Rosenthal - Astros notes as of this morning:

[MusicMan]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7072074

Astros: Chad Qualls, Brad Lidge. The Mariners, Rockies, Red Sox and Phillies are among the teams interested in Qualls, but the Astros will set a high price on a pitcher they control through 2010. Lidge, a free agent after next season, would cost even more.

The Padres are showing minimal interest in Astros infielder Mark Loretta, a right-handed hitter. They would prefer infielder Mike Lamb, a left-handed hitter who offers more power.

The Twins are showing minimal interest in Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg, who was designated for assignment Sunday. They do, however, like Rockies Class AAA infielder Clint Barmes, as do the Tigers.

[Zac D]

Also a mention in the context of Troy Glaus being available, but that appears to be highly speculative... and the Phils appear to be kicking the tires on Jennings.

What if it took both Jennings and Qualls to land Bourn - would you do it? I'd think the Phillies would have to add something really significant.

[JimR]

Also a mention in the context of Troy Glaus being available, but that appears to be highly speculative... and the Phils appear to be kicking the tires on Jennings.

What if it took both Jennings and Qualls to land Bourn - would you do it? I'd think the Phillies would have to add something really significant.

it is true that the Phillies are looking for a starter. i will be shocked if they are looking at Jennings.

[MusicMan]

it is true that the Phillies are looking for a starter. i will be shocked if they are looking at Jennings.

Up until Sunday, I thought that they might be able to snag one of Seattle's top guys by packaging Loretta and Jennings.  That's pretty much out the window.

[ybbodeus]

it is true that the Phillies are looking for a starter. i will be shocked if they are looking at Jennings.

No kidding; particularly THIS year's model.

[JimR]

Up until Sunday, I thought that they might be able to snag one of Seattle's top guys by packaging Loretta and Jennings.  That's pretty much out the window.

it has nothing to do with Sunday.

[Arky Vaughan]

Also a mention in the context of Troy Glaus being available, but that appears to be highly speculative... and the Phils appear to be kicking the tires on Jennings.

What if it took both Jennings and Qualls to land Bourn - would you do it? I'd think the Phillies would have to add something really significant.

Maybe Ryan Howard would make it worth dealing our highly valued players.

[MusicMan]

it has nothing to do with Sunday.

Seattle was still scouting him at that point, right?

I'm not saying Sunday would have impacted Philly's decision - I trust that your source would have much better info on that.

[Zac D]

Maybe Ryan Howard would make it worth dealing our highly valued players.

Too all-or-nothing. Let's get Utley and Hamels.

[JimR]

Seattle was still scouting him at that point, right?

I'm not saying Sunday would have impacted Philly's decision - I trust that your source would have much better info on that.

right--not talking about Seattle.

[Jose Cruz III]

Up until Sunday, I thought that they might be able to snag one of Seattle's top guys by packaging Loretta and Jennings.  That's pretty much out the window.

Sunday or no Sunday, Jennings looks like damaged goods. And has for 3 weeks. I think he is hurt. And if a redneck hillbilly from Alabammy can see that something is wrong with him, then I figure highly trained Gm's are at least giving it some thought.

[JimR]

Sunday or no Sunday, Jennings looks like damaged goods. And has for 3 weeks. I think he is hurt. And if a redneck hillbilly from Alabammy can see that something is wrong with him, then I figure highly trained Gm's are at least giving it some thought.

i think so too. it is the only explanation that makes sense.

[Taras Bulba]

i think so too. it is the only explanation that makes sense.

What was he hitting on the radar on Sunday?

[Reuben]

Also a mention in the context of Troy Glaus being available, but that appears to be highly speculative... and the Phils appear to be kicking the tires on Jennings.

What if it took both Jennings and Qualls to land Bourn - would you do it? I'd think the Phillies would have to add something really significant.

Don't forget, the Astros get two high draft picks if Jennings leaves as a FA...so it doesn't really make sense to throw him into any old deal. Obviously, getting draft picks is more of a long-term payoff, but doing something like Qualls + Jennings for Bourn would be crazy. Qualls alone might be crazy.

[ybbodeus]

What determines the placement/position of draft picks for FA departures?  Arbitration?  A formula?

[MusicMan]

Don't forget, the Astros get two high draft picks if Jennings leaves as a FA...so it doesn't really make sense to throw him into any old deal. Obviously, getting draft picks is more of a long-term payoff, but doing something like Qualls + Jennings for Bourn would be crazy. Qualls alone might be crazy.

