Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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June 25

ESPN.com

"The Florida Marlins' bullpen is in tatters, in the aftermath of word that Matt Lindstrom may not pitch for many weeks, to go along with injuries to Leo Nunez and Kiko Calero. Sources say that right now, Florida's top priority is to add a proven reliever, and given that most of the bodies lost by the Marlins this season have been right-handers, adding someone like a LaTroy Hawkins or Danys Baez would make some sense. They also will consider Luis Ayala, whom the Twins cut loose and is reportedly being considered by the Pirates. The Marlins' need is acute, and the timing is right: Ricky Nolasco is on a roll right now, and the Marlins moved above .500 for the first time in more than six weeks ..."

Boston Red Sox look for stability at shortstop

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June 21

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"No position is more important than the one in the middle of the infield. Yet shortstop has been a revolving door for the Boston Red Sox during their six-year run as baseball's strongest team. They have more pitchers than they need this season, and Jason Bay, Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell are providing the run production that for so long came from David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. But manager Terry Francona continues to tinker at shortstop. He has used 18 players there since the 2004 season, when Nomar Garciaparra was traded to the Cubs. Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Alex Gonzalez and Julio Lugo have taken turns as the primary shortstop, with the homegrown Jed Lowrie flashing the potential ..."

Red Sox want rotation depth, will keep Penny

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June 20

ESPN.com

"Be realistic. Jake Peavy and Erik Bedard probably won't be tradeable before Aug. 1. Drayton McLane is not moving Roy Oswalt. Jarrod Washburn could probably be had, and would be a good pickup for a National League team with a big ballpark (cue Dodgers, Mets and Giants). And that's about it. Oh, Brad Penny would probably be the best starting pitcher out there, but unless someone comes up with a Justin Smoak, Matt LaPorta or Brett Wallace -- which isn't going to happen -- they are going to hold onto Penny, who is two years removed from finishing third in the NL Cy Young race. Early in the season, Penny came out throwing 88-90 mph in the first couple of innings and gradually worked his way up ..."

Looking for an ace? Don't look here

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June 15

SI.com

"The pitching market is taking some serious hits lately. If the Padres were already frustrated by Jake Peavy's veto of the trade to the White Sox, now they have to beside themselves. With Peavy out "eight to 12 weeks" with an ankle injury, according to the Padres trainer, the team's hope to save the remainder on his contract (close to $60 million right now) is likely delayed by a year. This, of course, is not the fault of Peavy, who received the no-trade powers in return for agreeing to take what was seen as a below-market contract for an ace. But you have to wonder how many teams will eagerly give out full no-trade clauses in the future. The Braves are the one team that has made it policy ..."

Cardinals Target Tejada

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June 11

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

(scroll down)

"The Cardinals have expanded their search for an additional hitter to include Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada. Tejada fits the profile of what the Cardinals are seeking — an offensive deterrent capable of playing multiple positions. The Astros are experiencing financial problems and could part with a player owed $13 million this season. Tejada entered Wednesday leading the NL in batting with a .357 average and 21 doubles. He ranked third in the league with a .354 average against righthanded pitching."

Ken Williams: Roy who?

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June 2

Chicago Sun-Times

"White Sox general manager Ken Williams had little to say about the trade talk surrounding Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt. That's because there's nothing to it, Williams said. ''I really prefer not to get into confirming or denying something because you tip your hand, and if you tip your hand, you don't get anything done,'' Williams said Monday. ''But I'll make the exception, so everyone can relax a little bit. I haven't talked to the Houston Astros about any pitching whatsoever.'' Williams was asked about a Houston Chronicle story in which it was assumed that Oswalt would go the Jake Peavy route, using his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Sox. ''You want me to respond to something we ..."

Roy Oswalt, Jake Peavy unjoin the club

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June 2

Chicago Sun-Times

"According to the Houston Chronicle, Roy Oswalt would turn down the White Sox if they tried to acquire him. According to general manager Ken Williams, the right-hander need not worry about being put in that situation. But the fact remained that for the second time in a week, a National League hurler has turned his back on the idea of playing for the Sox. ''I don't care,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. ''If I pitched in the National League, I would think twice about coming to the American League because now you'd find out how to really pitch. Every lineup is loaded. ''But if they don't want to play for the Sox, good. First of all, we never mentioned, at least Kenny never mentioned that name ..."

