Houston Astros Trade Rumors

Are Astros really in the mix for a Roy Oswalt return?
January 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"Let's play a little game. Which of the following does not belong with the others: Zach Duke. Chris Snyder. Jack Cust. Fernando Martinez. Roy Oswalt. Yes, the games get tougher as we go along. Obviously, the Astros have signed the first four on the list this winter. Moreover, the first four combined are likely to earn less money in 2012 than Oswalt. Still, the odd rumors that link Oswalt to conversations with the Astros are head-scratching at first blush, mind-boggling on the second read. Oswalt has made the rounds over the past month, talking with teams like the Rangers, Red Sox and now the Cardinals. While in Houston, Oswalt was long rumored to be interested in playing"
Astros take a flier on former All-Star pitcher Duke
January 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"The risk is low, which may or may not correspond with the potential rewards the Astros can reap by signing former All-Star pitcher Zach Duke to a minor-league contract. Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow announced on Friday the signing of Duke, a native Texan who also received an invitation to spring training. Duke, 28, is a lefthanded starter who has fallen on hard times since finishing fifth in the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year voting (8-2, 1.81 ERA in 14 starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates). A Clifton native and Fort Worth resident, Duke is 40-72 with a 4.81 ERA and .311 batting average allowed in the past six seasons. With a fastball in the 87-mph range, Duke relies heavily on"
Astros sign former UH star catcher Snyder
January 21
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros are trying to bolster their catching corps with some home-grown talent. General manager Jeff Luhnow announced Friday that the Astros have signed Houston native Chris Snyder to a one-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2013. The Astros have not yet announced the move they'll have to make to open a spot on the 40-man roster for Snyder, who starred at Spring Woods High and the University of Houston. Snyder, 30, has a career .231/.333/.394 batting line (average/on-base percentage/slugging average) in seven-plus seasons in the major leagues, with 70 home runs and 243 RBIs in 1,846 at-bats. Snyder had spent an anxious couple of months on the free-agent market after his"
ESPN writer among candidates for Astros front office position
December 30
Houston Chronicle
 
"As the Astros look to form the remainder of the front office around newly installed president George Postolos and general manager Jeff Luhnow, multiple candidates have been in for interviews though no positions have been officially filled. ESPN senior writer Keith Law, who worked previously in the Toronto Blue Jays front office, is a candidate for a position, having already interviewed according to a person with knowledge of the process. Luhnow had no comment on any individual candidates vying to join a front office with other top positions filled by David Gottfried (player relations), Bobby Heck (scouting) and Fred Nelson (player development). Luhnow did say that there have been no"
Lee, Myers and Wandy may be on the block
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"Carlos Lee, 1B: In the right situation, Lee could be the Comeback Player of the Year. His contract — one year, $18.5 million — isn't as bad as you think. He won't be with the Astros after 2012, with first baseman of the future Jonathan Singleton on the way. Lee, 35, has incentive to produce as he's preparing to hit the open market. New general manager Jeff Luhnow could entice a team like the Indians if he pays half of the contract. Lee could become a popular target after Fielder signs. One complication: Lee has a full no-trade clause. Brett Myers, RHP: Luhnow's best move with Myers may be to wait and hope that he reestablishes some value before the July trade deadline. His ERA jumped from"
Red Sox acquire Houston's Mark Melancon for Jed Lowrie, Kyle Weiland
December 15
Boston Herald
 
"Save opportunities were rarer than diamonds this year for the 106-loss Houston Astros. But when Mark Melancon got a chance, he usually delivered. "He was nails," Astros manager Brad Mills said last night. The Red Sox were impressed enough that yesterday they traded talented, but oft-injured infielder Jed Lowrie and right-hander Kyle Weiland to the Astros for Melancon, who won't necessarily replace closer Jonathan Papelbon but surely will pitch in close games when late-inning leads need to be safeguarded. Melancon, 26, took the reins as Astros closer in May and recorded 20 saves in 25 chances. He was 8-4 on the season with a 2.78 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 742/3 innings spanning 71"
Report: Sox acquire Mark Melancon from Astros
December 14
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox have made a significant addition to their bullpen, acquiring righthanded reliever Mark Melancon from the Astros for infielder Jed Lowrie and reliever Kyle Weiland. Melancon, a hard-throwing 26-year-old had a 2.78 earned run average and 20 saves in 74.1 innings for Houston last season. He struck out 66 and walked 26. His numbers suggest he could serve as the departed Jonathan Papelbon's successor as the Red Sox closer in '12, though he may also be the first of many pieces added to the bullpen, especially if Daniel Bard ends up in the rotation. Oakland closer Andrew Bailey is one among a handful of potential relievers the Red Sox could still pursue."
Astros hold one of best lefthanders on market in Wandy
December 8
Houston Chronicle
 
