Trade winds

[CAKoudelka]

Thought I would pass this along, I will preface it by saying, I heard this on AM radio, 1300 The Zone in Austin, TX.

Guy came on this afternoon claiming that the Astros are looking to trade Burke and Backe for Ben Sheets. Take it for what its worth, but I think Sheets would look really nice in this lineup.

Anyone else heard anything on this ? Old news ?

[bigtexxx]

Originally posted by CAKoudelka
Thought I would pass this along, I will preface it by saying, I heard this on AM radio, 1300 The Zone in Austin, TX.

Guy came on this afternoon claiming that the Astros are looking to trade Burke and Backe for Ben Sheets. Take it for what its worth, but I think Sheets would look really nice in this lineup.

Anyone else heard anything on this ? Old news ?

That would be a remarkable trade for the Astros, although Sheets has only really had one good year.

[SamCassell]

The Brewers would have to be absolutely crazy. Sheets is a stud.

[Groogrux]

I don't see it happening. The Brewers were just sold to someone who I think is interested in making them into a competitive club. Their payroll this year on opening day will be $13 million higher than last year.

[gunn]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
I don't see it happening. The Brewers were just sold to someone who I think is interested in making them into a competitive club. Their payroll this year on opening day will be $13 million higher than last year.

I think Sheets is in the last year of his deal.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by gunn
I think Sheets is in the last year of his deal.

Yeah, I think you're right. However, the owner could still make a decision to try and resign him if he's serious about helping the Brewers win.

[gunn]

I'll add..... that if the Astros were able to lock up Sheets beyond this year the deal should be done without blinking an eye. But aside from that, I think this possiblity was merely small talk.

[lalala902102001]

Sheet has always had great stuff and he's still very young. He woul dbe an awesome addition to the 'Stros.

[Trader_Jorge]

The Astros will always have problems signing big name pitchers as long as stingy Drayton refuses to go over a 3-year contract.

We can't expect Sheets to think hometown discount, like Pettitte and Clemens did. That said, Sheets played college ball in Louisiana, so we may be the closest team.

[Kam]

has anybody heard of the Redding for Cruz Jr deal?

[meh]

Sheets has been in the big leagues for 4 seasons. Meaning 2 more arbitration years left. After last season, his arbitration figure should be around $6-9 mil or so. Depending on how much his lack of winning figures into the equation. The next year might be worth upwards of $10 mil, if he has another awesome year. Or a club could try to buy out both years with some sort of guaranteed multi-year deal.

Sheets has some positives and negatives.

Positives

1. Only 26 when season starts.
2. Would've been a Cy Young candidate had he actually had run support, an amazing ERA and great peripheral numbers like high Ks and low BBs.
3. Guaranteed to be here for 2 years at least.
4. Pretty much no injury history.

Negatives

1. Huge usage in his big league years. In his past 4 years, from ages 22-25, his innings have been: 151, 216, 220, and 237. Of course, one could say he's durable. But it's certainly could also mean a tired arm sooner in his career.
2. One great year. It's not like Sheets was bad before. His ERA had been consistently league average in his first 3 years. Which is pretty good for such a young guy. But certainly not the dominating prescene last year.
3. What in the world would it take to get him? Personally, I can't see Backe and Burke been good enough. If so, I'd pull the trigger ina heartbeat if I were Pupura. But if we have to add in some more pieces, I'm not so sure.

[arkoe]

Originally posted by Kam
has anybody heard of the Redding for Cruz Jr deal?

I don't know about Redding, but the Astros trading for Cruz Jr has definately been brought up. Here's an article from today's Chronicle...



Jan. 13, 2005, 11:44PM

Have I got an outfielder for you
Astros coach Cruz suggests team pursue his son in trade
By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
Link (http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bb/2992067)

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - While Carlos Beltran was being introduced by the New York Mets to the Puerto Rican media, two prominent natives on the other side of this Caribbean island knew exactly what they'd do to fill the void left by Beltran in Houston.

About two hours away from San Juan, Jose Cruz and Jose Cruz Jr. emptied out their lockers in Ponce a day after being eliminated from the Puerto Rican winter league playoffs.

The Cruzes openly wished Beltran's decision to sign with the Mets would give Jose Cruz Jr. an opportunity to finally play for his father's old team. It won't be easy. Although the Devil Rays would like to trade Cruz, it might be difficult to work out a deal.

"As a father since I played with the Astros, I know my children would love to play for the Astros," said the elder Cruz, who managed the Ponce Leones to the playoffs for the third time.

Cruz, the Astros' longtime first-base coach, has earned five playoff berths as a manager in the Puerto Rican winter league. A feared hitter during his playing days, he also coaches the outfielders in Houston.

Unabashedly biased, Cruz knows one kid who can help in the Astros' outfield.

"He can play left, play right, play center," Cruz said of his son. "Speaking for myself, his father, not as somebody who works for the Astros speaking for the team, I'd say he'd help our team."

Two decades before Beltran stole the hearts of Houston fans, Jose Cruz, known affectionately as "Cheo," made Puerto Ricans pay attention to the Astros. Cruz was the Latino face of the Astros, and nobody has to sell his family on Houston or its fans. Now, he's the one lobbying.