White Sox GM Ken Williams denies interest in Astros' Oswalt

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June 2

Chicago Tribune

"Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt doesn't want the White Sox? Well, the Sox haven't shown interest in him yet, either. Sox general manager Ken Williams denied he even has inquired about the availability of Oswalt, who is not expected to hit the trade market for another month, if then. But that didn't stop the rumor mill after Williams' special assistant, Bill Scherrer, was spotted during an extended stay in Houston. "He happened to be on his regular tour," Williams said Monday. "I didn't even know he was in Houston." Williams acted surprised when he saw media flocking toward him in the Sox's dugout before the game against Oakland, but he did answer the question. "I prefer not to get into ..."

With Myers on the shelf, Philly's in search of starting pitching

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June 1

SI.com

"The Phillies were scouring the trade market for starting pitching help even before Brett Myers became the latest big-name casualty with the increasingly fashionable torn hip labrum. Teammate Chase Utley beat the four-month prediction for him to return from the same injury, but Phillies people understandably worry that it may be more difficult for a pitcher to come back as quickly. In any case, the world champions are aiming high now in their quest for a starter, with Jake Peavy appearing to top their list of desirable aces, perhaps followed by Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee and Erik Bedard. Ruben Amaro, the Phillies' aggressive new GM, understands better than anyone that this is a win-now team, one ..."

Oswalt would decline trade to White Sox

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June 1

Houston Chronicle

"White Sox? No Because Bill Scherrer, a special assisant to White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, has been at the Astros' last two series, there has been national media speculation about the possibility of Roy Oswalt accepting a trade to Chicago. Oswalt isn't talking publicly about any trade speculation, but the Chronicle has learned he would not waive his no-trade clause if the White Sox attempted to acquire him. Chicago recently agreed to a trade for San Diego Padres ace Jake Peavy, but Peavy exercised his veto power. Berkman bats fifth Lance Berkman was dropped to the fifth spot Sunday for the finale of the three-game series against the Pirates. Hunter Pence was placed in Berkman's ..."

Report: Oswalt won't consider White Sox

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June 1

Chicago Sun-Times

"Like his offseason hunting buddy, Jake Peavy, Roy Oswalt wants nothing to do with the White Sox. The long-time Astros ace would invoke his no-trade clause should the Sox attempt to acquire him, according to the Houston Chronicle. The newspaper is reporting that while trade discussions have not taken place, Bill Scherrer, a special assistant to General Manager Kenny Williams, has attended the Astros' last two series in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh."

Astros' Roy Oswalt might like change of address

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May 31

Chicago Tribune

"Keep an eye on the relationship between Roy Oswalt and the Astros. He has been disappointed that the club hasn't made an attempt to land Jake Peavy and recently has seemed at odds with manager Cecil Cooper. Oswalt has a full no-trade clause but might not mind a chance to go to a contender. ... Peavy insists he could reconsider a White Sox trade later in the season. The Sox say they're open to the possibility, but it seems as much of a long shot as it did two weeks ago. ... Add the Yankees and Braves to the possible Mark DeRosa destinations. ... Credit new pitching coach Rick Knapp, catcher Gerald Laird and an improved infield defense, as much as newcomers Edwin Jackson and Rick ..."

White Sox Following Houston

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May 30

Chicago Tribune

"General manager Ken Williams said he didn't have a Plan B last week after losing out on San Diego all-star pitcher Jake Peavy. But that hasn't stopped Williams from collecting information. Special assistant Bill Scherrer is following Houston, which is in last place in the American League Central. The Sox weren't afraid to take on $63 million if Peavy had accepted a trade. Roy Oswalt, Houston's marquee pitcher, will earn $45 million from 2009-2011, plus a $16 million club option/$2 million buyout. The Sox, however, haven't been trade partners with Houston in past years. A multi-player deal involving Jon Garland after the 2006 season never materialized."