Wins and ERA are major factors in the Elias ratings system.  Jennings may very well be Type B, which would be only 1 supplemental pick (after the 1st round).

[Bench]

What determines the placement/position of draft picks for FA departures?  Arbitration?  A formula?

As far as I understand it, Elias ranks all the free agents. I don't know what the cutoffs are.

[ybbodeus]

Thanks, MM..Bench; the posts from Sunday on the topic make more sense to me now.

"Now, if we were in Germany, you'd win, but...we're in Italy, so....you lose."

[BUWebguy]

Don't forget, the Astros get two high draft picks if Jennings leaves as a FA...so it doesn't really make sense to throw him into any old deal. Obviously, getting draft picks is more of a long-term payoff, but doing something like Qualls + Jennings for Bourn would be crazy. Qualls alone might be crazy.

That all assumes that the Astros offer him arbitration, and that he declines it. I could easily see a scenario where the Astros don't want to get caught paying him the eight figures he might get awarded in arbitration.

[austro]

For the sake of argument, let's say Jennings is injured and requires surgery in the off-season. He's a free agent and not under contract to any team. Who pays for the surgery and rehab? Do these guys have personal insurance policies to cover situations like this?

[Reuben]

Wins and ERA are major factors in the Elias ratings system.  Jennings may very well be Type B, which would be only 1 supplemental pick (after the 1st round).

I don't claim to know how that works, but I saw something recently, where Keith Law or somebody said Jennings was pretty much gauranteed to be Type A. I guess if he's got a major injury or whatnot, the arbitration thing becomes an issue, as BUWebguy said.

[Craig]

What was he hitting on the radar on Sunday?

Incoming or outgoing?

[Jacksonian]

As far as I understand it, Elias ranks all the free agents. I don't know what the cutoffs are.

For the purposes of compensation, Type A are the top 30% in the rankings, type B are the next 20% in the league at the position grouping, the end.

I'm no longer convinced Jennings will make it to compensation levels.

It's possible Lamb and Loretta will.

[Froback]

For the purposes of compensation, Type A are the top 30% in the rankings, type B are the next 20% in the league at the position grouping, the end.

I'm no longer convinced Jennings will make it to compensation levels.

It's possible Lamb and Loretta will.

I think it is also something like a 3-year composite type ranking too, not just the most recent season, IIRC.

[littlevisigoth]

Don't forget, those rankings are based on a two year average, and he was pretty damn good last year.

He's making $5.5 mil this year, so through arbitration, with the year he's having, we'd probably pay below market value if we got "stuck" with him.  and below market value assumes that his arm doesn't completely fall off or he becomes universally regarded as a broken pitcher.  i'm basing that on what below league average pitchers were raking in last offseason.

[WulawHorn]

my buddy told me that as union members these guys essential have free health care for life for playing in 1 major league inning. He's coach at a D1 school and has worked on staff with some guys who played in the bigs so I assume he knows what he's talking about.

[Noe]

i think so too. it is the only explanation that makes sense.

So does GM Tim Purpura who approached Jennings on Monday as the team was getting their stuff ready to go to Atlanta.  Supposedly, he had a very serious conversation with Jennings about hiding an injury.  JJ told Purpura he was not injured but felt his season has not gone well because he hasn't felt in rhythm all year long.

[JimR]

So does GM Tim Purpura who approached Jennings on Monday as the team was getting their stuff ready to go to Atlanta.  Supposedly, he had a very serious conversation with Jennings about hiding an injury.  JJ told Purpura he was not injured but felt his season has not gone well because he hasn't felt in rhythm all year long.

well, ok, but i think he is too good a pitcher to get battered like that unless something is wrong.

[Jacksonian]

Don't forget, those rankings are based on a two year average, and he was pretty damn good last year.

He's making $5.5 mil this year, so through arbitration, with the year he's having, we'd probably pay below market value if we got "stuck" with him.  and below market value assumes that his arm doesn't completely fall off or he becomes universally regarded as a broken pitcher.  i'm basing that on what below league average pitchers were raking in last offseason.

Still, he was rated type B last year.  With the blowup this year I'd expect his value rating to drop from last year's number.  That would put him in danger of falling to C range, (read no compensation).  On the other hand, his position is still relative to the other starting pitchers in the league, so I suppose, there's still hope.

