Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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October 31

Houston Chronicle

"Al Pedrique, one of 10 candidates interviewed for the Astros' managerial position that Manny Acta declined before Brad Mills beat out Dave Clark for the post, has become Mills' bench coach. Bobby Meacham will serve as the first-base coach and Brad Arnsberg as pitching coach. Combined with the previous announcement that hitting coach Sean Berry will return and that Clark has been invited back, Mills' coaching staff is essentially set. Arnsberg, Meacham hired "On Pedrique, any time that you can get a guy with that type of experience in the dugout and the skills that he has, he's going to fit right in to what we need," Mills said. Although Mills and Pedrique have never worked together, they ..."

Astros interview Mills, Clark on Tuesday

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October 27

MLB.com

"Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills and Astros interim manger Dave Clark arrived at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday morning to interview with the Astros again about their vacant full-time manager position. Mills and Clark were two of 10 original candidates to replace Cecil Cooper, who was dismissed on Sept. 21, and join former manager Phil Garner as the lone remaining finalists. Garner was told by club officials Monday he was still in the running for the job, but he had yet to have another interview scheduled. The Astros offered the job Saturday to Manny Acta, but he turned down the Astros' two-year deal with an option in favor of a three-year deal plus an option to become the manager of the ..."

Astros close to making decision on manager

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October 24

Houston Chronicle

"As Drayton McLane heads into the weekend, Phil Garner, Manny Acta and Brad Mills are the finalists to replace Cecil Cooper as manager, and the Astros' owner expects to have a decision by early next week. McLane said he, president of baseball operations Tal Smith and general manager Ed Wade have begun the final check of references on Acta and Mills. No such check is needed for Garner, the former Astros manager who led the club to the World Series in 2005 and Game 7 of the NLCS in 2004. Asked if he was going to host more candidates other than Acta and Mills for a second round of interviews, McLane said he doesn't expect to do so with any others. "No, we're not going to meet," he said. "I met ..."

Wanted: Experience

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October 23

Houston Chronicle

"Long before Tony LaRussa was considered a genius of a baseball manager, he finished fifth in his first two seasons as manager of the Chicago White Sox, taking over late in the 1979 season and finishing 27-27 before going 70-90 in 1980. Bobby Cox, considered one of the best managers in baseball history, actually struggled in his first stint managing the Atlanta Braves. Joe Torre, the man who gained a reputation as one of the best at dealing with ballplayers while skippering the high-payroll New York Yankees, was actually ridiculed when he was first introduced as manager in the Bronx. Torre, who just finished his 29th season as a manager with his second NLCS appearance in as many years with ..."

Tug of war over Acta?

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October 22

Foxsports.com

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"Acta not only is a finalist for the Indians, but also a leading candidate for the Astros. The Indians are not likely to alter their process because of the Astros' interest. But Astros owner Drayton McLane might react to the Indians' pursuit. The competition for Acta is reminiscent of the battle between the Rangers and Orioles for Phil Regan after the 1994 season. The Orioles' interest in Regan only intensified after club officials learned that Regan also was a target of the Rangers and their new general manager, former O's exec Doug Melvin. Orioles owner Peter Angelos, fearing he might lose Regan, would not let him leave Baltimore without a contract. McLane is the same type of owner that ..."

Acta, Mills get second Astros interviews

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October 22

MLB.com

"Former Nationals manager Manny Acta and Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills both interviewed Wednesday for a second time with the Astros for the managerial position than became open when Cecil Cooper was dismissed last month. Acta, who was fired in July after 2 1/2 seasons as manager of the Nationals, and Mills were two of 10 men to interview with the Astros during a six-day span ending Monday. Houston general manager Ed Wade confirmed Acta interviewed with the front office, including owner Drayton McLane. "Manny came to town and had an opportunity to sit with us and sit with our group, including Drayton," Wade said. Acta arrived in Houston from Cleveland, where he interviewed Tuesday for the ..."

Yost believes experience is in his corner

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October 16

Houston Chronicle

"Former Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost, a protégé of Bobby Cox, highlighted his experience Thursday when he became the third person interviewed by the Astros for their managerial position. Randy Ready later focused on the fact Cox, the longtime Atlanta Braves manager, had to get his start somewhere. Yost, 54, was out of baseball this season after being fired by the Brewers late in the 2008 season when Milwaukee was in jeopardy of losing its grip on the National League wild-card berth. "Don't lose 10 out of 13 games," Yost said when asked what he learned from his final days in Milwaukee. "That's the best thing I could figure. Hope that your offense stays on track so that you don't ..."

