Lance Berkman News: Pro Sports Daily

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August 28

Houston Chronicle

"Less than 13 hours after Roy Oswalt said the atmosphere in the Astros' clubhouse was dead, Lance Berkman called a players-only meeting Thursday morning at Busch Stadium to address the club's demeanor. Berkman and Oswalt addressed their teammates, and their words appeared to be appreciated even though manager Cecil Cooper and general manager Ed Wade disagreed with Oswalt's assertion that "there's no fire" in the Astros, who beat St. Louis 4-3 on Thursday. "I don't like to talk about players-only meetings in the media, but it was good," Berkman said. "You never like to have too many of those kinds of things. I just think that communication is really important." After the Astros lost 3-2 ..."

Berkman eager to come off DL

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August 8

MLB.com

"If Lance Berkman had his way, he would have been activated from the disabled list Friday, which marked the first day he was eligible to return from his stint on the sidelines with a strained left calf.Berkman can still feel a little discomfort in his calf, and will likely be out until Monday's series opener at the Florida Marlins. He took batting practice Friday and could start running Saturday or Sunday to further gauge the health of his leg."I feel like I could play," Berkman said. "I'm not concerned about it, but the training staff is, and unfortunately, they carry more weight with the GM than I do. I think I could definitely play right now. I guess you don't want to run the risk of ..."

Berkman in no hurry to return from injury

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July 22

Houston Chronicle

"Lance Berkman was out of the lineup Tuesday and expects to be for a few games as an MRI has revealed a Grade 2 strain of his left calf. Berkman saw team physician Dr. David Lintner Tuesday after struggling through Monday's game and was given a boot to wear for protection. "I'm glad it's not torn, which is what I was concerned about," Berkman said. Berkman will be available to pinch-hit, but won't play the field for an estimated 2-3 days, though it will remain day-to-day from that point. "If this is the playoffs or the World Series, which, given the opponent and our standings, I feel like it's kind of a playoff-type game, I would certainly be in there," he said. Berkman was limited to one ..."

Berkman's calf scheduled for MRI

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July 21

Houston Chronicle

"Lance Berkman will undergo an MRI on his injured left calf today as team officials attempt to learn the severity of an injury that they hope isn't worse than originally thought. Berkman seems unlikely to go on the disabled list after playing all nine innings Monday night, but the Astros want to find out if he's risking missing an extended period of time by returning to the lineup with the leg still so sore. "It feels terrible," Berkman said, "but like I told Ed Wade, 'If I don't play when I've got bumps and bruises, I won't play many games.' They tried to take me out of the game in the first inning, but I wouldn't come out." Berkman doubled to left and limped carefully into second base in ..."

Berkman sits out against Dodgers with strained calf

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July 18

Houston Chronicle

"A day after exiting in the eighth inning with a strained left calf, Lance Berkman was out of the starting lineup Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. "It doesn't feel great. I'll tell you that," Berkman said. "It's just tight and sore. It's probably a small pulled muscle or something like that. I'm just worried about a lingering issue, which I obviously don't want, especially going into a pretty important stretch for us here in the first part of the second half." Berkman has been nagged by discomfort in the calf for a while, and he aggravated the injury running to first on a groundout in the eighth inning Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. "I was asking Nate (Lucero, the trainer) a ..."

Berkman departs with strained calf

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July 17

MLB.com

"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman left Thursday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers in the eighth inning with a mild left calf strain. He is listed as day-to-day. Berkman, who went 0-for-3 with a walk, was removed from the game after going hard down the line while trying to beat out a ground ball to first base in the top of the eighth. Berkman was hitting .342 in July prior to going hitless against the Dodgers. "It's been bothering me for a while, to be honest with you," Berkman said. "It's been manageable, but that's as hard as I've run in a while. It doesn't feel great, but hopefully in the morning it will feel better.""