Oh, and BTW Trever Miller was a Type A reliever last year.

[MusicMan]

So does GM Tim Purpura who approached Jennings on Monday as the team was getting their stuff ready to go to Atlanta.  Supposedly, he had a very serious conversation with Jennings about hiding an injury.  JJ told Purpura he was not injured but felt his season has not gone well because he hasn't felt in rhythm all year long.

After such a conversation, if they discover any type of injury, I would seriously doubt that Purp would attempt to re-sign him.

[JimR]

After such a conversation, if they discover any type of injury, I would seriously doubt that Purp would attempt to re-sign him.

when confronted like that, only a fool would lie.

[Noe]

well, ok, but i think he is too good a pitcher to get battered like that unless something is wrong.

From what I understand, the only reason Purpura even approached him about it was because of the very same thing you're saying.  Something is wrong and rhythm is an awfully weak excuse to use right now.  Purpura also believes it is not the elbow but the shoulder that is the problem (FWIW).  If it's the shoulder, it's a huge problem.  Elbow injuries are bad, but the remarkable strides that the medical profession has made with elbow reconstruction means a pitcher can recover faster.

If it's the shoulder, it isn't as easy a recovery and sometimes it's career ending (see: Hernandez, Carlos).  Any way, it's all speculation because JJ claims he's okay.  Whispers say he's not and it may be the shoulder.  Purpura went to JJ to find out for sure.

[JimR]

From what I understand, the only reason Purpura even approached him about it was because of the very same thing you're saying.  Something is wrong and rhythm is an awfully weak excuse to use right now.  Purpura also believes it is not the elbow but the shoulder that is the problem (FWIW).  If it's the shoulder, it's a huge problem.  Elbow injuries are bad, but the remarkable strides that the medical profession has made with elbow reconstruction means a pitcher can recover faster.

If it's the shoulder, it isn't as easy a recovery and sometimes it's career ending (see: Hernandez, Carlos).  Any way, it's all speculation because JJ claims he's okay.  Whispers say he's not and it may be the shoulder.

that would take his velocity away.

[pravata]

From what I understand, the only reason Purpura even approached him about it was because of the very same thing you're saying.  Something is wrong and rhythm is an awfully weak excuse to use right now.  Purpura also believes it is not the elbow but the shoulder that is the problem (FWIW).  If it's the shoulder, it's a huge problem.  Elbow injuries are bad, but the remarkable strides that the medical profession has made with elbow reconstruction means a pitcher can recover faster.

If it's the shoulder, it isn't as easy a recovery and sometimes it's career ending (see: Hernandez, Carlos).  Any way, it's all speculation because JJ claims he's okay.  Whispers say he's not and it may be the shoulder.

He's never had an injury before.  We all know that pitchers pitch with pain all the time.  Maybe he can't tell the difference.  MRI time!  If his agent will allow it.

[MusicMan]

when confronted like that, only a fool would lie.

Lesser fools, and premier athletes, are perfectly capable of lying to themselves about their condition.  To the extent that they begin to believe it.

[Noe]

that would take his velocity away.

Which is what they're seeing.

[JimR]

Lesser fools, and premier athletes, are perfectly capable of lying to themselves about their condition.  To the extent that they begin to believe it.

you are right. i have talked about "pitcherspeak" before. it is deeply rooted in denial and fear that approaches terror.

[HurricaneDavid]

Giants may sign Ensberg, per Gammons

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Giants-may-sign-Ensberg?urn=mlb,40910

[littlevisigoth]

Still, he was rated type B last year.  With the blowup this year I'd expect his value rating to drop from last year's number.  That would put him in danger of falling to C range, (read no compensation).  On the other hand, his position is still relative to the other starting pitchers in the league, so I suppose, there's still hope.

Oh, and BTW Trever Miller was a Type A reliever last year.

he was 6-9, with a 5.02 ERA in 2005, so unless he can't come back to form in the slightest, his numbers from last year's comparison might be pretty close to this year.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Too all-or-nothing. Let's get Utley and Hamels.

We need to do a 3-way with Philly and Cleveland, get Sizemore and Utley. That should solve any problems at CF and 2nd for a year or two.

