Houston Astros Should Be Offering Hunter Pence Multi-Year Contract

How much more does Hunter Pence need to do to prove to the Houston Astros management that he is worthy of a multi-year contract?

I understand that times are tough in terms of the economy and cutting payroll, but I don’t remember guys like Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, or Lance Berkman (just to name a few) being shafted for numerous years on getting that big contract.

I could be mistaken as it’s been quite some time since I evaluated the aforementioned trio’s contracts, but I do believe that Pence deserves a deal spanning more than just one season.

Maybe I’m wrong, but I see this young and outgoing outfielder as the future of the Houston Astros organization; and because of that, I think Pence should be signed to a long-term contract (then again, maybe the front office plans to present the young Pence with that type of deal after the 2010 season; I certainly hope so).

The latest signings and arbitrations news leaves Pence, Wandy Rodriguez (another guy who has proven himself and is also worthy of a long-term deal in my opinion), and Tim Byrdak unable to reach deals before Tuesday’s deadline.

“Everybody’s important,” Astros general manager Ed Wade told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. “There are a group of guys on this club who are centerpieces of the ballclub, and certainly we believe what Wandy [Rodriguez], and Hunter [Pence], and Michael [Bourn] have accomplished at this stage of their careers is very significant.”

So what’s next for the trio of unsigned Houston Astros?

“We’re prepared to pay what the market bears for talent and we’ve never taken a contrary position,” Wade said. “We’re prepared to pay when players step up and do the types of things to make us better.”

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]