Solomon: Pau Still Makes Sense For Rockets

This is a weird NBA season, so we shouldn't jump to too many conclusions based on this sample of games. But, for everyone still arguing that Houston should try and acquire Pau Gasol, his numbers aren't inspiring. As in, he's averaging fewer points than ever in his career, has his lowest FG percentage since 2005-2006 and his fewest assists since 2004-2005.

He is playing with Kobe Bryant in full-on "damn the teammates, shoot the ball" mode, but that hasn't reduced his attempts any. He's averaging the same number of attempts he did last season, with less results.

Oh, and his minutes have been pretty much identical to the last three or four years.

So, what would Gasol do for these Rockets? Teaming him up with Samuel Dalembert would probably improve Houston's interior defense and keep from forcing Pau to play the 5. If Houston could keep Kyle Lowry, would they have enough to contend in the postseason?

Let's assume they gave up a package similar to what they offered in the Hornets deal. That moves Goran Dragic, Kevin Martin and Luis Scola, opening up spots at the 2, the 4 and at backup PG. Gasol would fill the 4 and someone like Jeremy Lin (d'oh) or Jonny Flyn (ugh) could fill in behind Lowry. Who, then, starts at the 2? Courtney Lee? That'd improve Houston's defense, but leaves them sorely lacking in the scoring department. Only Gasol and Lowry would be above average offensive guys in that lineup, which means the Rockets would need to find a scoring 2-guard to fill out the roster.

However, do you really think the Lakers will deal Gasol for just Dragic? No, they are going to hold out for Lowry. Putting him in this deal would hurt Houston's playoff chances, which is why I don't see it happening.

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by David Coleman • Feb 13, 2012 4:05 PM CST

Oakland A's Sign Cespedes, Make AL West Even Harder

I know Astros County has already expressed their displeasure at this one, but I have to say I reacted the same way upon hearing the news that the much-hyped Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes signed with Oakland. I was pissed he signed in the division Houston will be moving into in 2013.

We don't know what to expect from Cespedes, since he has very little film (other than that hilarious scouting video), and he could very well not prove a factor at all for the A's. It's not surprising, though, since Billy Beane has not been afraid to roll the dice on high-profile Cuban defectors in the past.

It still sucks. Who else is going to the AL West? Tim Lincecum? So help me, if he signs with the Rangers or Angels in two years...

Meanwhile, Houston is struggling to field impact players and has few in the pipeline that could cling to that title. Ugh. Let's forget I brought this up. I'd rather continue to be pumped by Spring Training on the horizon.

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by David Coleman • Feb 13, 2012 3:52 PM CST

Carlos Lee Needs To Start Strong To Get Out Of Houston

Hat tip to Astros County for this one, as Jeff Luhnow talks to Jon Paul Morosi about what Carlos Lee needs to do to get moved. Those first 50 games will be a big part of that.

That reminds me of one of the funniest parts of Astros FanFest on Saturday. Larry Dierker was talking on a panel about the 50th anniversary plans. Somehow, he got on the topic of Carlos Lee and just started shredding him. He said Carlos looks "casual" on the field, said that if he doesn't have a good season, no team in the league would sign him and said that even when Carlos is in the "best shape of his life," he'd still be overweight.

Ouch.

Afterwards, as us in the audience tried to catch our breath from laughing so hard, Alyson Footer said, "Do you see why reporters loved covering Dierk when he was manager?" Yes, yes we do...

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by David Coleman • Feb 13, 2012 3:43 PM CST

Spring Training 2012: What Would Make Houston's Season Successful?

Richard Justice may have moved onto MLB.com, but he's still writing about the Astros more than any other team. In a recent column, he breaks down five things that would make Houston's 2012 season successful, despite win-loss record.

What are those reasons? Let's run through them quickly:

1) Young players like Jason Castro, George Springer, etc. improving.

2) Good seasons from Jordan Schafer and Jed Lowrie.

3) Trade Myers and Wandy for prospects.

4) One good sophomore season from Altuve, J.D. and Paredes.

5) CJ and Wallace getting back on track.

The funny thing is, if all these happen, Houston will not only have a successful season, but will probably lose a lot less games. They wouldn't lose 100 almost certainly and might not lose 90.

But, those are a lot of ifs. Realistically, only two or three of those things will happen. I can see Springer or DDJ exploding with a good season. I can see Lowrie holding down a starting spot with his bat. I can also see three and four happening, but not five. I'm just not sure either of those guys can be good big leaguers. But, I also think Houston will try its hardest to make that happen.

What Justice hits on here is spot on, though. Houston will need to measure success this season without looking at their record. That's what rebuilding teams do.

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by David Coleman • Feb 13, 2012 3:35 PM CST