Houston Astros Offseason
What do the Houston Astros need this offseason to reach the big game again and actually win it. Getting swept in front of the whole world to a team that hasn’t won a World Series in a 100 years is quite embarrassing. What if the Astros had a big bat in their lineup to give Berkman some protection? What if Manny Ramirez had that Astros Star on his hat in 2006. What will it take for the Astros to finally win?People who follow the Astros will tell you that owner Drayton McLane only puts up enough money to make the team competitive. He has said it time and time again. He won’t spend the big bucks. It’s time for Drayton to open his wallet and go get someone.
The Astros have a wonderful farm system. Guys like Lidge, Oswalt, Backe, Burke, Taveras, Lane, Everett, Ensberg are all home grown boys. Every one of them was brought up to the big leagues in the Astros farm system. You can’t win a World Series solely on farm talent, just look at the Braves. You need to bring in free agents that fit in your system.
It’s every Astros fan’s dream to see Adam Dunn come play for Houston. He is a native of Houston and will be a Free Agent after this 2006 season. The Astros have some excellent minor league pitching talent that they can package to the Reds for Dunn near the trade deadline. If the Reds are out of contention, they will need to trade Dunn, because odds are he will file for free agency and sign with the Astros anyways. Better get something for him now while you still can. Item #1: Adam Dunn.
Do the Astros need a new catcher? You either love or hate Ausmus. Some rave about his defense and game management abilites while others loathe his lack of production at the plate. This guy grounds into a double play every game and he has a noodle for an arm. Frank Thomas could steal a base on Ausmus. Benji Molina and Ramon Hernandez are both free agents this offseason. It’s time to bring in a replacement for Ausmus. Item #2: Ramon Hernandez.
With the status of Roger Clemens uncertain, the Astros will need to find another starting pitcher. They had the best rotation in baseball (that is up until the World Series). The Astros have enough young pitching. Andy is our oldest SP and he is only 31 or 32. Someone like Millwood, Morris, or Loaiza might be a good fit for this club. Of course we can always dream of getting A.J. Burnett, but that won’t likely happen. Item #3 Matt Morris (only if Clemens retires).
There you have it. That’s what the Astros need to start winning some playoff games. Sure they can be competitive with what they have, but they can’t be champions. If the Astros need anything it is a big bat. Enter Adam Dunn.
posted by David Lithman at 10:42 AM
5 Comments:
I know there is know way this deal is happening but think what Manny Ramirez could do in the Astro lineup.
Manny is wishful thinking, but having Adam Dunn come to Houston this year is a HUGE possibility. It almost happened last year. I would say 50/50 he's an astro this year. 80-90% he's an astros in 2007.
I think the Astros are going to need more than one big bat in their lineup if they want to compete again. The main reason they got to the World Series was their pitching, bullpen and defense. Although Berkman was injured early in the season, they can't rely on Biggio and Bagwell to put up 20 HRs/100 RBIs again. They need to start looking a couple years down the road and finding some more young pitchers and outfielders.
The Dunn move would be interesting to see. Since Dunn can play 1st base in addition to left field, he becomes a great fit in a team with multiple OF/IF players. But you don't want a guy that KOs over 200 times protecting your best bat. It was a shame they couldn't get someone like Hideki Matsui.
Whether or not Dunn K's 170 times a year is not the point. What makes him appealing is his nearly .400 OBP and .920 OPS and 100+ walks. His low average and strike outs are well worth it when you add in the above stats and 40+ homers and 100+ runs and RBIs
I agree, Dunn would be the piece to put the Astros over the top (that is, if Clemens comes back). You've got to figure with Berkman fully healthy and Dunn and Ensberg hitting behind them (with Willy T leading off), that's a very good offense. And their pitching is already great. You should email Mr. McLane.
"Dude, you've heard of Adam Dunn, right? Well, I have a totally bitchin' idea for the Astros . . ."
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