Four Astros file for free agency By Alyson Footer / MLB.com HOUSTON -- Four Houston Astros -- Brad Ausmus, Orlando Merced, Rick White and Brian Moehler -- filed for free agency on Tuesday. Jose Vizcaino, Dan Miceli and Ron Villone are potential free agents but have not yet filed. Of the four who have already filed, Ausmus is most likely to return to the Astros. The 34-year-old catcher batted .229, but he is considered invaluable behind the plate and is a candidate to win his third consecutive Gold Glove award. Ausmus, who lives in San Diego during the offseason, said toward the end of the season that the Astros are on a short list of teams he would play for in the later stages of his career. Merced batted .231 over 123 games, mainly as a pinch-hitter with an occassional spot start in one of the corner outfield positions. White signed with the Astros after he was released by the White Sox in mid-August. He was 0-0 with a 3.72 ERA over 15 games for Houston, allowing eight earned runs over 19 1/3 innings. Moehler made only three starts for the Astros before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in May. Of those who have not yet filed, Villone could have the best chance to re-sign with the Astros. The left-hander joined the rotation in mid-June and emerged as an anchor of an inconsistent starting pitching staff. The 33-year-old journeyman was 6-6 with a 4.13 ERA for the Astros in 2003. The Astros will need to make a decision on whether they want Vizcaino to return as their infield utility man. Vizcaino was arguably the best clutch hitter the Astros have had in the last few years, but they also have arbitration-eligible Geoff Blum, who might slide into the utility role now that Morgan Ensberg appears to have won the starting third base job. I cant believe that they are going to bring Ausmus back. This guy is ridiculous with the bat. I dont care how valuable he is behind the plate, if you have an almost guaranteed out then why play him. There have to be better options especially at his age.
I'd rather have JoseV than Blum....ME has shown he is our everday 3rd baseman...That is all good, but we still need another starting pitcher...
If Jimy plays Ensberg every day, Blum is the better choice. He's a better hitter and plays better defense. I'm not convinced it won't take getting rid of Blum to make Ensberg the every day 3rd basemen though.
I'd let all of them go exept for Villone. He's a good #5 pitcher if needed. We can afford to lose Vizcaino if we switch Biggio to a utility/bench player.
Of those names, ony Brad Ausmus has any kind of value to this organization, and then it should be considered as a tutor to John Buck, and a part-time catcher. The rest are easily replaceable spare parts.
Most players who are eligible for free agency will file. It doesn't meant they won't remain with their team. For example, The Giants have already had 9 players file, the Cubs 7 and the Cardinals 11.
let em leave, even villone, we can get better from our own bullpen... and as for position players, id rather sign up blum and then trade him off later for a Pitcher, since many teams lack at third base.
really, i coulda sworn.... O well. in that case, trade him now for a pitcher or a couple minor leaguers
