Stark's latest Astro-related tidbits

[MusicMan]

BRAD LIDGE
The Astros continue to tell clubs they're reluctant to trade their one-time closer. But Lidge is so frustrated over being demoted to middle-man purgatory, he'd almost certainly be in favor of an exit strategy if it meant a chance to close somewhere. So it's obviously possible his name could pop out there, as the Astros hunt for lineup and rotation upgrades. But U-turn one paragraph and reread that sentence about how hard it is to fall out of the NL Central "race." As one AL executive put it, "St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Houston should probably all sell, because they're not very good. But they probably won't, because in that division, how can you convince yourself you're really out of it?"

• The buzz in Houston is that the Astros don't want to wait around until July to get in the trading mood because they're not interested in letting this season slip away. So they've been sending signals they're looking for an outfield bat, a dependable starting pitcher and a young catcher to succeed Brad Ausmus. And they would rather make those moves sooner than later.

• Clubs that have asked the Braves about Jarrod Saltalamacchia report they've been turned down flat. But by July, the Braves expect to have a better read on whether Scott Thorman is the answer at first and/or whether Saltalamacchia can be an alternative first base option. And those answers will determine whether Saltalamacchia becomes their No. 1 trading chip at the deadline -- but only for a major player whom they'd control for multiple years.

Last bullet included because I don't think it coincidentally follows the previous one.

Linkage

[Kent's Moustache]

The buzz in Houston is that the Astros don't want to wait around until July to get in the trading mood because they're not interested in letting this season slip away.

Is there a 12-step program for baseball front offices?

[SeanBergmanRules]

I was over at Astros.com, and thought I'd check out the message board (don't ask why).  Anyways, they've come up with a good trade to snag Saltalamacchia.  Lamb and Burke for 'ol Salty.  Seems pretty reasonable to me.

[homer]

I was over at Astros.com, and thought I'd check out the message board (don't ask why).  Anyways, they've come up with a good trade to snag Saltalamacchia.  Lamb and Burke for 'ol Salty.  Seems pretty reasonable to me.

That pajama party will only damage your brain.

[kevwun]

A major player who is under club control for several year, huh?  It doesn't sounds like the Braves are very keen on trading Salty unless someone gets desperate.

[David in Jackson]

A major player who is under club control for several year, huh?  It doesn't sounds like the Braves are very keen on trading Salty unless someone gets desperate.

As a Mississippi Braves season ticket holder, I've seen Salty, a switch-hitting catcher, mash in person this year.   He was the ATL's#1 prospect in BA.  The big issue with Salty long-term is whether he can catch.  He's solid defensively, but big and tall.

Personally, I'd love to see us make a run at him.

[kevwun]

If those wants for the Braves are correct, we don't have much that would work without hurting this year.  If the trade deadline comes and we're a seller, they might be able to work something out.

[MusicMan]

If those wants for the Braves are correct, we don't have much that would work without hurting this year.  If the trade deadline comes and we're a seller, they might be able to work something out.

Lidge is a major player under club control for multiple years.  I'm just sayin'.

[SeanBergmanRules]

I wouldn't mind settling for Escobar if the Braves were to ask too much for Salty, but like others have said, the Braves want a starter they can keep for a few years, they can answer some relief questions from within the organization, so both Lidge and Jennings aren't ideal for trades with ATL.

[kevwun]

Would he be enough, though?  I think the Braves would want more.