OK, so he's owed about $5.5 million for the remainder of this year, plus a $2 million buyout if the Astros decline his 2001 option, so they're on the hook for a minimum of $7.5 million. That's not bad, and seems like it's moveable if anyone is interested. It also seems like he might not clear waivers, so the pool of potential partners could dwindle to one after the deadline.
What I can't figure out is if he has value in terms of draft pick(s) if the Astros don't get any desirable offers. Somebody do the annual educating of the unwashed on the topic, if you don't mind. If the option is declined, will the club be compensated with a pick if he signs elsewhere? Do they have to offer arbitration? Would they? Is he even a type A/B? Or would it just be a cost-cutting move with no return beyond savings? Thanks, I'll hang up and listen.
Oh... last thought. In spite of the recent-ish decline in performance, I think Twinkie has been worth every penny of that 6 year deal. It's not often that a player can make it to the end of a contract like that without being a titanic disappointment in the later years, but it's a deal that still holds up to the scrutiny of hindsight fairly well.