"By midday Wednesday — the Astros' final full day at baseball's winter meetings — the logjam had begun to break apart in the team's quest to trade off some of its remaining high salaries. With Mark Buehrle's agreement to terms on a four-year $58.5 million deal with the suddenly splashy Miami Marlins, one of the two top free agent lefties was off the market. The Astros hope, and industry insiders believe, that their 32-year-old lefty Wandy Rodriguez would make a nice option to somebody unable to secure the services of Buehrle or other high-value lefty C.J. Wilson. The Astros are looking to trade Rodriguez, putting the $36 million and three years left on his deal elsewhere as they seek to"
Astros enter winter meetings without a GM
December 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"In part because of the delays in ownership transfer that pushed the front-office changes well past the usual window for firings and hirings, the Astros will need a multi-tasking approach. Astros owner Jim Crane and CEO George Postolos, upon their arrival at the annual industry convention, will continue their search for a new general manager. That it comes well after the other six GM changes leaves interim general manager David Gottfried in place for the meetings. And he is not without his own list of priorities while the suits are looking for a permanent replacement. Yes, the baseball show must go on even as the front-office ladder faces uncertainty. Among the projects facing the Astros as"
Astros sign ex-Brave Hernandez to minor-league deal with spring training invite
December 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros announced the signing of infielder Diory Hernandez to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. Hernandez, 27, has hit .157 with a .195 on-base percentage and a .260 slugging percentage in 138 at-bats with the Braves over the last three seasons. In the majors, Hernandez has played mostly shortstop, a position where the Astros are piling up possible replacements for Clint Barmes. Angel Sanchez will be joined by waiver claim Brian Bixler and minor league free agent Joe Thurston. They also could add a low-cost free agent or trade acquisition to solidify the position. In the majors and in the minor leagues, where Hernandez has spent most of his nine"
Astros interview Cardinals' Luhnow, Rockies' Geivett for GM job
December 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros are two candidates into their search for a new general manager with their emphasis on building from the ground floor at the forefront. St. Louis Cardinals vice president of player procurement Jeff Luhnow and Colorado Rockies assistant GM Bill Geivett interviewed for the job, according to a person with knowledge of that process. Luhnow's position is an amateur scouting role and his previous experience with the club has included a reign over the farm system. Geivett's job description includes oversight of scouting and player development. The Astros have made no public comments, but that type of candidate fits with their stated mission in launching their search to replace fired"
Astros receive permission to interview Rays GM Friedman
November 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros have received permission to interview Tampa Bay Rays general manager Andrew Friedman, according to officials with knowledge of the organization's thinking. Although the club has asked to interview "a handful" of others, Friedman clearly is the No. 1 choice to replace Ed Wade. Among others believed to be under consideration were two Texas Rangers executives, Thad Levine and A.J. Preller. However, former Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker apparently will not be interviewed for the job."
Barmes confirms he's headed to Pittsburgh
November 21
MLB.com
 
"The Pirates have filled their hole at shortstop, replacing Ronny Cedeno with Clint Barmes, who confirmed on Monday that he has agreed to a two-year deal with Pittsburgh. The contract is worth $10.5 million. Pittsburgh has been looking for a new shortstop since deciding not to exercise Cedeno's $3 million option for 2012. That pushed Cedeno into a fairly thin free-agent shortstop market, which already included Barmes, who spent the 2011 season in Houston and became a free agent at the end of the year due to service time."
Local attorney says Astros' move to AL violates lease agreement
November 17
Houston Chronicle
 