Berkman hits 10-year mark of MLB career

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July 16

Houston Chronicle

"On this Thursday, July 16, 2009, Lance Berkman, the fresh-faced phenom of the late 20th century, is officially a grizzled geezer — or, if you wish to be respectful to your elders, a tenured veteran. The Astros' 2009 season resumes tonight in Los Angeles, and Berkman, 33, will take the field on the 10th anniversary of his major league debut on July 16, 1999, at the Astrodome against the Detroit Tigers. Granted, it's just a number, but what's baseball without numbers? "It's a significant milestone," Berkman said. "When you start as a young player, what you hear about is getting your 10 years. It's sort of a special thing. I don't know how many people get to it, but more guys who start out ..."

Berkman,Tejada put milestones to good use

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June 14

Houston Chronicle

"Not long after Miguel Tejada and Lance Berkman collected milestones to help reward Roy Oswalt's perseverance, the Arizona Diamondbacks threatened to tarnish the Astros' special performances Saturday night. Arizona jumped on reliever Chris Sampson for three runs in the eighth inning at Chase Field, but it wasn't enough to overcome the pair of three-run rallies the Astros had on a night Berkman collected his 300th home run and Tejada got his 2,000th career hit. Although Oswalt pitched seven strong innings of one-run ball, the Astros needed five relievers over the final two innings to win 6-4 before a crowd of 29,206. "It's obviously a milestone homer, and I take pride in it for sure because ..."

Baseball's gremlins dog Berkman

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May 20

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Doubts? Sure, Lance Berkman has had a few. He's no different from you or me in that way. During bad times, they ride in on his shoulder when he walks into the clubhouse and hop in his pickup for the ride home. They're there even after 10 amazingly consistent seasons, after establishing himself as one of the best hitters ever. "There's nobody alive that's not susceptible to the gremlins that creep into your brain during bad times," he said. "Nobody's immune to that. I'd love to be leading the league in every offensive category. That's the kind of player I want to be. The thing that's frustrating is I think it's the kind of player I can be." He has a higher career OPS than Hank Aaron or ..."

Berkman back in usual lineup spot

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May 13

Houston Chronicle

"Berkman back After taking early batting practice without much discomfort in his left wrist, Lance Berkman was back in the lineup in his customary No. 3 slot on Tuesday. Berkman, who missed a three-game weekend sweep of the Padres, has admitted to a loss of confidence during a trying season, so he was eager to start working on the .184 batting average he carried into the series with the Rockies. "It's just like anything else," said Berkman, who was 1-for-4. "Whenever you have a problem, putting off dealing with it doesn't help at all. You've got to confront it." Manager Cecil Cooper has admitted being concerned about his five-time All-Star's prolonged slump, which was partly why he planned ..."

Berkman likely to play vs. Rockies

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May 12

Houston Chronicle

"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, who sat out the three-game weekend series against Padres with a sore left wrist, is expected to be in the lineup tonight for the series opener against the Rockies. Berkman took swings in the batting cage Sunday and said the wrist felt better. Quintero returning Reserve catcher Humberto Quintero (strained right shoulder) completed his rehab assignment with Class AAA Round Rock on Monday and will be activated before tonight's game. To make room for Quintero, the Astros will send reserve catcher J.R. Towles to Round Rock."

Berkman injury necessitates move

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May 11

MLB.com

"The general belief regarding Lance Berkman is that he will not be sidelined long enough to justify going on the disabled list, but after he missed two games with a third to arrive the next day, manager Cecil Cooper knew he had to do something. So after Saturday's game, the club summoned infielder Jason Smith, not long after designating him for assignment to make room on the roster for a relief pitcher. Smith cleared waivers on Friday, but in order to bring him back in less time than the required 10 days, he declared free agency -- and immediately re-signed with the Astros. Darin Erstad will continue to absorb the playing time in Berkman's absence, and Smith will reside on the bench as a ..."

Berkman misses second straight game

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May 10

MLB.com

"Lance Berkman was planning to test his sore left wrist by hitting off a tee on Saturday, but after taking one dry swing, he stopped.Berkman missed a second consecutive game against the Padres, and judging by his description of the severity of the pain, it's likely he'll be sidelined Sunday as well."It's not a good sign," Berkman said. "I don't like missing games, but there's no point in going out there and letting this linger. If I've got to miss a game, I'd rather miss a couple than a week or two. I'm going to go ahead and try to take care of it."Berkman suffered the injury on a check swing in his final at-bat Thursday. He was examined by team physician Dr. Tom Mehlhoff the next day and ..."