With Myers out, Phils to go after difference-maker

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May 30

Foxsports.com

"Don't look for the Phillies to make an immediate trade for a starting pitcher now that right-hander Brett Myers is out for the season. Rather than obtain a short-term fix such as Red Sox right-hander Brad Penny, the Phillies likely will try to acquire more of a difference-maker before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told FOXSports.com on Friday that the Phillies are not flexible enough financially to add multiple starting pitchers. The team essentially has one move to make, and would prefer to be it for a top-of-the-rotation type such as Mariners left-hander Erik Bedard or Astros righty Roy Oswalt Jr. The Red Sox, according to a source with knowledge of the ..."

Trade market for pitchers confronts Philly

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May 30

ESPN.com

"Weeks ago, the Phillies began the process of evaluating the market for starting pitching. Chan Ho Park, their No. 5 starter, was struggling, and so was 46-year-old wonder Jamie Moyer. The Phillies felt they had to start preparing for the possibility that they might need a veteran starting pitcher. But now their need for a starting pitcher is acute, and probably immediate, because Brett Myers needs hip surgery. So the front office must now decide when a move should and will happen, especially so they can keep the window open for winning, as Jim Salisbury writes. There are a range of avenues for the Phillies to explore, but in the end, there are probably very few reasonable options. They ..."

News for Coop not good

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May 30

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"If there is anything worse for an embattled manager than getting the dreaded vote of confidence, it is not getting the dreaded vote of confidence. The reason it is a "dreaded" vote of confidence is that those words of love and admiration — or to be more accurate, words of moderate acceptance of mediocrity - are most often followed by the dreaded "the boss wants to see you in his office" note delivered by some clubhouse attendant. These days, it could come via e-mail or text message, and one day soon might even be a tweet. (If Drayton McLane de-friends Cecil Cooper on Facebook … ruh roh.) Cooper finds himself in a near-groundbreaking situation. He has received the dreaded vote of ..."

Phillies' hitting potent, but rotation needs addressing

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May 30

Chicago Tribune

"As was the case in most of the 1980s, this is proving to be a dynasty-free decade in baseball. There wasn't a lot of talk about the Philadelphia Phillies or Tampa Bay Rays being capable of a run after they went to the World Series in October, and the three-tiered playoff system makes for long odds against any except the most dominant teams. Two months in, though, don't count out the Phillies. They are going to be really dangerous if they ever sort out their starting pitching. Charlie Manuel's defending champs had managed to lead the National League East eight days in a row before slipping a half-game behind the Mets entering the weekend. They did this despite a starting rotation with a ..."

Trade winds begin as a breeze

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May 27

Yahoo! Sports

"Last week's Jake Peavy(notes) near-trade demonstrated that not only will the Padres' ace dictate his relocation terms, but that the annual swapping season will heat up well before the July 31 trading deadline. Here are some developments to watch in the coming days and weeks: • The New York Mets retain keen interest in Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson(notes), to the point where the Nationals have scouts watching the Mets' Triple-A team in Buffalo, N.Y., and Double-A team in Binghamton, N.Y., evaluating pitchers Jon Niese, Mike Antonini and Eddie Kunz(notes) among others. The Mets need a first baseman because Carlos Delgado(notes) could be out for two months after hip surgery. ..."

Berkman likely to play vs. Rockies

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May 12

Houston Chronicle

"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, who sat out the three-game weekend series against Padres with a sore left wrist, is expected to be in the lineup tonight for the series opener against the Rockies. Berkman took swings in the batting cage Sunday and said the wrist felt better. Quintero returning Reserve catcher Humberto Quintero (strained right shoulder) completed his rehab assignment with Class AAA Round Rock on Monday and will be activated before tonight's game. To make room for Quintero, the Astros will send reserve catcher J.R. Towles to Round Rock."