Cruz called Astros general manager Tim Purpura earlier this week to say his son would fit nicely in center at Minute Maid Park.

If a deal is somehow worked out, there will be plenty of smiles around Houston and Puerto Rico.

"That would definitely be something — something that I thought about since I was a kid," said Cruz Jr., known as "Cheito."

"It's just a team that you grew up watching and had my father on the team."

Cruz Jr., who makes his residence in Miami, was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Houston, where he starred at Rice. His immediate family all lives in Houston.

Cruz sent two sons — Jose Jr. and Jose Enrique — to Rice. Whether at the Astrodome in the early 1980s or even at Minute Maid Park, Cheo Cruz's children were always around the Astros' clubhouse and batting practice.

For that reason, Puerto Rican reporters have asked the Cruzes often this week about the chance to replace Beltran.

"I spoke with Tim Purpura," Cruz Sr. said. "I told him Cheito is playing here, he's ready and is looking good. He would like to play in Houston, and as you know, he lived in Houston. I just told Tim Purpura so in case they want to do something they can do something."

jesus.ortiz@chron.com

[Lil Francis]

Brewers would be crazy to trade Sheets to a team in their division. But as an Astro fan I would love it. Burke and Backe for Sheets and Ricky Weeks :D

[leroy420]

Originally posted by Kam
has anybody heard of the Redding for Cruz Jr deal?

Holy crap would that be nice. Get a decent OF and give up Chris Holt? I hope that is remotely true.

[NJRocket]

If we could lock up Sheets long term, I'd do it

[leroy420]

Originally posted by Trader_Jorge
The Astros will always have problems signing big name pitchers as long as stingy Drayton refuses to go over a 3-year contract.

We can't expect Sheets to think hometown discount, like Pettitte and Clemens did. That said, Sheets played college ball in Louisiana, so we may be the closest team.

Seriously, get over it. It was a $105 million contract. Ain't too much stingy about that. The guy didn't want to play in Houston.

[Kam]

Originally posted by arkoe
I don't know about Redding, but the Astros trading for Cruz Jr has definately been brought up. Here's an article from today's Chronicle...


I heard it today on the radio, I don't know if it was Charlie on 790 or Matt and that other guy on 610.

[Raven Lunatic]

Originally posted by leroy420
Seriously, get over it. It was a $105 million contract. Ain't too much stingy about that. The guy didn't want to play in Houston.

I think he is referring more to when Randy Johnson left. Johnson wanted a 4 year guaranteed contract, the Astros would only offer 3 years because that is Astros policy (a policy created after the Doug Drabek and Greg Swindell disasters, I believe). Personally, I don't like it. Pitchers seem to be at a much higher injury risk, but for big name guys, you just about have to go beyond 3 years to keep them. I hope that doesn't become an issue when Roy needs to be extended.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Kam
I heard it today on the radio, I don't know if it was Charlie on 790 or Matt and that other guy on 610.

Who is "the other guy" on 610 that's been on this week? His voice sounds familiar, but I can't place it and its been driving me nuts.

[Kam]

Originally posted by Nick
Who is "the other guy" on 610 that's been on this week? His voice sounds familiar, but I can't place it and its been driving me nuts.


Are you talking about during the afternoons or in the evening?

The afternoon is Dave halbersan or whatever. He has been discussed in the hangout.

People seem to like him, I think he is okay though.

The evening guy, I have no clue who he is.

[BSW]

I would do both the Redding deal for Cruz and the Backe and Burke for Sheets.

I would miss Backe, but Sheets is awesome!

Would I miss Redding...NO!

[Dennis2112]

Originally posted by Raven Lunatic
I think he is referring more to when Randy Johnson left. Johnson wanted a 4 year guaranteed contract, the Astros would only offer 3 years because that is Astros policy (a policy created after the Doug Drabek and Greg Swindell disasters, I believe). Personally, I don't like it. Pitchers seem to be at a much higher injury risk, but for big name guys, you just about have to go beyond 3 years to keep them. I hope that doesn't become an issue when Roy needs to be extended.


The Unit deal had nothing to do with money. His wife wanting him to sign with the D-backs and that is what he did. They offered 1 mill more per year and he took it.

[Kilgore Trout]

I know its likely just a rumor but if the Astros somehow get Sheets it would make the offseason losses go away. He is one of the best pitchers in the game but he doesnt get recognized as one since he is on such a poor team.

Also it seems like he should have a year or two left of abitration before becoming a FA as well. Though i have no idea on this.

[Refman]

Originally posted by Dennis2112
The Unit deal had nothing to do with money. His wife wanting him to sign with the D-backs and that is what he did. They offered 1 mill more per year and he took it.
The fact that Johnson and his wife had made thier offseason home just outside of Phoenix. It was more a situation of the money being what he was looking for and his home being there to boot. He was pretty honest about not wanting to stay here after the season ended.

[Fegwu]

Is it just me or is this offseason Astros stove the coldest it has been in almost 7 years?

