[San Diego Union Tribune] Blum back to the Astros?

[rikesh316]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20071114-9999-1s14padres.html

One, utility man Geoff Blum, said yesterday the Padres remain his No. 1 choice, but that he probably will sign with the Astros. “Apparently, I don't fit into the Padres' priorities,” Blum said

[wrath_of_khan]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20071114-9999-1s14padres.html

One, utility man Geoff Blum, said yesterday the Padres remain his No. 1 choice, but that he probably will sign with the Astros. “Apparently, I don't fit into the Padres' priorities,” Blum said

Filling the Eric Bruntlett role?

I'd be fine with that, but not as a starter.

[Zac D]

hajksdhg3w4il

no.

[leroy420]

Taking the role of Loretta/Bruntlett? I'm okay with that. He can still hit. He can fill in at all infield positions.

[No Worries]

Can Blum really fill in at SS?

[wrath_of_khan]

Can Blum really fill in at SS?


Good question. I was thinking about that after I made my post earlier.

Anyone see Blum play recently who can shed some light on his ability to play SS?

By the way, I am more convinced than ever that Burke is gone.

[Zac D]

Already have Brooks Conrad and Cody Ransom. Why spend the time, effort and money on Blum?

[BALLhog 247 365]

awesome..i can't wait for the return of blum's blondes

[Drewdog]

nice utility infielder.

Im in.

[leroy420]

Good question. I was thinking about that after I made my post earlier.

Anyone see Blum play recently who can shed some light on his ability to play SS?

By the way, I am more convinced than ever that Burke is gone.

Blum can fill in at SS. He's played 185 games there in his career, including 61 times over the last 2 seasons. Obviously, he doesn't have the range that Everett has (no one does), but he can't be much worse than Loretta there. I wouldn't want to see him long term should Everett get hurt again. But, as a fill in (late inning pinch hit or occasional start) he is certainly capable.

[Refman]

There's probably a reason he doesn't fit into the Padres plans. 2 or 3 years ago, yes. I'm not sure he is a good signing now though.

[rikesh316]

I don't what the big problem is about Blum. He is a good pinch hitter who could play every spot in the infield. This deal is likely a 1 year deal for between 1 and 2 million dollars.

[kaleidosky]

Blum would be solid.

He can still play SS at times...better range than Loretta there I think--at least to an observer not looking at stats. But def. not any worse..

[rocketfat]

I don't what the big problem is about Blum. He is a good pinch hitter who could play every spot in the infield. This deal is likely a 1 year deal for between 1 and 2 million dollars.


will be less than that....i think he was getting paid slightly over the league min last year for some reason.

always liked blum. felt good for the guy when he did us in in the WS. above avg fielder and capable hitter. and cheap. perfect utility player.

[Bobblehead]

If ya can't beat him, hire him!!!!
http://abclocal.go.com/images/wls_102505_sox_st_new.jpg
2005 World Series Homerun

[JaWindex]

His hair will make it worthwhile.

[MadMax]

If ya can't beat him, hire him!!!!
http://abclocal.go.com/images/wls_102505_sox_st_new.jpg
2005 World Series Homerun

that's so photoshopped. that never happened.

[OldManBernie]

that's so photoshopped. that never happened.

That home run was painful. 14th inning in game 3... :(

[kaleidosky]

That home run was painful. 14th inning in game 3... :(

shut up, richard

[The Cat]

Already have Brooks Conrad and Cody Ransom. Why spend the time, effort and money on Blum?

My guess would be the left-handed bat, particularly with Lamb's departure too. That, and the hair. ;)

[MadMax]

That home run was painful. 14th inning in game 3... :(

what are you talking about?

the astros won the NL pennant and the season ended. Jason Lane squeezed that fly ball. that was it. the end.

[DoitDickau]

Blum is terrible.

[jakedasnake]

Does anyone know what our plans are for Lamb and Loretta? Did we offer them anything or are we just letting them walk without getting any compensation?

