Astros Woes

The ESPN website has posted a really pessimistic article on the future of the Astros by Phil Rogers.

I'm not so pessimistic, believe it or not. Yes, the $118 million total Drayton McLane put together for Biggio and Bagwell's last deals probably was too much, but the Astros will get relief from Biggio's salary after next season. They will get more immediate relief from the salaries of Shane Reynolds and Dave Mlicki ($14 million) next season. And their young stars (Oswalt, Miller, Dotel, Berkman) aren't making astronomical sums just yet (but they will, if they keep it up).

On the other hand, Richard Hidalgo's salary is a burden, and Bagwell's will be if his numbers continue to decline.

It will really come down to whether or not the Astros can keep the talent flowing from the minors. But that's the way it's been for quite a while for the Astros, and Gerry Hunsicker has managed just fine. The real challenge will be if the New York Mets decide to blow up the current disaster and hire Hunsicker. Then I'll be more pessimistic.

[Posted at 21:44 CST on 09/12/02] [Link]