Astros re-sign Smith, option Fulchino

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May 11

MLB.com

"With Lance Berkman on the shelf for a few more days, manager Cecil Cooper came to the conclusion that he needed an extra infielder more than an extra arm in the bullpen. For that reason, the Astros re-signed infielder Jason Smith and optioned right-hander Jeff Fulchino to Triple-A Round Rock. The Astros are back to carrying 12 pitchers and 13 position players on the 25-man roster. Smith rejoins the club after being designated for assignment on May 6 to make room for right-hander Alberto Arias. Smith cleared waivers, rejected his outright assignment and elected free agency. He was then re-signed by Houston as an unrestricted free agent.The 31-year-old Smith began the season with the Astros ..."

Ortiz may start on Thursday vs. Cubs

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May 5

MLB.com

"Astros manager Cecil Cooper said he's got right-hander Russ Ortiz tentatively penciled in to start Thursday night's home game with the Cubs. Ortiz (2-0) missed the 2008 season after undergoing Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery, but he made the team this year as the No. 5 starter. He's made three starts so far and appeared in six games overall, sporting a 5.21 ERA in 19 innings.Ortiz would start against Ted Lilly in Thursday's game. "He threw a light 'pen [session] last night and should be ready to go on Thursday," Cooper said before Tuesday's game against the Nationals. "He was available yesterday. He's probably not available today." Ortiz made his most recent start April 26 ..."

Berkman may play today

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March 31

Houston Chronicle

"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, who has been bothered by biceps tendinitis in his left shoulder, said Monday he could return to the lineup for tonight's game against the Atlanta Braves in Kissimmee, Fla. Berkman injured the shoulder taking righthanded swings in the batting cage Friday and has missed the last three games. He hit off a tee Monday morning and said it "went great." Berkman wants to be the designated hitter tonight, but manager Cecil Cooper doesn't plan to use a DH. Cooper said it's more likely Berkman would play Wednesday. Berkman swung from both sides at the plate off the tee and is trying to keep both hands on the bat while he swings. Swinging the bat doesn't bother him ..."

Astros close to signing catcher Ivan Rodriguez

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March 16

Houston Chronicle

"In a move that would give the Astros a boost behind the plate, future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez appears close to signing with the club. After initially shying away from Rodriguez because of economics, the Astros have been in intense negotiations lately with Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras. It's extremely unlikely the deal will be finalized today because Rodriguez would have to take and pass a physical for anything to be finalized, but the chances look bright for the Astros because money is not an issue anymore. "We've re-engaged with him," Astros general manager Ed Wade told the Chronicle. "I've had several conversations with (Boras). He's cycled back toward us and there ..."

Leave Pudge out of mix at catcher

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February 17

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"If Ed Wade asked my opinion, I’d tell him to stay as far away from Pudge Rodriguez as possible. First, I’d ask the Astros’ general manager where he was last week when Randy Wolf and Braden Looper were unsigned. Wade made a half-hearted run at both of them, but those offers might have been the kind he knew would be turned down. Wolf and Looper could have made a difference in the standings. Rodriguez probably wouldn’t. Still, Wade seems to be rolling around the possibility of making an offer to a 14-time All-Star with declining skills and vague answers about steroid use. “Only God knows,” Rodriguez said recently when asked if he thought he was on the list of 104 players who tested positive ..."

Astros making a move on Dunn?

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February 8

Chicago Tribune

"Houston is planning a sneak attack on the Cubs and might improve its chances of success if it signs Adam Dunn to a one-year deal before camp starts. Dunn, a 40-homer man for five straight seasons, would allow the Astros to move Hunter Pence to center field and Michael Bourn to the bench. That would mean a huge lift to run-production. Dunn has multi-year offers on the table, including one from Washington, but clearly isn't crazy about them. … The Caribbean Series was fun viewing, but the talent level wasn't as good as had been hoped, with Ivan Rodriguez and Javier Vazquez among the big-leaguers who decided to stay home. Fernando Martinez, the Mets' five-tool outfielder, left early ..."

