HOUSTON - Just when the Houston Astros thought they were prepared for the new season, the Los Angelas Dodgers came through with an offer that could not be rejected. The Los Angelas Dodgers offered Pitching Ace Ismael Valdes for Pitching Ace Randy Johnson. Seeing Randy Johnson getting older and older, they decided to trade for the young 22 year old in Valdes.

Ismael Valdes comes into Houston with a 45-33 record with an excellent 2.47 ERA. He will take over as the number one Ace in the starting rotation followed by Shane Reynolds, Kevin Millwood, Mike Sirotka (now the only Left Hander in the rotation) and younger Bert Walsh to take the anchor which hopefully won't be a heavy load.