The Problem With the Astros |
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It’s Memorial Day, and the Houston Astros (21-29) are once again at crossroads in
a season, losers of eight straight games. They are seven games out of the first
place in the NL Central and have a big decision to make in the next couple of
days. Should they wave the white towel on the season and call up prospects such
as pitcher Troy Patton and start rebuilding for the future? Or should they, like
past years, try to make a move and make a comeback? Loyal Astros fans may see
this season similar to 2005, when we started out 15-30, and the Houston Chronicle tombstone on the season. The result of that season was positive, wasn’t it? (A trip
to the World Series). Wake up, loyalist. This is not the same team. We don’t
have Roger or Andy this time. This team has no pitching at times, no hitting
at others, and sometimes don’t have either. Sure, we are getting Jason Jennings
back on Tuesday night, but does anyone expect him to save the season? If they do wave the white towel, it will be the end of a title run for 40 veteran second basemen Craig Biggio, who is not expected to return next year after achieving his 3000 hits. It will also be a year older for Houston native Woody Williams and utility infielder Mark Loretta. People would also question Carlos Lee’s $100 million dollar contract if we didn’t at least try to make the playoffs. However, ups would be more major league experience for players like Chris Sampson, Matt Albers, Hunter Pence, and Fernando Nieve. Trying to salvage the season would make more sense to many. Our payroll is nearing $100 million and we have never given up on a season since Tim Purpura took over as GM in 2005. Our offense is capable of producing runs, as they did in April. Hunter Pence, called up from AAA on April 28, is providing a lift, but he and Lee cannot carry this team any longer. If Berkman, Scott, and Ensberg don’t break out of slumps, I expect a move to get a bat. The pitching is what it is. Wandy Rodriguez and Chris Sampson both had surprisingly good Aprils, but the league is catching up to them, and though Jennings will help, he is no Roger Clemens. Woody Williams (1-7, 5.65 ERA) has also been a consistently bad number 3 starter, so starting pitching could also be a need in a trade. While the Astros farm system is pretty much dried up, Morgan Ensberg, Chris Burke, Jason Lane, and even ex-closer Brad Lidge, would draw interest to many teams. We’ll see which option Phil Garner’s team takes. One thing is for certain, though. If we still have the same players in the everyday lineup in the coming weeks, Houston does have a problem. You can contact Nick Kent at mrhouston@fyisportsfans.com |