2nd half Ensberg

[Reuben]

I've been able to watch barely any games this year, so it's hard for me to get a perspective on Morgan's problems. I'm inclined to think that he will come back around, once either his shoulder gets better if it's still bad, or he simply sorts out the mechanics of his swing, which seem difficult to maintain. But most people here (who have watched him much more than I have) seem ready to give up on him completely. He was having a great year for a while there- is he really that hopeless?

Obviously if Morgan can get going again the lineup would be improved immensely.

[Astroholic]

Deer in the freaking headlights.

[Fredia]

first half he looked almost comfortable. a friend who is not a fan saw a close up him at bat on tv and wanted to know what was wrong with him. she saw the fear and discomfort ..

[S.P. Rodriguez]

It's difficult enought to get out of a slump.  Stopping a slump when you don't swing the bat is even harder.  It's been said numerous times, he's up there looking for a walk and if he swings, he's only punching at the ball.  He could be working his way out of an everyday spot in the lineup.

[No? in Austin]

Quote:
...he's up there looking for a walk and if he swings, he's only punching at the ball.

When the ACE pitcher on your team has this particular opinion of your batting prowess, it's not good.

[hostros7]

Quote:
It's difficult enought to get out of a slump.  Stopping a slump when you don't swing the bat is even harder.  It's been said numerous times, he's up there looking for a walk and if he swings, he's only punching at the ball.  He could be working his way out of an everyday spot in the lineup.

I'd rather see him in the lineup than Lane.  Anyone but Lane.  Burke, Berkman, Wilson OF.  Ensberg & Lamb at the corners.  If we can upgrade a corner outfield spot, then Ensberg may find himself the odd man out, imho

[DVauthrin]

I'd rather see him in another team's lineup myself, with the Astros trading to get a big bat asap.

[Curly]

Exactly what "big bat" would you like to get?  Ensberg, and what top prospect would you like to trade to get a "big bat".  How about we dump a hot shot pitcher, you know, the one that we wont need when Clemens and Pettite are done.

[Curly]

Quote:

Quote:
...he's up there looking for a walk and if he swings, he's only punching at the ball.

When the ACE pitcher on your team has this particular opinion of your batting prowess, it's not good.

Noe, do you think our veteran pitchers said much to Biggio and Bagwell after years of not having a freaking clue what to do with a slider low and away with the game on the line.

[otterj]

My worthless attempt at fantasy GM:

Depend on Ensberg and Lidge to rebound with solid second halfs. Assume Wilson and Berkman at corner OF with Lamb at 1st.
Try to trade for M.Tejada or an established CF'er with a good bat as well as a good relief pitcher.
Consider Lane, Taveras, Wandy and almost any minor-leager as trade bait.
Win now, sign free agents later.

[DVauthrin]

Quote:
Exactly what "big bat" would you like to get?  Ensberg, and what top prospect would you like to trade to get a "big bat".  How about we dump a hot shot pitcher, you know, the one that we wont need when Clemens and Pettite are done.

I'd be fine with anyone out of Carl Crawford, Chipper, Bobby Abreu, Andruw Jones, Torii Hunter(if they move him), Carlos Lee, Tejada, Cabrera, and I'd gamble on Aubrey Huff.

I'd also look at Wilson in pittsburgh, and maybe Soriano(would depend on the cost).   Obviously you give up less for a rent a player than a guy signed long term.

As far as the principals in a deal I'd be fine with moving one of the talented young SP in Nieve, Buchholz, Patton or Hirsh for an impact player above(only one I'd say no is Huff, he should be had for less) and if you are talking about say Cabrera or Andruw or perhaps crawford, another good pitching prospect.  These are guys that can be core parts of this team in the future.  Also maybe teams still like Lane/Taveras/Ensberg, and you also have Pence.  The point is even at 43-46, the Astros are only 3.5 games behind LA in the WC.  

I'm not suggesting to give up the farm for a rent a player, but the idea the Astros shouldn't make a deal because of clemens and pettitte's status next year is ludicrous to me. As bad as they have played they are less than 4 games out of a playoff spot.   They should be looking for bullpen help and a stick.   I guess they could improve the offense internally by getting Burke and Lamb in the same lineup if you move Preston to CF, but I think they have made the determination his knees are better off in a corner outfield spot.  Plus, it severely weakens the bench.  

[jasonact]

Quote:
Win now, sign free agents later.

Ewww. I don't like the sound of that GM strategy. There is no way they could make the moves to ensure that they "win now". I think you make a few moves that don't break the bank and hope that some of the struggling players turn it around in the second half. I don't think you trade Ensberg, though. He's only one year removed from playing in the AS game himself. He looks terrible now, but that doesn't mean that his days as a good, or perhaps even elite, hitter are over.

[jasonact]

Quote:
As far as the principals in a deal I'd be fine with moving one of the talented young SP in Nieve, Buchholz, Patton or Hirsh for an impact player above(only one I'd say no is Huff, he should be had for less) and if you are talking about say Cabrera or Andruw or perhaps crawford, another good pitching prospect.  These are guys that can be core parts of this team in the future.  Also maybe teams still like Lane/Taveras/Ensberg, and you also have Pence.  The point is even at 43-46, the Astros are only 3.5 games behind LA in the WC.  

I'm not suggesting to give up the farm for a rent a player, but the idea the Astros shouldn't make a deal because of clemens and pettitte's status next year is ludicrous to me. As bad as they have played they are less than 4 games out of a playoff spot.   They should be looking for bullpen help and a stick.   I guess they could improve the offense internally by getting Burke and Lamb in the same lineup if you move Preston to CF, but I think they have made the determination his knees are better off in a corner outfield spot.  Plus, it severely weakens the bench.  

I don't think you touch Buchholz or Hirsh, and it would have to be a prettty good deal for me to feel that moving Nieve would be justified. I might be okay with Patton, but only because he's still a few years away and not out of A-ball yet.

This is not a "win it now" kind of year. There are too many holes to fill and too many players capable of bouncing back. I think the best the Astros might get in a trade this year is for a good relief pitcher. A big bat isn't out of the question, but it's a long shot. Among other reasons, I don't think many will be available by the deadline. Too many teams are still in contention, so the few who might be available will likely cost an arm and a leg to get.

[astrox]

Quote:
I'd rather see him in another team's lineup myself, with the Astros trading to get a big bat asap.

Last year after the hand injury, Ensberg wasn't the same, and it showed in the playoffs.

Perhaps the shoulder injury is still bothering him?

[David in Jackson]

Quote:
My worthless attempt at fantasy GM:

Depend on Ensberg and Lidge to rebound with solid second halfs. Assume Wilson and Berkman at corner OF with Lamb at 1st.
Try to trade for M.Tejada or an established CF'er with a good bat as well as a good relief pitcher.
Consider Lane, Taveras, Wandy and almost any minor-leager as trade bait.
Win now, sign free agents later.

Tejeda is no longer a quality SS, and probably won't play there much longer.