Nick Cafardo's always-worthwhile Sunday column has a quote from a "one Astros organizational person" (which could honestly be the groundskeeper at Round Rock) regarding the possibility of trading Berkman:
There’s still skepticism among some in the Houston organization that Lance Berkman really would leave his beloved Houston. But if he does indeed waive his no trade-clause, said one Astros organizational person, "He’d fit Boston like a fiddle. He’s got natural power to left and left-center. He works the count like they like and has always had a high on-base percentage."
Cafardo mentions Seattle or the White Sox as possibilities, but he's going to have to go on a tear in order to be an attractive candidate.
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And Cafardo, who keeps tabs on Koby Clemens from time to time, has a nice things to say about both Clemens and Jason Castro:
Clemens was hitting only .253 and had 32 strikeouts, but he is making a positive impression in his next step up. A scout who has watched him said, “To think he could make it to the big leagues is a legitimate possibility. Like any hitter, as he moves up he’ll see more off-speed stuff, and how he adjusts to it will determine how quickly he rises. Don’t forget, I’m sure he’s seen a pretty good split from his dad."
And on Castro:
The young phenom has struggled offensively at Triple A Round Rock, but old friend Kevin Cash, recently recalled by the Astros, said, “The thing that’s impressive about him is that he calls a really good game for a guy of his age and his experience. When you watch him, you understand the excitement about him because he has a chance to be a very good all-around catcher. The pitchers feel comfortable with him, and that’s a great sign."
Yeah, just ask J.R. Towles.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