Berkman still out with sore wrist

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May 10

Houston Chronicle

"One swing in the batting cage was enough for Astros first baseman Lance Berkman to decide his sore left wrist isn't ready to return to the lineup. Berkman sat out for a second straight game Saturday against the Padres and will likely miss today's series finale. "I don't like missing games, but there's no point going out there and letting it linger," Berkman said. Berkman, who suffered the injury on a check wing in his final at-bat Thursday, will have the wrist evaluated by team doctors today. The Astros have a day off Monday before starting a six-game road trip. "I don't think it's anything that is going to require any major attention," he said. Ortiz moved to 'pen The Astros made changes ..."

Berkman in good company

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April 24

Houston Chronicle

"A day after surpassing Craig Biggio for second on the Astros' all-time home run list, Lance Berkman downplayed the accomplishment while acknowledging admitting he believes he might be able to break Jeff Bagwell's mark of 449. Berkman, 33, hit his 292nd career home run Wednesday to pass Biggio. "Bidge wasn't really necessarily a home run hitter," Berkman said of Biggio, a member of the 3,000-hit club and No. 5 all-time in doubles. "It's certainly a milestone that I appreciate. "And I enjoy being in the same company with Bidge and Baggy. But I think if I didn't end up with more homers than Bidge people would laugh at me because I'm so much bigger than him." As far as Berkman is concerned, ..."

Berkman's blast brings down Pirates, 6-3

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April 16

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Lance Berkman's tiebreaking, three-run home run off Sean Burnett in the sixth inning brought the decisive blow in the Pirates' 6-3 loss to Houston this afternoon before 13,877 at PNC Park. The Astros took two of three in the series. Burnett, who had been near-perfect through his first four appearances, got two quick outs in the key inning with a 3-3 tie, but Michael Bourn hustled a double out of a shot up the middle, and Miguel Tejada walked to bring up Berkman. He dragged a highly uncharacteristic .200 to the box and fell behind, 1-2, but he reached down to uppercut Burnett's slider into the left-field bleachers and put Houston ahead, 6-3. "I'm really frustrated right now," Burnett said. ..."

Berkman feeling better

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April 1

Houston Chronicle

"First baseman Lance Berkman was encouraged how his left shoulder was progressing after taking batting practice Tuesday. He's been sidelined since Friday with biceps tendinitis. Berkman may be available to pinch-hit today against Cincinnati, but it's likely he'll return to the lineup at designated hitter Thursday against Class AA Corpus Christi. Personnel moves Infielder Edwin Maysonet, who had been battling with Jason Smith for a backup infield spot, was optioned to Class AAA Round Rock on Tuesday. He hit .333 with three homers in 17 spring games. After Tuesday night's game, the Astros sent relievers Alberto Arias and Jeff Fulchino to Class AAA Round Rock, leaving 13 pitchers in camp. ..."

Berkman may play today

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March 31

Houston Chronicle

"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, who has been bothered by biceps tendinitis in his left shoulder, said Monday he could return to the lineup for tonight's game against the Atlanta Braves in Kissimmee, Fla. Berkman injured the shoulder taking righthanded swings in the batting cage Friday and has missed the last three games. He hit off a tee Monday morning and said it "went great." Berkman wants to be the designated hitter tonight, but manager Cecil Cooper doesn't plan to use a DH. Cooper said it's more likely Berkman would play Wednesday. Berkman swung from both sides at the plate off the tee and is trying to keep both hands on the bat while he swings. Swinging the bat doesn't bother him ..."

Berkman sidelined by injury

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March 30

Houston Chronicle

"A grimacing Lance Berkman raised his left arm as high as he could in the Astros' clubhouse Sunday morning and was barely able to get his fist past his shoulder. The best Astros player is dealing with biceps tendinitis that will keep him out of the lineup for at least two more days. The injury doesn't appear to be serious enough to put him in jeopardy for missing opening day, but it concerns Berkman. "It's not pending surgery, I don't think, but it's more painful and worse than I initially thought it was going to be," Berkman said. Berkman, 33, was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against Washington and was examined by team medical director Dr. David Lintner on Sunday. He was ..."

