Ain't Scared | M Derrick Davis: The Astros Lose A Step?

I'm at peace with the loss of Andy Pettitte. I am not, however, appreciative of how Richard Justice and the Houston Chronicle are handling the press coverage.

Let's begin with Andy Pettitte signing with the Yankees. According to reports, it was a one-year contract worth $16 million, with a player options for a second season. The same report says the Astros offered $12 million and said "take it or leave it." Pettitte claims he would have accepted a $14 million deal from Houston, but GM Tim Purpura wasn't budging.

Watching the amount of money teams are paying for starting pitchers makes me wonder, why not pony up the extra $2 million for a proven 200 inning workhorse? When Adam Eaton and Ted Lily are receiving large contracts, giving Pettitte $14 million would seem like a bargain.

Now critics believe that losing Andy Pettitte means we'll lose Roger Clemens, as well. I doubt it. Roger can receive a prorated $20 million for half of a season from the Astros, Red Sox, or Yankees, but only the Astros will allow "the Rocket" to show up on his schedule. The Yankees have made it clear in the past that, if he comes to New York, his cozy arrangement with Houston won't fly.

I have to believe the Astros know something we don't. Why would you not want Pettitte back? Was $2 million really the difference maker? Were they that reluctant to give him a player option for a second year? He's had elbow troubles in the past, but last season, he tied a career high with 35 starts, but nearly matched a career high by allowing 178 home runs. His E.R.A. was a high 4.20, but he logged over 214 innings. He's obviously nearing the end of his career, but his numbers certainly show plenty left in the tank.

Do the Astros believe his injuries are worse than reported?

Follow the track record of Houston: they do not deal with injured players. Someone with chronic elbow problems, like Pettitte, may be too risky. Using the same logic, Chris Burke is not likely to be untouchable with his history of shoulder problems. The only example of them pursuing a player with a history of injuries is Roy Oswalt with his hamstring.

Regarding Richard Justice and The Houston Chronicle: you're playing right into the Houston fans, and feeding the belief that Drayton McLane is a cheap owner.

The fact is, Drayton McLane is not a cheap owner. 2006 saw the Astros with the 8th highest payroll in Major League Baseball. Cheap owners don't spend $92.5 million. He is, however, a bit overcautious at times.

Six playoff teams in ten seasons tells me something, and top that off with one losing season in eleven years makes a successful franchise run by quality ownership.

The decisions made by some clubs deserve criticism, like the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, and Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Oakland A's, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston Astros deserve the benefit of the doubt. Their way works, and they all have the track record to prove it. Being a patient sports fan is difficult, but when your team has tangible success, give them a break!

Richard Justice feeds the negativity surrounding Houston sports. I like his work, enjoy his opinions, and appreciate his desire to see our franchises flourish, but do you have to present all of your articles with an ambiguously negative overtone? The Astros have proven they know how to win -- be patient; they've earned it.

So what's next?

Rumors are circulating that the Astros are interested in Ervin Santana of the Angels, Dallas native Jason Jennings of the Colorado Rockies, and a pair of White Sox pitchers: Jon Garland and Javier Vazquez. The Angels want a third baseman, Colorado is in need of a center fielder, and the White Sox want young, cheap starting pitchers.

With the needs of other clubs, Morgan Ensberg, Willy Taveras, Chris Burke, Jason Hirsch, and Taylor Buchholz all become trade options.

Losing Andy Pettitte isn't the end of the world, nor does it guarantee Clemens will pitch elsewhere. Changes are coming, but we'll need Morgan Ensberg to play the way he's capable of playing, Luke Scott needs to be the real deal, Carlos Lee has to deliever, Willy Taveras must continue to improve, and a young rotation has to step up.

Be patient, give them time, and don't be so quick to criticize. McLane continues to bring you a competitive team, so show them the respect they've earned.

And if Clemens does decide to play elsewhere, that's not the end of the world, either; but that's a completely different blog.

Labels: Baseball, Houston Astros, Sports