Author Topic: Getting ahead of ourselves (Read 4601 times)

Arky Vaughan · « **on:** August 23, 2006, 05:29:07 pm »

Barring a trade that sends some of these guys away, any thoughts on the 2007 position players?

C Ausmus
1B Berkman or Huff
2B Biggio
3B Ensberg or Huff
SS Everett
LF Scott or Berkman or Huff or Burke
CF Taveras or Burke
RF Berkman or Scott or Huff or Lane

The only things I think are fairly certain are Ausmus at catcher, Biggio at second, Everett at shortstop and Berkman somewhere.

Does Huff get re-signed? Does Ensberg start at third? Do they sign someone else, like Lee? Or Soriano? Does someone on the farm get a crack at the starting line-up? Does Burke remain as a utility man until Biggio retires?

BudGirl · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2006, 05:42:56 pm »

I think Lane and Ensberg are gone, neither is signed for next year. I get all confused with years of service for players and when they are FA eligible. Lane has 4 years service (5/10/02) and Ensberg 5 years service (9/20/00). Are they still under club control?

Ausmus is signed for 3.5 million for 2007 already.

Biggio will be back, and play especially at home games. Burke will probably play a lot on the road.

In regard to the corner outfielders, a lot will depend on how Scott finishs the season.

I'd like to see Huff resigned.

C-Ausmus
1b-Berkman
2b-Biggio/Burke
3b-Huff
ss-Everett
lf-Lee (or other free agent, which could be acquired via trade)
cf-Taveras
rf-Scott

Definitely want Lamb back for the BENCH. I like having his bat on the bench.

S.P. Rodriguez · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:08:45 pm »

Quote:

I think Lane and Ensberg are gone, neither is signed for next year. I get all confused with years of service for players and when they are FA eligible. Lane has 4 years service (5/10/02) and Ensberg 5 years service (9/20/00). Are they still under club control?

Ausmus is signed for 3.5 million for 2007 already.

Biggio will be back, and play especially at home games. Burke will probably play a lot on the road.

In regard to the corner outfielders, a lot will depend on how Scott finishs the season.

I'd like to see Huff resigned.

C-Ausmus
1b-Berkman
2b-Biggio/Burke
3b-Huff
ss-Everett
lf-Lee (or other free agent, which could be acquired via trade)
cf-Taveras
rf-Scott

Definitely want Lamb back for the BENCH. I like having his bat on the bench.

While I agree with everything BG posted, I'd add that depending on how House does the remainder of his stay, he could be added to the bench as the RH PH bat/1B/3rd catcher. Barring any unforseen improvement in House's shoulder, I think anything other than emergency situations behind the plate is a bad idea. That means Munson continues as the second string catcher, potentially increasing his responsibilities depending on the presence, or absence, of a certian #22 and #21 in the rotation.

I really like Huff in this lineup and hope he can be re-signed at a reasonable contract. Lamb is becoming a fan favorite. As long as he hasn't priced himself out of Houston's budget, he'll be back. I really dislike the idea of Scott in RF. I don't think he has the range or arm to cover RF. That said, unless they can replace Taveras with a run producing CF, Scott has to be considered an option at either corner OF spot.

As I've stated before, I think the first order of off-season business is to land a big-stick and the most well known options are corner OFs (Soriano and Lee). The Astros ability to do that will go a long way toward convincing both Clemens and Pettitte to make another run. If neither is interested, landing a solid top of the rotation starter becomes critical and also dependent on Houston showing signs that they acknowledge the need for more offense.

This is all under the assumption that the plan is to immediately return to division comtention. They could opt to look within and pare payroll. I doubt McLane would do that but you never know. I don't see anyone buying the line that this team can compete if this roster remains as is.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:10:28 pm »

Lane and Ensberg are still under club control. The only way they're gone is if they're traded. I'd be shocked to see the Astros decline to offer arbitration and just let them walk.

jbm · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:27:51 pm »

Given what I assume Purpura thinks (just my assumption), I'd be real surprised to see the continued combo of Ausmus, Taveras, and Everett getting the bulk of playing time at those three positions. I think Purpura will try to improve the offense at two of the three positions. My bet is that the Astros work a deal for, or sign a center fielder and a catcher.

Since those guys know the truth about Ensberg (is it injury or something else), I suspect they will make the right decision. I'd bet on Huff at third though.

juliogotay · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:34:54 pm »

How's this.

1B-Berkman. better spot for his bad knee.
2b- Biggio/Burke. More playing time for CB, particularly on road.
SS- Everett.
3b- Huff. Ensberg traded for pitching.
LF- CARLOS LEE. Drayton, determined to put a better product on field, sucks it up and deals with the BB anti-christ
CF- Tavaras. 2nd half performance encourages mgt that he is learning and improving.
RF-Scott. Berkman moves to RF against LHP and House plays 1B.
C-Ausmus with House backing up. House's shoulder is improved and he is as good a catcher as Munson but a better hitter.