"An impending Astros move to the American League could violate the team's lease agreement with the Harris County Houston Sports Authority, according to a local attorney. Kevin W. Yankowsky, a partner at Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., outlined his findings from a review of the lease in a Tuesday letter to J. Kent Friedman, the Sports Authority's chairman of the board. Yankowsky, an Astros fan since the 1970s, will make a presentation at the Dec. 1 Sports Authority Board of Directors meeting urging a strict enforcement of the Astros' lease to play their home games at Minute Maid Park. The wording of the lease agreement, Yankowsky said, spells out that the Astros cannot play at Minute Maid as"
Astros sign veteran infielder Thurston to minor-league deal
November 14
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros signed well-traveled veteran infielder Joe Thurston to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. The lefthanded hitter has played parts of seven seasons in the big leagues, totaling 384 plate appearances with his lone sustained run in the big leagues coming with the 2009 Cardinals. He is a career .226 hitter with a .305 on-base percentage and a .323 slugging percentage."
Astros inching closer to a change in owners, leagues
November 12
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros are inching closer to a new era in ownership and league affiliation. Prospective Astros owner Jim Crane and his group of investors have reached an agreement with Major League Baseball that would shift the franchise to the American League, two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed Friday. One person familiar with the situation said the transfer of the team from Drayton McLane to Crane is on the agenda at next week's owners meetings in Milwaukee, but negotiations over the final details likely will continue until then. The Associated Press, citing two people who spoke on condition of anonymity, also reports the sale is on the owners' agenda and that part of the sale"
Astros' move to AL could be imminent
October 21
Houston Chronicle
 
"Major League Baseball is discussing with prospective Astros owner Jim Crane possible compensation for agreeing to move the team to the American League. Three people familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday that MLB has broached the subject with Crane, who in May reached an agreement to purchase the team from Drayton McLane for $680 million. One industry insider said MLB representatives floated $50 million as a possible compensation package for Crane and his group of investors to move the team from the National League. It is not known if MLB has formally offered the $50 million, or if such compensation would come from a reduction in the sale price or by other means. The discussions"
If MLB gives Crane $50 million to move to AL, what should he do with it?
October 21
Houston Chronicle
 
"After weeks of absolutely nada, zilch, nothing, the Astros' sale has apparently gone from 0-to-60 quietly and quickly. Or maybe they've been talking all along and just didn't tell us. If you believe what you read — and, of course, it's all fact, right? — either MLB has offered Jim Crane a $50 million concession to move to the American League or Crane himself has told MLB that's what it would take to break a 50-year tie with the National League. That one wasn't on my list of possibilities last month, but $50 million seems like a cheap ransom for the next 50-year run…in the junior league. Nonetheless, the "ballpark" seems to be set for the end game of the sale of the team to Crane and the"
Jim Crane could walk away from deal to buy Astros
October 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"As the Nov. 30 expiration of his contract to buy the Astros creeps closer, Jim Crane said Tuesday that he probably would walk away if Major League Baseball doesn't approve his group's $680 million purchase by that date. "I'm not saying we wouldn't extend it," Crane said in a meeting with the Chronicle's editorial board. "We'd have to know what the circumstances are. You have to remember, we were told the deal was going to close in August. The cash is in the bank.""
Astros prospect dies in automobile accident
October 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"Caney Creek alumnus and Houston Astros prospect Dustin Ryan Kellogg died in a vehicle accident late Monday in southeast Montgomery County. Kellogg, 18, was southbound on FM 1314 in Porter when his GMC pickup crossed into the oncoming traffic lanes and struck an 18-wheeler head-on, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured in the 11:40 p.m. accident near Old Houston Road in Porter. The Astros drafted Kellogg in the 34th round in June and he pitched for the team's Gulf Coast League team. "I'm really at a loss for words," Astros scouting director Bobby Heck said. "An 18-year-old with his whole life in front of him – he's gone. It's"
Houston Astros outfielder arrested in Tampa on marijuana charge
October 4
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Houston Astros outfielder Jordan Schafer, 25, was arrested in Tampa early Tuesday and charged with a felony count of possession of marijuana, according to arrest reports. According to a Tampa Police arrest report, Schafer, who was traded from Atlanta to Houston in July in the deal that sent the Braves outfielder Michael Bourn, was arrested at 12:38 a.m. at 2223 Westshore Boulevard, the address for The Cheesecake Factory restaurant. He was released from county jail at 1:59 a.m. on $2,000 cash bond."
Will Wandy be back with Astros or be dealt in offseason?
September 28
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Steve Campbell
"Wandy Rodriguez nearly did something extremely difficult. For a brief interlude Monday, he had visions of fashioning a winning record pitching for the worst team in Astros history. Rodriguez left his final start of the season with a 4-2 lead and had to settle for a no-decision, leaving his final ledger at 11-11. His 3.49 ERA ranked 18th among National League qualifiers entering Tuesday night's game against the Cardinals. The Astros were 14-16 (.467) when Rodriguez started, 42-88 (.323) when he didn't entering Tuesday. "I feel like I had a good season," Rodriguez said. "I tried to make a quality start every time. I tried to make good pitches. That's what I did most of the time.""
Wright shows dominance in return to majors
September 22
Houston Chronicle
 