[Buck Turgidson]

Does anyone know what our plans are for Lamb and Loretta? Did we offer them anything or are we just letting them walk without getting any compensation?
Lamb is just about guaranteed to leave for a team that will promise him regular time at 1st or DH, a return to the Rangers is likely. Do not remember if Elias had him (or Loretta) rated as a Type B FA or not, if so the Stros would get a sandwich pick after the 1st round, iirc. The deadline for offering arbitration to FAs is not for a while, and it can still be offered after a player has signed with another team.

Loretta wants a starting job, and has told the Stros that if he can´t find one he´d like to return in the same role he had here last season, and the Stros would like him back in that role, but do not prefer him as the OD starter at 2nd.

[bobrek]

Loretta is a type B free agent. Lamb is neither A nor B.

[SamCassell]

Knowing the Astros history (Pettite, Clemens, Kent) they won't offer anything and will let the player leave without a compensation pick. I don't understand it, but that's the way it's been.

[jakedasnake]

Thanks guys, Lamb should be a B type. I would definitely go after him as my DH. Blum would be nice if we don't sign Lamb. He can play second or third pretty well. He should get a decent amount of PT if he comes here again.

[leroy420]

Knowing the Astros history (Pettite, Clemens, Kent) they won't offer anything and will let the player leave without a compensation pick. I don't understand it, but that's the way it's been.

In the case of Loretta and Trevor Miller (the other Type B free agent), you have to be prepared to want them back if they accept. I'm guessing they'll offer it to Loretta and not Miller. If it was a choice between Loretta and Blum, I'd take Loretta every time. He's simply a better hitter. Miller can just go away as far as I care.

Lamb is all but gone. He deserves an everyday shot somewhere. I think he'll get it in the AL.

[Zac D]

My guess would be the left-handed bat, particularly with Lamb's departure too. That, and the hair. ;)

But Brooks is a switchy. :(

[RocketFan007]

But Brooks is a switchy. :(

He'll be 28 at the start of the season, has never made it to the majors and hit .218 last season at Round Rock. If he didn't get called up at the end of last season, I can't imagine the Astros have any plans for him.

[Buck Turgidson]

In the case of Loretta and Trevor Miller (the other Type B free agent), you have to be prepared to want them back if they accept. I'm guessing they'll offer it to Loretta and not Miller.
Thanks, bobrek, for the clarification.

FA middle relievers are seldom offered arbitration, and he'd almost definitely accept, so I'd also be very surprised if they offered him.

[luisantonio1014]

They should sign Lamb at 3rd base and let go of that bum Wigginton. When Lamb filled in at 3rd, he was ten times better defensively. He is really underrated overall. He could get you about 25 homeruns and 90+ rbi's. If you look at his numbers and his AB's, you could easily tell that. He was also a clutch hitter.

[bobrek]

They should sign Lamb at 3rd base and let go of that bum Wigginton. When Lamb filled in at 3rd, he was ten times better defensively. He is really underrated overall. He could get you about 25 homeruns and 90+ rbi's. If you look at his numbers and his AB's, you could easily tell that. He was also a clutch hitter.

I agree they should keep Lamb, but offensively, his stats are very close to Wigginton and, I don't know what games you watched, but Lamb is not a good defensive third baseman and, statistically, Wigginton is much better.

[SamCassell]

They should sign Lamb at 3rd base and let go of that bum Wigginton. When Lamb filled in at 3rd, he was ten times better defensively.
??????

:confused:

Mike Lamb is a terrible defensive 3B. Wigg is nothing special, but Lamb just sucks in the field at any position other than 1B.

[rikesh316]

Mark Berman of Fox 26 confirms that Blum will sign with the Astros.

[JaWindex]

Does that mean Loretta is gone?

[bobrek]

Does that mean Loretta is gone?

I doubt this move means that. Right now you can look at this as Blum replacing Bruntlett's spot.

[Buck Turgidson]

I doubt this move means that. Right now you can look at this as Blum replacing Bruntlett's spot.
Could be; they have a few different ways they can go with this.