Lane is 4th OFer, with Lamb on bench and ready to play if Scott fails. Palmeiro back. A couple of FA bench types that could be interested are DeVanon and Marlon Anderson. Both from Houston. Could be interesting role players.

Froback · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:42:45 pm »

Keep in mind these are some random thoughts, but...

1) House should stay on the roster (his bat is that good), but should not be as a catcher, 1B is where he should be.
2) I would prefer to see House at 1B and Berkman in RF, barring some trade the forces otherwise.
3) Huff will probably be re-signed. I just can't see this not working, but then when money talks, players often walk.
4) Munson will not be the #2 behind Ausmus, one of the AAA guys will.
5) I get the feeling Ensberg is not popular with the organization, for what ever reason. Therefore I see him being dealt this off-season, probably as part of a package to upgrade either SS or CF.
6) I see Scott being given the LF job, baring some FA like Lee joining, in which case he will either be a 4th OFer or trade bait.
7) I think the Astros are going to get "messed with" by Pettitte. I don't think it will be intentional or malicious, but I think he will not make up his mind on pitching next season quickly, thus potentially hindering the Astros off-season moves pitching wise.

I think, to-date, Pupura has done a good job as GM, and better than Gerry would have, IMO. Mostly because he has not sold off the future for a team that looks like it is missing more parts this year than it has.
9) I will judge Purpura a lot this offseason based on what FAs he goes for, and how aggressively he goes after them. I don't want to see the Astros be the last team to move again. I think it a big deal that they get one of the top 5 FAs, pitching or hitting, maybe both.
10) I think the bullpen will be mostly unchanged next year, and they will return to something close to what we expected this year. Their confidence is shot, but I am hopeful that time will solve this. That and I don't think there is much available on the FA market that is really any better than the potential they already have.

Ok, I think that is enough scatter shooting for now.

HPFRic · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:44:27 pm »

i think you need to add a big stick, come hell or high water, in addition to resigning huff; he's been as advertised and i think he'll be very productive in a line-up where he's the 3rd or even 4th best hitter.

i'd also like to try scott in the 2-hole; he has such great power to the gaps - i think he'd drive taveras in a lot and then be on second base a lot for hitters 3, 4 and 5.

also, what is everyone's opinion of pettitte? i'm guessing few would outright say no to his return, but what's your ceiling on his deal? me? i'd love to have him back; i think the guy has balls. but anything beyond 2 years and $13M...

and i agree with fro' - i think ensberg has fallen out of favor and they will look to actively deal him. fool me once, shame on me, but fool me three years in a row....

laslty, i'd like to see lidge sent to a remote island that's never heard of baseball so he can decompress and come back mentally and physically recharged.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:47:05 pm »

I can't find it. What was that website posted the other day of possible FA by position?

hostros7 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2006, 06:56:25 pm »

Posted by JackAstro:

Free Agents

otterj · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2006, 09:39:06 pm »

With so much salary coming off of the books next year, McLane can seriously break out the checkbook just to match the team's salary of this year. Zito, one of C.Lee/T.Hunter/A.Soriano along with Huff, Pettitte and Biggio? Es posible?

juliogotay · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2006, 10:06:54 pm »

I'm thinking this years payroll is in a neighborhood McLane only wants to rent in, not own. I'm betting smaller payroll next year. Maybe 15-20% smaller.

Froback · « **Reply #14 on:** August 24, 2006, 11:25:01 am »

NO ZITO!

No! No! No!

Way too pricey for his real value. He is pitching like a $6 Mil pitcher, but wants $13+.

No! No! No!

If you want to spend that kind of money, sign Schmidt. (better sign Oswalt too, but that is not really a FA... yet)

Lefty · « **Reply #15 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:18:39 pm »

Zito = Boras, iirc. Like Schmidt a ton, read somewhere that he's from the Northwest & is looking to Seattle (insert grain of salt). Gil Meche would be a good 3rdish starter, unless the SP market is insane; I'd look at Vic Padilla as well.

Saw posted elsewhere that Toronto may be looking to deal Vernon Wells (who's got Texas ties) if they can't get an extension done (2007 is walk year) & that they might not pick up Bengie Molina's '07 option. Both those guys would be verrah interesting at the right price (in players for Wells & $/years for Molina).

If they can upgrade at C, I can see Ausmus taking a backup role, and still being there as a 2nd pitching coach & for the pitchers' scouting prepwork.

Love to see Huff back.

juliogotay · « **Reply #17 on:** August 24, 2006, 03:58:27 pm »

I don't think you'd like Pailla. I live in Dallas where he pitches for Rangers. Not a real popular clubhouse guy. Started the beanball wars last week in Angels series and didn't leave the dugout when the benches cleared.

Froback · « **Reply #20 on:** August 24, 2006, 04:58:05 pm »

Ok, not saying this is what should happen, but going on some wild speculations on what COULD happen.

Sign Lee to play LF.
Trade Taveras, Ensberg and Wandy Rodriguez for Wells
Re-sign Huff.

