The 4th and 5th starters, per Garner...

[Greg D]

nothing particularly surprising on tonight's Astroline:

Said Rodriguez, Nieve and Sampson were the top candidates to fill those slots (didn't say anything about Fernando's elbow).

As far as youngsters who conceivably could break into the rotation, mentioned Juan Gutierrez and Troy Patton (though he caveated that he didn't think the latter was quite ready).

Didn't mention Matt Albers as a starting candidate.

Sounded as if Sampson was pretty much a lock to make the roster. If he didn't make the rotation, then he'd work long relief.

[Uncle Charlie]

Quote:
Sounded as if Sampson was pretty much a lock to make the roster. If he didn't make the rotation, then he'd work long relief.

The bully is already getting pretty full, unless a deal is made:

Locks (5): Lidge, Wheeler, Qualls, Miller, Borkwoski
That leaves 2 spots at best left in the pen.  Asencio and Holdzkom seem to be pretty solid to start the season there.

This certainly isn't a bad problem to have going into ST.  I hope that Sampson and either Albers or Nieve step-up into that SP role if Suppan doesn't show up on the roster.

[Andyzipp]

Is Astacio just completely done as far as the Astros org is concerned?

He was supposed to be the gem in the Wagner deal, and I don't see him mentioned anymore.

[Jacksonian]

Quote:
Is Astacio just completely done as far as the Astros org is concerned?

He was supposed to be the gem in the Wagner deal, and I don't see him mentioned anymore.

I've not been told he's done, but Tony Montana's spot in the pecking order has dropped considerably.

[Taras Bulba]

Quote:
Is Astacio just completely done as far as the Astros org is concerned?

He was supposed to be the gem in the Wagner deal, and I don't see him mentioned anymore.

Pupura said something about the Astros farming him out to state fairs to man the "dog faced boy" attraction.

[Tralfaz]

Saw Zeke several times at RR last year and he was the epitomy of inconstency.  The organization is probably looking for him to put up or shut up at the AAA level this year.  My opinion.

[BUWebguy]

I thought Astacio was more the throw-in in the Wagner deal, with Bucholz playing the role of star prospect and Duckworth the major-league-ready veteran. Am I remembering that incorrectly?

Also... Has anyone heard anything about why the Astros are shifting Nieve back to starting after having pegged him as a reliever last year? Is it just out of necessity (lack of other starters)?

[Jacksonian]

Quote:
I thought Astacio was more the throw-in in the Wagner deal, with Bucholz playing the role of star prospect and Duckworth the major-league-ready veteran. Am I remembering that incorrectly?

Also... Has anyone heard anything about why the Astros are shifting Nieve back to starting after having pegged him as a reliever last year? Is it just out of necessity (lack of other starters)?

My understanding is that it is more out of necessity than simply seeing him as a starter long-term.  Also, there are more than 7 viable arms for the bullpen spots.

[Uncle Charlie]

Quote:
Saw Zeke several times at RR last year and he was the epitomy of inconstency.  The organization is probably looking for him to put up or shut up at the AAA level this year.  My opinion.

I think Zeke is out of options.  He was added late November 2003, at the same time as Buccholz, so his 3 years are up in 2006.  If he goes to AAA, he'll have to get outrighted and go through waivers.  I'm not sure that anyone would pick him up, but he's got to have more upside than most of the pitchers on the Nats roster.

A side note on Buccholz: he would have been out of options this year too, which may have been one of the reasons there wasn't a lot of heartache adding him to the Jennings deal.  Without a clear slot for him on the 25-man, his value was a bit diminished.

[Greg M]

I probably missed it but does somebody have a scouting report on Ascencio?  It looks like KC rushed him.  He has less than stellar control and doesn't strike many guys out.  Is he worthy of the pen?  If not, does he still have an option year?

[Reuben]

Quote:

Quote:
Saw Zeke several times at RR last year and he was the epitomy of inconstency.  The organization is probably looking for him to put up or shut up at the AAA level this year.  My opinion.

I think Zeke is out of options.  He was added late November 2003, at the same time as Buccholz, so his 3 years are up in 2006.  If he goes to AAA, he'll have to get outrighted and go through waivers.  I'm not sure that anyone would pick him up, but he's got to have more upside than most of the pitchers on the Nats roster.

A side note on Buccholz: he would have been out of options this year too, which may have been one of the reasons there wasn't a lot of heartache adding him to the Jennings deal.  Without a clear slot for him on the 25-man, his value was a bit diminished.

OK, wait a sec- I thought an "option" was only used when a guy was  called up during the season and then sent down, not when he is simply on the 40-man roster. In which case Buchholz would not be nearly out of options. I feel like this was discussed and explained away here earlier this year, so forgive my confusion.

[Fredia]

isnt duckie ducksowrth in kc now? so unless the astros get something out of zeke.none of the above mentioned really worked out

[Michael N]

A player on the 40-man roster but not on the major league 25-man roster is on "optional assignment" to the minors and in the midst of an option year - regardless of whether he is actually called up or not.

[Reuben]

Quote:
A player on the 40-man roster but not on the major league 25-man roster is on "optional assignment" to the minors and in the midst of an option year - regardless of whether he is actually called up or not.

I see. Thanks.

[JimR]

that's what i remember. my Phillies friend did not think much of Zeke.