Blum definitely takes over Lamb's role as reserve 3B/1B & LH bat on the bench, and also can play a very capable 2B. He's nothing but an emergency SS, I'd think.

They still need a RH bat on the bench (could be Burke if he's not traded) & a guy who can play capable SS. Could be Loretta, could be someone else (Ransom?).

[rikesh316]

I don't think Burke or Scott will be with this team by Spring Training. I expect that the Astros will sign one from Matsui, Igaci, and Castillo and that will make Burke expandable. Also I think Scott has value because he is cheap and is solid part time player maybe as a DH.

[Hammer755]

I've not heard what the terms of this deal are, but it is exactly the kind of signing that the Astros should not be contemplating. There aren't words in the English language to describe how bad of an offensive player Blum is. His only contribution to a major league team is his versatility. I am 100% certain that the Astros could find in their own system someone who would provide, if not the same, quite similar value at a fraction of the cost. Even if he only costs $1.0MM year, a 26-yr old AAAA player making the league minimum would be much more worthwhile for the club.

[msn]

Even if he only costs $1.0MM year, a 26-yr old AAAA player making the league minimum would be much more worthwhile for the club.
But they already got rid of Jason Lane. :cool:

[Buck Turgidson]

Even if he only costs $1.0MM year, a 26-yr old AAAA player making the league minimum would be much more worthwhile for the club.
Why do you think the Astros value him? Why do you think the White Sox & Padres, 2 good franchises, didn't take your advice over the past 3 seasons?

[Mr. Clutch]

Why do you think the Astros value him? Why do you think the White Sox & Padres, 2 good franchises, didn't take your advice over the past 3 seasons?

Exactly. Geoff is a winner and a champion.

THAT'S why they got him.

How quickly people forget World Seriess.

[Hammer755]

Exactly. Geoff is a winner and a champion.

THAT'S why they got him.

How quickly people forget World Seriess.

So the ChiSox signed him because the just knew he was going to hit a game-winning HR in the World Series.

You 'winner' guys make a convincing case, though. I don't know how the Pads and White Sox would have ever made the post-season without Blum's .300 OBP. Exactly how many seasons, and how many millions of dollars, is one lucky AB worth?

[msn]

So the ChiSox signed him because the just knew he was going to hit a game-winning HR in the World Series.

You 'winner' guys make a convincing case, though. I don't know how the Pads and White Sox would have ever made the post-season without Blum's .300 OBP. Exactly how many seasons, and how many millions of dollars, is one lucky AB worth?
Call the Maytag Man immediately. Your sarcmeter is smoking.

[Buck Turgidson]

You 'winner' guys make a convincing case, though.
Didn't say anything about that, just asked a simple quesiton: why do you think these teams value this player?

[leroy420]

Done deal...

Astros sign Blum to one-year deal (http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071120&content_id=2304867&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou)

Utilityman returning to Houston; club eyeing Brocail
By Jim Molony / MLB.com

HOUSTON -- Astros general manager Ed Wade continued the roster-shaping process Tuesday with the addition of free-agent utilityman Geoff Blum to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million plus incentives. The contract includes a club option for a second year.

Blum might not be the only former Astros player returning to Houston by way of San Diego, as Wade confirmed the Astros are interested in right-hander Doug Brocail, Blum's teammate with the Padres in 2007.

"We're happy to have Geoff back in an Astros uniform," Wade said. "He is a very versatile player who can fill a lot of defensive roles and he swings a very good bat. While his versatility is a big plus, Geoff also has the ability to go out and play one position on a regular basis, giving us a lot of protection on the field. Plus, he's got great makeup and will bring energy to our club."

The 34-year-old hit .252 with five home runs and 33 RBIs for San Diego in 2007. In 122 games last season, he appeared at five different positions, including second base (61), third base (13), shortstop (12), left field (9) and first base (1). The majority of his starts were made as a second baseman (55). The switch-hitter spent the last two seasons with San Diego and appeared in four games for the Padres in the 2006 National League Division Series vs. St. Louis.