"Considering the presence of some lingering pain and the Astros' distance from a pennant race, the team has soured on the idea of giving Bud Norris his final start after he was pulled from Tuesday's game with shoulder soreness. The Astros have not altogether ruled Norris out. He will see team doctors today, at which time a final decision will be made. Still, manager Brad Mills called the chances of another start "slim," and Norris called the injury tendinitis and didn't sound like there would be any more pitches in his immediate future with the season ending Sept. 28. "It's just a dull pain," Norris said. "I've had it before, and I know what to do." Mills said Lucas Harrell, who was"
Frustrated Jim Crane 'offended' by speculation about delays in Astros sale process
September 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"After several months in the on-deck circle, the man who wants to buy the Astros is getting frustrated. In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle on Thursday, Houston businessman Jim Crane said he was getting impatient not only with how long it's taking Major League Baseball to approve the sale but also with swirling media rumors about why it's taking so long. The latest rumor, one involving a divorce and child-custody dispute more than a decade ago, prompted him to recount what happened as he recalls it and to make available his grown children to corroborate his story. "When you go to the personal side, it's not a business deal anymore, and that's what offended me," Crane said in"
Paredes' sneaky speed lands him in No. 2 spot
September 8
Houston Chronicle
 
"Wednesday night saw a new, albeit temporary, No. 2 hitter as Jimmy Paredes was placed up there in defiance of one stereotype, as he is a high-strikeout hitter, but right in line with another. That would be his speed, which can take anyone by surprise who gets a first look at his well-built frame. He was one day removed from making two key plays with his legs, once beating out an infield hit — one of three on the day — and also beating out a ground ball that could have been a double play, which kept what would become a two-run inning really churning. While the Astros traded their fastest player in Michael Bourn, the addition of Paredes to the roster just hours later meshes with what"
AL issue won't decide Crane's fate
September 8
Houston Chronicle
 
"Jim Crane may never own the Astros, but it won't be because he refuses to move to the American League. Could it end up being a factor amid reports he's being asked to consider it? Sure, it could. But it won't be a deal breaker. Baseball's issues with Crane run much deeper and are much more complicated. Even after four months of background checks, baseball is still troubled about Crane's past. At a time when the sport is attempting to oust Frank McCourt from the Los Angeles Dodgers, commissioner Bud Selig is being extremely thorough in studying potential owners. It's not one thing that bothers baseball about Jim Crane. It's a thousand paper cuts. Almost every single thing in his"
Sale of Astros to Crane still on hold as MLB continues investigation
August 30
Houston Chronicle
 
"Jim Crane's $680 million purchase of the Astros remains on hold as Major League Baseball continues to investigate charges of war profiteering and alleged unfair hiring practices of blacks and women, an official familiar with the process said Monday. Meanwhile, Astros owner Drayton McLane continued to express optimism that Crane ultimately would be approved. "I spoke extensively with the commissioner (Sunday) and had hoped this would be done this week, but it looks like it's going to be next week." said McLane, who believes the sale will be consummated in the next week to 10 days. However, others are less certain. Baseball apparently has completed virtually all the background check on"
Wandy claimed, reportedly by Rockies
August 23
MLB.com
 
"Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez was claimed off waivers Tuesday, a person familiar with the situation confirmed to MLB.com. The Astros and the claiming team -- the Colorado Rockies, according to FOXsports.com's Ken Rosenthal -- have 48 hours to work out a deal, or they could let him go to Colorado in exchange for a $20,000 waiver claim. Houston could also pull him back from waivers. If the Astros pull Rodriguez back, he'll remain on the roster for the rest of the season. Rodriguez is scheduled to pitch against the Rockies in Wednesday's series finale at Coors Field."
Wandy might land in Bronx
August 22
New York Post
 