First two candidates have 'inside' track

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October 14

Houston Chronicle

"Dave Clark and Al Pedrique will make their pitches today in hopes of becoming the Astros' next manager. Clark was promoted from third-base coach to interim manager when Cecil Cooper was fired Sept. 21, while Pedrique moved up from the organization's minor league coordinator to serve as Clark's third-base coach. Clark and Pedrique will be the first pair the Astros bring in for interviews among general manager Ed Wade's list of 10 candidates. Of all the candidates, none will arrive in Houston with more recent firsthand knowledge of the Astros' organization than these two men. Clark managed Class AAA Round Rock in 2008 and Class AA Corpus Christi the previous three seasons. In 2006, he won ..."

Astros not retaining Cruz on coaching staff

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October 14

Houston Chronicle

"Jose Cruz, one of the most popular players and coaches in Astros history, was shocked when team president Tal Smith and general manager Ed Wade told him Tuesday his services as one of the club's coaches will no longer be needed. Cruz has been offered a dual role helping the field staff at home and in spring training and then as part of community outreach while the team is on the road during the regular season. The fate of the Astros' 2009 coaching staff also has been set, with only hitting coach Sean Berry retaining his position. Dave Clark, who served as interim manager for the final 13 games after Cecil Cooper was fired, can be on the 2010 coaching staff if he isn't hired as manager. ..."

Ex-skipper Garner among Astros candidates

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October 13

Houston Chronicle

"Former Astros manager Phil Garner, who led the organization to its greatest feats, caps the list of 10 candidates who will interview to become the club's next manager. Dave Clark, who managed the team for the final 13 games of the season after Cecil Cooper was fired on Sept. 21, also will be interviewed along with Al Pedrique, the man who was promoted to third-base coach when Clark moved into the manager's post. "We're excited about the entire group of candidates," general manager Ed Wade said. "All 10 candidates have a great deal of experience and are held in high regard throughout Major League Baseball. Clarkie and Al are great internal candidates and are very well-respected both inside ..."

Astros eye Sox coaches

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October 13

Boston Herald

"For the second year in a row, two members of the Red Sox coaching staff could be competing against one another for a major league managerial opening. The Red Sox have given permission to the Houston Astros to interview bench coach Brad Mills and first base coach Tim Bogar. The Astros fired manager Cecil Cooper last month and are seeking a replacement. Both Mills and Bogar are scheduled to be interviewed Monday in Houston. "It's pretty cool," said Mills of the fact that he and Bogar have at the same opportunity. "It just goes to show how many good guys we have on this coaching staff and it says a lot about Tito (Francona) and Theo (Epstein) and ownership and the people they've put together ..."

Melvin joins list of managerial candidates

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October 12

MLB.com

"Bob Melvin, the 2007 National League Manager of the Year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, confirmed on Monday he will interview with the Astros this week for their vacant managerial position. Melvin is the latest in growing list of candidates who will be given interviews, including Boston Red Sox first-base coach Tim Bogar, bench coach Brad Mills, former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta and Astros interim manager Dave Clark. Astros general manager Ed Wade on Monday confirmed Bogar, Mills and Acta would interview later this week, along with Astros Minor League field coordinator Al Pedrique. Clark will be among one of two candidates to interview on Wednesday. "It's obviously a great ..."

Fregosi has what it takes to manage Astros

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October 10

Houston Chronicle

"Jim Fregosi's genius is subtle. It's not in knowing how to craft a lineup or when to remove a pitcher from a game. In fact, it's not in anything that has to do with strategy or things that can be measured. That stuff is overrated anyway. Baseball's best managers aren't the ones who have the X's and O's figured out. They know they can hire people to help with that stuff. The best managers are the ones who gain the trust of their players, create an environment in which the team comes first and get a good effort from their players every day. And good managers enforce rules, but they enforce them with the proper touch, with a touch that won't humiliate or embarrass the player. In other words, ..."

Moehler accepts deal to return to Astros in 2010

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October 9

Houston Chronicle

"Righthander Brian Moehler has exercised his mutual option for the 2010 season, accepting the $3 million contract to pitch with the Astros next year. "Moehler agreed to the option, so his deal is done with us," general manager Ed Wade said Thursday. "I'm happy. He's a true professional, and did exactly what we hoped he would do this year, which is to take a start every fifth day." Moehler, 37, who had surgery Monday to remove some loose particles from his right knee, was 8-12 with a 5.47 ERA this season. "I think he can help us next year with what he does on the mound and also the influence he can have on some of the younger guys on our team," Wade said. "And also from his work ethic; I ..."