Contradictions in Book Seem to Benefit Clemens

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January 25

New York Times

"One week before Brian McNamee and Roger Clemens testified before a House committee at a contentious public hearing last February, McNamee sat down for a deposition with committee investigators. During questioning behind closed doors in a Capitol building office, McNamee said that as part of his job as Clemens's trainer, he had injected him with steroids and human growth hormone. McNamee gave the deposition under oath. He was asked several times if he had ever informed Kirk Radomski, a steroids dealer, that he was injecting Clemens with drugs. In each instance, McNamee answered no, he had not. That assertion has been contradicted by a passage in "Bases Loaded," a new book by Radomski, in ..."

Sources: Wolf may be headed back to Dodgers

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January 23

Foxsports.com

"The Dodgers, seeking to replenish their rotation, have the inside track on signing free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf, according to major-league sources. The signing of Wolf, most likely to a one- or two-year deal, would deprive the Mets of a leading alternative to their top choice, free-agent lefty Oliver Perez. The Dodgers, after losing righties Derek Lowe and Brad Penny to free agency, would be returning to their recent past if they added Wolf, who pitched for the club in 2007. The team also has been in talks with free right-handers Jon Garland and Braden Looper. Wolf, 32, was with the Dodgers in 2007, and went 9-6 with a 4.73 ERA before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in ..."

Don’t expect offseason fireworks from Astros

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December 14

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Drayton McLane doesn’t want to hear bad news. Aren’t all the fat cats like that? They fly on private jets and surround themselves with yes men, and when a tough, shrewd interrogator like me comes along, they run for cover. The places I’ve been, the stories I could tell. “You’re going to have to speak up,” the Astros owner said Friday. “I’m walking downtown, and there’s a lot of background noise on this cell phone.” I bet his hearing would improve if I wanted to buy advertising at Minute Maid Park. Which, by the way, not many people are doing. I tell him fans are upset the Astros have gotten rid of Randy Wolf and Ty Wigginton while doing little to improve the club. Does he still want to be ..."

Astros, Angels interested in Johnson

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December 10

East Valley Tribune

"Houston and the Los Angels Angels have joined the list of teams which have expressed interest in Randy Johnson after meeting with Johnson's representatives here, sources said. The Dodgers, San Francisco, Oakland, Texas, Milwaukee and the Cubs touched base with the Johnson camp before the meetings. The Cubs seem the most likely suitor among that group, but they would only be interested in Johnson if any deal to acquire pitcher Jake Peavy deal falls through, and if they can move pitcher Jason Marquis, which seems less and less likely in the stalled market, since Marquis is to earn $9.875 million in 2009. The Angels lost Jon Garland to free agency, and Houston's rotation, despite the ..."

Astros must give a little

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December 10

Houston Chronicle

"There are multiple teams in search of shortstops at the winter meetings. Yet as clubs and agents try to make deals at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the market is moving slowly while it’s clear money is an obstacle. Veteran agent Peter Greenberg represents Cesar Izturis, a shortstop who could be a possibility for the Astros if they can unload Miguel Tejada and at least part of the $13 million he is due next season in the final year of his contract. Greenberg, who also represents Bobby Abreu, spoke with Astros general manager Ed Wade early in the week to gauge his interest in Abreu and pitcher Freddy Garcia, along with Izturis. Wanted: a shortstop “They mentioned Bobby and Cesar, and I just ..."

Cooper knows situation

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December 9

Houston Chronicle

"Astros manager Cecil Cooper accepts the reality of his club’s and the country’s economic downturn, so he understands that there’s a possibility his 2009 club won’t include Ty Wigginton and/or Miguel Tejada. Losing closer Jose Valverde via trade didn’t appear as palatable for Cooper, who sounded optimistic during his annual briefing on the first day of baseball’s winter meetings. Cooper addressed a number of topics Monday at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, acknowledging he probably would begin next year with second baseman Kaz Matsui as leadoff hitter while hoping center fielder Michael Bourn can build on an impressive and perhaps breakthrough winter ball season in the Dominican Republic. ..."

Las Vegas dealers

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December 7

Boston Globe

"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin runs a baseball team in middle America. The economy is tough, yet he waits to hear whether CC Sabathia will accept their $100 million offer or whether he'll have to move on to Plan B. As baseball's winter meetings get underway tomorrow at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Melvin expects there will be a lot of teams in the same boat - going to Plan B or perhaps no plan at all. "Because the market has been slow, it's got a chance to where agents may dominate the meetings trying to get a feel for what they can get," said Melvin. "We all have to be aware of the economy - even the big-market teams, from what I've seen. "We're in a situation where the ..."