"Houston lefty Wandy Rodriguez was put on waivers Friday, and if not claimed he will clear today. While the Yankees backed off Rodriguez as the Aug. 1 trade deadline approached, they have been following the cash-dumping Astros, who are looking to move him. The Blue Jays have an interest, too. At the trade deadline, Freddy Garcia hadn't cut his index finger, Bartolo Colon had won two straight and A.J. Burnett hadn't fallen deeper into the abyss. Rodriguez has $23 million coming across the next two years and some clubs are wary how his stuff would do in the American League. Rodriguez, 32, is 9-9 with a 3.31 ERA for the worst team in baseball."
Prosecutors want a second shot at ex-Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens, ask judge to schedule new trial
August 20
New York Daily News
 
"The Unites States government wants to take another shot at Roger Clemens . Acknowledging Friday they were to blame for the mistrial that ended the pitcher's long-awaited perjury case last month, federal prosecutors Friday asked U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton in Washington to schedule a new trial. A glaring mistake - showing a jury evidence Walton had barred - was, they said, the .result of pretrial time constraints, a focus on jury selection and opening statements. "Appropriate redaction was the government's duty," the prosecutors wrote in a 36-page brief filed in D.C. "The government accepts responsibility for its oversight, and regrets the burdens that error has placed on"
Astros sign 35 draft picks from 2011 class
August 17
Houston Chronicle
 
"Baseball talent evaluators deemed the 2011 draft to be laden with pitching, so the Astros drafted a position player first. Then the Astros went for pitching. The draft-deadline signings of center fielder George Springer and pitcher Jack Armstrong left the Astros with an incoming 2011 class of 35. The breakdown: 16 pitchers (11 righthanders), eight outfielders, four first basemen, two shortstops, two second basemen, two catchers, one third baseman. Springer received the second-highest signing bonus in franchise history ($2.525 million, or $75,000 less than 2010 international signee Arial Ovando). Armstrong received a $750,000 signing bonus despite having pitched only 17 innings this season"
Astros ink first-round pick Springer, third rounder Armstrong
August 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"The negotiations between the Astros and the No. 11 overall pick of the 2011 draft went to the 11th hour. Ultimately, though, the Astros landed their man, University of Connecticut center fielder George Springer, in time to beat the 11 p.m. Monday signing deadline. The Astros announced the agreement with Springer, touted by some scouts as the college position player who has the most potential star power, after a 4-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The Astros also reached an agreement with righthanded pitcher Jack Armstrong, a third-round pick from Vanderbilt, to give them a 1.000 batting average with their first 13 selections. The only player the Astros didn't sign among their first 17 picks was"
'Green Monday' arrives: Deadline for signing draft picks is tonight
August 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"After more than two months of on-and-mostly-off negotiating, angst from the fans and long periods of inaction in one of baseball's most inefficient processes, it's finally "green Monday." The day the real dollars flow for those draft picks who have not signed and finally will put their name on the line by the deadline of 11 p.m. today. The Astros have signed 33 picks, not signed 17 others and remain in negotiations with three of those 17 — first-rounder George Springer (UConn outfielder), third-rounder Jack Armstrong (Vanderbilt pitcher) and 14th-rounder Gandy Stubblefield (Lufkin High School pitcher committed to Texas A&M if he does not sign). Most of the first-rounders are unsigned as"
Talk of realignment has Astros in forefront of teams considered for shift
August 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"As the geographical outlier in baseball's super division — by size only, it must be said — the Astros understandably have come up often as a candidate to move to the American League should baseball realign its divisions. Such a move would be a drastic one — new rivals, new itineraries and even a new rule book. Commissioner Bud Selig has said realignment is unlikely to accompany the new collective bargaining agreement for a 2012 shakeup, but the players' union has discussed bringing it to the table for sometime in the near future. And the proposed realignment change comes at a time of real change in the Astros organization. Drayton McLane has vocally resisted a move, but because he likely"
Report: Astros are expected to place Rodriguez on trade waivers this week
August 11
SportingNews.com
 