Now you could have a team like this:

C: Ausmus
1B: House (or Berkman if you prefer)
2B: Biggio/Burke
3B: Huff
SS: Everett
LF: Lee
CF: Wells
RF: Berkman (Scott if you play Berkman 1B)

Or a batting order like this:
1) Biggio/Burke
2) Everett (Wells would not be terrible here)
3) Berkman
4) Wells (If Wells in #2 move up people)
5) Lee
6) Huff
7) Scott (Everett here or #8)

Ausmus

The catch is you will be paying $10 Mil to each of Berkman, Lee and Wells. Not to mention big deal for Oswalt and other pitchers in the future.

But if you could arrange it right, I think you could pull it all off for around $85-$95 Million payroll.

~$13 each for Berkman, Lee and Wells = ~$39 per season
~$8-10 for Huff, let's just say $10 (even though I think too much)
~13 each for Oswalt and Schmidt = $26 per
~10 for Pettitte

So for these players: 39+10+26+10=$85 Mil, leaving $10 Mil for the rest. Ok, might push you to $100 Mil pretty quickly with arbitration stuff and Biggio and Ausmus.

But you get the idea. How good would that team be?

juliogotay · « **Reply #21 on:** August 24, 2006, 05:18:01 pm »

I love Wells but I don't think Houston would be able to put together the best package for Wells is Toronto makes him available. If the Rangers go after Wells, I would think it would be very soon after the series ends because they have to make a decision on their FA CFer, Gary Mathews, JR., who lives in Houston.

littlevisigoth · « **Reply #24 on:** August 24, 2006, 06:46:09 pm »

This might be a useful resource for this discussion:

The Link

This is going to be an interesting offseason. I'd like to see Huff in an Astros uniform, or the 2005 Ensberg (look at his career numbers... he sucks in even years, and kicks ass in odd years, maybe we shouldn't be selling low). Huff will cost quite a bit more and we have the luxury of having Ensberg under control for one more year.

I wouldn't mind seeing Pettitte stick around, but it'd have to be at a discount. Based on all his quotes about his future, I'm thinking he's Astros or retirement, but maybe I'm wrong.

If we could get more offense out of the catcher position, that'd be nice. I'm okay with one lousy bat (Everett), and maybe another (Taveras), especially if they're above average defensively (which Everett definitely is, and I believe Taveras is). Ausmus, though, is just the straw breaking the camel's back. If he'd accept a backup role and we could get more out of that position, that'd be great. He'd only go to the Padres in a trade (although I'm not sure he has veto power or not), who may not be in the market. Josh Bard seems like their catcher of the future, and who know's if they're gonna keep Piazza on for his option year (funny thing looking at his contract that he gets a $50,000 bonus for winning the gold glove).

If they dump a bunch of money into a free agent, I think it should be a power-batting corner OF or a No. 1 or 2 pitcher.

Lots of ways to go. This will be when we can truly judge what T-Purp is made of.

EasTexAstro · « **Reply #25 on:** August 24, 2006, 08:43:15 pm »

This is spitting into the wind, but I'll try anyway.

Ausmus is a big reason for the success of this team. His skills behind the plate as a catcher and his continual study of the hitters and pitchers can not be replaced easily. Yes, he would probably play for the Pads, but then you are frustrating your pitching staff that you might want to stick around. IMO, the pitchers would not be as good as they are without being able to trust Brad.
Brad is no replacement for Piazza. Pizza is a bat in the lineup that plays catcher. Brad is a catcher that bats in the lineup.

Russ99 · « **Reply #26 on:** August 25, 2006, 10:18:05 am »

I see the pitching as a bigger potential problem than hitting, since Clemens and Pettite are most likely both gone, and the Astros will probably want to trade Oswalt this winter if they can't resign him to a long term deal in November.

I'd love to see the Astros deal both Lane & Ensberg for a solid starter, but the problem with that is their trade value is rock bottom right now, and I don't see them playing well enough in the next 5 weeks to change that.

Here's my take on the lineup:

1B - Berkman
2B - Burke (Biggio plays 2-3 days a week to get to 3,000)
SS - Everett, unless a big hitter (Soriano, Tejada?) can be found.
3B - Huff (gotta re-sign him - they really shouldn't put Ensberg back there just as a necessity)
LF - Best spot for a big bat acquisition (don't go cheap on us, Purp)
CF - Willy - if they deal him, I'd be stunned
RF - Scott/Pence platoon - best player at the time gets the playing time
C - Ausmus (they need to groom quality replacement for 2008, not sure if House is the real deal yet)

Pitching: Starters 1 - 3 who knows? I like Hirsh at #3 or 4 and other prospects in the 4 or 5 starter spots, and the bullpen obviously needs to be blown up and reassembled. Maybe keep Wheeler. Maybe.

I'd also like to see a different hitting coach, one with real success at the big-league level. I'm still mad about Gaetti getting fired.

MikeyBoy · « **Reply #27 on:** August 25, 2006, 10:40:37 am »

1. You're not suggesting Soriano at SS, are you?
2. Define "real success" and what that has to do with being a successful hitting coach.