Pirates pursue free-agent veteran Loretta

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December 2

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are trying to acquire a longtime nemesis. General manager Neal Huntington has had two conversations aimed at acquiring free-agent infielder Mark Loretta, agent Bob Garber confirmed yesterday, and the parties plan to communicate further. Loretta, 37, batted .280 with four home runs and 38 RBIs in 261 at-bats last season for Houston. He is a career .297 hitter in 14 seasons, including a starting berth in the 2006 All-Star Game at PNC Park, and is capable of playing any infield position, including shortstop. One highlight among those numbers is a .328 career average against the Pirates, one of the highest of any individual opponent since 1960, as well as a career-high 47 RBIs. ..."

Hampton coming back to Astros

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December 2

Houston Chronicle

"More than nine years after winning a franchise-record 22 games while leading the Astros to the National League Central division title, lefthander Mike Hampton is set to return. The Astros have reached a contract agreement with the often-injured pitcher, said a person familiar with the negotiations. Hampton will undergo a physical today with team physician Dr. David Lintner and be introduced at a news conference if all goes well. Hampton, 36, is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Astros, who are in need of starting pitching. He could fill a huge void in their starting staff if he stays healthy. Astros general manager Ed Wade didn’t want to comment on the deal Monday, and Mark Rodgers, ..."

Decisions, decisions: Arbitration deadline looms

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December 1

MLB.com

"In ordinary offseasons, the deadline for clubs to offer arbitration to their ranked free agents, which this time arrives Monday at midnight ET, has been a rather predictable occasion. With few exceptions, teams not yet able to strike new deals in the roughly four weeks since their players' declaration of free agency would simply decline to make the offer, effectively severing ties and giving up any claims to compensatory Draft picks. These, however, are extraordinary times -- both for baseball and for the overall economy the sport must use at least as a partial guideline. Thus, the decisions made prior to the deadline will dramatically shape the rest of the signing season for the 169 free ..."

Astros cool on left-hander Wolf

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November 30

Detroit News

"There's another cost-efficient starting pitcher set to hit the free-agent market -- Randy Wolf , who recently was told by the Astros that the club is about to "slow the pace of negotiations" with the veteran left-hander. This comes just a month after Houston brass publicly said their two immediate offseason priorities were re-signing Wolf and ex-Tigers reliever Doug Brocail . It's still a go on Brocail, but not so for Wolf, perhaps because he's likely to get a moderate raise from the $4.5 million he pocketed last year. And the Astros, GM Ed Wade told the Houston Chronicle, aren't in a position to add to a payroll that was $90 million in 2008 (which is why they're open to trading ..."

Can't get Manny? Here's next best thing

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November 16

Houston Chronicle

"We know the top-tier free agents: Mark Teixeira, Manny Rammrez, CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett, Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Rafael Furcal. But there are many teams looking to score with players on a lower level, where there may be some risk but also better value. Based on conversations with scouts and baseball executives, here are the next-best things, more affordable than the big stars: 1. Raul Ibanez, OF/DH. He was mentioned often by our panel as a hitter who could really help several teams, notably the Mets or Cubs, who have made a lefthanded bat a top priority. Ibanez, according to one of our guys, "brings a winning attitude, even though he played in such a tough place ..."

Wolf, Brocail top Astros’ list

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November 11

Houston Chronicle

"If general manager Ed Wade had not made the acquisitions that proved crucial to the Astros’ surge after the All-Star break, he realizes what he’s doing now would be viewed with a bit more excitement. If that were the case, LaTroy Hawkins would be a new face, and Astros fans might be ecstatic about landing a reliever who gave up only one earned run over 21 innings after July 30. Going after a starter who was 6-2 with a 3.57 ERA over his final 12 starts while pitching for a team in a hitter’s ballpark would also seem quite appealing, especially considering his team was 10-2 in his starts and 40-22 after he was acquired. That free-agent pitcher is Randy Wolf. He and Doug Brocail are the ..."