Berkman misses trip

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March 29

Houston Chronicle

"First baseman Lance Berkman didn't travel with the team for Saturday's game against Washington after being diagnosed with biceps tendinitis in his left arm. Manager Cecil Cooper said Berkman is day-to-day. "I don't think it's too serious, but I didn't want him to play and aggravate it," Cooper said. Also, infielder Edwin Maysonet was unable to play Saturday after his back tightened while shagging balls in the outfield before the game. Maysonet didn't think the injury was serious. Shoulder limits Paronto Righthander Chad Paronto was a long shot to make the team out of spring training, but manager Cecil Cooper said Paronto's chances have been damaged because of right shoulder problems. ..."

Berkman becoming team leader

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March 7

Houston Chronicle

"Berkman the leader Astros manager Cecil Cooper said Friday he likes the increased leadership qualities he has been seeing this season from slugger Lance Berkman. "I see him being a little more verbal and leading the way, and it's nice to see that," Cooper said. "He's slowly looks like he wants to be the guy to do that." Cooper has seen Berkman do extra work on the side as he did Friday by fielding short-hop balls at first base. "It's time for him to step forward, and it seems like he's kind of embracing the whole idea," Cooper said. Injury update Wandy Rodriguez, who has been slowed by a strained intercostal muscle, threw 30 pitches in the bullpen Friday and felt good, Astros manager Cecil ..."

Berkman: Presumption of innocence gone for all

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February 10

Houston Chronicle

"With Alex Rodriguez the latest star to fall into baseball’s steroid purgatory, Astros star Lance Berkman is like many fans who want to know which other players were dirty. And much to his chagrin, Berkman acknowledges that even with baseball’s new drug testing, the public can’t yet believe baseball is clean . “No, they can’t,” Berkman said Monday after Rodriguez admitted to ESPN that he took performance-enhancing drugs from 2001 through 2003. Berkman has steadfastly denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs. He’s aware, however, that even clean players are sullied by playing in the steroid era. “The problem with this whole sordid mess (is) now everybody (is questioned),” he said. “Even ..."

Berkman’s comedy biggest hit at event

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January 16

Houston Chronicle

"There were the usual reflections on the Astros’ 2008 season and more than a few glimpses into what 2009 might hold in speeches by Astros owner Drayton McLane and manager Cecil Cooper. But the 24th annual Houston Baseball Dinner on Thursday night at the Hilton Americas Convention Center Hotel was ruled by comedy. One-liners during the program were as common as line drives during a game at Minute Maid Park. At the center of the fun was, not surprisingly, slugger Lance Berkman, who capped the night by being award the Astros’ Most Valuable Player Award. But not before getting a few laughs from the crowd of more than 1,100. “I want to thank (Cincinnati Reds pitcher) Bronson Arroyo for breaking ..."

Berkman's slump takes toll on Astros

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September 24

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"A ticket scalper outside the stadium was on a bullhorn trying to unload the last of his wares for a measly five bucks. Inside, there wasn’t even a line for the $1 hot dogs anymore, and people were already calculating their ounce-per-hour beer intake so they could time that final run during the seventh-inning stretch. Clearly, the game had long ago begun. But Lance Berkman had yet to show up. The Astros were still looking for Berkman as dejected fans filed out of the stadium following a 2-1 loss to the Reds, resigned to the fact that the Astros’ 2008 season is likely going to end short of the playoffs. The guy who has been masquerading as the Astros’ slugger the past few weeks was at Minute ..."

Berkman looks to break slump

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September 21

Houston Chronicle

"It’s not often Lance Berkman takes early batting practice before a game. Then again, it’s not often Berkman goes more than 10 days without a hit. Berkman entered Saturday in a career-long 0-for-23 slump that dates to Sept. 9, when he went 3-for-4. He had gone eight consecutive games without a hit coming into Saturday, when he went 1-for-5 with a single. “I’m just trying to get a feel, and more than anything else you just want to demonstrate it’s still important to you and you’re not mailing it in and you’re trying to do anything you can do to make it better,” he said. Rodriguez gets work Lefthander Wandy Rodriguez, who hasn’t pitched since Sept. 7 because of a strained muscle on the right ..."

