It's a bolt... from Beltran!

Carlos signed with the Astros today. One year, sixteen large.

Mixed emotions here. He would have provided our one-year fix, but we'd be moving backwards. Houston is obviously going for broke. (Too bad, Robbie; another year, shot to hell) Steve Pearce and Matt Holiday are still out there... (in case we don't want to watch Encarnacion at age 40.)

It's an antique stat, I realize... but here some old-fashioned batting averages for last year.

Encarnacion: .263.
Pearce: .288
Holliday: .246
Beltran: .295

Let's face it: Encaracion could probably carry the team for a few weeks, but if the kids don't hit, it would be a lost cause. And if the kids do hit, either of the other two could supplement the lineup, maybe bat fifth or sixth. I'm just now sure about a five-year deal, when we're using old five year deals to plead poverty.