Astros looking for deals at meetings

the astros aren't going to make any serious additions this offseason..they're going to keep payroll steady, knowing that even more money will be freed up next year after biggio retires...and mclane sells the team! just my take...

 

I would love to see the Astros make a pitch ( no pun intended) to acquire Andy Pettite. He's a solid lefty starter and could probably be had for a lot less than they would have to have given up for him in the past.

Another thing that I like about Andy Pettite is that, historically, he has been a big gam pitcher for the Yanks in the postseason. We could use a guy like that to get us over that 1st round hump.

 

He was picked up by the Yanks for $11.5 Million this year. 3 weeks ago.

 

Right, they picked up his 4th year option. It doesn't mean that they woudn't trade him, especially if they end up landing Colon.

 

Good thought, NJR, I've always like Pettite.

But alas, the contract...

 

I know Bidge's contract will be up, but what makes you think hell retire?

Not that I think he shouldnt. I just have this feeling he will hang on a couple of extra years.

 

i agree with you...when i went back and read my post i tried to edit it, but it said that function of the website is down...he won't retire...but he either won't be an astro, or he will at a drastically marked-down rate.

 

Ya know, I can easily see that turning it an Hakeem/Rockets/Toronto type of ordeal when it comes time to decided if he should retire or play a few more years. Egad.

 

Jose Cruz Jr is available. What do you guys think? Is he our answer at CF, or do his stats from last season worry you?

 

I think he'd be a good answer in CF...but his contract status isn't favorable. On January 23, 2001, Cruz signed a 2 year, $6.3M contract. He made $2.1 in 2001, plus a $500,000 signing bonus. In 2002, he made $3.7M. He is currently arbitration eligible. Not really a guy you want to make a trade for. Too much uncertainty.

 

I want him just for some damn excitement. Having Che-ito on the field would be awesome.

 

i don't want to see the astros make a move just for the sake of making a movie...that's how teams hamstring themselves down the road by paying players who ultimately aren't earning the money allotted to them.

 

An oft injured star??? Hmm, sounds like Boston or LA material.

 

As tempting as it is to get Griffey (another huge bat, solves the CF defensive problem)...I wouldn't risk it. We would likely have to give up mucho prospects for him. Plus, there is little guarantee that he will stay healthy.

 

Truthfully it doesn't seem like it would cost much to obtain Griffey. Look at he deals that the Reds have tried to get for him, first Phil Nevin, and then Magglio Ordonez. Both deals for Griffey were straight-up one for one deals. Its not inconceivable that the Astros couldn't obtain Griffey for Hidalgo or Ward (before people start to flame its an opinion not a trade scenario).

I highly doubt that the Reds would want to trade Griffey to a team in the same division. Not to mention the fact that penny-pinching Drayton wouldn't want to take on that fat contract (actually I can't blame him on that one it is a large contract).

Hopefully Hunsicker can whisper sweet nothings to the Expos and pry away a player or two from them. The Expos are looking to drop payroll significantly and will need to unload one of their young budding stars.

 

No Stanton....



Stanton, Mets agree to terms
By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com

Mike Stanton wanted to stay in New York and the Mets needed a left-handed setup man. What seemed like a logical marriage on paper became one in actuality Monday morning when the Mets agreed to terms with the former Yankee on a three-year deal worth a reported $9 million.

Stanton, 35, fills the void left by Mark Guthrie, who wasn't offered arbitration. The Yankees also failed to offer Stanton arbitration, ending his six-year stay in The Bronx. By hopping boroughs, Stanton brings veteran leadership to the Mets' bullpen while providing an excellent insurance policy should John Franco not return from Tommy John surgery.

The deal, which was struck shortly before dawn on Monday, is contingent on Stanton passing a physical later. He reportedly will earn $2 million in 2003 and receive a $1 million raise in each of the next two seasons while receiving a no-trade clause that ensures he won't have to move his family. Stanton lives in Bergen County, New Jersey, just outside of New York City. He and his wife, Debbie, have three children and he has continually expressed his desire to not uproot them.


Stanton joins Tom Glavine, a former teammate in Atlanta, who signed a three-year deal worth $35 million last week.


Stanton, who began his career in the National League and pitched seven seasons with the Braves [1989-95], appeared in a career-high 79 games this season, going 7-1 with a 3.00 ERA. He has been one of the most durable relievers in all of baseball over the last six seasons, averaging 71 appearances per season.

The veteran hurler earned his first All-Star nod this season while providing the stabilizing force in the Yankees' bullpen. When closer Mariano Rivera went on the disabled list this season [he was out on three separate occasions], Stanton stepped in and earned six saves in nine opportunities.


Stanton has appeared in 20 World Series games, two shy of Whitey Ford's record, and has a 1.54 ERA in the Fall Classic.

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

 

Well, Jeff Kent is still available. The Giants parted ways with him.

 

rez, is Kent willing to play for free to be near his ranch?