Berkman's blast brings down Birds

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August 30

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"At one of the ballparks that forced an age of instant replay upon Major League Baseball, Houston's Lance Berkman launched two ninth-inning shots far enough out of the ballpark that no interloping technology was needed. One was foul. The other was the winner. Berkman poked a fastball from Russ Springer out to the encroaching Crawford Boxes in Minute Maid Park's left field for Houston's 3-2 victory Friday. Berkman's and David Newhan's home runs upended a game the Cardinals and starter Kyle Lohse dictated for 6 2/3 innings. Instead of the Cardinals keeping pace with Milwaukee, Lohse saw a replay of what a teammate called his "hard-luck" month. Now the Cardinals are hoping for a replay of ..."

Berkman's walk-off homer hands Astros win over Cards

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August 30

Houston Chronicle

"Lance Berkman wasn’t sure what kind of reception was awaiting him at home plate, and he didn’t really care. No matter how many times his teammates were going to pound the top of helmet, this was going to feel good. Berkman slugged the first walk-off home run of his career, sending a pitch from former teammate Russ Springer into the Crawford Boxes in the ninth inning to send the Astros to a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Minute Maid Park. “Guys have been giving me a hard time all year about not having a walk-off home run,” Berkman said. “Every time we go into extra innings I have to listen to it. Now I guess they’ll have to say something else.” The Astros won their third game in a ..."

Berkman, Astros roll Giants 12-3 for sixth straight victory

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August 13

Houston Chronicle

"When speaking with reporters before Tuesday night’s game, Astros manager Cecil Cooper said that finding a way to knock San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum out of the game early was going to be tantamount. The Astros did just that in the fifth inning, but not quite in the fashion Cooper envisioned. Lincecum went to the hospital after taking a Brad Ausmus line drive off his right knee, and the Astros pounded San Francisco’s bullpen to win their sixth consecutive game, 12-4 at Minute Maid Park. “Once Lincecum left, we felt we had a real shot at it, and we put up a big inning,” said Cooper, who evened his major league managerial record at 75-75. The Astros scored a season-high eight runs in ..."

Berkman puzzled by hitting slump

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August 6

Houston Chronicle

"Lance Berkman, who was in an 0-for-11 slump and on the longest homerless drought of his career, was out of the starting lineup Tuesday He entered at first base in the seventh and went 0-for-1. “I hope (the day off helps). Good grief,” he said. “I actually feel pretty good. I don’t feel too bad. It’s hard to figure, because I’m swinging at good pitches. I’m just not making consistent contact like I was earlier this year.” Berkman delivered his last home run on June 30. “He’s not the same guy he was,” Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. “You don’t see him struggle for long, long periods of time. You have not seen that Berkman swing. I know a lot of it is he just hasn’t had time off.” Berkman ..."

Berkman, Tejada honored to play at Yankee Stadium

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July 13

Houston Chronicle

"Since it opened in 1923, Yankee Stadium has played host to 37 World Series and four All-Star Games — 1939, 1960, 1977 and 2008. With the Yankees set to move next door to a $1 billion, state-of-the-art facility next season, Yankee Stadium will hold its final Midsummer Classic on Tuesday. The Astros' Lance Berkman will start at first base and Miguel Tejada will be the backup at short for the National League. Together, they will join some of the greatest names in baseball history on the list of players who have participated in an All-Star Game in the park that has become a baseball shrine but soon will be no more."

Berkman campaigns for Lee's All-Star spot

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July 7

Houston Chronicle

"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman barely had finished discussing how pleased he was to be voted as the starting first baseman for the National League for the All-Star Game when he began campaigning for teammate Carlos Lee. "Take nothing away from the two Cubs outfielders, but Carlos deserves to start ahead of either one of those two guys," Berkman said. "I'd like to see him in the game." Berkman and Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada, who was chosen by the players as a reserve, will represent the Astros at the July 15 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, but they could be accompanied by Lee."

