Clemens re-signs with 'Stros for 18 million

[jandrok]

After the Beltran debacle, this was the best news that we could have hoped for. That gives me a starting rotation of Clemens, Oswalt, Pettitte, Backe, and some scrub (probably Duckworth).

I'll take those guys, but I sure wish that Jeff Kent had stuck. Maybe the kids will come through for us.

Any other 'Stros fans out there care to comment?

(crickets chirping)

<sigh>

[Rican1]

1. It's going to be tough for the Astros

The Cardinals have improved and while the Cubs have done nothing this offseason they still have great young starters.

[tmooses]

2. And he's going to donate it entirely to tsunami relief--oops sorry..

wrong guy.

[gater]

3. Gee, more chances to throw things at Piazza huh?

Wow, about 18 months as a member, and I just hit 100 posts. Woohoo, let loose the pigeons!!

[tx_dem41]

4. They definitely have holes in the offense.

They will have to be addressed soon, or hopefully there are people coming up from the minors. We can definitely improve at 2B, C, two OF positions, and dare I say 1B (Bags, alas, is winding down).

Also, long/short relief needs improvement.

[jandrok]

5. Hey! Another 'Stros fan!

Good to hear from ya!

Chris Burke is set to take over at 2nd. Willie Taveras or Jason Lane will start in center until Berkman's knee is ready. Baggy is definitely in deep decline, but I'm hoping the new batting stance will help him with the power and average problems he's been having. Maybe the younger guys in the mix will provide some spark.

I gotta believe that they will be competitive if the pitching holds up. If Pettitte can avoid injuries and Clemens stays healthy, we can stay with the Cubbies and Redbirds.

[tx_dem41]

6. An Astros' fan since 1971.

Lived there from 81 til 87. Dallas, since then.

I read an article on Burke this week. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I've never been sold on Lane.

And, deep, long prayers for Pettite!

[jandrok]

7. Glad to know you!

I lived in H-Town from '82 to '96. Saw many a game in the Astrodome (still haven't been to the Juice Box yet). Saw Ryan pitch. Sat in the stands during the longest game in NL history. Saw way too many seasons die by the All-Star break. But I'm still a believer, especially after last season. Wish Hunsicker had stayed, though. Purpura is getting some hard lessons in being a major-league GM.

I'll join you in some prayers for Pettitte. If he can hack through some innings, we've got a chance.

[ohkay]

8. I don't want to piss in your flowerpot,

but is Clemens going on all the road trips this year? Do you think he'll be effective? I'm trying to put my intense dislike for this man on hold and figure out how dangerous the 'stros are gonna be next year.
;)

[jandrok]

9. He'll have the same protocols as he did last year....

.....where he got to skip road trips when he wasn't scheduled to pitch.

Will he be effective? Yeah, as long as he can stay healthy. The guy is 41 years old, so we'll see. Hell, I'm 41 this year, so I know how it feels. Can't argue with last year's results, though. Apparently Clemens likes home cookin'.

Will the 'Stros be dangerous? Maybe. Really depends on how the offense develops. Berkman is out until June, so we need to sweat that out. I'm really hoping that the young guys give us some spark. Baggy has a new stance that's supposed to minimize the pain and stiffness in his constantly sore shoulder.

Food for thought, though: one local newspaper article had Clemens being traded at some point during the year, espedcially if the 'Strosies are out of the race early. Speculation on the most likely destinations? Boston or the Yankos.

Would you guys welcome him back with open arms or would he get the cold shoulder? Clemens and Schill would be a hell of a one-two punch......

[ohkay]

10. cold shoulder.

Roger Clemens is NOT well liked in NE, and Schilling's mouth is getting on our nerves. This was Pedro's town much, much more than it was Clemens' or Schilling's.

That being said, MOST of us (those of us who have been fans for more than 4-5 years) wish Pedro Martinez well, and remember him as the man who brought us a chapionship. Roger Clemens is remembered as the guy that choked during the big games, tanked his last few years and then <GASP> played for the Yankees.

I'm rooting for the Cubs this year, so no one at ESPN can ever say the "C" word again!!

[jandrok]

11. I still wouldn't put it past Theo to make a trade.....

...for Roger if the need arose at some point before the trading deadline. I know that you guys hate Clemens with a passion, but it would be closure in a weird sort of way. Then again, I hope that the Astros are in the race and are depending on Roger for another workhorse year.

LOL on the "C" comment...I will mention it no more. The BoSox deserved to break through. Let's see, a World Series win sandwiched between two Patriots Super Bowls? You folks are in sporting heaven.

Good luck on the season. Pitchers and catchers report soon. I can hardly wait!

[DrGonzoLives]

12. They should've used that money

to go after some offense. Yeah, their pitching will be good, but Cardinals pitching has been good for a few years, and it's gotten them nowhere.

[dad]

13. you have got to be shitting me

The Cardinals got thru the season with NO pitching.. all scrubs on that staff!! But their lineup is awesome.