Blum, who spent the 2002-03 seasons with Houston, beat the Astros with a home run for the Chicago White Sox in the 14th inning of Game 3 of the 2005 World Series.

Blum owns a .251 career average with 71 home runs and 344 RBIs in 1,022 games since 1999. He has appeared at every position except catcher, pitcher and center field in his career. Additionally, Blum has appeared at all four infield spots in each of the past eight seasons.

During his past three seasons, Blum has been an integral utility player on three winning teams, including the World Series club with Chicago and a division championship club with San Diego in 2006. In the past three years, Blum's teams have a combined winning percentage of .567.

Brocail, 40, told Houston television station KRIV that he would like to rejoin the Astros, a team he last pitched for in 1996, and that his agent, Barry Meister, had been pursuing that possibility on his behalf.

"I would like to be an Astro and pitch here in Houston," Brocail told KRIV. "It's still my home. They know that. We're trying to get there."

The 13-year veteran missed the 2001-03 seasons after having multiple surgeries on his right elbow. He also underwent a pair of angioplasties in the spring of 2006 to remove a coronary blockage.

Brocail came back big, and in 2007 he went 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in 67 games for San Diego. In his last seven seasons, a span of 426 innings, Brocail has allowed just 27 home runs despite facing more than 1,800 batters. He was particularly effective in the seventh inning. Of the 20 times San Diego manager Bud Black summoned Brocail to work the seventh, 17 times the right-hander held the opposition scoreless.

The veteran would seem to fit in a young bullpen that recently added right-handers Geoff Geary and Oscar Villarreal to go with right-handed setup man Chad Qualls. Combined with holdovers such as Dave Borkowski, Trever Miller, Dennis Sarfate and Chris Sampson, manager Cecil Cooper will have added depth in the bullpen.

In other news, Wade announced that the Astros have purchased the contracts of right-handed pitchers Samuel Gervacio, Brad James and Chad Reineke and added the players to the club's 40-man roster. The team also announced that the Pittsburgh Pirates were awarded the contract of right-hander Jimmy Barthmaier on an irrevocable waiver claim, removing him from the 40-man roster.

Gervacio, 22, was 1-3 with a team-high 18 saves and 2.44 ERA, including 80 strikeouts in 39 games for Class A Salem last season. He was named a 2007 Carolina League All-Star. Gervacio finished the season at Double-A Corpus Christi, where he was 3-2 with a 1.99 ERA in 13 games.

James, 23, split the 2007 season between Salem and Corpus Christi and finished the season 1-5 with a 5.17 ERA in nine games -- all starts -- for the Hooks. The Carolina League All-Star played 16 games for Salem and was 9-2 with a league-best 1.98 ERA.

Reineke, 25, posted a 4.68 ERA with a 5-5 record in 32 games (16 starts) for the Triple-A Round Rock Express in 2007.

Barthmaier, 23, was 2-9 with a 6.20 ERA in 24 games (16 starts) for Corpus Christi last season. The right-hander earned South Atlantic League All-Star and postseason All-Star honors while posting a 2.27 ERA in 2005.

The Houston 40-man roster now stands at 34 players.

Jim Molony is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[shipwreck]

just heard on radio. good start. i'd rather have matsui.

[right1]

just heard on radio. good start. i'd rather have matsui.

.250 carreer hitter, .300 obp, no speed, hardly any power, CAN play multiple positions, good clubhouse guy, blahhh... :(

[speed star]

does that mean no more loretta?

[Blake]

does that mean no more loretta?

the exact same question I was going to ask

[bobrek]

the exact same question I was going to ask

Last year they had Lamb, Loretta, Burke and Bruntlett to essentially back up the infield spots. Currently, Bruntlett's gone and Blum is here. Unless Loretta finds a team willing to 'guarantee' him a starting spot, I suspect he'll be back (unless he gets offered an inordinate amount of money).