Salary of the Lambs

In a move that surprised absolutely no one, the 'Stros have agreed to terms on a one year contract with Mike Lamb. I've said it since he first arrived at Union Station, and I'll say it again: I'll never understand why every American League team that doesn't have an All-Star at DH isn't begging the Astros to part with Lamb. The guy would be a monstrous designated hitter. And while his fielding used to be abhorrent, he's improved it to a point that no longer frightens small children.

Lamb's signing also brings us back to the 3B situation. Apparently, the initial plan is to platoon Morgan Ensberg and Lamb at 3B, with newly signed Mark Loretta moving all around the infield. Sounds good in theory, but I still don't think Loretta signed with the 'Stros with the intention of starting two (2) days a week. Maybe he thinks 2B will be his once Bidge gets to 3,000. Or maybe he's counting on someone to go into an Ensbergian slump, thus making an everyday spot ripe for the picking; given this team's history, that's probably a pretty good bet. Truly, I don't know. I'm still inclined to believe that Loretta's signing, combined with Lamb's return, might push Ensberg out the door. The question is what the Astros could really get for him after he bottomed out for the last four (4) months of the 2006 campaign. Probably not anyone who could help the big club this year.