Trade Deadline...

[Andyzipp]

David Nuno is tweeting that the Dodgers may be pursuing Wandy.

Lots of smoke about Phillies pursuing Oswalt, and Myers' name is coming up more often, and there may be a (limited) market for Berkman.

I know I've been asking for it, but could this really be a new team come August 1st?

[Lurch]

That would suck.  I really enjoy watching Wandy pitch.

[MusicMan]

That would suck.  I really enjoy watching Wandy pitch.

Have you watched him this year?

[Lurch]

Have you watched him this year?

I have a very selective memory.  I saw 5 innings of fantastic baseball last night, in fact.  Then something, something, Letterman.

[Alkie]

Blow it up baby.   The more prospects in return, the better.

[Houston]

David Nuno is tweeting that the Dodgers may be pursuing Wandy.

Lots of smoke about Phillies pursuing Oswalt, and Myers' name is coming up more often, and there may be a (limited) market for Berkman.

I know I've been asking for it, but could this really be a new team come August 1st?

"I think we should trade Bud Norris and Carlos Lee for Clayton Kershaw and Andre Ethier. I'll hang up now and listen..."

[Andyzipp]

"I think we should trade Bud Norris and Carlos Lee for Clayton Kershaw and Andre Ethier. I'll hang up now and listen..."

Outside of starts against the Cardinals last year, I'm struggling to see what Norris brings to the table.

So, sure if you can get Kersahw and Ethier for Norris, Lee and hell throw in Pence...go.

I think Lee and Manny on the same team would be hilarious.

[MusicMan]

Blow it up baby.   The more prospects in return, the better.

This.

[chuck]

When you guys trade away Roy, Wandy and Myers who the hell's going to pitch?

[JimR]

Outside of starts against the Cardinals last year, I'm struggling to see what Norris brings to the table.

So, sure if you can get Kersahw and Ethier for Norris, Lee and hell throw in Pence...go.

I think Lee and Manny on the same team would be hilarious.

the CFer would need a motorcycle.

[subnuclear]

When you guys trade away Roy, Wandy and Myers who the hell's going to pitch?

Cross that bridge when you come to it.  The Astros will be lucky if they get a decent trade for any of them.

[MusicMan]

When you guys trade away Roy, Wandy and Myers who the hell's going to pitch?

The AAA staff.  The prospects in return. Street free agents. I honestly don't care as long as it starts building for the future.

[Andyzipp]

When you guys trade away Roy, Wandy and Myers who the hell's going to pitch?

Would it really matter at that point?

[chuck]

Would it really matter at that point?

Not if you're ok with losing 120 games rather than 100.

[Lurch]

Berkman concedes that if the team decides to rebuild, it would make good business sense to trade him now, especially if the Astros are leaning away from picking up his $15 million option for next year, which he believes is the case.

Fallas

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Fallas

It's an interesting question.  He's not worth the option.  Would you keep him if he agreed to a 2yr deal at 8-9mil/yr?  I think that might be worth doing.  Assuming it's even an option.  

eta: I put Lee in the same category.  He's still a useful player, but his contract is disproportionate to his production.  I can only guess they assumed risk at the time of his signing.  If given a choice, I'd prefer Berkman over Lee.  That's just my 2 cents.  I think Berkman, with his shorter contract, is a better trade candidate, presuming he does not require his option be picked in order to waive his no-trade clause.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Not if you're ok with losing 120 games rather than 100.

Improves the chances of getting that top pick, no?

[MusicMan]

Not if you're ok with losing 120 games rather than 100.

Why would I not be?

[Andyzipp]

Not if you're ok with losing 120 games rather than 100.

Okay, say you deal the "top" three pitchers, providing you get no pitching in return.

Your rotation is five of Norris, Moehler, Paulino (when he returns to health), Chacin, Wright, Banks, and Bazardo.

Besides Bagwell has fixed the offense, so they won't lose 120.

[BudGirl]

Okay, say you deal the "top" three pitchers, providing you get no pitching in return.

Your rotation is five of Norris, Moehler, Paulino (when he returns to health), Chacin, Wright, Banks, and Bazardo.

Besides Bagwell has fixed the offense, so they won't lose 120.