"The Astros are believed to be placing lefthander starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez on trade waivers this week and there is a growing belief that Rodriguez will be claimed by a team, according to CBSSports.com. Rodriguez was talked in trade rumors leading up to the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline, but wound up staying with Houston. The Astros traded outfielders Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn before the deadline. Rodriguez will be owed $10 million in 2012, $13 million in 2013, and has a $13 million club option or a $2.5 million buyout for 2014. The Astros are believed to be cutting payroll to around $60 million next year."
Trade deadline expires, but Wandy could still be dealt
August 1
Houston Chronicle
 
"As pleased as Wandy Rodriguez was to survive the trade deadline still an Astro amid calls that went up nearly to the 3 p.m. cutoff, the saga might not be over. He can still be traded, presuming he and the $38 million remaining on his contract clear waivers. Sunday was just the non-waiver trade deadline, but a different process begins today. The Astros will put all of their players on trade waivers, meaning any team can claim any player. Usually, this will mean nothing, as teams can pull back their player from waivers if they're claimed. They can also let a player go, making the claiming team absorb the player and his current contract. If nobody claims the player, as may be the case with"
Yankees aiming to acquire Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez
July 31
Hardball Talk
 
"About four hours remain until MLB's non-waiver trade deadline. And things are really starting to heat up. According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees are "trying for" Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez. The 'Stros have already parted with outfielders Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn, and are now trying to unload the $28 million or so that is remaining on Rodriguez's contract."
Who could follow Altuve to the major leagues if Astros deal?
July 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"I received a great question on Twitter yesterday from the wonderfully named @KevinBassStache, who asked "If #Astros end up dealing multiple players, who is most likely to get called up from farm next?" This is a good question even if they deal one more player, after Jose Altuve was the one called up to replace Jeff Keppinger when Keppinger was traded to the San Francisco Giants. The caveat in all this is that it could very well be the player who was traded in that or another deal, like when Brett Wallace stepped in for Lance Berkman, who had been traded in a different deal. So for instance when the Astros trade Hunter Pence to the Braves for Jason Heyward (kidding, if I must explain that),"
Wandy dazzles in what could be his last start for Astros
July 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"Wandy Rodriguez saved his best for last Thursday in the Astros' 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston and the baseball world await what is meant by last. Rodriguez retired his final 13 batters, perhaps just of his seven-inning start, but with the trade deadline four days away, the thought that they were the final 13 batters of his 1,107-inning Astros career was on a lot of minds. As he treads down the same road of uncertainty as Hunter Pence does – talks are heightening on Pence and the decision time on Rodriguez will come in the next three days – his mind wasn't always among them. "I don't have control over all that," Rodriguez, 32, said. Those that matter were mostly"
Phillies' trade focus: Pence, Quentin, Adams
July 29
CSN Philly
 
"The San Francisco Giants introduced their big trade-deadline addition during a news conference at Citizens Bank Park late Thursday afternoon. As Carlos Beltran spoke about trying to help the Giants win another World Series, Phillies officials were encamped four floors above in an effort to swing a deal for a player that they hope will make a difference in their quest to win a second World Series in four years. According to people with knowledge of the situation, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is aggressively trying to make a trade before Sunday afternoon's non-waiver trade deadline. Sources say Amaro remains focused on three players that he believes can help make the Phillies a"
Source: Astros could trade Pence as soon as today; Phillies lead candidates
July 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros are deep into talks to trade right fielder Hunter Pence before Sunday's trade deadline, perhaps as soon as today, and the Philadelphia Phillies are the leading candidate for his services, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions. There are multiple teams with interest, including the Braves, according to multiple reports. But talks with the Phillies have progressed furthest, the person said. Astros general manager Ed Wade, as a policy, does not comment on trade possibilities before a deal is finished. Pence is the foremost righthanded hitter on the market despite his struggles since the All-Star break. On the season, he is hitting .309 with 11 home runs after going"
Dealing Pence or Bourn raises chances of regret for Astros
July 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"It doesn't hurt to listen to offers to trade the face of the Astros franchise. True, Hunter Pence is the Astros' most popular player, an All-Star in two of the last three seasons. Just as true are the words Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey used when Ralph Kiner was bargaining for a raise after winning the home run title for a bottom-of-the-barrel Pirates team: "We finished last with you, and we can finish last without you." With the Astros on course to lose more than 100 games for the first time in an existence that began in 1962, they could decide that the face of the franchise might as well have a bag over the head. What Astros general manager Ed Wade has to determine this week — in"
Are Astros pitchers worth any (literally, any) prospects in trade?
July 27
Houston Chronicle
 