[ybbodeus]

So does GM Tim Purpura who approached Jennings on Monday as the team was getting their stuff ready to go to Atlanta.  Supposedly, he had a very serious conversation with Jennings about hiding an injury.  JJ told Purpura he was not injured but felt his season has not gone well because he hasn't felt in rhythm all year long.

DEEP THOUGHTS!
Could you drill down on that last point for me, Noe.  Of what would that kind of statement be an an indication?  Aging?  Weak-mindedness?  Mound issues?  A hiddent desire to be on Dancing with the Stars?  Painful rectal itch (if so, either get him some Blue Star or perhaps that new stuff Shimmy, which doubles as a dessert topping for his lard ass)?  Pining for the cool, thin air of Denver?

All silliness aside, how broadly should one interpret a "haven't felt in rhythm" remark?  Nothing more than his being evasive?

[BUWebguy]

Will Carroll had this note on July 20:

"He's done," the source told me after watching Jason Jennings pitch. A very knowledgeable man that I trust on pitching, he thinks that Jennings' shoulder is "catching," reducing his velocity and changing his mechanics enough to reduce movement. He also doesn't believe that Jennings made any improvement after a DL stint, implying that there's more going on inside the arm. Jennings' results back up this assertion, and point to perhaps another period on the DL in the near future.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6477

[MusicMan]

Giants may sign Ensberg, per Gammons

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Giants-may-sign-Ensberg?urn=mlb,40910

That headline is misleading.  If more than one team is interested in him, they'd do well to give up an A-baller for him.

[Matt]

I can already hear the whining when the Astros don't offer him arbitration after this season and he "gets away for nothing".  He does look hurt though so it wouldn't be too bright to offer him arbitration.

[ybbodeus]

It would certainly cement that trade in the "anals" of Houston sports radio history as Exhibit A of their Astro front office suckage procedural drivel.

[Noe]

DEEP THOUGHTS!
Could you drill down on that last point for me, Noe.  Of what would that kind of statement be an an indication?  Aging?  Weak-mindedness?  Mound issues?  A hiddent desire to be on Dancing with the Stars?  Painful rectal itch (if so, either get him some Blue Star or perhaps that new stuff Shimmy, which doubles as a dessert topping for his lard ass)?  Pining for the cool, thin air of Denver?

All silliness aside, how broadly should one interpret a "haven't felt in rhythm" remark?  Nothing more than his being evasive?

Actually, it's pretty common pitcher speak to say "I haven't lost anything, I just need time to get there!".  Say you're Roger Clemens and want to pitch in May.  You don't have the luxury of breaking down your arm in spring training like other pitchers.  So you do the best you can and realize along the way you won't feel in rhythm to pitch the way you know you can eventually.

Apparently JJ feels he lost rhythm with his time off to let the elbow heal and just has not felt all the way back yet.  If he's right, it's just a matter of time before he's performing well.  But at some point, you look at the things happening on the field and you just have to approach a player about being hurt.

Lance Berkman had a terrible start to the season.  We all said it was just a matter of time for Berkman to start hitting.  But little things in his swing kept gnawing at us all that there may be more to it... like injury.  We know about the hand now but who knows if it's been barking at him all season long or if it's just a recently development that has hindered him recently.

So juneberno with these things, but you have to ask just in case.  Ensberg hid his injury from the team last year but ultimately it got him benched because he kept saying he was fine when he wasn't and the shoulder was giving him fits.

[pravata]

Giants may sign Ensberg, per Gammons

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Giants-may-sign-Ensberg?urn=mlb,40910

Also the Twins, and maybe Red Sox or Angels. NYCU Hopefully that's true, Purpura may get something. 

[pravata]

I can already hear the whining when the Astros don't offer him arbitration after this season and he "gets away for nothing".  He does look hurt though so it wouldn't be too bright to offer him arbitration.

See, Miller, Wade.

[Noe]

Will Carroll had this note on July 20:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6477

Will Carroll is one of my least favorite writers, but in this case, the whispers about JJ's shoulder (not elbow) are making the rounds.

[Jacksonian]

Also the Twins, and maybe Red Sox or Angels. NYCU Hopefully that's true, Purpura may get something. 

My thought was that I hope they get a decent A-ball pitcher, though not a prospect, to help take up the slack because of the recent promotions to AA of Bogusevic and James.

[Noe]

My thought was that I hope they get a decent A-ball pitcher, though not a prospect, to help take up the slack because of the recent promotions to AA of Bogusevic and James.

