[Official] Astros @ Rangers

julio lugo, last year (32 and a FA-to-be), landed TB joel guzman, a top-rated SS from the dodgers' system. todd walker (34 and also a FA2b), was also dealt last year and landed chicago a top-flight (but young - 19) pitching prospect.

loretta's having a better year than either of those guys were having last year; is a solid vet with the ability to play a lot of positions... splitting the difference, he could certainly land us a very good 2a prospect, i'd think. and next year... i like loretta; but i'd rather have the 2a prospect.

 

Lugo, for whatever reason, is very highly regarded. He signed a 4yr/$36 million contract this offseason, so that tells you the value people place on him (I have no idea why). He also was having a better season in some ways at the time of the trade than Loretta is - mostly in terms of power, where he had 12 HRs in 70+ games or so and a 0.500 slugging %.

I think the Todd Walker comparison is good - and I think we could get something like that (probably a bit better). But that's where I guess it depends when the goal is to contend. Then again, if he's a free agent anyway, that's all a moot point. If we're out of it, might as well trade him. We can always resign him next year if he wants to come back.