McLane calls trade for Peavy a long shot

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November 8

Houston Chronicle

"Astros owner Drayton McLane said Friday the team is a long shot to land righthander Jake Peavy after receiving a “wild combination” in a list of players the San Diego Padres would accept in a potential trade. Peavy, the 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner, has a no-trade clause, but he has given the Padres a list of five teams to which he would accept trades. But McLane, who didn’t divulge which players the Padres sought in return, said the Astros aren’t in position to trade away multiple players for one player. Not a free agent “Jake Peavy is going to be a big task, and the real reason is he’s not a free agent,” McLane said. “We’ve specialized in free agents over the last few ..."

Astros to announce Hawkins deal after GM's

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November 7

Houston Chronicle

"Unlike the previous two general managers’ meetings, there were no major trades or high-profile negotiations for the Astros before baseball’s annual meetings concluded late Thursday morning. But at some point today, a one-year deal for righthanded reliever LaTroy Hawkins will be completed and announced. Astros assistant general manager David Gottfried met with Hawkins’ agents Wednesday at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, and the discussions heated up Thursday before Gottfried and Astros GM Ed Wade got on a plane to Houston. The Chronicle has learned the one-year deal is essentially done for close to the $3.75 million Hawkins, 35, earned last season. A news release announcing the deal ..."

Wade to assess Astros’ needs at GM meetings

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November 4

Houston Chronicle

"As Ed Wade’s top professional scouts joined him at the general managers’ meetings late Monday afternoon, the Astros GM had them ready to continue some of the trade dialogue he started last week. And not surprisingly, San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers will be a popular man at the St. Regis Hotel this week, talking with clubs interested in All-Star righthander Jake Peavy. Wade was busy on the trade market shortly after accepting the Astros’ GM position. And as the annual GM meetings kicked off Monday , he wasn’t ruling anything out this winter. “Today was just the routine of going through the arbitration-eligible players and having those discussions,” Wade said. “We’ll get ..."

Peavy says he'd waive no-trade clause to be an Astro

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October 18

Houston Chronicle

"San Diego Padres ace righthander Jake Peavy told the Chronicle he would waive his no-trade clause to join his friend Roy Oswalt with the Astros. Speaking via Oswalt’s cell phone, Peavy admitted the Padres have approached him and mentioned some teams that have inquired about him this month. The Astros, he said, weren’t one of the teams that were mentioned by Padres officials. Nonetheless, Oswalt has been lobbying Peavy hard during their hunting trip in Michigan. “When I talk to Roy, we understand the importance of pitching,” said Peavy, who mentioned the Padres’ and Astros’ recent winning teams were led by strong pitching staffs. “I think he wants some established pitching help. Not saying ..."

Organization focuses on pitching in trade talks for Padres ace

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October 18

San Diego Union-Tribune

"National League teams with enticing young pitchers and pitching prospects have the best chance of trading for Padres ace Jake Peavy, based on comments by General Manager Kevin Towers on Friday. "I would say our preference is pitching," Towers said. "Probably next, it would be middle of the infield. Pitching more than anything. If we moved Jake, we'd look for controllable pitchers, preferably starters in a significant enough package to where some are major league ready and some are close to being major league ready. "It's got to be something we're excited about short term and longer term that makes us better, and I'd say pitching is our primary focus. If we move Jake, we're down to ..."

Organization feeling out trade offers for Padres staff ace Peavy

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October 15

San Diego Union-Tribune

"Kevin Towers said last month it would be "very, very difficult to trade Jake Peavy" because of the ace pitcher's value to the Padres. Nonetheless, the general manager is open to trade offers for Peavy, who has guaranteed salaries of $11 million, $15 million, $16 million and $17 million over the next four years. If the Padres decide to trade Peavy, getting full value may be difficult as well if Peavy is unwilling to approve a trade to the American League. At season's end, Peavy said he would not accept a trade to the American League. Asked recently if that is still true, Peavy said he didn't "want to get into any speculation" on trade scenarios. His agent, Barry Axelrod, acknowledged ..."

