Middle Infielders

Now we are in part two of the lookat the 2007 Astros. Today we take a closer look at the middle infielders.
Lets start with second base and Biggio's quest for 3,000. As Biggio gets into his fortys he has declined some and needs more rest at this stage in his career. Biggio will likely play alot in the beginning of the season. He should get to 3,000 sometime in late June or early July. With the signing of Mark Loretta, Biggio should get more rest and be more productive towards the end of the season. This will probally be Biggios last season as he wraps up his HOF career.
Now we get to shortstop manned by Adam Everett. Everett is one the best fielding shortstops in the league but still struggles with the bat. His glove work will keep himn in the lineup but I wouldn't be surprised if the offense starts to struggle Phill Garner shouldn't hesitate to jumpstart the offense by putting Loretta in there. Now they usally bat Everett down at the bottom of the order but I believe they should put him in the two hole. He has had the most success batting there.
Batting 2nd 94 86 394 348 63 101 14 2 7 29 16 0 52 6 22 2 5 4 14 1 .290 .331 .402 .733
Here are his career numbers batting second which are by far the most production the Astros have gotten out of him.
So that concludes the Look at the middle infielders keep loking for the next installment where I take a look at the catchers.

Corner Infielders

Today I will start a series of post looking at the Astros team for 2007. Today is the corner infielders.

Lets start with First base. Here we have Lance Berkman absolutley no questions or controversy just another MVP caliber season from him and yes I am predicting him to win the MVP this year. Now should he get injured or be out for any time his position would be filled by a combination of Mike Lamb and Mark Loretta. Lamb would likely get most of the time but lets hope we don't have to think about that situation.

Then there's third base which comes with many question marks. Here we have Morgan Ensberg who is a mystery in himself. I just can't figure out why he can't find any consistency. The only thing he does consitenty is walk. Now he did have a bad year last season so he should be due to have good season. There is also a lot of trade talk around Ensberg and I think if a good trade comes along I'd do it because he probally just needs a change of scenery. Now should Ensberg struggle or be injured again Mike Lamb and Mark Loretta would se a lot of playing time. That would make a decent platoon and should get about average production out of them. I'm just hoping Ensberg turns it around and regains his form from 2005 and sticks around for a long time.

So there's my breakdown of the coner infielders. Keep loking in the next day or so I will take a look at the middle infield.

New Blog

Hey everyone I have recently been asked to write an Astros Blog for a new site. The blog can be found at www.baseballbiosphere.com/astros There are also blogs for other teams with more to come. Don't worry though this blog will live on but I would also like you to read the other as well. Thank you.

Former Astro Pitcher and Coach Vern Ruhle Dies

Sad news over the weekend about Vern Ruhle. On Saturday night at a hospital in Houston He died of complications from a transplant while being treated for cancer. He was currently a pitching coach for the Cinncinatti Reds. He will surley be missed by the baseball world.

Summary of Offseason moves

Well this off season the Houston Astros have been much busier than lately. It all started off with the Carlos Lee signing. I'm still on the fence about this move it brings a nice addition to the offense that was desparetly needed but for a little to much money and to long luckily he only has a partial no trade clause at the end of it allowing us to move that contract.
Then the rumors were swirling about of the Astros acquiring a starting pitcher. Jennings was rumored as was Garland. All the while Pettitte was still unsigned then he made his decision which was to return to New York. Well this left a big hole in the rotation so the Astros went out and got the Jennings trade done. Many believe the Rockies made out like bandits in this deal but as you know I think otherwise.
Then the Astros made a suprise signing when they inked Mark Loretta to a one year deal. This was a excellent move. It gives us so much depth on the team. We have a guy who can play all the infield positions and bring offense. He will help spell Biggio at 2nd as well as likely seeing time at 3rd and short. I expect if the offense is strugling and everett continues to not hit as he has his entire career Loretta will see plenty of time there.
They have also signed a handful of people to minor league contracts and invited them to spring training. Of them three will have a good shot at making the club. Munson will once agian be battling for the backup catcher position during spring training and of the choice between Munson, Quintero and Gimenez I would choose Munson again. He didn't have a good year last year hitting but its better than what either of the other two would give plus with more playing time which will likely happen as Ausmus can't continue to play as much as he has and shouldn't because his defensive skills have diminished and can't hit at all.
Another person with ashot at making the clubis former Astro Richard Hidalgo. Hidalgo has lost wieght and been playing very well in winter ball which is haow he got the Astros attention. If he proves he can still be a decent hitter with his defense he'd be perfect for the club. Luke Scott is not that good in right Hidalgo would be a good defensive replacement in close games. Also if he still hits lefties good he'd be a perfect platoon partner for Scott in right field.
Today the astros signed another former astro to a minor league contract in the form of Brian Moehler. He pitched in three games last time with the stros and not to good in those before he went down with an injury
But its a low risk signing so i guess it can't hurt to try again.
All in all it has been a busy offseason and spring traing is sure to be interesting with many things still undecided. So lets get this thing started becuase I'm ready for the season to start.

Astros sign Hidalgo

Well a few days ago the Astros as expected signed former Astro Richard Hidalgo to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. I personally love this move there's no risk involved in it and he is able to recapture some of that magic from 2000 this could really help the stros offense. He is said to be in much better shape than last time he was here back in 2004 before the trade to the Mets. This most likely means the end of the line for jason lane who has likely seen his last days as an Astro. With the somewhat shaky defense in the outfield this upcoming season Hidalgo's defense will be essential. Also if he can still hit he'd be a perfect platoon partner for Luke Scott.

Astros close to signing Loretta

Well the Astros are close to signing 2nd baseman Mark Loretta to a one year deal worth 2.5 million. As you may recall Loretta was briefly an Astro in 2002 after a trade on august 31 with the Brewers. Finally Loretta is back in houston. This signing is probally the best move Purpura's made since taking overas GM. This strenghtens the bench. Loretta will lkely see alot of time at a number of positions. He plays all 4 infield positions. He will also bring some much needed leadership to the club that was lacking last year. Many people speculate that this move will mean a trade is coming but i nessciarily don't see it that way although it does give you more options and can be more open to trades.