Astros fans...

[Guest Kelly Football]

Astros fans...

Question for you: assuming we don't acquire any more starting pitching, what do you think of this rotation? Morgan Ensberg has been rumored to be trade bait for pitching, but I think unless it is a deal you can't pass up (like a proven #2, maybe Jake Westbrook from Cleveland?), then keep him & see if he bounces back.

Starters:

--Roy Oswalt (one of the top 10 pitchers in MLB)

--Jason Jennings (not sure he is a #2, but will help for sure, from Dallas & Baylor)

--Woody Williams (yes he's 40, but a crafty veteran from Cy-Fair & Houston)

--Chris Sampson (I like this guy, ground ball pitcher & throws strikes, from Channelview & Texas Tech)

--Matt Albers (his job to lose after great AA year, live arm & great sinker, from Clements HS in Sugar Land)

--Juan Gutierrez is close too

--Fernando Nieve, I love his arm but has had elbow troubles, maybe better suited for pen

--Tomball's Troy Patton is close, probably AAA bound to start, love his future

--Wandy Rodriguez is done in Houston I hope

--Galveston Ball's Brandon Backe is recovering from elbow surgery, out for year more than likely

--a few others are on the horizon too but not MLB ready

Pen:

Brad Lidge

Dan Wheeler

Chad Qualls

Fernando Nieve

Dave Borkowski

Trever Miller (but Phil Garner wants 2 lefties in pen for match-ups, so maybe Wandy too)

Everyday Line-up:

Chris Burke CF

Craig Biggio 2B (lots of Loretta too, esp. on road)

Lance Berkman 1B

Carlos Lee LF

Luke Scott RF (may platoon vs. LHP, we'll see)

Morgan Ensberg 3B (Lamb/Loretta too)

Adam Everett SS (some Loretta too)

Brad Ausmus C

Pitcher

(I would love to see Ensberg or Scott hit #2 hole in front of Berkman personally, & slide aging Biggio to 6th; Loretta is a definite #2 hole hitter)

Bench:

--Mike Lamb

--Mark Loretta (will play a lot all over the infield, solid pro & good hitter)

--Eric Bruntlett

--Humbero Quintero/ Hector Gimenez (one of these 2 will be 2nd catcher, probably Quintero to start season, & should play more than last year)

--Jason Lane/Richard Hidalgo (if Hidalgo shows bat speed & has lost the weight, Lane will be released!)

That's a start, so fire away. I think we need another starting pitcher personally. Who knows what Roger Clemens will do? Hunter Pence (OF) will begin the year in AAA, but I sure like him for the near future. Hurry up baseball season!

[2throwrundown]

Not Arguing with this, but I think i would like to see Everett hit in the 2 hole.  Has good speed, can bunt and possibly alot of hit and run with him.  That is assuming the Astros can find someone to carry a decent OBP in the leadoff spot.  Either way Everett has to be out of the 8 hole.

Maybe

1. Biggio ? or Burke if he can handle it

2. Everett

3. Berkman

4. Lee

5. Scott

6. Ensberg/Lamb

7. Burke/ Everett

8. Ausmus

9. Pitcher

[KFDM COOP]

That line up looks good.

[Guest Diva]

How about this line-up...

1. Luke Scott

2. Luke Scott

3. Luke Scott

4. Luke Scott

5. Luke Scott

6. Luke Scott

7. Luke Scott

8. Luke Scott

9. Luke Scott

I'd attend every game if that were the case!!! ;D

[numbertwo]

In my opinion, I wouldn't put Everett at #2.  He just hasn't proved any hitting to me, but he has to be one the best fielding shortstops.  Keep Ensberg in the lineup, solid hitter with above average power.  Other than that, not too shabby my friend.

[Guest JoesBros]

Good lord Diva! I guess you didnt hear the news? Scott is trade bait for pitching as well 

[Guest Diva]

Good lord Diva! I guess you didnt hear the news? Scott is trade bait for pitching as well   

...NOT LISTENING!