Astros brass meet to finalize managerial candidates

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October 9

Houston Chronicle

"General manager Ed Wade and Astros owner Drayton McLane met Thursday to finalize the club's list of about 10 candidates who will get at least one interview to try to make a case for becoming the team's manager. Wade and McLane wouldn't disclose the names on the list, but part of the interview process will include making each candidate's identity known to the public 24 hours before he is interviewed. Then each candidate will be presented to the media after the interview. Because some of the candidates are working for clubs in the postseason, there is a chance Astros officials will travel to interviews. Asking permission "We're at a point where I'll probably begin shortly, probably as early ..."

Astros pick up Moehler's option

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October 7

Houston Chronicle

"The Astros informed Brian Moehler today that they plan to pick up their portion of the mutual option they hold on the righthander for 2010. Moehler, who had right knee partial lateral meniscectomy to remove loose particles from his knee Monday, has the right to decline the $3 million contract. The Astros had until the fifth day after the World Series to exercise the option or pay Moehler a $250,000 buyout. If he declines, then he doesn't get the buyout. Moehler was 8-12 with a 5.47 ERA this year. "We informed Moehler today that we want to pick up his option," Ed Wade said. "He has the right to decline. We're optimistic that Brian is going to be back with us next year.""

Astros players support Clark for manager

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October 5

MLB.com

"If it were up to Astros veteran first baseman Lance Berkman, interim manager Dave Clark would be back in a full-time role next year. And Berkman isn't alone in his beliefs. Ace pitcher Roy Oswalt also wants Clark to get the managerial job in 2010, and up-and-coming outfielders Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence are behind Clark, too. Whether support in the clubhouse has an impact on hiring a full-time manager remains to be seen, but the players are convinced Clark is the right man. "I think Dave would do a good job," Oswalt said. "He knows the game well. I think the biggest attribute is he demands a lot from the players. He sticks with what he does best, and I think he would be great for this ..."

McLane says club not for sale

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October 3

Houston Chronicle

"McLane says club not for sale Owner Drayton McLane admitted frustration while shooting down one of the annual reports claiming the Astros could be for sale. "Nothing could be furthest from the truth," McLane said. "I don't know where they get that from." Empire state of mind Astros Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton, who has called games at 57 major league stadiums, thought back to Ebbets Field on Friday night before calling his first game at Citi Field. Citi Field became the fifth baseball stadium Hamilton has broadcast from in New York, joining the Polo Grounds, Ebbets Field, Shea Stadium and old Yankee Stadium. "I like that there are some nooks and crannies," he said. "It's not all ..."

Learning from the ghosts of hires past

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September 25

Houston Chronicle

"The first time Ed Wade fired a manager and hired another, the city of Brotherly Love practically greeted his choice with a collective embrace for Larry Bowa, who couldn't lead the club to the playoffs and eventually was fired. Soon after, Wade admitted he considered firing Terry Francona the worst mistake of his career. Once Bowa was let go after the 2004 season, Francona marched the Boston Red Sox to their first World Series title since 1918, slaying the Curse of the Bambino. Back in Philadelphia, Wade was getting his second crack at hiring a manager. He picked Charlie Manuel, a choice lampooned as a country bumpkin as Philadelphia Phillies followers lived up to their reputation as among ..."

Duncan making no pitch to Astros

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September 24

Houston Chronicle

"Ed Wade has more than two pages of names of unsolicited candidates wanting to become the Astros' next manager, but the man considered the best pitching coach in baseball isn't rushing to lobby for the job. If anything, St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan all but shot down any interest. "My interest right now is to be the best pitching coach for the St. Louis Cardinals for the remainder of the season and through the postseason," said Duncan, the highest-paid coach in baseball. "I don't really want to get distracted with anything that's going to take away from that. I'm just going to concentrate on doing my job right now and finishing the season." Wade, the Astros' general ..."

Valverde to explore free-agent market

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September 8

MLB.com

"Astros closer Jose Valverde, who has pitched well since coming off the disabled list, said he plans on testing the free-agent waters at the end of the season, though his first preference would be returning to Houston. Valverde is making $8 million this season and will be a free agent for the first time. Since returning from the disabled list June 13 after missing 41 games with a right calf strain, Valverde has posted a 1.22 ERA with 19 saves and three wins in 35 games. "I want to come back," said Valverde, who led the National League in saves in 2007 with the D-backs and '08 with the Astros. "This is a good team and a good city, too. The thing is I have to have the season over first and ..."

Towles could play vs. Phillies

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September 6

Houston Chronicle

"Catcher J.R. Towles is expected to be in the lineup for this afternoon's game, his first since being recalled from the minors last week. "Every day you want to go out there and get better at something, whether it's hitting or catching," Towles said. "I always want to keep my defensive game and call a good game and do well for the pitcher, but I'm also trying to get the bat going when I get the opportunity." Manager Cecil Cooper also is looking for better offense and consistent play from Towles, who hit .182 with an RBI in four early-season games. Towles hit .137 in 146 at-bats with four homers and 16 RBIs last season. "I just want him to establish consistency, but he didn't do a bad job ..."

