this was on astros.com. what do you think?
While the Astros may not be looking to move Lidge on July 31, they are on the prowl for a catcher who can move into the No. 1 spot that will likely be vacated by Brad Ausmus at the end of the season.
The catcher position is the top priority for the Astros heading toward the trade deadline. If they don't acquire a catcher by July 31, it'll be No. 1 on their list this offseason.
"We'll try to find a guy that has given us what Brad has given us," Purpura said. "You don't want Brad to think he's getting pushed out the door but at some point reality sets in.
"Looking at the trade deadline, if we can do something to help our club now, that also helps us in the future, that's the No. 1 priority. We want to get better this year, but set ourselves up for being better in future years."
J.R. Towles appears to be the club's top catching prospect, but Purpura thinks it's unrealistic to assume he could move into a starting role next year.
2007-07-14 15:41:14 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Baseball
Ausmus is probably going to retire . He is a good guy, but also 38, which is old for a catcher. Ausmus has never been a great hitter, but defense was his strong point. However, at his age, his arm isn't what it was and he doesn't move as well. He should probably be a backup.
I think Purpura is just being cautious with Towles. I'm sure he is hopeful that Towles is ready and doesn't want to put pressure on him. As much as it may be unrealistic to count on him, it's even more unrealistic to count on Ausmus being another year older and starting for the Astros.
And no, Ausmus is not anywhere close to Hall of Fame material.
2007-07-14 16:07:37 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A team should be able to cover for one whifflebat in the lineup, but the Astros have several. Biggio isn't going to be part of the 2008 team. Everett, who should come back just fine, can be the whifflebat. That leaves Ausmus, whose time has come. His BFF/goombah Bagwell is gone (from the uniform, anyway) and, well, he's just not what they need. So, please, find a young catcher who knows how to hit.
2007-07-14 23:29:21 · answer #2 · answered by Chipmaker Authentic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope they don't get rid of Ausmus, he's one of the best fielding catchers in the league. I don't know who we could even get for him. I agree with you on Pence for Rookie of the Year. GO ASTROS!!!!!
2007-07-14 22:46:01 · answer #3 · answered by lsutigerfan123 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that sucks i like ausmus hes a really good catcher and good hitter
2007-07-14 22:46:24 · answer #4 · answered by PADRES FAN 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ausmus is old as dirt as well, I wouldn't be surprised if he retired after this year. He is a great player, not quite HOF but very close.
2007-07-14 22:48:24 · answer #5 · answered by TK 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