BIG PUMA KEEPS THE PUNISHMENT COMING

When the Astros decided to trade Lance Berkman to the New York Yankees last July for 2 minor leaguers, Lance okayed it. He could have declined the deal and stayed put in Houston, exercising his 10 and 5 rights (10 years in the league and at least 5 with the Astros). He also had a no trade clause, which he waived in order to make the deal happen.
Berkman made his Major League debut with Houston in 1999 and had been a 'Stro ever since. One had to wonder what was going through his mind when he agreed to go to New York. The Astros had tried to trade him to the White Sox earlier in the year, but he had declined the deal. When the Yankees came crawling, it seems that he couldn't resist the opportunity to wear the pinstripes.

Lance played the second half of the 2010 season in New York. He was used mainly as a DH and struggled in the role, with injuries taking a toll on his body and affecting his performance. After the Yankees failed to beat the Texas Rangers and advance to the World Series they released him.
This left Big Puma free to entertain offers for the 2011 season. The first place that he looked was back in Houston. He wanted to go home. Except the feeling wasn't mutual. The Astros GM told him that there was no room for him on the club anymore. They had younger, faster outfielders and a rising star in Brett Wallace at first base.

I for one am extremely thankful that the Astros didn't want their Puma back. Their loss is the Cardinals gain. Lance worked hard and got himself healthy in the offseason. He signed a 1-yr, $8 million deal with St Louis and hasn't looked back since. He is 35 years old and doing a pretty decent job out in right field. Sure John Jay may be a little bit quicker out there, but whose bat would you rather have in the lineup on an everyday basis?
Berkman proved that he has plenty left in the tank, and he couldnt wait to return to Minute Maid Park and make the Astros regret their decision. He has succeeded in doing just that. In 5 games so far this year against his former team, Lance has 4 home runs and 10 RBI's. He broke up opposing starter Bud Norris' no-hit bid last night by sending a shot over the right field wall.
I don't understand why the Astros would pass on re-signing a fan favorite and former face of the franchise. The only thing I can think of is that they thought his career was over. Berkman continues to shove down their throat that he is far from being finished though. It's cool, the Cardinals got Houston's sloppy seconds, except there's nothing sloppy about Berkman's .329 batting average, good enough for 3'rd best in the National League. The Cardinals and Astros have the rubber match tonight. Keep the punishment coming Big Puma.