Astros looking for another starting pitcher (chron) http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2020478 At least we are trying, and we did ask about Vazquez, that makes me happy even though there isn't a chance in hell to get him. Well, we will know bye tommorrow.
That's the first i've heard of this. I'd love to see him back in the Astros organization, i just don't want to run into him every time i go out to the bars. Where did you hear this?
According to the Chron today, we may be close to trading for Suppan. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bb/2020544 I wouldn't do it for any of the young players that we have in the Majors right now.
I like the Suppan idea because he won't be a rent a player if we resign his 4 million option for next year. Which is pretty good for a pitcher that can eat innings. We don't have anyone that can go past 6 innings on a regular basis.
\ Agreed, I hate the rent-a-player trades (was ok w/ Johnson as an exception). We get one shot, and if things don't work out you end up with nothing. Ugh. No wonder our farm system is so depleted right now.
arkoe- You wouldn't trade Saarloos for Suppan straight up? Anyway, links-o-rama Astros talking about Ponson, Hidalgo on the block? The Giants' top competition for Ponson may be the NL Central-leading Houston Astros. The Astros have offered right fielder Richard Hidalgo, but the Orioles are believed to be asking for a package centering on third baseman Morgan Ensberg. Ensberg, 27, was hitting .291 with 19 homers entering last night's play. The Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals, at one time believed to be among the most aggressive suitors for Ponson, now appear to have cooled on him. Astros step up efforts for Suppan The injury to Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt has put a new spin on the bidding war for Pirates pitcher Jeff Suppan. Wednesday, Oswalt went on the disabled list with a groin injury and might be done for the season. The Astros, hanging on to a slim lead in the NL Central, have significantly stepped up their efforts to swap for Suppan. Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield and Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker have discussed a deal, but as of early last night, nothing was in place. If Lane could've stayed healthy and we knew what we had in him...I'd offer up Hidalgo for Weaver easily, and I bet the Yanks would take that. I'm surprised Hidalgo's name is being mentioned, unless we have viable replacement options in other deals. Another name that could be out there is Javier Vazquez...stud. How is Fernando Tatis doing these days in Montreal? He had the big year in StL, but then came Pujols. Ensberg plus some more for Vazquez and a short term replacement option like Tatis would be intriguing, IMO.
Yeah I would. Sorry, I meant that I wouldn't trade the four younger players that get mentioned left and right: Lidge, Dotel, Redding, or Ensberg. And I'm iffy on trading Hildalgo. He's been our only consistent hitter.
Does we have insiders within the Astros organization? I'd like to see us move for Ponson...who wouldn't. The Dog is a rich price to play given that Lane may not pan out in the bigs. He's solid and the Astros are thinking correctly in trading while Dog's value is as high as it was when he ink'ed his big deal. Dog went from one of my least favorite to most favorite astros this year...Ok, I'm a fair weather Hidalgo fan. Eddie Griffin is my favorite Rocket, so I'm not a complete sell out.
At this point, I'd prefer trading Ensberg over Hidalgo. For one thing, we have a decent replacement in Blum at 3B. You can't say the same for Hidalgo. Also, Hidalgo's played at this level before in the big leagues, Ensberg hasn't. I don't want to give up his gun either. However, I completely understand why the Astros would feel different for salary purposes. How about Ensberg/Hidalgo for Ponson/Mora? I'd do that if we would definitely resign Ponson.
this is what i'll assume if the astros trade Hidalgo for Ponson. The astros will sign Ponson to a multi year deal otherwise this deal blows. Ensberg and Hidalgo for Ponson. F**k that, let's just get rid of Berkman or Kent as well. Let's just tear up the whole offense.
No way do I deal Morgan Ensberg for a pitcher. That would leave us with Geoff Blum as our starter at 3B. The Astros have been having much difficulty scoring runs after the All Star break, and they need Ensberg's bat in the lineup. I wouldn't trade more than a couple of 2nd Tier prospects for Suppan. His stuff isn't all that great. Villone's been a serviceable 5th starter for now. Let's hope Oswalt gets well soon.
I'd trade Hidalgo for Ponson in a heart beat. Hidalgo is making 12 million per year and there is no guarantee that he'll come back in shape next year like he did this year. If we trade him for Ponson we would have the money to sign Ponson to a contract next season and also retain Dotel who I think is also a free agent. The Astros would have to trade for an adequate RF though if they do move Hidalgo in a trade.
I don't think Doggy makes $12million/year. He signed a 4 yr, $32 million contract. But still, I agree that Ponson would be a good addition to the staff. Hidalgo should be a .300, 35, 100 guy for what we pay him. Problem is the Orioles recognize this too, and are demanding Ensberg.
If Hidalgo is on the block, maybe Gerry has something in the works to get Giles from Pittsburgh. Just a thought.
No way Baltimore takes Hidalgo. They only offered Ponson a 3 year deal worth 15 million. That's almost what Hidalgo makes next year. I would never trade Ensberg either. He's got 4 years under contract that's not worth zilch and our infield is set for the future with him. I'd rather see Burke from the minors get traded as it doesn't look like we have a spot for him. I'd also trade Lane as i feel he's over rated.
