Recently we’ve discussed a pair of 2010 trades in which franchise stalwarts Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt were sent packing as the Houston Astros embarked on a much-needed rebuild. The following year, the club was headed toward the first of what would be three straight 100-loss seasons. With outfielder Hunter Pence firmly within the prime of his career, he was jettisoned as well.
It made sense, of course. Pence was already 28 by the time the trade deadline came around in 2011. The Astros weren’t going to be ready to contend for a few years, by which time Pence’s prime could be over.