You'd think scoring 7 runs a game would net you a win.

[BudGirl]

the CFer would need a motorcycle.

throw in a vespa

[MusicMan]

throw in a vespa

We're already sending Roy's bulldozer with him.

[EasTexAstro]

We're already sending Roy's bulldozer with him.

Lee is packaged with Roy?

[MusicMan]

Lee is packaged with Roy?

Dangling modifier.  Roy's bulldozer will go with Roy, not with Carlos.  Cattle go with Carlos.

[EasTexAstro]

Dangling modifier.  Roy's bulldozer will go with Roy, not with Carlos.  Cattle go with Carlos.

I thought Carlos was the bulldozer.

[moriartp]

"I thought Carlos was the bulldozer." -Adam Everett

FIFY

[BUWebguy]

throw in a vespa

Matt Kemp on a Segway?

[toddthebod]

Blow it up baby.   The more prospects in return, the better.

I'm with you.  Seems to me that there is a market (in varying degrees) for Wandy, Oswalt, Myers, Berkman, and Keppinger.  Maybe the Astros can also find a taker for Lyon and Lee.  Trade them all for prospects.  Rebuild with young players and free agent filler -- none of whom should be given long-term deals.

I'd trade Pence too but I don't see the Astros going down that route.

[The Spleen]

When you guys trade away Roy, Wandy and Myers who the hell's going to pitch?

Maybe Coach and Mr. Happy should clear their schedules...

[EasTexAstro]

Maybe Coach and Mr. Happy should clear their schedules...

Bagwell. Left-handed.

[Andyzipp]

Bagwell. Left-handed.

With JRB, there is always a...third option.

[MusicMan]

With JRB, there is always a...third option.

Asphinctersayswhat?

[Uncle Charlie]

I thought Carlos was the bulldozer.

Bulldozer has more range

[Houston]

Bulldozer has more range

It also starts and stops faster and makes sharper turns.

But Carlos plows shortstops better.

[OregonStrosFan]

Street free agent.

Dude, I'm flattered, but it ain't happening. My fastball sits in the high 50s, touching 62-63 if I've had too much to drink and no longer fear throwing my arm off at the 'minor league 3 baseballs for a dollar radar gun exhibit.'  I had a decent knuckler once upon a time, but too many years of throwing it in denial league softball games for fun make it something I can no longer throw with a baseball.  Sure, I'd love to be an Astro, but I got nothing...

[hostros7]

Dude, I'm flattered, but it ain't happening. My fastball sits in the high 50s, touching 62-63 if I've had too much to drink and no longer fear throwing my arm off at the 'minor league 3 baseballs for a dollar radar gun exhibit.'  I had a decent knuckler once upon a time, but too many years of throwing it in denial league softball games for fun make it something I can no longer throw with a baseball.  Sure, I'd love to be an Astro, but I got nothing...

If it comes to it, I will try the Henry Roengardner Approach to increasing velocity. 

[Ron Brand]

Dude, I'm flattered, but it ain't happening. My fastball sits in the high 50s, touching 62-63 if I've had too much to drink and no longer fear throwing my arm off at the 'minor league 3 baseballs for a dollar radar gun exhibit.'  I had a decent knuckler once upon a time, but too many years of throwing it in denial league softball games for fun make it something I can no longer throw with a baseball.  Sure, I'd love to be an Astro, but I got nothing...

Brush up on your eephus.

[Mr. Happy]

Maybe Coach and Mr. Happy should clear their schedules...

Mr. Happy wouldn't even want to watch Mr. Happy pitch. Why would anyone else?

[EasTexAstro]

Anyone else remember Gleach's first pitch? I smell a contract....

[Alkie]

Fine.  I will accept everyone's offer to sleep with MLB groupies if and only if you allow me to severely damage my body and get shaving cream in my eyes on national television.

[Limey]

Anyone else remember Gleach's first pitch? I smell a contract....

They'd have to sign Vishnu to be his catcher.

[Arky Vaughan]

Not if you're ok with losing 120 games rather than 100.

I'll take 20 extra losses this season for guys who contribute to five extra wins in 2012 or 2013. Who cares about the rest of this season other than getting young guys some playing time? Getting good value for Oswalt, Myers and Rodriguez would be a big improvement to the team's long-term outlook.

