Dont wait for July Ed

The worst thing that could have happened to the Astros this season was that playoff tease they pulled last season. It gave the Astros management a false hope that they had a team that could be competitive with a tweak here or there.

There's not much good to say about the 2009 Astros nearly two months into the season. I havent been able to watch many games this season but the ones I have seen have been uninspiring to say the least.

You know how the optimistic fan is always able to justify nearly every loss by their team and think that after every win, it's the win that's going to turn things around? Yeah, so this year I'm not that guy. Really.

I've accepted that this team is not just old, because sometimes, even old teams can win. It's a team full of old guys who really aren't playing for much more than a paycheck. Richard Justice had a blog last week where he described the Astros clubhouse as a "toxic" environment. Since I've never had the opportunity to step into the Astros clubhouse, I have no idea whether or not that's true but there seems to be only one guy on the team that seems to be playing with heart and energy right now and that's Hunter Pence.

So Astros GM Ed Wade, since I know you read my blog religiously, don't be the optimistic fan I referenced above and think that you have something here that will kick it into gear come July. Accept reality and make your trades now instead of the July trade deadline when you won't get maximum value for any of these guys.

As for Astros owner Drayton McLane, I know you just started reading my blog, so my advice for you is eat some contracts if that's what it takes to get other teams to take a Miguel Tejada or Jose Valverde off your hands.

So before I ask you to consider my not-so-radical proposals, here are the untouchable/untradeable players:

• Lance Berkman - yes, he's on the decline but I don't think the Astros would get fair value for him, plus I believe he's a 5 and 10 player which means he could and probably would veto any trade.
• Carlos Lee - Even with good numbers, no one is going to take his contract on unless DM will eat some of it, which he won't. Plus he has a no-trade clause.
• Kaz Matsucky - Even if DM ate some of the contract, no one probably has any use for this light-hitting 2B with limited range. Signing of Kaz is definitely not one of Ed's finer moments.
• Hunter Pence - He's young and good. Can't say that much about many other Astros.
• Michael Bourn - He has actually started playing like the guy the Astros thought they were getting in the Lidge deal. He's getting on base and stealing plenty of them. Plus he's a stud centerfielder.

Roy Oswalt - He is off to a slow start, but he has started slow the past couple of seasons and finished strong. Trade him to the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have the one of the most stocked farm systems in baseball. Top Rangers exec Nolan Ryan knows Roy and what he's getting with him. A great pitcher who happens to be locked up for a couple more seasons. The Rangers are in first place right now but the Angels are getting healthy again and have more pitching than the Rangers. Go for it Nolan, call Ed and make him an offer for Roy he can't refuse.

Pudge Rodriguez - He's been effective this season as a bottom of the line-up hitter and can still throw guys out. Any team with an already strong lineup who needs a good catcher should take a look. Plus he's working for cheap. In my opinion, he would be a good fit for Tampa and its young pitching staff. Just look at the impact he has had on Wandy Rodriguez who has suddenly become the Astros ace.

Miguel Tejada - TRADE HIM NOW! Eat some of his contract if you have to because he's hitting pretty well right now and his value will never be higher. Ed may be able to squeeze a half-decent prospect for him. The Red Sox have plenty and they could use someone other than Julio Lugo. In fact, I bet Papi would start hitting again if Miggy were there.

Jose Valverde - As soon as this dude is healthy, send Mr. Entertainment on his way. The Cubbies could use some bullpen help. Perhaps the Phillies, I've noticed their former Astros closer is struggling a bit, why not add another.

With the exception of Oswalt, the players these guys will probably fetch are not going to put the Astros farm system on the road to recovery from some bad drafts but it should be a step in the right direction.