Astros pick up Lee and Williams

[coachJ]

Carlos Lee signed a 6 year, $100 million contract and the Astros picked up Woody Williams at 2 years and $12.5 million.

Both are good pickups for the 'Stros. With Lee in Left, he doesnt have much ground to cover as he might in other parks, so his concerns for a defensive liability as some say he is, isnt as big in Houston. Not to mention Lee's bat is going to be a big protection for Berkman, which is something they have been lacking.

As for Williams, he gives them a solid starter who went 12-5 last year in San Diego, and he can fill in since they could possibly be losing Pettitte and Clemens. I still think unless the Astros get Pettitte or Clemens to come back, they still need to find another starter to have a decent rotation because even with the addition of Lee, there still are some question marks in the lineup.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2674398

[Marc]

The Astros could use a hitter like Lee since their run support has always been atrocious as of late. Williams can be solid when he isn't on the DL. All in all, not bad moves, but they don't wow me.

[doublee]

Meh, picking up Williams is rather underwhelming considering they need have a contigency plan if Pettite and Clemens go elsewhere and historically speaking Williams has not pitched all that well at Minute Maid. In his last 9 starts he has a 4.91 ERA and has lasted only 47.2 innings. Williams has always been more of a fly ball pitcher and is not a strikeout guy which is not terribly conducive to success at Minute Maid.

[catman]

I have to agree here. Lee is a big signing. Williams will be a decent 3rd or 4th starter, but doesn't scare too many people, especially in Houston.