One thing I've noticed is how much movement during the season they've been making with the lower A ball players.  Flores, Bogusevic, Towles, James... all moving up while guys like Patton move up as well.  Looks like the Astros are moving their kids just a tad quicker these days to let them get some experience playing in the upper levels.

[Jacksonian]

One thing I've noticed is how much movement during the season they've been making with the lower A ball players.  Flores, Bogusevic, Towles, James... all moving up while guys like Patton move up as well.  Looks like the Astros are moving their kids just a tad quicker these days to let them get some experience playing in the upper levels.

Patton, Flores, and James weren't being challenged at the lower level.  Towles move was supposed to be temporary, but he took off.  Bogusevic surprised me a bit.  He hasn't been very consistent, but it appears the Astros want a quicker return on their investment.  I don't think he'll get promoted soon but the guy to watch IMO is last year's #2 pick Sergio Perez.  After a slow start due in part to injury in what is his first full season of pro ball he's inching toward dominating Carolina League hitters, and he's still somewhat raw.

[Uncle Charlie]

Still, he was rated type B last year.  With the blowup this year I'd expect his value rating to drop from last year's number.  That would put him in danger of falling to C range, (read no compensation).  On the other hand, his position is still relative to the other starting pitchers in the league, so I suppose, there's still hope.

Oh, and BTW Trever Miller was a Type A reliever last year.

Here's the rankings list:  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2006-10-31-elias-rankings.htm#al

Given the names above and below and the 2 year ranking methodology, I still believe he can be a B.  Loretta has a good chance at being A, but maybe a B.  Lamb could climb into a B level, dumping a horrible 2005 season and replacing it with 2007.

It would be nice to see that sort of compensation come back.  1 A and 2 Bs.  That gives 3 1st round suppl. and 1 first rounder.  Not too bad.

[Curly]

you are right. i have talked about "pitcherspeak" before. it is deeply rooted in denial and fear that approaches terror.

Exactly.  Don't underestimate the power of denial.  There's denial of hitting the DL and there's denial of the career ender, even if there's just a whiff of it.  "Never" having an "injury" can be a real problem.  Athletes play with pain, that's a given, and the mind can easily overlook any increase in pain as just a "new" pain to live with and carry on.  If a player begins to "think" about said pain as possibly "the one", there's no way they are going to just fess up to it without doing everything they can to fight through it.  As the great Crash Davis said, "don't think meat, just pitch" or something like that.

I'll throw in the obligatory personal case study just for kicks.  In the winter of my last year of eligibility, I experienced my first real injury, by completely blowing out my hammy running 40s as I was trying to put scholarship $$$ in my fund and not some young buck.  Never experiencing something like this before, I was confident that this was no big deal, despite the back of my leg looking like three week old hamburger meat from my ass to my heel.  It became less about the scholarship money and more about the sudden realization that my time competing between the lines was done. Needless to say I continued to say tell myself and others that "I can get through this, I don't get injured", right up to the time I wasn't on that final list.  There's always someone inline to take your place, it's just a matter of time.

[Jacksonian]

Here's the rankings list:  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2006-10-31-elias-rankings.htm#al

Given the names above and below and the 2 year ranking methodology, I still believe he can be a B.  Loretta has a good chance at being A, but maybe a B.  Lamb could climb into a B level, dumping a horrible 2005 season and replacing it with 2007.

It would be nice to see that sort of compensation come back.  1 A and 2 Bs.  That gives 3 1st round suppl. and 1 first rounder.  Not too bad.

Lamb's ranking will depend on which position he's assigned.  If it's 1b then probably a B.  If it's 3b then likely an A.

[BUWebguy]

Jumping back to the start of this thread, the SD paper had this to say about potential Padres-Astros deals:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070731/news_1s31padres.html

Astros infielder Mike Lamb and Mark Loretta are among the players sought by the Padres, but talks with Houston have moved slowly, with the Padres unable to get a clear picture from the Astros.

Thought that last part was interesting. Is it a slam on Purp?

[Noe]

Jumping back to the start of this thread, the SD paper had this to say about potential Padres-Astros deals:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070731/news_1s31padres.html

Thought that last part was interesting. Is it a slam on Purp?

