BP: Astros deals coming

[MusicMan]

Source is Will Carroll, so you've been warned:

While everyone's watching (and waiting) for Texas, the Astros are quietly putting together what looks like a series of deals. Dan Wheeler won't be an Astro by the weekend, moving as soon as Friday if my sources are correct; there are two teams that have made serious offers. Chad Qualls is also available, whether or not Wheeler is dealt, but Lidge is not. GM Tim Purpura is also trying to find some sort of return for Morgan Ensberg.

[JimR]

Source is Will Carroll, so you've been warned:

dammit. trading the wrong one, imo.

[MusicMan]

I can't say I'm real comfortable with the thought of dealing both of them.  However, if you judge by what the Padres got in return for Linebrink, then Purp may be making the right call here - relievers are currently overvalued by the market, so sell high.

[Bench]

GM Tim Purpura is also trying to find some sort of return for Morgan Ensberg.

Classic.

[JimR]

I can't say I'm real comfortable with the thought of dealing both of them.  However, if you judge by what the Padres got in return for Linebrink, then Purp may be making the right call here - relievers are currently overvalued by the market, so sell high.

yes, i agree. i think setup guys can be replaced pretty easily, but Wheeler is just so steady. i hope the someone coming back is good.

[Jacksonian]

dammit. trading the wrong one, imo.

Depends on the return for each.  Unless Purp deals both we'll never know though.

[Jacksonian]

Source is Will Carroll, so you've been warned:

He could just be restating the comical note about Purp having made offers...

[Limey]

Classic.

You can't tell me there isn't a GM in all of baseball without some bellybutton fluff.

[pravata]

You can't tell me there isn't a GM in all of baseball without some bellybutton fluff.

Or a roll of duct tape.

[Trey]

Classic.

It's especially classic given that BP was leading the "Free Morgan Ensberg" parade

[Limey]

It's especially classic given that BP was leading the "Free Morgan Ensberg" parade

Is that "free" as in "Free Nelson Mandela"; or "free" as in "Free Morgan Ensberg in Every Packet".

[Twoniner]

  Keith Law from ESPN insider said in his chat that 2 of the 3 of Lidge,Wheeler, Qualls would be gone...   They could just be using each other for sources of course.

[Craig]

Is that "free" as in "Free Nelson Mandela"; or "free" as in "Free Morgan Ensberg in Every Packet".

"Act now before this special offer ends, and we'll even throw in an extra Morgan Ensberg FREE, just to show our appreciation! Don't wait, because this offer won't last long!"*

* Some restrictions may apply. By accepting delivery of the Free Ensberg offer, buyer agrees to hold Tim Purpura and the Houston Astros harmless from any and all liability, and in no way responsible for any damages that may occur.  No exchanges or refunds allowed. Offer void in Chicago or St. Louis.

[MusicMan]

Updated comment from Carroll:

Seattle feels it needs another starting pitcher to make the playoffs, and is targeting the White Sox’ Jon Garland and Houston’s Jason Jennings. One player the Mariners won’t give up, though, is outfield prospect Adam Jones.

[Jacksonian]

Updated comment from Carroll:

Balentien would be an acceptable alternative.

[MikeyBoy]

"Act now before this special offer ends, and we'll even throw in an extra Morgan Ensberg FREE, just to show our appreciation! Don't wait, because this offer won't last long!"*

* Some restrictions may apply. By accepting delivery of the Free Ensberg offer, buyer agrees to hold Tim Purpura and the Houston Astros harmless from any and all liability, and in no way responsible for any damages that may occur.  No exchanges or refunds allowed. Offer void in Chicago or St. Louis.

Maybe Purpura could lean on the Marketing team to move Ensberg. Something like "the first scout through the gates gets a FREE Morgan Ensberg, sponsored by HEB."

[strosrays]

"Act now before this special offer ends, and we'll even throw in an extra Morgan Ensberg FREE, just to show our appreciation! Don't wait, because this offer won't last long!"*

* Some restrictions may apply. By accepting delivery of the Free Ensberg offer, buyer agrees to hold Tim Purpura and the Houston Astros harmless from any and all liability, and in no way responsible for any damages that may occur.  No exchanges or refunds allowed. Offer void in Chicago or St. Louis.

Ensberg = 1 (ea) Flowbee System, w/attachments.

[MusicMan]

From Jayson Stark's current chat:

Majeed: How about Loretta back to SD and Giles to the bench?

 Jayson Stark: (1:57 PM ET ) The Padres would love to do that. It's getting the Astros to do it that's the problem.

[Froback]

Not saying they would, but would you give up Loretta for Antonelli?

Wonder if SD likes Burke more or less than Loretta too...

[MusicMan]

Not saying they would, but would you give up Loretta for Antonelli?

In a heartbeat.

Wonder if SD likes Burke more or less than Loretta too...

