Sure, why not trade him if the right deal comes around?? Two Grade A pitchers and a prospect INF for Berkman and somone else would be a great deal. I would trade Berkman if and only if the right deal comes along. If Babe Ruth can be traded, Lance Berkman can be.
As for as this season, why couldnt the Astros contend? Its not like the NL Central was some beast of a division. The Astros blew it on games against the Pirates and teams of that caliber, losing when they should not be. Swept by the Pirates right after beating the Red Sox if I remember right. Why not expect more out of a team with BERKMAN, Lee, Tejada, Matsui, Pence and Bourne? That is a pretty darn good lineup and the pitching was not too shabby this year just underperformed at times, ie Backe. If you dont expect the best out of your team, why pull for them? If that was the case, Id go live in Pittsburgh during baseball season. Sorry for always expecting the best out of the teams I root for no matter what the case is.