet, Bagwell is Rocky Balboa (I don't have your literary knowledge for a more grand comparison!).  Can he make yet another recovery/comeback???

[lc_db]

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...If Clemens is Hamlet, Bagwell is Rocky Balboa (I don't have your literary knowledge for a more grand comparison!)...

Go with the Holy Grail reference:  "I'm not dead yet!!"

[Arky Vaughan]

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No kidding.  But his situation is not the only one gumming up their planning.  If Clemens is Hamlet, Bagwell is Rocky Balboa (I don't have your literary knowledge for a more grand comparison!).  Can he make yet another recovery/comeback???

This is a foolish comparison. The question with Bagwell involves whether or not the man can physically play. If he can throw and hit, he will play. If not, he won't. He is likely working his tail off to find out. Nobody can accelerate that schedule.

Clemens either wants to play for the Astros in 2006, or he doesn't. Yes, maybe he's evaluating whether his hamstring and back will hold up, but that doesn't seem to be the biggest factor. Either he's indecisive and doesn't know yet whether he wants to spend another year pitching, or he does know, but doesn't want to tip his hand because it's fun to be the center of attention.

I have a vast amount of respect for Roger Clemens, but I think he's wrong to leave the Astros twisting in the wind about his intentions.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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No kidding.  But his situation is not the only one gumming up their planning.  If Clemens is Hamlet, Bagwell is Rocky Balboa (I don't have your literary knowledge for a more grand comparison!).  Can he make yet another recovery/comeback???

This is a foolish comparison. The question with Bagwell involves whether or not the man can physically play. If he can throw and hit, he will play. If not, he won't. He is likely working his tail off to find out. Nobody can accelerate that schedule.

Clemens either wants to play for the Astros in 2006, or he doesn't. Yes, maybe he's evaluating whether his hamstring and back will hold up, but that doesn't seem to be the biggest factor. Either he's indecisive and doesn't know yet whether he wants to spend another year pitching, or he does know, but doesn't want to tip his hand because it's fun to be the center of attention.

I have a vast amount of respect for Roger Clemens, but I think he's wrong to leave the Astros twisting in the wind about his intentions.

Sorry, I didn't mean to compare Clemens and Bagwell.  Only wanted to point out that Bagwell's situation also impacts the Astros personnel decisions.  The comparison for Bagwell is to Rocky who, despite numerous beatings and defeats,  kept coming back.  We all know the situation with Bagwell's  shoulder.  I don't resent his desire to give it his best effort to return from this injury.  If it's possible, I believe he'll succeed.  But no one really knows if it's possible... just like when Rocky took down Apollo Creed!  No one thought it possible... see, that's the comparison... not Bagwell to Clemens.  

I can't see how you can refute that Bagwell's situation, the can he/can't he question, impacts Houston's personnel decisions.