Yes.  The Padres (and others) according to The Count have offered minor league roster filler and no true prospects.  Purpura went on the defensive about this and you can find the link in the NYCU.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Jumping back to the start of this thread, the SD paper had this to say about potential Padres-Astros deals:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070731/news_1s31padres.html

Thought that last part was interesting. Is it a slam on Purp?

Noe beat me to the post while I was looking for the link....

[JackAstro]

Still, he was rated type B last year.  With the blowup this year I'd expect his value rating to drop from last year's number.  That would put him in danger of falling to C range, (read no compensation).  On the other hand, his position is still relative to the other starting pitchers in the league, so I suppose, there's still hope.

Oh, and BTW Trever Miller was a Type A reliever last year.

I was just looking at Jennings' 2005 numbers compared to this season, and they're not too far removed. Prior to Sunday, they were pretty comparable. If he can mix in a few more decent-not-great starts to pull his ERA down closer to 5, and pick up 3 wins or so before the end of the season, I think his rating might be about the same. Of course if his shoulder's fucked...

[BUWebguy]

Yes.  The Padres (and others) according to The Count have offered minor league roster filler and no true prospects.  Purpura went on the defensive about this and you can find the link in the NYCU.

Purpura seemed pretty clear about that in NYCU. Why would they consider that an unclear picture?

[SeanBergmanRules]

Do the compensation rules from the new CBA go into effect this offseason or next?  Because with type B free agents being changed from 31-50 to 21-40, that could have a major effect on Jennings compensation.  Last year, he was around the 37th percentile, and with even a slight dip in performance, or improvement from other pitchers, and he could fall off the edge. 

[Jacksonian]

Do the compensation rules from the new CBA go into effect this offseason or next?  Because with type B free agents being changed from 31-50 to 21-40, that could have a major effect on Jennings compensation.  Last year, he was around the 37th percentile, and with even a slight dip in performance, or improvement from other pitchers, and he could fall off the edge. 

It started last off-season.

[pravata]

Purpura seemed pretty clear about that in NYCU. Why would they consider that an unclear picture?

There are still reports out there that the Astros might be peruaded to trade Lidge.  They're morons that's why.

[BUWebguy]

Fair enough. I have no idea why I keep assuming reporters get things right after reading the Chron for so long.

[pravata]

Fair enough. I have no idea why I keep assuming reporters get things right after reading the Chron for so long.

It's not just reporters.  Purpura has been saying the same thing over and over, he's not looking for AA prospects.  He wants complimentary pieces for the stars.  He's not trying to trade Lidge.  Yet, even today, there's a good chunk of the fan base looking for a block buster deal.

[ybbodeus]

May we presume that we are less than one hour and 9 minutes away from Houston's sports radio becoming even MORE unlistenable, Houston sports television's becoming even MORE unwatchable and the Houston Chromical's becoming even MORE non-bird cage worthy, if no other deals are forthcoming?

[Bench]

It's not just reporters.  Purpura has been saying the same thing over and over, he's not looking for AA prospects.  He wants complimentary pieces for the stars.  He's not trying to trade Lidge.  Yet, even today, there's a good chunk of the fan base looking for a block buster deal.

Screw what Purpura is actually saying. You can't believe anything he says. He is a failure and everyone can see it. He just can't make the moves that need to be made.

Hunsicker would have had Lastings Milledge in an Astros uniform by mid-May, if Drayton wasn't so damn cheap.

[pravata]

Screw what Purpura is actually saying. You can't believe anything he says. He is a failure and everyone can see it. He just can't make the moves that need to be made.

Hunsicker would have had Lastings Milledge in an Astros uniform by mid-May, if Drayton wasn't so damn cheap.

Also, he's large.  This offends all the skinny people in Houston.

[Arky Vaughan]

I was listening to 610 this morning around 10:30. Who would I have been listening to at that time? McClain was on talking about the Texans having practice today, but then he hung up and the host started cracking on Purpura for not having traded Lamb and Loretta yet since the Astros would get "nothing" when they walked as free agents at the end of the season. Was that Jesus talking?

[JimR]

Screw what Purpura is actually saying. You can't believe anything he says. He is a failure and everyone can see it. He just can't make the moves that need to be made.

Hunsicker would have had Lastings Milledge in an Astros uniform by mid-May, if Drayton wasn't so damn cheap.

it is quite possible that the Astros asked for Milledge.

