But though the team needs starters, Oswalt will come out of the bullpen. Oswalt should have been surprised. Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker is perhaps the most cautious GM in the game when it comes to bringing young players along. An important number for the Astros, given that they play in Enron Field, is that Oswalt has yielded just 26 home runs in 82 starts. Hunsicker has done a terrific job with the Astros' farm system, which already has yielded players like Lance Berkman, Daryle Ward, Julio Lugo, Chris Truby, Scott Elarton and Wade Miller.
More players are on the way.
Jason Ginter also was recently promoted, and pitcher Tony McKnight, infielder Morgan Ensberg and shortstop Adam Everett are big-league quality players. But the Astros should loosen up a little, and be less tentative when it comes to bringing up players. It's understandable that the team wants to guard young pitchers against Enron, but Oswalt is well-equipped to handle it. He has been a starter in 82 of the 83 minor-league games he has played in. Hamilton was expected to have a pretty good shot at finishing the season in Tampa, while Beckett, who was bothered by injury last year, was expected to be a long shot to reach the majors.