Berkman's Future After 2010 Uncertain

HOUSTON - Lance Berkman is one of the greatest players to ever wear an Astros uniform. How long that continues is clearly up in the air.

"They have an option on me for this next year," Berkman said prior to the Astros first full-squad workout of the spring. "So if I play well I guess they'll pick it up and if not I'll be looking for work elsewhere."

Berkman, who is beginning his 12th season with the Astros, was asked if he could invision himself playing for another team.

"I may have too, whether you want to or not," Berkman said. " It may come down to a situation where if things don't go well this year (and) they don't pick up my option, I probably won't be back."

And Berkman said he would not be interested in talking contract with the Astros if his option is not exercised.

"Probably not," Berkman said. "I mean if they don't pick it up then I'll probably just take my ball and go home."

Berkman laughed with the media about his usual stab at humor, but he has given this some thought.

"Just on general principle," Berkman said. "If they don't pick my option up then to me that says they may like me to come back at a discount, but they don't really want me. If that's the case then I'll see what else is out there.

"Seriously if they don't pick the option up and I had to retire at the end of this year, it wouldn't bother me. I probably would play somewhere, but it's not like I'm sitting here going 'oh my gosh I've got to make them pick that option up.' I don't feel that way at all."

Astros owner Drayton McLane said it's too early for him to be concerned with the option year on Berkman's contract.

"I don't think its even time or appropriate to talk about losing Lance," McLane said. "He's signed for this year and we have an option for next year.

"In baseball terms that's a long way down the road."

McLane points out his take on the situation in no way lessens what Berkman means to his franchise. In fact he compared Berkman to former Astros stars Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio.

"The importance of Lance, you all heard me that have (covered) the Astros for a long time, that Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio were the heartbeats of the Houston Astros," McLane said.

"The heartbeat right now of the Houston Astros is certainly Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt."