Of course, projected future arm problems could be the reason that the Astros are willing to dangle Lidge as trade-bait.

 

This is exactly my concern. Astros may figure, trade him now before inevitable arm troubles destroy his value.

 

As for dangling Backe, remember they've yet to replace Clemens. He may return midseason, but that's admist the summer schedule. Are the Astros willing to start next season without Clemens, Lidge, OR Backe for the addition of Tejada? It sounds ridiculous.

This is exactly my concern. Astros may figure, trade him now before inevitable arm troubles destroy his value.

 

As for dangling Backe, remember they've yet to replace Clemens. He may return midseason, but that's admist the summer schedule. Are the Astros willing to start next season without Clemens, Lidge, OR Backe for the addition of Tejada? It sounds ridiculous.

I'm suprised Tim Purpura offered that much for Miguel Tejada quite frankly. It shows how high the demands were from Peter Angelos and Jim Duquette, and how desperate Purpura is to upgrade his offense.

 

In terms of starters if they did let Backe go, they've got Carlos Hernandez, Wandy Rodriguez and Equziciel Astacio available for rotation spots.

 

Of course dealing has it pro's and con's, the pro's which you've mentioned above. I assume they'd let Chad Qualls or Dan Wheeler be the new closer.

I'm suprised Tim Purpura offered that much for Miguel Tejada quite frankly. It shows how high the demands were from Peter Angelos and Jim Duquette, and how desperate Purpura is to upgrade his offense.

 

In terms of starters if they did let Backe go, they've got Carlos Hernandez, Wandy Rodriguez and Equziciel Astacio available for rotation spots.

 

Of course dealing has it pro's and con's, the pro's which you've mentioned above. I assume they'd let Chad Qualls or Dan Wheeler be the new closer.

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Carlos Hernandez still needs to work on his control but I agree on Qualls or Wheeler being their closer if they traded Lidge. They really have some good relievers -- Mike Gallo, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, and Brad Lidge.

Edited January 8, 200620 yr by SSH2005

I'm suprised Tim Purpura offered that much for Miguel Tejada quite frankly. It shows how high the demands were from Peter Angelos and Jim Duquette, and how desperate Purpura is to upgrade his offense.

 

In terms of starters if they did let Backe go, they've got Carlos Hernandez, Wandy Rodriguez and Equziciel Astacio available for rotation spots.

 

Of course dealing has it pro's and con's, the pro's which you've mentioned above. I assume they'd let Chad Qualls or Dan Wheeler be the new closer.

 

Any combination of Hernanez, Rodriguez, and Astacio would be a HUGE downgrade from Clemens and Backe. Their bullpen can't be expected to be as good without Lidge either. Even if Clemens return is guaranteed, playing two months of baseball without your best starter is enough to knock you out of contention.

 

These are the moments Texas should take a chance and trade one, perhaps two, players for a stockpile of Astros' pitching.

Edited January 8, 200620 yr by Flash Tizzle

Any combination of Hernanez, Rodriguez, and Astacio would be a HUGE downgrade from Clemens and Backe. Their bullpen can't be expected to be as good without Lidge either. Even if Clemens return is guaranteed, playing two months of baseball without your best starter is enough to knock you out of contention.

 

These are the moments Texas should take a chance and trade one, perhaps two, players for a stockpile of Astros' pitching.

Well don't forget in 2005 they were basically out of it with that losing record, and then they shot back into contention. If they got Clemens back, with an upgraded offense, I wouldn't rule them out, no matter where they were on the standings.

 

Even if the pitching goes down, surely the offense can only improve, with the moves (and more to possibly come).

Make up your mind Tejada in or out :rolly

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Astros had the top offer for Tejada...

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5235582

The National League champion Astros were the team closest to landing Tejada, FOXSports.com has learned, offering closer Brad Lidge, shortstop Adam Everett and either outfielder Jason Lane or Willy Taveras.

Edited January 10, 200620 yr by SSH2005