Astros Get Woody Williams and Carlos Lee

The National League Central clearly does not want to be overshadowed by what was a dominating American League Central division last season, when the White Sox, Tigers, and Twins all finished the season with at least 90 wins or more.  With the Cubs improving their ballclub with some of their most aggressive moves in their history, the Houston Astros also made their richest move in history to Carlos Lee at 6 years, $100 million.  Not good news for the Chicago Cubs, who have been perenially killed by Carlos Lee whether he was with the White Sox or the Brewers, particularly in Wrigley Field. The dizzying sums being paid for impact players has been crazy this offseason.  As I've said before, it is a seller's market.  But as long as teams are willing to pay big money for big time free agents, I guess that makes players and the owners happy. 

The acquisition of Woody Williams cannot be overlooked either.  This guy was very tough and crafty in the ALDS, and was solid for the Cardinals for years.  While not as Astros fan, I do temper that
enthusiasm if I was a bit with the possiblity the Stros may be without Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite next season.  Woody Williams is quality, but he is not Roger Clemens, and maybe not Andy Pettite.  If the Astros lose those two top pitchers, and have only Woody Williams to replace them, I'm not quite as impressed with the moves the Astros made. 

If, on the other hand, they can have Clemens and Pettite back in the rotation with Williams and Oswalt, well... that's another thing altogether.  Carlos Lee will help what was the worst offensive team in the National League last season, but as I have said ad-nauseum time and again... pitching, not hitting, wins championships.  If the Astros suffer the kind of overall pitching staff downgrade it looks like they will experience with, as in their own words, a "young staff" for 2007, then I would temper the enthusiasm until the season plays out.  As I said about the Cubs, landing offensive players is good... adding impact pitching would be even better.