[pravata]

it is quite possible that the Astros asked for Milledge.

It's mandatory.

[Noe]

Purpura seemed pretty clear about that in NYCU. Why would they consider that an unclear picture?

I don't think the Padres actually believe it's unclear.  It is, however, perhaps what they fed to the local San Diego media to appease them instead of feeding them the "Hey, we're trying to play chicken with this guy and see if he blinks first.  He may panic for all we know and we give him roster filler and he gives us back Lamb, Loretta and a prospect.  We'll let you know if it works!".

[Bench]

it is quite possible that the Astros asked for Milledge.

If they were asking for Mets OF prospects, I'd hope they were asking about Carlos Gomez. I had a pie-in-the-sky moment of daydreaming about Lidge for Gomez. Apparantly, the D-Backs are upping the ante in the Mets quest for Chad Cordero to try and pry loose one of the Mets big 3 OF prospects. If that is the case, than it may behoove Purpura to inquisitively belly up to the bar to see what Lidge could shake loose.

[MikeyBoy]

I was listening to 610 this morning around 10:30. Who would I have been listening to at that time? McClain was on talking about the Texans having practice today, but then he hung up and the host started cracking on Purpura for not having traded Lamb and Loretta yet since the Astros would get "nothing" when they walked as free agents at the end of the season. Was that Jesus talking?

Jesus stands out even on the radio because he can't get out three words in a row without pausing, mumbling, or repeating a word. It was likely Matt Jackson, he was on at 6:30 whining on and on senselessly about the Astros.

[Arky Vaughan]

I don't think the Padres actually believe it's unclear.  It is, however, perhaps what they fed to the local San Diego media to appease them instead of feeding them the "Hey, we're trying to play chicken with this guy and see if he blinks first.  He may panic for all we know and we give him roster filler and he gives us back Lamb, Loretta and a prospect.  We'll let you know if it works!".

Of course, this also assumes that what's reported about the Padres want is in fact true about what the Padres want.

[Arky Vaughan]

Jesus stands out even on the radio because he can't get out three words in a row without pausing, mumbling, or repeating a word. It was likely Matt Jackson, he was on at 6:30 whining on and on senselessly about the Astros.

I don't think it was Matt Jackson, because I recognize his voice. I think it was Jesus.

[ybbodeus]

Jesus stands out even on the radio because he can't get out three words in a row without pausing, mumbling, or repeating a word. It was likely Matt Jackson, he was on at 6:30 whining on and on senselessly about the Astros.

Cougar Matt...when a caller's dream comes true!

Sheesh!

[dirty steve]

brad davies is subbing for CP on 790 afternoon today.  talk about needles in the ear canal.

[strosrays]

I don't think it was Matt Jackson, because I recognize his voice. I think it was Jesus.

Whenever Jesus talks to me, which He occasionally does sometimes. . . OK, once. . . He mentioned overlooked and/or undervalued stock, how to buy real estate with no money down, and two hundred levels of compatiblity with my perfect mate.  He never said anything about possible trades or how stupid Purpura is.  But next time I'll ask.

[Astroholic]

Whenever Jesus talks to me, which He occasionally does sometimes. . . OK, once. . . He mentioned overlooked and/or undervalued stock, how to buy real estate with no money down, and two hundred levels of compatiblity with my perfect mate. 

Is this a quote from Jim Baker?

[WulawHorn]

Also, he's large.  This offends all the skinny people in Houston.

There are no skinny people in houston, don't you read men's health or whatever publication ranks the fattest cities in the fattest country in the world?

[loganck]

Lamb's ranking will depend on which position he's assigned.  If it's 1b then probably a B.  If it's 3b then likely an A.

Sorry if I missed this, but how is the position assignment determined?

[pravata]

There are no skinny people in houston, don't you read men's health or whatever publication ranks the fattest cities in the fattest country in the world?

Twiddle the knobs on your sarc meter, somehow people think it's illuminating to mention Purpura's weight when they are criticizing his trades.

[WulawHorn]

Twiddle the knobs on your sarc meter, somehow people think it's illuminating to mention Purpura's weight when they are criticizing his trades.

I got that- I was just making a joke is all.

[dirty steve]

Twiddle the knobs on your sarc meter, somehow people think it's illuminating to mention Purpura's weight when they are criticizing his trades.

i find the poo-pura "mispelling" of his name to be the freshest.