The Ben Sheets talks sounds like a pipe dream but if it happens, Tim Pupura would be near saint-like in my book. That will turn our offseason around....or at least a good start. The pitchers report in only 6 weeks. Something needs to start happening fast.

Although it is not totally accurate that Dreyton is stingy, he needs to do more from now on to shake the stigma. He could also do us all a favor and sell the team to the restauranteur, Fattitta [sp??].

[rezdawg]

If we pull of that trade to get Sheets and somehow convince the DRays that Redding is good enough for Cruz Jr., then I'd say this offseason turned out pretty solid.

A rotation of Oswalt, Sheets, Pettite, and possibly Clemens is just straight dynamite.

We can move Biggio to second and have an outfield in the form of Berkman, Lane, and Cruz Jr.

I'll take that.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by Raven Lunatic
I think he is referring more to when Randy Johnson left. Johnson wanted a 4 year guaranteed contract, the Astros would only offer 3 years because that is Astros policy (a policy created after the Doug Drabek and Greg Swindell disasters, I believe). Personally, I don't like it. Pitchers seem to be at a much higher injury risk, but for big name guys, you just about have to go beyond 3 years to keep them. I hope that doesn't become an issue when Roy needs to be extended.

That was 7 years ago. Things have changed a bit from the time when the Astros would only trade to aquire players, not sign them in free agency. Unit had no intentions of remaining an Astro. McLane threw out the largest contract offer in team history to a player that really didn't want to be here. All I'm saying is that it is time to stop the whining.

[idrockfan]

Beltran is a punk. I will kick his ass.


Holy Crap that is funny

[desihooper]

Ben Sheets is awesome. If we get him, we'll be pairing two pitchers from the Olympic team back in the day (Ben and Roy-O) that won the gold, if I remember correctly. Back then, Ben was a bigger prospect than Roy. It's a shame he's had to languish in Brew-town his whole career. I'd like to keep Cy Backe, maybe we can offer them one of the guys we got in the Wagner trade last year Duckworth/Buckholtz/Astacio (in that order).

[Deckard]

Originally posted by rezdawg
If we pull of that trade to get Sheets and somehow convince the DRays that Redding is good enough for Cruz Jr., then I'd say this offseason turned out pretty solid.

A rotation of Oswalt, Sheets, Pettite, and possibly Clemens is just straight dynamite.

We can move Biggio to second and have an outfield in the form of Berkman, Lane, and Cruz Jr.

I'll take that.
That would perk me up considerably! :)

[Uprising]

I hope we can get him. Man that would be awesome.

[T_in_Charlotte]

Originally posted by SamCassell
The Brewers would have to be absolutely crazy. Sheets is a stud.

Well, this is the Brewers we're talking about.....

[Stack24]

If theythrew in Podsednik it would be nice....speedy CF

[NIKEstrad]

Originally posted by Stack24
If theythrew in Podsednik it would be nice....speedy CF

They traded him for Carlos Lee already. Pretty nice return- a .300, 30 HR, 100 RBI guy.

[Stack24]

Originally posted by NIKEstrad
They traded him for Carlos Lee already. Pretty nice return- a .300, 30 HR, 100 RBI guy.

Alrighty then shoot down my hopes lol...Yeah that is a nice return. I mean they lost Sexson so they needed someone with power. Podsednik was a great lead off man and stole a lot of bases.

[BlueDevil]

FAHGET about it. The Brewers have their future middle infielders already, Richie Weeks at 2B and J.J. Hardy at SS, who will probably make it up to the show this year. They have absolutely no need for Burke and they're pitching rotation is built around Sheets.

IMO, we need to hand over the 2B reigns to Burke THIS year and let him show what he can do. Come on, he hit .316 with 16 bombs, 33 doubles, like 30+ stls in AAA. Him and Everett will make a formidable speedy duo at the top of our lineup for years to come.

Eric Byrnes would be our best fit at CF. With the size of Minute Maid's OF, we need alot of speed in CF. At least we'll keep with the Killer B's tradition!

Anyone know of any other good Astros forums?

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by BlueDevil
FAHGET about it. The Brewers have their future middle infielders already, Richie Weeks at 2B and J.J. Hardy at SS, who will probably make it up to the show this year. They have absolutely no need for Burke and they're pitching rotation is built around Sheets.

?

not to mention Bill Hall who quietly had a decent year for them

[bigtexxx]

Originally posted by BlueDevil
The Brewers have their future middle infielders already, Richie Weeks at 2B

Rickie Weeks is his name. He was one of the best college baseball players of all time. He played at Southern.

[Dennis2112]

Originally posted by BlueDevil

Anyone know of any other good Astros forums?



http://p200.ezboard.com/bastrosbaseball


Free registration and very good conversation.

[BSW]

Astroszone.com is a good site

[Creepy Crawl]

it dosent work for me .......... astroszone that is . :confused:

[Rocket G]

ORANGE WHOOP ASS (http://www.orangewhoopass.com)

[arif1127]

Originally posted by Rocket G
ORANGE WHOOP ASS (http://www.orangewhoopass.com)
be careful at OWA, they eat newbies alive over there. i'd advise one to lurk and not post.

[BSW]

http://www.astroszone.com

Try it again.