The last three, not so much. How about instead of focusing on pitching and defense, we focus on wherever we can improve the team the most for the best value, on a case by case basis? That might be pitching and defense, or it might be offense, or it might (hopefully) be all three. $10 million closers certainly won’t help the “best value” part, either.

Really, I don’t see how his suggestions fix anything, other than the vague implication of trying for some stability while we wait for the farm to come around.

1. What’s up with this campaign to get Fregosi hired? I thought some of the comments at BBTF were interesting. A comparison was made to Bill James’ article about bad teams failing to innovate and take risks because they fear being perceived as unprofessional or unconventional. Hiring a manager simply for "credibility,’ as Justice says, may eliminate candidates with new ideas.

2. Are we sure that Maysonet improves the Astros’ defense? Matsui is capable of good defense. And we haven’t seen enough of Maysonet to know if he is a good defensive player or not.

3. Does the defense improve if Manzella is installed at shortstop and Chris Johnson plays 3d base? Justice says the overall defense will be better with Manzella, but has he taken Johnson into account? Johnson likley will be a significant step down in defense at 3d base.

4. Is Justice promoting the same mistake for Castro which was made with Towles, namely setting aside a starting slot before he is ready? I don’t see why Justice believes Castro is ready to be the starting catcher on opening day. Castro’s MLE is .195, .255, .308, .563.

5. Justice seems to feel that the Astros can overlook their offense for now. But I think he underestimates how bad the offense will be under his recommendations.