Catcher Towles returning to majors

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September 4

Houston Chronicle

"Four days after Aaron Boone, Doug Brocail and Wesley Wright were activated from the disabled list when rosters were expanded, catcher J.R. Towles will become the Astros' first true September call-up today. Towles will serve as the third catcher. The Astros aren't expected to make any other September call-ups until after the minor league season."

Son's Return to Baseball Doesn't Surprise Boone

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September 2

Washington Post

"When Aaron Boone learned in March about a heart condition that would require surgery, he feared the end of his career. When he was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in April, the transaction listed in small print in the newspaper -- "heart surgery-out for season" -- discounted any chance of a comeback. But Tuesday, as Boone rejoined the Houston Astros' roster just five months after having a heart valve replaced, at least one person played down the notion that any of this is surprising. "Like I told him," Washington Nationals assistant general manager Bob Boone said, "You're a Boone.""

Tejada denies he tipped pitches

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August 30

MLB.com

"All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada said on Sunday that he never tipped pitches to his Dominican contemporaries on opposing teams, not as a member of the A's, Orioles or Astros, his current employer. "I've never tipped pitches," Tejada told MLB.com before he was given a rare off-day from the starting lineup on Sunday as the Astros closed their three-game series at Chase Field. "I love this game and that's not the way I play it. I'm a proud player. I would never do such a thing. It's tough to get a hit. And for me to tip pitches to anybody, that's crazy. I play for my team." Tejada's comments came in response to an article published in the New York Times on Sunday stating that some teammates ..."

Astros owner vows to evaluate team after season

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August 29

Houston Chronicle

"Although Drayton McLane wishes Roy Oswalt would have kept his comments about the team atmosphere private, the ace righthander definitely caught the Astros owner's attention. And McLane vows to completely evaluate the whole club, from manager Cecil Cooper, the coaching staff, and the training staff all the way down to the energy drinks players take. "There's plenty of time when the season is over to address how we finished up," McLane said. "Let's see what the real potential of this team is. We had much greater expectations, so you have to adjust. Part of it you have to look at it. You ever see a team that had as many injuries to key players?" McLane has always been adamant about the need ..."

Astros' Hawkins unlikely to be moved

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August 26

Foxsports.com

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"Astros reliever LaTroy Hawkins is certain to be claimed by a number of clubs before his waivers expire at 1 p.m. Wednesday ET. The Astros, however, will be inclined to pull him back, sources say. Hawkins, 36, has a 2.03 ERA in 48 2/3 innings and a .645 opponents' OPS. The Astros want to re-sign him, knowing they could lose closer Jose Valverde as a free agent, weakening their bullpen. Hawkins, too, is a potential free agent. He has enjoyed his time in Houston and is open to returning, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking."

Bazardo to start Friday against D-Backs

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August 26

Houston Chronicle

"Lefthander Mike Hampton, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder, had plasma replacement therapy shots on his left shoulder Monday in hopes of being able to pitch again this season. If he doesn't notice marked improvement, he'll opt for season-ending surgery. "I'm doing everything I can to get back," he said. "Any option that I have, any therapy, treatment or anything I have I'm trying. ... I'll probably have a good indication if I'm going to pitch this year or not (by the end of the road trip)." Hampton is the latest Astros player to try plasma replacement therapy this season, joining Doug Brocail and Darin Erstad, who had the shots to recover from hamstring injuries. If ..."

LaTroy Hawkins placed on trade waivers

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August 25

Foxsports.com

"The Astros placed right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins on trade waivers Monday, a development that should snap the Rockies, Cardinals and Dodgers to attention. The Rockies, who have the worst record of the three, would get the first crack at Hawkins in the waiver process. Hawkins, owed less than $900,000 for the rest of the season, has held opponents to a .645 OPS in 48 2/3 innings."

Rangers trade for catcher Pudge Rodriguez

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August 18

Dallas Morning News

"The best catcher in the history of the franchise and one of the top in the history of the game is coming back to the Rangers. Sources have confirmed that the Rangers completed a trade Tuesday morning with Houston for Ivan Rodriguez for two minor-leaguers. Rodriguez was the catcher the last time the Rangers went to the playoffs in 1999. They enter play today with a one-game lead in the wild-card standings. They also have some uncertainty behind the plate. A source said Rodriguez will serve as the backup for Taylor Teagarden, who has assumed the starting duties with Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the disabled list. Saltalamacchia was placed on the DL on Saturday with arm fatigue and was told today ..."

Fixing Florida

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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

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"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 Trade Rumors