Moore says Rangers haven’t offered a job

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October 10

Houston Chronicle

"Astros bench coach Jackie Moore said he has not been contacted by the Texas Rangers about filling a vacancy on their coaching staff, even though his name has been mentioned as a possible bench coach candidate. Moore, who lives in Arlington, just completed his first season on manager Cecil Cooper’s staff after spending eight years managing the Astros’ Class AA and later Class AAA affiliate in Round Rock. Moore, 69, has been invited back to the Astros for next year, but he has not signed a contract for 2009 and would have to get the Astros’ permission to talk to the Rangers. His current contract expires Oct. 31. “There’s a lot of rumors, I guess because I live here and the association with ..."

Splashy acquisitions are unlikely

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October 7

Houston Chronicle

"In his nearly 13 months on the job, Astros general manager Ed Wade has certainly shown he’s not afraid to shake things up or tweak the roster when it’s warranted. Wade and president of baseball operations Tal Smith oversaw arguably the club’s busiest offseason last year when, coming off an 89-loss season, the Astros made a flurry of deals, including two blockbuster trades in the span of three days in December. This offseason figures not to be quite as hectic, though just as important. The Astros improved by 131/2 games this year, posting an 86-75 record and making another late-season run at the National League wild card. Wade and owner Drayton McLane believe they have the nucleus in place ..."

Brocail's option not picked up by Astros

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October 1

Houston Chronicle

"The Astros today declined reliever Doug Brocail's 2009 option, which was valued at $3.25 million, but hope to work out a contract with the righthander for next year. Brocail, 41, was 7-5 with a 3.93 ERA and two saves in a career-high 72 appearances for the Astros this year, striking out 64 and walking 21 batters in 68.2 innings. After pitching in 47 games in the first half of the season, Brocail was dealing with a sore shoulder and had his workload cut back with the addition of reliever LaTroy Hawkins. “Doug did a terrific job for us this year,” general manager Ed Wade said. “He was a workhorse out of the bullpen and brought a solid veteran presence to our clubhouse. “Although we’ve ..."

Ausmus homer helps give Astros win over Braves

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September 29

Houston Chronicle

"Brad Ausmus still isn’t ready to say he will retire. He does know he wants to be closer to his San Diego home. He wants to be near his wife Liz and daughters Abby and Sophie, the 10-year-old and 9-year-old who threw out ceremonial first pitches to him Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park before his last game as an Astro. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, even for the sarcastic and stoic Ausmus, who admitted to getting as emotional as he can get during a pregame video tribute that mocked his lack of hitting. But as was often the case in his 10 years as an Astro, Ausmus got the final word. Only this time, he punctuated it with his bat, drilling a two-run homer off former teammate Mike Hampton in ..."

Ausmus to start in his last game with Astros

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September 28

Houston Chronicle

"Brad Ausmus, who has caught more games than any other player in Astros history, will get the start in today’s season finale in what he says is his final game as a member of the Astros. Ausmus, who plans to retire if he can’t play closer to his home in Southern California next year, will catch the ceremonial first pitches thrown out by daughters Sophie and Abigail. Astros manager Cecil Cooper said he would like to get Ausmus out of the game so he can be recognized by the fans. “I did tell him that pending the situation in the game, I’d try to get him out and get him an ovation,” Cooper said. “The fans love him.”"

Ausmus set to play final game for Astros

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September 28

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Few players have been more respected by teammates or more popular. In the most basic ways, Brad Ausmus couldn’t have a simpler legacy. He’s smart and funny, honest and decent. He has an easygoing personality that wears well during a long season, and that’s one of many reasons he’ll someday be a terrific manager. That personality is one of a long list of things the Astros are going to miss as Ausmus says goodbye to the franchise this afternoon by playing in his 1,259th and final game for Houston. He hasn’t ruled out playing an 18th season if a team in Southern California is interested in his catching. Otherwise, this is it. Ausmus signed his first professional contract 21 years ago after ..."

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