Berkman issues challenge to Lee

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July 3

Houston Chronicle

"A day after saying he will compete in this year's Home Run Derby on July 14 at Yankee Stadium, Lance Berkman good-naturedly challenged teammate Carlos Lee to do the same. Berkman acknowledged that Lee was approached by Major League Baseball to see if he would consider participating in the Derby if he made the National League All-Star team. Berkman is the leading vote-getter at first base, and Lee is among the league leaders in RBIs. "He said no initially, and I pretty much called him out," Berkman said. "I was like, 'Let's go. I'll challenge you to do it.' He would be great in the Derby and probably would win it.""

Berkman eager to take part in Home Run Derby

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July 2

Houston Chronicle

"Lance Berkman, who has a commanding lead in the race to earn the National League's starting spot at first base for the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium in New York, has accepted an invitation to participate in the Home Run Derby. Now he hopes New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez reconsiders after declining. The derby is July 14, a day before the Midsummer Classic is held at storied Yankee Stadium, which is in its last season. "I know why (Rodriguez) won't do it," Berkman said. "It's really a no-win situation for the player because all the fans are like, 'It's batting practice. How could you not hit home runs?' They don't realize that it's actually a very difficult thing to do. There ..."

Berkman still top vote-getter at first base for N.L. All-Star team

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July 1

Houston Chronicle

"Four-time All-Star Lance Berkman remains in prime position to start at first base for the National League in the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium on July 15. Berkman started in center field for the NL at the 2004 All-Star Game at Minute Maid Park, but that honor fell on him after Ken Griffey Jr. was injured. If he maintains the 724,041-vote lead he had in the penultimate vote announced Monday, Berkman will be elected to start an All-Star Game for the first time in his career."

Berkman hits home run in 8th to beat Rangers

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June 25

Houston Chronicle

"Brian Moehler played the role of life jacket Tuesday night. He kept the Astros afloat against the major league's highest-scoring offense. Moehler tossed six-plus strong innings, Lance Berkman hit a late two-run homer, and the Astros survived a ninth-inning rally by the Texas Rangers for a 4-3 interleague victory before a crowd of 40,052 at Minute Maid Park."

Berkman to return to first base

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June 20

Houston Chronicle

"Lance Berkman, who has nursed a strained left shin since Saturday, likely will play first base tonight for the first time since Saturday. He was out of the starting lineup Sunday and served as the Astros' designated hitter during the three-game interleague series against the Baltimore Orioles. "One more day of it then he should be OK, fine to play defense," manager Cecil Cooper said of Berkman. "He actually did come in (Wednesday) and said he probably could go if I needed. So I said one more day would be perfect." Berkman says his left leg is fine now."

Injured Berkman DH's for second straight game

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June 19

Houston Chronicle

"Hobbled slugger Lance Berkman was the Astros' designated hitter again Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles while he dealt with a strain at the top of his left shin. "Well, I saw him a couple of times (Tuesday) night kind of not moving too good," manager Cecil Cooper said. "So I think he needs another day. He might need more than just one day. He might need two days. I don't know how good he could move defensively." Berkman, who was out of the lineup Sunday, hasn't played in the field since he was injured late in Saturday's loss against the Yankees."

Berkman likely DH

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June 17

Houston Chronicle

(scroll down)

"Lance Berkman, who missed Sunday's game and has been nursing a sore lower left leg, is expected to return to the lineup tonight in Baltimore. He likely will be the designated hitter. Berkman, in a 6-for-30 slump (.200), has been designated hitter in two of three possible games this year, with Carlos Lee doing it once. Astros designated hitters are a combined 4-for-13 (.308) this year."

Cooper gives Berkman day off

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June 16

Houston Chronicle

"Lance Berkman wasn't in the starting lineup Sunday for the second time in 70 games this season as Darin Erstad started at first base. Berkman is dealing with a sore leg, and manager Cecil Cooper said he wanted to give him a day of rest. Starting third baseman Ty Wigginton and starting second baseman Kaz Matsui were also out of the lineup. "Lance has a little tenderness in his leg, and we talked about it, and today was the day we were going to hold him out," Cooper said. "It was a day for Wigginton to sit and a day for Matsui to sit. We try to give them two days so they are ready for the next series.""

Should the Astros have a fire sale?

