Believe me... if the Astros weren't in contention right now (and its only because of this terrible terrible division, where they're currently 1/2 a game out of 1st), Billy Wagner would be on everybody's list as trade bait. The 'Stros don't want to mess with their closer situation while they're in the thick of things. As for next year, however, they'll be likely to move Billy in the off-season, and go into the year with Dotel as the full-time closer (this obviously is a better situation then having to switch in the middle of the year). NIKEstrad makes an awesome point of the difference b/t Lidge and Redding as relievers, and Weaver and Redding as starters. Think about it... last year, in Lidge's starts... his fastball topped out at 92-93. Why? Because, as a starter, you can't throw all your stuff all the time... you've got to conserve for 5-6 innings of work. I believe Redding shows a lot of similiarties to Dotel and Lidge when they were starters... you know he's got great stuff, but he doesn't have that mental edge to conserve himself for 5-6 innings of solid work (as unhittable as Dotel is right now, he would still look average as a starter). Thus, putting Redding in the pen, where he can throw all-out for one inning, may be the best solution for him as a major leaguer. He can probably throw his fastball around 97, and he does possess a decent enough curve to keep hitters off-balance. If there is any truth to this rumor, getting Weaver is really starting to look like a steal (that is, only if they pay is $$)
supposedly the yankees will take up the rest of weavers contract this year and half his salary the next year...sorry forgot to mention that in the opening thread but it would be an interesting trade though.. lidge has problems with his arm before. trading him now while his value is high doesnt seem like a bad idea for the long run
I wouldn't want to do this trade, but I it actually sounds realistic to me. This is the reason you haven't heard a whole lot of rumors about any trades for starting pitching right now. Any team that wants it will have to give up an arm and a leg. It's a sellers' market.
Scarily enough, I am happy with Villone right now. 5 solid starts in a row, and he's cheap. Lets get Kent back...for the Astros' sake, and my FBB team.
From Peter Gammons' Diamond Notes.... Shock? Astros owner Drayton McLane on Saturday told Gerry Hunsicker that he will free up some money to trade for a starter. Now Hunsicker has to find someone in the thin market. Diamond Notes
I would rather take my chances on Lidge. He is doing a great job in his first full year and does not seem to be having any health problems.
Lidge did not suffer from lacking the "mental edge" nor did Dotel. Until his arm troubles caused by an absolutely wicked curve ball, he was the best pitching prospect in the Astros' farm system. His move to reliever was because of said arm trouble and had nothing to do with his ability. Dotel, oth, has only 2 effective pitches and when he started he couldn't throw as hard as he does as a reliever. The second time he would go through the opposing teams' lineup they would start hitting him. That's why he is in the pen. As for the trade, I don't think it's a good idea to trade for a guy who is pitching badly for another contender. The Astros don't need a starter who can't handle pressure.
