Post by joshsbix on Jul 10, 2023 10:30:07 GMT -5
-- Houston Chronicle
The trade that sent Bud Smith to Atlanta instantly made fans wonder if there would be other moves coming during the offseason. The fan base didn't have to wait long as Chase Utley and Kelley Johnson have been traded. Kelley was sent to the Mets in exchange for Carlos Villanueva. The Astros promised to work on their pitching staff in the offseason and they have made good on that promise bringing in a huge 21 year old prospect. It is believed that he will be called up this year but experts don't believe that he will be slotted into the #1 spot until 2007.
Chase Utley has been shipped off to Philadelphia for Dontrelle Willis, Ted Lilly, Lew Ford, Alex Gordon, and Jesus Flores. Lew Ford will make an instant splash as he tries to fill the shoes of Kelley Johnson. The Astros don't believe he, alone, can handle the offensive duties that were left vacated by Utley and Johnson. Houston is expected to try to sign some complimentary bats during the upcoming FA period. Gordon, Flores, and the D-Train are expected to be called up in 2007 with Ted Lilly expected to compete for a back of the rotation spot or being used out of the bullpen.
The 'Stros have 3 first round draft picks to use. There have been trade rumors surrounding the package of picks but specific details are being kept secret. However, it is rumored that Manager Skitty is not happy about the lineup depletion so it would be very surprising to see the team go in any other direction than offense. Our normal leakers don't have any idea what the team is considering. Will they try to trade for another bat? Is it still the year of pitching? Would the team be better off adding 3 first rounders to their minor league system this year and a couple more next year?
The trade that sent Bud Smith to Atlanta instantly made fans wonder if there would be other moves coming during the offseason. The fan base didn't have to wait long as Chase Utley and Kelley Johnson have been traded. Kelley was sent to the Mets in exchange for Carlos Villanueva. The Astros promised to work on their pitching staff in the offseason and they have made good on that promise bringing in a huge 21 year old prospect. It is believed that he will be called up this year but experts don't believe that he will be slotted into the #1 spot until 2007.
Chase Utley has been shipped off to Philadelphia for Dontrelle Willis, Ted Lilly, Lew Ford, Alex Gordon, and Jesus Flores. Lew Ford will make an instant splash as he tries to fill the shoes of Kelley Johnson. The Astros don't believe he, alone, can handle the offensive duties that were left vacated by Utley and Johnson. Houston is expected to try to sign some complimentary bats during the upcoming FA period. Gordon, Flores, and the D-Train are expected to be called up in 2007 with Ted Lilly expected to compete for a back of the rotation spot or being used out of the bullpen.
The 'Stros have 3 first round draft picks to use. There have been trade rumors surrounding the package of picks but specific details are being kept secret. However, it is rumored that Manager Skitty is not happy about the lineup depletion so it would be very surprising to see the team go in any other direction than offense. Our normal leakers don't have any idea what the team is considering. Will they try to trade for another bat? Is it still the year of pitching? Would the team be better off adding 3 first rounders to their minor league system this year and a couple more next year?