Late May Astros

[KDOSullivan]

I don't know, it just seems like Houston is going to get behind before they even get started this year. I hate to say it, but I found myself giving up hope yesterday and switching the channel...

I write this as we go to from a 4-4 tie to being behind 6-4..... :-\

[Guest etbu]

Hard to be a fan but maybe if we draw a million and loose over on hundred games old Drayton will spend some money. CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP. When we lost our gm Hunsiker sp went straight south bc Drayton cannot keep his noise out of the game.  ???

[WOSgrad]

I see this team getting blown up(Oswalt, Lee, Tejada and even Pence and Berkman being traded).

[Lefty99]

I see this team getting blown up(Oswalt, Lee, Tejada and even Pence and Berkman being traded).

I would venture to say that Berkman is probably the safest of the 5 you mentioned.  Something has to be done with the dang farm system.  Drayton sold the farm to get to the world series and since then things have gone south.  Everyone does know where Hunsicker is these days???  Try Sr VP of Baseball Ops for the Rays.  Granted they aren't that hot right now but the farm system looks like the stros did before the run to the series!  Stacked!  Don't let Drayton fool you.  He's already one of the richest owners next to the Steinbrenners but is as tight as a drum!  As said earlier, CHEAP!!!!

[WOSgrad]

Something has to be done with the dang farm system.  Drayton sold the farm to get to the world series and since then things have gone south. 

Not only did Drayton mortgage the future, but the Astros have made some horrible decisions in the draft since Jerry left town.

[bullets13]

I can't imagine them trading pence.  that being said, i'd love to see him as a ranger...

[Ruckdad]

You guys are off - you can't call drayton cheap when he has the 8th highest payroll in the league.  Imagine if you were a Pirates or Nationals fan.  Drayton's problem is he can't keep his hand out of the baseball operations.  That is the reason Hunsicker left.  I like the direction that Ed Wade is taking the farm system with the one draft he's been a part of. 

The other problem has been that the Astros have made these late surges in the last few years that has given Uncle Drayton the idea that this team is only a player or two away from contending.  As far as trades go each of the big three (Berkman, Oswalt and Lee) have no trade clauses.  You don't trade Pence as he is young and cheap talent the club can build around.  Lee won't waive his no trade clause and I would be surprised if Berkman did.  Oswalt might for the right situation.  But Drayton doesn't want to give the public perception that the team is throwing in the towel. 

I hope we all enjoyed '04 and '05 because it's going to be a long road back.