They already have Giles - why would they want Burke?

[Froback]

Ok, trying to sift through all the rumors is always a lesson in futility, but...

Since the Astros are rumored to be trading Qualls and Wheeler, I would have to assume that they are in separate deals.

Any speculation on which two clubs are likely to be involved?

I know Det has been desperate for bullpen help, Brew-Crew just got some so they are likely out, Dojers maybe?  Any other thoughts?

[Andyzipp]

Ok, trying to sift through all the rumors is always a lesson in futility, but...

Since the Astros are rumored to be trading Qualls and Wheeler, I would have to assume that they are in separate deals.

Any speculation on which two clubs are likely to be involved?

I know Det has been desperate for bullpen help, Brew-Crew just got some so they are likely out, Dojers maybe?  Any other thoughts?

Mets want Qualls and Loretta.  Yankees want Wheeler.

[Froback]

Mets want Qualls and Loretta.  Yankees want Wheeler.

The thought of trading with a NY team again, makes me want to retch.

[MusicMan]

The thought of trading with a NY team again, makes me want to retch.

Why?  Our last two deals with them brought Wheeler and Lamb at very little expense.

[JimR]

Why?  Our last two deals with them brought Wheeler and Lamb at very little expense.

uh, Mike Scott for Danny Heep? that worked out ok.

[Froback]

I keep thinking about helping a NY and it makes me ill... I guess it depends on the return.

I don't think either farm system is that stocked though, at least for what those players might yield.

[Noe]

uh, Mike Scott for Danny Heep? that worked out ok.

Carl Everett for John Hudek wasn't bad either.

[Andyzipp]

Padres, Phillies and Mets are showing interest in Loretta.
The Mariners sent scouts to check out Jason Jennings last week.

[Noe]

Detroit has been interested in Houston relievers, but they have Dotel as the #1 target so Houston isn't going to wait on them.

[MusicMan]

Rosenthal's take:

The Astros have yet to receive the interest they anticipated in relievers Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls and Dan Wheeler, but that figures to change soon.
Wheeler, a free agent after next season, would cost the least in talent. The Rockies, in particular, are targeting him as a possible addition.

Lidge, who also is a free agent after next season, will be moved only if the Astros receive a knockout offer. Qualls, under the team's control through 2010, also would command a steep price.

[Noe]

Rosenthal's take:

That's my understanding as well.  Qualls will bring back more than Wheels so Houston would rather deal CQ (and have Albers ready to take his spot for the rest of the season).  We shall see.

[hostros7]

Qualls for Taveras and Hirsh

[MusicMan]

Qualls for Taveras and Hirsh

Sorry, you must have us confused with a Chron blog.

[Jacksonian]

It would be nice if Purp were able to get quality major league or major league ready talent for anyone.  But, if not, then I hope he holds all his cards.  Keeping Lidge, Wheeler, and Qualls would be a good thing.  It looks like Jennings, Lamb, and Loretta should all be Type A free-agents this winter.  If Purp offers them arb and they don't take it then the Astros will end up with a lot of 1st and 2nd round talent in the next draft.  It's raw talent, but IMO better than taking a so-so prospect or player in return for any of those 3.  Heck, Miller could be a type B FA which would net draft pick compensation if he's offered arb.

[hostros7]

Sorry, you must have us confused with a Chron blog.

Sorry, you must have confused sarcasm for sincerity.

[MusicMan]

Sorry, you must have confused sarcasm for sincerity.

I grew sick and fucking tired of all forms of the "Trade Jennings back for Taveras and Hirsh" joke months ago.  Even in sarcastic form.

[Froback]

It would be nice if Purp were able to get quality major league or major league ready talent for anyone.  But, if not, then I hope he holds all his cards.  Keeping Lidge, Wheeler, and Qualls would be a good thing.  It looks like Jennings, Lamb, and Loretta should all be Type A free-agents this winter.  If Purp offers them arb and they don't take it then the Astros will end up with a lot of 1st and 2nd round talent in the next draft.  It's raw talent, but IMO better than taking a so-so prospect or player in return for any of those 3.  Heck, Miller could be a type B FA which would net draft pick compensation if he's offered arb.

I agree with that thought.  But I keep thinking that some GMs every year do some stupid moves at this time each year in the hopes that it will push them over the top.  I keep living with the delusion that Tim can pull off a deal like that.  Ummm, in Houston's favor obviously...

[ybbodeus]

I grew sick and fucking tired of all forms of the "Trade Jennings back for Taveras and Hirsh" joke months ago.  Even in sarcastic form.

"Gentlemen!  GENTLEMEN!!!  I've never seen this kind of behavior in the war room before!"

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Realizing this puts Purp in the position of making another deal with his predecessor, Tampa is reportedly dangling Ty Wigginton for relief help.  Seems like a match of needs.  Interesting to ponder, if nothing else. 