[Randy Watson]

I'll take 20 extra losses this season for guys who contribute to five extra wins in 2012 or 2013. Who cares about the rest of this season other than getting young guys some playing time? Getting good value for Oswalt, Myers and Rodriguez would be a big improvement to the team's long-term outlook.

Hell yes.  What does it matter if we lose 10-20 more games this season?  I'd rather get prospects back -- hopefully guys that could start getting playing time the next two years like we did with the early 90s youth movement -- and get a top-3 pick in next year's draft.

[domedogs]

I'll take 20 extra losses this season for guys who contribute to five extra wins in 2012 or 2013. Who cares about the rest of this season other than getting young guys some playing time? Getting good value for Oswalt, Myers and Rodriguez would be a big improvement to the team's long-term outlook.

Agree 100%.  20 more losses might get you another stud prospect: Anthony Rendon or Matthew Purke.

[Houston]

Trades don't always work out. If one out of four prospects work out, is that a good day?

Aug 30 1990 - traded Bill Doran (IF) to Cin-N for Terry McGriff (C), Butch Henry (P) and Keith Kaiser (P)

Aug 30 1990 - traded Larry Andersen (P) to Bos-A for Jeff Bagwell (IF)

[BUWebguy]

Agree 100%.  20 more losses might get you another stud prospect: Anthony Rendon or Matthew Purke.

Is Purke draft-eligible next year?

[MikeyBoy]

Is Purke draft-eligible next year?

Yes.

[OregonStrosFan]

Is Purke draft-eligible next year?

Purke, Cole, Rendon, Jungmann, etc., etc., etc. Hey Coach, how do you think Jungmann would look in an Astros Uni?

[OregonStrosFan]

Is Purke draft-eligible next year?

Another interesting comment from the Rangers bankruptcy testimony:

Purke and Ryan had agreed on a $6M signing bonus. MLB nixed the deal.

[JimR]

Yes.

how?

[OregonStrosFan]

how?

He falls into the draft eligible sophomore category due to his age at the time of the 2011 draft.

[jbm]

Yes, they wouldn't shut up about that during the telecast. Might have made it a little easier to turn down the ranger's offer. He's got deceptively effective stuff, no one picks up that breaking ball well, but his delivery seems a little max effort for a top of the draft guy. 

[cc]

He falls into the draft eligible sophomore category due to his age at the time of the 2011 draft.

Yeah, he's either just turned 20 or about to, so he's very old for his class.  Most students his age are one year ahead of him.   

[MikeyBoy]

how?

Like OSF mentioned, Purke is classified as a 'draft eligible sophomore'. If a player attends a four year university, he is eligible for the draft when he turns 21, but if his birthday is within 45 days of the draft, he is eligible at that point, regardless of class. As you know, most kids don't reach that milestone until their Junior year.

[JimR]

Like OSF mentioned, Purke is classified as a 'draft eligible sophomore'. If a player attends a four year university, he is eligible for the draft when he turns 21, but if his birthday is within 45 days of the draft, he is eligible at that point, regardless of class. As you know, most kids don't reach that milestone until their Junior year.

yep. i knew the rule.

[AtascAstro]

Like OSF mentioned, Purke is classified as a 'draft eligible sophomore'. If a player attends a four year university, he is eligible for the draft when he turns 21, but if his birthday is within 45 days of the draft, he is eligible at that point, regardless of class. As you know, most kids don't reach that milestone until their Junior year.

Thanks, my son turned 1 today and I'm glad to know that his draft eligibility kicks in a year earlier than I had previously thought at the college level.  Do they make exceptions for Ivy league players?  I want to make sure that I have all of the bases covered.

[cc]

yep. i knew the rule.

The bottom line is, the only reason people are thrown off by his eligibility status is that his parents held him back in school one year somewhere along the way.  Heck, my son played baseball and basketball with him at Klein and I didn't even know until about a month ago.  But  I'm sure it played a factor in his decision to go to TCU, knowing it was almost like going the Juco route in terms of required time.

[JackAstro]

...how do you think Jungmann would look in an Astros Uni?

Tall.