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June 16

Houston Chronicle

"Maybe it's time for the Astros to shop closer Jose Valverde to a team in contention. Perhaps they should get Carlos Lee, Roy Oswalt and — dare I say it? — even Lance Berkman to approve a trade elsewhere. I would keep Berkman, but I'd listen to trade offers for Lee, Oswalt and Valverde, as long as Lee and Oswalt bypass their no-trade clauses. If I had to trade one of them, it would be Lee. His two years into a six-year, $100 million deal, and that has the makings of a terrible contract in the near future. He's still an RBI machine, so shop him. That's if you can get him to agree to a trade. The bottom line is this club is in need of a serious overhaul, and there's not enough that can be ..."

Berkman named NL Player of the Month

June 3

Houston Chronicle

"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman was named National League Player of the Month for May after hitting .471 (49-for-104), with nine home runs, a triple, 11 doubles and 22 RBIs. He also scored 31 runs while posting a .553 on-base percentage, with 49 hits and 85 total bases."

Berkman's hot start helps propel Astros

May 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Rich Hummel

"One explanation, of course, was the fact that cleanup man Lance Berkman has hit .483 this month and batted .545 in a 17-game hitting streak that ended on May 18. But besides first baseman Berkman leading the league in runs batted in at 46, left fielder Carlos Lee is second in RBIs at 45, and new shortstop Miguel Tejada is hitting .332 with 37 RBIs. And Hunter Pence, after a five-for-five night Tuesday, is hitting .311. Michael Bourn, the leadoff man, has 23 steals in 26 attempts in spite of a horrendous .276 on-base percentage and .216 batting average.Bourn has been on base only 57 times to have those 23 steals.The bullpen, another Astros strength, got off to a shaky start, but ..."

Take pride in 60 percent failure rate

May 28

Rocky Mountain News

columnist Bernie Lincicome

"Almost into June now, and for most of this baseball season, Atlanta's Chipper Jones has been batting over .400 and Houston's Lance Berkman has been clipping along nearly as efficiently - more so, considering his power numbers. It is never too soon to become breathless over the possibility that someone could hit .400 for the first time in 67 years. We recall Todd Helton's assault on the inconceivable, coming up 16 hits short in 2000, and Tony Gwynn was at .394 when the 1994 season was stopped. When someone does it again, he will be at least as celebrated as . . . well, is there an untarnished record left in baseball?"

Switch-hitting Berkman is making power shift

May 25

Houston Chronicle

"Like the typical great switch-hitter, Lance Berkman always has been a better hitter from the left side than the right. But far be it for Lance Berkman to do something typical, so the Astros slugger has taken it to an extreme over the course of his eight-plus-year career. Berkman, who has the best slugging percentage of any switch-hitter to play the game (minimum 3,000 plate appearances), is unique among the top 10 switch-hitters who debuted since 1956. He's the only one to have a higher slugging percentage from the same side of the plate every year of his career."

Berkman, Lidge renew friendship

May 24

Houston Chronicle

"After flying out to left field to end Thursday's game against Phillies closer Brad Lidge, the Astros' Lance Berkman sent his former teammate a text message: I hate you. "He called me and we talked," Berkman said. "It was all in good fun. He's a great friend of mine, and it's always strange when you see him over on the other side.""

Astros' Berkman better than before

May 22

Philadelphia Daily News

"The last time the Phillies faced Lance Berkman, he was hitting .298 with a modest four home runs. Starting today, however, they will have to contend with a hitter who has established himself as the National League MVP favorite at the quarter pole of the 2008 season. Berkman's numbers have transformed since he went 3-for-12 in a mid-April series in Philadelphia. In his last 27 games before last night, he hit .465 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI. He recently had a 17-game hitting streak snapped. Going into last night, he was hitting .388 with 16 home runs and 44 RBI. And nobody seems to be surprised."

Red-hot Astro presents a big test

May 22

Philadelphia Inquirer

"What's the hottest thing in Houston these days? It's not the sizzling fajitas at Pappasito's or the smoked brisket at Goode Co. Barbeque, though both are big hitters. The hottest thing in Houston is Lance Berkman's bat, and the Phillies will get an up-close look at it as they open a four-game series against the Astros tonight at Minute Maid Park. "He's crushing the ball," Phils manager Charlie Manuel said. "When you're getting him out, you're more or less fooling him.""