Now this is interesting... http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/06/matt-lindstrom-jeff-keppinger-available-as-astros-look-to-cut-p/ Really surprised they would look to move both unless they plan to acquire another LONG term second baseman, Lindstrom had a nice 1st half but got injured still thought they liked Lindstrom/Lyon in the back end.
Cant say I saw either possible move likely but at the same time, Lindstrom doesnt surprise me. Keppinger does a little bit.
I really thought Kepp was going to be the bridge to the "next" second baseman but if they just trade him for peanuts and give the job to Sanchez...I might vomit blood. I hope the deal is to save money and acquire Jason Bartlett or even Scutaro because otherwise I don't get it. Edit - They have no young second basemen in the minors that could take the job otherwise I would be all for it.
I don't mind moving either of those two players. Keppinger would be a perfect sell high guy. Matt Lindstrom is decent but he is due a raise and the Astros have guys like him who make less money. Mark Melancon, Wilton Lopez, and Henry Villar come to mind.
It's making more sense... http://www.startribune.com/sports/t...EyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUgOy9cP3DieyckcUsX
Astro County is reporting that the Astros are interested in Twins shortstop J.J. Hardy. Hardy to Astros, means Barmes to second. And Kepp out of the door.
makes you wonder why drayton ok'd the lindstrom acquisition in the first place and why they didn't move him at the deadline. a middle infield of barmes and hardy sounds mighty mediocre.
I am a big fan of J.J. Hardy. A defensive middle infield of Hardy and Barmes would be a MAJOR upgrade over Sanchez and Keppinger. I like Jeff Francoeur as well because he is still only 26 years old but where would he fit? He is looking to be a starting outfielder according to reports.
Lindstrom should have been gone at the deadline but there is a chance to fix that now. I imagine the Stros will try to sell teams on the back injury being his 2nd half issues. Hardy is nice player with a decent salary and if you move Lindstrom and Kepp then it makes all the sense in the world but I would have liked them to go after Bartlett. The Rays are asking for relief pitching and Wade has stockpiled some nice relief arms.
jaysonst: #Astros are dangling Matt Lindstrom. One club says they're trying to upgrade at 2B & LF. Means they clearly want to upgrade at closer, too!
Beat me to it. Heh. Anyhow, if they move Lindstrom, dont necessarily think they want to "upgrade" or rather dont think they'll go out and get a closer. Move Lyon over into closer role. And we already know they're looking to upgrade the infield, particularly at 2nd and SS, though Barmes is going to have one of those spots. I assume they're looking for a backup LF unless they already decided Lee will spend most of his time at first but I think they want Wallace to win that job or at least give him the chance to.
Heyman twitted seven teams are on Bill Hall, I wonder if the Stros are one of them. Hall isn't the greatest defensive outfielder or infielder for that matter but he could fit the mold of a guy that could play LF when Lee is at 1st.
I've seen a lot of this last part - has someone said that Lee will be playing 1st base part of this year? That's no better than Berkman playing. Brett Wallace should be the every day 1st baseman until they decide he is or he isn't the future. Lee should never be out there except for days Wallace is resting. If he can't play LF, he should sit on the bench.
Well this would be EVERYONE'S ideal scenario but it looks like Wallace will have to win the everyday job during ST or Lee will see quite a bit of time at 1st, at least that is what the reports coming out of Astroland sound like.
Buster_ESPN: Heard this: The Astros are looking for offensive upgrade -- but for modest prices. Ed Wade: "We're limited as to what we're able to do."
funny thing is, signing berkman for a year at $6 million, and bringing along wallace slowly would have solved all these problems. oh well, maybe they thought he has absolutely nothing left in the tank.
Wow - that's just messed up. I don't care if Wallace bats 0.000 in spring training. If Lee is getting any significant amount of time at 1st base, the Astros will be returning back to their ineptness.
