All Systems Gone?

Astros' fans will know by June 30th whether or not this team is worthy of any attention whatsoever, assuming they don't already know the answer to this question. Between tonight and the end of June, the Astros schedule includes 6 games v. the Jays and the O's, in which a split would be nothing of which to be ashamed, followed by 3 at KC, 3 with Texas and 6 versus the Rockies. In that final stretch of 12 games in June, the Astros will be playing crappy-to-mediocre temas and MUST win at least 9 to make up any ground against the .500 mark.

The deeper question is whether or not teasing the rear end of the Wildcard race in late June or early July is good for the long-term health of the organization. Even if they get within shouting distance of the Wildcard race, there will still be at least 7 or 8 teams ahead of the Astros, all of whom are as good or better on paper. I would argue that the Astros of 2006 and beyond would be better served by conceding the 2005 season, letting their youngsters continue to play (and by the way, Scrapper, Viz, Ausmus, Bidge, Palmeiro and Lamb are not 'young') and dealing the Rocket for the best prospects that they can rustle up.

Of course with Uncle Drayton in charge, the most likely scenario is signing Koby Clemens to a $9 million signing bonus and bringing him straight up to the majors, followed by a 3-year, $15 million extension for Bidge.