I really should NOT be trusted to have photoshop on my computer!

Dear Santa, I mean, Mr. Luhnow,

I figure since you’re brand spanking new to the Houston Astros organization and you have not yet had the privilege of meeting me, I should give you a little help as to what would make a perfect gift for me this Christmas.

I mean, I AM on the nice list, right? I don’t see how I could be anywhere else. I spent the whole summer this year cheering for the worst team in baseball. I am, after all, a forever-Astros-fan.

Here it is, the things that top my list for the coming baseball season.

1)  I would really, really, really like to have a roster that is free of at least ONE of the four big contracts. That means Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, Carlos Lee or Brandon Lyon would have to go. Although my preference would be to say adios to Carlos, I know that you’d have to still pay his whole salary and then what’s the point? So maybe you could shop Brett and Wandy a bit more?

2)  Could you please tell the ticketing people how ridiculous it is to ask me to spend the same amount on season tickets this year? I sat through a LOT of bad baseball last year and I am certain I will again this year, but why should I pay full price and “johnny-come-lately” fans who aren’t there all the time get the 1/2 off deals all season long?

3)  I know you told us the other night during your fireside chat with fans that you’d leave managing decisions up to Brad Mills, but can you get to the bottom of the whole sitting-Brett-Wallace-against-lefties business? How will anyone know what he can do against a Major League southpaw unless someone lets him hit against one a few times? I mean, it wasn’t like him striking out a few extra times was going to keep the Astros from the World Series last season; it was the perfect trial and error year.

4)  Can you get me a Stella Artois on the Club Level, please.

5)  As you build this team, can you consider character? I mean, I know the ability to play good baseball has to come first, but it’s sure nice when the team is full of guys that a city full of kids can look up to. Plus, our kids are going to grow up with these guys given the ages they are!

6)  Keep talking to us. The fact that you had that chat the other night online was excellent. For a group of fans who have felt very disenfranchised, ignored, pushed aside and to some extent betrayed, you reaching out and being willing to answer our questions (to the extent that you can on some) and listen is incredibly comforting. It makes me feel like you’re not sneaking around behind my back changing my team into something I won’t like. It makes me feel like you’re proud of the path you have planned. Please keep talking to us.

7)  Please stand by your belief to build from the bottom up and to build for the future and not simply patch the team to “get by” for a year. I want the weeone to have many years of cheering for a contending Houston Astros team, just like I had as a kid. Baseball is a mother/daughter affair in this house and we’d like it to stay that way.

So, there you have it, Jeff…er, I mean, Santa. That’s my Christmas list. I know that you can’t promise everything on my list, but if you could manage a couple, I’ll surely have a very Happy New Year.

I’ll put out the beer and pretzels for you on Christmas Eve and cross my fingers that I get my wish.

Thanks, Santa!

Love,

Terri

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.