ESPN.COM has posted that Jeff Kent has sealed a deal with the Astros to play third base, pending a physical examination. Hope he can stay off his motorcycle until he sees the team doctor!

I'm sad to see him leave the Giants, but I like watching the Astros also.

After the initial article, it was later revealed that the Astros are going to move Biggio to the outfield and play Kent at 2nd base. They signed him for two years at $18.2MM with a third year option.

To be shallow: Kent, Biggio, Ausmus....the Astros are now too cute to believe--definitely the team to watch.

~Adam

Don't forget about hottie hunk, Jeff Bagwell too! Not only did the team get even better looking with Jeff Kent, it also got much better. They will be a team to be reckoned with in the NL Central. Central will be a tough division next season with two time defending division champ, St. Louis Cardinals, the Dusty Baker-led Cubs, and now a much improved Houston Astros team. The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Milwaukee Brewers are being left behind in the rear view mirror.

The Astros will have a potent line-up with Biggio, Berkman, Bagwell and Kent, but they've had good line-ups before...remember the Killer B's (Biggio, Bagwell, Bell, Berry)? The problem with Houston is whenever the trade deadline rolls around and they need to swing a deal for a player or two who'll put them over the hump, they never do it.

Given Kent's solid stats (.313BA, .565SLG, 37HR, 108RBI), his $18.9mil 2-year deal is a reflection of the depressed market, I think. We haven't seen any monster contracts and I don't think we will. Even the Yankees are showing signs of fiscal restraint (holding out on Clemens to see if they can pick up Colon or Vasquez; and yet to acquire Matsui or Guerrero).

My question about Kent's impact on the team: is moving Biggio to a starting outfield spot an answer? Much as I love the guy -- a Hall of Famer and cute as hell -- at 37, if he continues his subpar production of 2002, will they be willing to relegate him to part-time status?

Keeping their fine young pitchers healthy is another must for Houston.

Oh, the new Houston Astros are going to be hot. Relegating Biggio to an outfield position is perfect. He made the transition from catcher to 2nd base perfectly. He's an outstanding athlete and moving him into the less strenuous position of OF will help him to concentrate on strengthening his batting, with the lighter physical demands that the OF position requires. This is going to be one hot team!

[quote]Originally posted by Bill W:
My question about Kent's impact on the team: is moving Biggio to a starting outfield spot an answer? Much as I love the guy -- a Hall of Famer and cute as hell -- at 37, if he continues his subpar production of 2002, will they be willing to relegate him to part-time status?

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You know the answer. Biggio's days as a starter are over. The Astros are deep in outfielders and they don't need to move Biggio out into centerfield.

I think the Astros are showing a little bit of class in pretending that Biggio will still be in the starting line-up despite this major upgrade at second base. It's a nice, face-saving reward for someone who was valuable to this franchise for quite a long time.

I'll be surprised if we don't see Biggio in the outfield this spring. Don't count him out just yet.

I love Jeff Kent and yes, the Astros is going to good to look at.

Can't wait to see it! Jeff Kent + the Astros new line up sounds like a great combo!