[CHRON] Next one to go? Astros shopping first baseman Berkman

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/7132486.html

A day after the Astros traded one half of the franchise's continuous link to its distant past, the other is on the market.

A person with knowledge of the situation said Friday there is interest on the Astros' part in moving first baseman Lance Berkman and there is interest coming in from other clubs on making the acquisition.

The first baseman's possible replacement, Brett Wallace, was acquired along with pitcher J.A. Happ and shortstop Jonathan Villar in Thursday's deal for pitcher Roy Oswalt.

Such a deal would need time to materialize. As a player with at least 10 years of service time and at least five with the same team, Berkman has a 24-hour period, which he cannot waive, to approve the deal.

It must be completed by 3 p.m. Saturday to be done without putting Berkman through waivers.

The Yankees appear to be the most aggressive team in pursuing Berkman, but the Rays, White Sox, Tigers and Red Sox have had conversations with the Astros about Berkman.

Berkman's close relationship with Andy Pettitte could end up being a huge factor in his decision to approve a deal.

Unlike Roy Oswalt, who asked the Astros to trade him, Berkman has never publicly declared his desire to play elsewhere.

However, he has said that if the Astros want to trade him to a contender he'll consider it. Friends say he's leaning toward approving a deal.

Berkman is owed about $7 million. He's making $14.5 million this season. His $15-million team option for 2011 includes a $2 million buyout.