When Lidge is activated...

[MusicMan]

... what roster move do the Astros make?

(a) designate Moehler for assignment
(b) option McLemore to AAA
(c) option Albers to AAA

I think they should choose (a), but will choose (b).

[JimR]

... what roster move do the Astros make?

(a) designate Moehler for assignment
(b) option McLemore to AAA
(c) option Albers to AAA

I think they should choose (a), but will choose (b).

me, too. talking about that with Mark and Virtual Bob last night while we watched Randolph melt down at the Dell.

[MRaup]

... what roster move do the Astros make?

(a) designate Moehler for assignment
(b) option McLemore to AAA
(c) option Albers to AAA

I think they should choose (a), but will choose (b).

I'm thinking that your thoughts are right on.

Moehler, if they want him to be the long swing man out of the bullpen, needs more work on more nights.  Its ridiculous to expect him to sit out there for a week or two without work, then throw him in and expect good things to happen.

McLemore has shown in limited appearances that he can get big league hitters out. Moehler, the way he is being used right now, is simply a liability.

[MusicMan]

Not to mention that Albers and McLemore, having done starting work recently, are equipped to fill the swing role.

[Taras Bulba]

I've thought that Moehler perhaps might be being "saved" until closer to the trading deadline for a deal with a team desperate for pitching.

[Arky Vaughan]

I've thought that Moehler perhaps might be being "saved" until closer to the trading deadline for a deal with a team desperate for pitching.

I would think his trade value is close to nil. I certainly don't think his trade value is worth more than having someone else on the roster who could be helping the team more.

[Reuben]

I would think his trade value is close to nil. I certainly don't think his trade value is worth more than having someone else on the roster who could be helping the team more.

I think so too. The flip side is whether it is wise to have McLemore and Albers both on the mlb squad, being used in short/middle relief, as opposed to getting regular work as a starter at AAA. Obviously the Elarton/Oswalt rookie season usage pattern is the ideal here. Maybe Albers becomes the 7th inning guy on days when Qualls is unavailable.

[Arky Vaughan]

I think so too. The flip side is whether it is wise to have McLemore and Albers both on the mlb squad, being used in short/middle relief, as opposed to getting regular work as a starter at AAA. Obviously the Elarton/Oswalt rookie season usage pattern is the ideal here. Maybe Albers becomes the 7th inning guy on days when Qualls is unavailable.

Then that becomes a question of whether keeping Moehler on the roster is taking up space that might better be used for someone else.

[legs_of_eggs]

... what roster move do the Astros make?

(a) designate Moehler for assignment
(b) option McLemore to AAA
(c) option Albers to AAA

I think they should choose (a), but will choose (b).

I agree and I don't think its too crazy to think they will. Can't you still trade a guy when he's DFA'd? There's gotta be 2 or 3 teams in the race out there whose willing to give up an old AAA player for him maybe?

[MusicMan]

I agree and I don't think its too crazy to think they will. Can't you still trade a guy when he's DFA'd? There's gotta be 2 or 3 teams in the race out there whose willing to give up an old AAA player for him maybe?

You have, if I recall, 10 days to trade or release a player who is DFA'ed.

[jbm]

Is the rule about dropping guys down x number of times going to come into play on this decision?

Albers has looked so much better the last few outings.  If he keeps pitching at his current level, I could see him challenging either Qualls or Wheeler in the setup roles if they remain inconsistent.  

[MRaup]

Is the rule about dropping guys down x number of times going to come into play on this decision?

Albers has looked so much better the last few outings.  If he keeps pitching at his current level, I could see him challenging either Qualls or Wheeler in the setup roles if they remain inconsistent.  

Albers has always looked like the next big bullpen arm to me. He never seemed to have the stamina to go more than 2-3 innings with his good stuff.

[legs_of_eggs]

You have, if I recall, 10 days to trade or release a player who is DFA'ed.

At worst he's released in those 10 days. Honestly, a contending team could do a lot worse than Moehler as a spot starter. Didn't we see Tim Redding starting for the Nats recently.

[legs_of_eggs]

Albers has always looked like the next big bullpen arm to me. He never seemed to have the stamina to go more than 2-3 innings with his good stuff.

He seems to either be unhittable or very hittable. And it's a location thing when he's hit, I'd still like to see him try starting.

[JimR]

He seems to either be unhittable or very hittable. And it's a location thing when he's hit, I'd still like to see him try starting.

stamina is what he said.

[legs_of_eggs]

stamina is what he said.

Yeah that could be it, I remember a game where he pitched in to the 8th inning in milwaukee with a shutout though. I don't think he went even 6innings in any start for the rest of that major league stint though and was sent down. His dominance the other night was similar to that game though.

[MRaup]

Yeah that could be it, I remember a game where he pitched in to the 8th inning in milwaukee with a shutout though. I don't think he went even 6innings in any start for the rest of that major league stint though and was sent down. His dominance the other night was similar to that game though.

Almost every game I saw Albers pitch (dominant 8 innings on short rest no less aside), He started filthy, and became more and more hittable as the game progressed.

[The Third Man]

I've thought that Moehler perhaps might be being "saved" until closer to the trading deadline for a deal with a team desperate for pitching.

By trading Moehler to "a team desperate for pitching" do you mean an organization like the New Hampshire Fisher Cats? He's been a lousy pitcher for a long time in the Major Leagues.

[Fredia]

By trading Moehler to "a team desperate for pitching" do you mean an organization like the New Hampshire Fisher Cats? He's been a lousy pitcher for a long time in the Major Leagues.

there is hope for anyone (even one right nutted blind squirrels) redding go a win for the first time since 2004.. so dont say all hope is lost

[WulawHorn]

... what roster move do the Astros make?

(a) designate Moehler for assignment
(b) option McLemore to AAA
(c) option Albers to AAA

I think they should choose (a), but will choose (b).

Agreed completely. No way it is C.  Probably not going to be A- even if that's the best idea.