By Clay
Allen
Saturday, February 23rd, 2002
Enron may not be the only organization collapsing in Houston. While the Astros
desperately scurry to untangle themselves from the energy giant (the most
prominent tie to Enron being the naming rights to the Astros' two-season
old stadium), the team is digging themselves into their own hole, which may
cause them to topple as quickly as the energy company.
The signs of the Astros' demise have been years in the making. The organization
has carried two of the most promising players in the National League for
their entire career. Somehow, Bagwell and Biggio always seem to come up short.
Strong seasons inevitably precede pathetic playoff performances.
After the 2001 season, the Astros decided to make a change. Only problem,
the man they changed (Larry Dierker) was the first manager to hone the potential
of the Astros and lead them to the playoffs in over a decade.
Then came the offseason moves. Moises Alou never quite had the commitment
to the organization Bagwell and Biggio have had. The Astros didn't quite
commit to him, either. Last season, the Astros had one of the strongest offensive
outfields in the Majors. This season, they can only hope that Lance Berkman
doesn't choke like Richard Hidalgo did in 2001. The constant in the outfield
- the one player that always upheld his end of the expectations - will no
longer be there to bail out the team.
And the Astros must have forgotten how much Vinny Castilla meant to his team.
Third base has been the problem position for the team as Chris Truby, who
started 2001 at third, struggled to keep his average over .200. Castilla
brought his veteran skills to the team and his reward is a new team. The
Astros must now find a new third basemen. Don't let an early season acquisition
surprise you.
And now the Astros are abandoning the player who led the young pitching staff
to greatness. Pedro Astacio must be replaceable. Or so the Astros think.
2002 could well be a very long season in Houston.
Are the Astros afraid that they will be stuck playing at Enron Field next
season? After all, why try to build a team that has to play at a ballpark
named after a corrupt, bankrupt company? A field that reminds fans that if
baseball is an undeniable sign of America, so is corporate corruptness.
Are the 'Stros embarrassed to play at Enron Field, and thus trying to keep
their team names off of highlight shows and sport reports? Come April, Houston
may have two embarrassments on their hand. The fall of an all-powerful energy
giant and of a playoff-worthy baseball team.
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