Important announcement forthcoming; this just in: Coop's mad.

Hmmm... if it's not Pudge, then what? Probably not a roster move, there's usually rumors before that sort of announcement. Maybe Drayton's selling the team? Or maybe he's switching to Kosher beef hotdogs.

Ideas on the press conference: 1) They are releasing Backe 2) Coop is getting fired 3) Crazy trade to dump salary to pay for Pudge 4) Astros trade for Jay Cutler ;)
I agree with your prediction, but the pitching performances between now and opening day could change all that. Wandy could still end up starting the year on the DL.

My first guess on the press conference: Coop is getting a contract extension for 1 year. Maybe 2 years? Come on, Drayton - Give the man some sense of security, please!

My 2nd guess: same as bklewis77's #2 - Coop is getting fired. Hmmmm, I just don't know. Now this is really going to bug me until tomorrow's announcement!

my prediction: they fire the hitting coach, and hire bagwell to replace him.

Another special assistant to the GM. Any other ex-player left?

"we'd like to start this news conference by introducing the newest member of the houston astros: sid fernandez."

or replace "sid fernandez" with "kent bottenfield."

or replace "kent bottenfield" with "dwight gooden."

or replace "dwight gooden" with "bag of chalk."

I think your analysis about Ortiz being our 5th starter makes perfect sense. I didn't know about their contracts, but now that you mention it it seems logical. If Capellan keeps pitching so well though, I'd be surprise if he's sent down to RR; that wouldn't make any sense. Is the bullpen really set in stone?
Also, Moehler is having a good ST. It's encouraging to see our 'questionable' rotation taking shape and making progress in what seems to be the right direction.

I'll be disappointed if Ortiz gets the #5 job... while they've both done well, I too am more impressed with Capellan. It's a shame that a contract is going to dictate who is selected, instead of performance.

As for the press conference, I really have no clue. I'm almost afraid to guess. Someone suggested they're releasing Backe. I don't think they'll call a press conference for that, but I do find it interesting that since he's been hurt, his name seems to have disappeared from consideration.

Wishful dreaming - a trade for a solid #2 pitcher.

I'm terribly afraid it's a salary-dumping trade, which would be where the money for Pudge suddenly came from. I doubt Coop is getting fired, though I wouldn't be half as surprised if Sean Berry got the boot. Pedro? Or maybe it really IS about Pudge, and this is another misdirection by the front office.
http://ledzeb99.mlblogs.com

Also, I think you're more than likely right on Russ Ortiz. Unless Capellan never has a bad outing all spring. That would make it awfully hard to say that Ortiz is more deserving, regardless of contracts.
http://ledzeb99.mlblogs.com

I totally agree with your analysis of the Ortiz/Capellan matter. I would prefer a younger arm who goes after hitters, like Capellan, but veteran pitching is important, and it ain't like we've got a lot of the starting variety.

Ed Wade will be fired tomorrow! With any luck, he will take Ricky Bennett with him when he goes.........wherever he goes!

Could it be??? Nah, I'm just dreaming. Thought for a minute there you were going to say the astros had signed another starting pitcher! I'll be listening for the "news" tomorrow.

Hmm...Uncle D's coming into town...I don't think he is selling the team, the timing doesn't make sense with the credit market and the economy in general. I'm thinking it's a staff change. Googled "important press conference astros" and the only thing I could find was from July 12 2006...have no idea what that one was about.

My guess about the press conference is that Uncle D is dropping the price of Sheriff Blaylocks nachos. All kidding aside its probably a business or promotional item. I think now that Pudge is about to be signed there will be no more major roster moves until the All-Star Break or after. Ever since Coop took over the team as manager he seems to be very tightly wound. Getting this upset during spring training about the hitting..really? Ive seen players hit .500 in the spring only to start the season hitting below .200 forthe month of April. and Ive also seen guys not hit anything in March and be fine for the season. Spring training stats mean nothing! I think the reason he is flipping out alreayd is beacause they are 1-15 or whatever they are..its a long long season, no reason to get concerned now when most of the guys that are playing most of the innings wont be around come May 1.

Cwehrly- July 12, 2006 was the Aubrey Huff trade

Clemens getting released from his service contract?
Coop getting fired? Seems like he's not on the same page as the players. He's all frustrated while they're all "whatever."
New starting pitcher? It actually seems like they got a half-decent thing going now rotation-wise, but there are still a lot of "if's" regarding injury histories. Wade did say earlier that they'd make a move for pitching before catching...they went ahead with their second priority...time to take action on priority #1???

My wild and crazy guess, Drayton's selling partial ownership of the team to Scott Boras, which is the only reason he agreed to Pudge only getting paid 1.5mil. Along with this it will also be announced that all remaining unsigned Boras clients now have contracts with the Astros.

drayton is starting his exit plan as 'stros owner. with an extended agreement selling it bit by bit over the coming years to a large group of investors. he still wants the spotlight but wants to spend more time in temple where he lives.

My other, less wild guesses are that they are signing Pedro, bringing in Bagwell to the Major League coaching staff, and/or trading Lee, Valverde or Tejada.

Peavy trade?

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=1206

Pedro is the rumor. Any truth to that Alyson?

Well, I wanted to take another stab at it. I thought Milo's original plan was to work through the end of 2010 and then retire. But, Milo mentioned on a recent "Astroline" show that he now plans to work through the end of 2012. (!!!) I haven't heard or read anything official on this from the Astros. Only from Milo himself. So, now I was thinking the Astros were going to make this announcement tomorrow. Only.......now I'm reading these rumors about Pedro Martinez signing with the Astros. And....WOW....I really don't know what to think about that if it is true. I didn't think he had anything left. Would this be a good thing?

Alyson,

Are you going to drop the news before Ed Wade can?
Is this a player move(Pedro) or are they switching to peanut oil for the popcorn?
Work those phones Alyson.

This is me hoping it's to announce that they're re-opening the Venezuelan academy. It's not, but I'd like to pretend that I think it is.

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