"The Astros remain unlikely to trade right fielder Hunter Pence unless new owner Jim Crane is approved before July 31 and orders such a move.

The odds of Crane consenting to a trade of Pence in one of his first acts are slim. But shouldn't the Astros at least be entertaining the idea?

Club officials view Pence, 28, as a core player for the future. Pence, though, is getting pricey – his current salary is $6.9 million and he's arbitration-eligible for two more seasons.

Meanwhile, offense is down. A number of contenders are eager to add right-handed thump. And Pence would be perhaps the most appealing bat on the market.

The Astros need to rebuild around pitching. They've got right-handers Bud Norris and Jordan Lyles in place. What if they could move Pence to the Braves for a package built around one or more of Atlanta's many appealing young arms?

They would save money. They would increase their inventory of young talent. They would kick-start a rebuilding process that is long overdue."