"In a perfect world of perfect information found in many introductory level economics lecture halls, no they're not. Their veteran pitchers (not the 0-to-6ers before their first true negotiated contract) are worth absolutely zero prospects in a trade. They, Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers, would would be signed for exactly their market value, and any team acquiring him would be acquiring him at the cost that he was worth. Of course, this is an imperfect world as evidenced by the fact that the American League still uses the DH. So where does this imperfect world deviate from a scenario where veterans would have no trade value, and how does this explain how the trade deadline works? There are"
Phillies still trying hard for Hunter Pence
July 27
Hardball Talk
 
"While there's some thought out there that they've soured on a potential Carlos Beltran deal, the Phillies have been the most aggressive suitors for Houston's Hunter Pence, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports. Rosenthal also tweets that the Red Sox have inquired about Pence, but that they've had a tough time finding a match with the Astros, and that the Braves aren't currently involved in the chase."
Deadline looms for Astros to sign 2011 selections
July 26
Houston Chronicle
 
"With the deadline to sign draft picks three weeks from today, the early draft market showed its first signs of getting out of its slumber. But although Trevor Bauer of the Diamondbacks (No. 3 overall) and Sonny Gray of the Athletics (No. 18) signed to bring the first-round count to nine of 33, there has been little action in Houston. Most deals get done in the final days before the 11 p.m. deadline on Aug. 15. The Astros' wait to sign two of their top three picks continues, with first-round pick George Springer still out there and third-rounder Jack Armstrong nearing the end of his stay in the Cape Cod League. Assistant general manager of scouting Bobby Heck said talks with Springer have"
D'Backs talking trade for Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez
July 25
Hardball Talk
 
"The Diamondbacks entered Sunday's action with a healthy 54-47 record, but they're four games behind the Giants in the National League West and five games back of the Braves in the Wild Card race. To remain competitive, the D'Backs need to make a high-impact move at this year's trade deadline. And it appears they might be poised to do just that."
Phillies trying for Pence
July 22
SI.com
 
"The Astros' asking price on Hunter Pence has been so prohibitive that competing teams believe he will stay in Houston. Supposedly Houston wants at least three good pieces, probably young, major-league-ready talent. Rivals are questioning whether they're serious about trading him based on the requests they've heard. A lot of teams need outfielders and Pence is a player who could help the Phillies, Braves, Giants, Astros, Pirates and Indians. Current Astros management views him as the "favorite of the franchise," however, and just the right type of player to set an example for a young team. The Phillies are said to be one team trying for Pence despite the asking price, and Phillies GM Ruben"
Here's the reason Pence, Bourn, Wandy, Brett and Clint are on the block
July 22
Houston Chronicle
 
"There are 680 million reasons that Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn, Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez and Clint Barmes are on the trade block. If new owner Jim Crane looks to continue turning dollars into cents for his 2012 payroll, expect Ed Wade or his replacement to continue turning veterans into kids. For the purpose of this conversation, the term veteran means anyone earning over $1 million next season. Four players are currently under contract for 2012, although another eight are arbitration eligible and considered under team control. If the new owner anticipates a payroll of around $60 million — a figure that has been rumored — one or all of Carlos Lee, Brett Myers or Wandy Rodriguez will be"
Who would the Astros miss the most: Pence, Bourn or Wandy?
July 22
Houston Chronicle
 
"Ultimate Astros has never been busier. Ah, yes, the trade deadline. Fans, media and even those guys over at ESPN have opinions on the Astros, their general manager and those players other teams seem to be drooling over. But while you're kicking around Ed Wade and all those pundits, think about this: Which player, if traded, would the Astros miss the most? Which player would leave the biggest shoes to fill? Which player would be the most difficult to replace? There isn't a Jeff Bagwell or Roy Oswalt or Craig Biggio on the roster, meaning virtually every player can be replaced. Yes, one of the younger players — Bud Norris, Brett Wallace, Jason Castro— could develop into a megastar, but they"