Strosrays, could you offer any insight into Wigginton?  Or anyone else for that matter?  I know he came up as a Mets farmhand but otherwise know next to nothing other than he plays 3B, among other positions 

[Froback]

Realizing this puts Purp in the position of making another deal with his predecessor, Tampa is reportedly dangling Ty Wigginton for relief help.  Seems like a match of needs.  Interesting to ponder, if nothing else. 

Strosrays, could you offer any insight into Wigginton?  Or anyone else for that matter?  I know he came up as a Mets farmhand but otherwise know next to nothing other than he plays 3B, among other positions 

He hits worse than Ensberg and fields worse than Lamb.  no thanks.

[Ty in Tampa]

Realizing this puts Purp in the position of making another deal with his predecessor, Tampa is reportedly dangling Ty Wigginton for relief help.  Seems like a match of needs.  Interesting to ponder, if nothing else. 

Just say no.

[MusicMan]

Scratch the Phillies from the Loretta suitors:

Phils acquire Iguchi from Sox

[SeanBergmanRules]

Can some one explain to me the reasoning behind Jennings being a type A?  He was a type B last year, and I can't imagine he's improved his standing.  Given his poor performance and injuries, he also seems like the type of guy who might accept arbitration in order to try to earn a better long term deal, ala Milwood a few years ago.

[Jacksonian]

Can some one explain to me the reasoning behind Jennings being a type A?  He was a type B last year, and I can't imagine he's improved his standing.  Given his poor performance and injuries, he also seems like the type of guy who might accept arbitration in order to try to earn a better long term deal, ala Milwood a few years ago.

He wasn't a type B last year because he wasn't a free agent last year.

He might take arb, IIRC that would mean he could not negotiate with other teams.

[SeanBergmanRules]

I'm pretty sure they rank all the players every year regardless of contract status.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2006-10-31-elias-rankings.htm

I don't think he's a good option for our rotation, and I'm worried if we offer him arbitration he'll accept it, if the free agent market for him isn't what he wants.

[JimR]

I don't think he's a good option for our rotation

i think you are wrong about this

[Jose Cruz III]

Carl Everett for John Hudek wasn't bad either.

And wasn't it the Mets that took Derek Bell off of our hands? I'm not sure we got anything back, but they took Derek freakin Bell.

[Zac D]

And wasn't it the Mets that took Derek Bell off of our hands? I'm not sure we got anything back, but they took Derek freakin Bell.

I think Derek was duct-taped to Mike Hampton.

[Jose Cruz III]

The Astros wouldn't have taken him back if they had duct taped him to Tom Seaver.

[mrpink]

The Astros wouldn't have taken him back if they had duct taped him to Tom Seaver.

Well, yeah...Seaver was like 55 then.

[dirty steve]

And wasn't it the Mets that took Derek Bell off of our hands? I'm not sure we got anything back, but they took Derek freakin Bell.

pretty sure we got dotel back in that deal.

[Reuben]

i think you are wrong about this

I've been thinking the same thing. If Jennings goes (and signs somewhere else), who are the Astros going to put behind Oswalt next year? I think they have solid 3/4/5 options, between Wandy, Woody, Sampson, Backe, Albers, and Patton, but I don't know if I'd expect any of those to give you the innings and consistency that a healthy Jennings would.

[Waldo]

pretty sure we got dotel back in that deal.

Dotel, Roger Cedeno, and some other guy that never saw the big club.

[SeanBergmanRules]

I've been thinking the same thing. If Jennings goes (and signs somewhere else), who are the Astros going to put behind Oswalt next year? I think they have solid 3/4/5 options, between Wandy, Woody, Sampson, Backe, Albers, and Patton, but I don't know if I'd expect any of those to give you the innings and consistency that a healthy Jennings would.

Do you think Jennings is healthy?

[Jose Cruz III]

pretty sure we got dotel back in that deal.

Oh yeah. But they took Derek Bell.

[Reuben]

Do you think Jennings is healthy?

How should I know? He'a making all his starts, isn't he? I'd think by November (or whenever they have to decide to offer or not offer arbitration), the Astros would have a pretty good idea of his health.

[Limey]

I think Derek was duct-taped to Mike Hampton.

Which Mike kinda liked.  NTTAWWT.

[VirtualBob]

How should I know? He'a making all his starts, isn't he? I'd think by November (or whenever they have to decide to offer or not offer arbitration), the Astros would have a pretty good idea of his health.

While the recent outing counts officially as a "start", I'm not sure jennings actually made it out of the blocks.

[Bench]

Olney's pay-per-blog reports that Padres are in talks regarding Lamb.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=olney_buster

In other news, Rosenthal reports that the Teixiera to the Braves is all but done pending medical evaluations, with the Rangers getting Salty, Class A shortstop Andurs, and two pitching prospects.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074846