Houston Astros Trade Rumors

Phillies to observe workout of former Giants lefty Lowry
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February 2
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed that the Phillies plan to watch Noah Lowry, who hasn't pitched since 2007 because of a series of arm injuries, when he auditions for scouts in Arizona. That was supposed to happen today, but the session was postponed to give the 29-year-old lefthander more time to prepare. The Phillies general manager last night characterized the team's interest as "moderate." The Astros, Mets, Rangers and Red Sox also are reportedly interested. About half the teams are expected to be represented when he has his open bullpen session. Lowry's agent, Damon Lapa, told the Associated Press that the former Giants No. 1 draft choice hasn't had a setback, but decided it would be to his ..."
All quiet on Astros sale front, McLane says
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February 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"The exclusive negotiating window has closed for a group of investors seeking to buy the Astros, with team owner Drayton McLane receiving nary an offer. "This group was granted an exclusive negotiating window, which expired (Sunday)," McLane said Monday in a release. "However, nothing materialized." McLane gave the group, headed by New York investment firm Great Court Capital, 30 days to come up with the asking price, believed to be upward of $650 million. The group includes former International Baseball Federation president Harvey Schiller and businessman Neil Leibman, chairman and CEO of Houston-based Aspen Pipeline LP. Joe Favorito, a spokesman for the group, told the Chronicle the group ..."
New manager says possible sale of Astros won't affect approach
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January 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"New Astros manager Brad Mills is too excited about the upcoming season to worry about recent reports that have team owner Drayton McLane considering selling the team. "News like this, it's not going to — and it shouldn't — affect us in getting ready for the season," Mills said Thursday. "It's something we have no control over." And Mills, who is set to conduct his first spring training as a manager when the Astros open camp next month in Kissimmee, Fla., is not anticipating the news of a potential sale having any effect on his players' mindsets or preparation, either. "It doesn't matter who is owning the club or whatever," said Mills, who will be arriving in Houston over the weekend for a ..."
Astros decide to pass on Chapman
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January 6
MLB.com
 
"Astros general manager Ed Wade got an up-close look at Cuban phenom Aroldis Chapman during a private workout in Houston on Dec. 15 that was arranged by his agents and came away impressed -- just not enough to make a run for the left-hander. Not surprisingly, Wade said the Astros won't bid to try to sign Chapman, who has been reported to have received offers from the Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox for as much as $15.5 million. The uncertainty surrounding Chapman and his price tag are too much for many teams to make a commitment, including the Astros. "In all candor, I don't see us a player in that market at this point," Wade said. "The economics are going to run ..."
Case not closed on Valverde's landing spot
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December 22
MLB.com
 
"It seems to happen every year: Veteran player coming off a solid season declines his club's offer of arbitration with visions of multiyear offers dancing in his head, only to be disappointed when the hoped for present isn't under the tree. Last year, Jon Garland declined arbitration from the Angels -- and a likely $12 million, one-year contract for 2009 it would have netted -- and ended up settling for a one-year, $6.25 million contract (with a $10 million club option) with Arizona. He was traded to the Dodgers, who declined his option, and he is a free agent once again, still searching for a multiyear offer. The year before that, it was Boston catcher Jason Varitek turning down ..."
Heralded Chapman works out for MLB scouts
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December 16
MLB.com
 
"Aroldis Chapman, the unsigned 21-year-old pitcher from Cuba, had a busy day Tuesday. First, he threw a bullpen session in the morning for about 50 Major League scouts, impressing them with his size and velocity. Later in the day, Chapman's original representative sued his current agent in Massachusetts state court. "The kid's got a great arm," Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade said of the 6-foot-4 Chapman. "He's a physical specimen. He's left-handed. He throws hard. Obviously, anybody would be interested in an arm like this. He's got some great stuff. The early feedback from our guys, and everybody else, is he's a tremendous talent." Chapman defected from the Cuban National Team on ..."
McLane's admission essentially puts Astros on the market
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December 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"One deal fell through, but there will be others. Now that word is out, Drayton McLane will be hearing from potential buyers. If he could be tempted to sell the Astros once, he'll be tempted again. He'll eventually have a deal. This feels like the beginning of the end. In 16 years, McLane's Astros have soared to the threshold of a championship and fallen to the depths of ineptitude. If we're going to blame him for today's problems — and that's fair — he deserves credit for those nine seasons in which the Astros went to the playoffs six times and were one of baseball's model franchises. I miss the old boy already. I miss his smiling face, his accessibility, his enthusiasm. If you needed him, ..."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
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December 15
ESPN.com
 
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Astros, Lyon make it official with $15 million deal
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December 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"Reliever Brandon Lyon and the Houston Astros completed a $15 million, three-year contract on Saturday. Lyon was 6-5 with a 2.86 ERA in 65 appearances for the Detroit Tigers last season after spending 2005-08 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander had a career-high 26 saves in 2008 and appeared in a career-best 73 games with a 2.68 ERA in 2007. "This is a big deal for me in my career," Lyon said. "Weighing back and forth, going over the situations I had, Houston just made a lot of sense to me." Lyon and the Astros agreed on terms Wednesday as part of a small flurry of activity at the winter meetings. A 14th-round draft pick in 1999, Lyon also has played for the Toronto Blue Jays ..."
Astros reach one-year deal with third baseman Feliz
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December 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"Heading to the winter meetings Sunday night, Ed Wade's ability to maneuver while trying to build the 2010 Astros revolved around Jose Valverde. Once the star closer declined arbitration late Monday night and LaTroy Hawkins bolted to the Brewers on Wednesday, the Astros' attack crystallized a bit more with the signing of Brandon Lyon and the acquisition of Matt Lindstrom. The Astros also finalized a one-year deal with third baseman Pedro Feliz for $4.5 million on Thursday. The deal wpn't be completed under Feliz completes a physical. If Valverde had accepted arbitration, it's doubtful the Astros could have been very active at the winter meetings. But as Wade packed his bags Thursday after ..."
Source: Astros, 3B Feliz close to one-year deal
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December 10
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz is on the verge of signing a one-year contract with the Astros, according to a major-league source. The deal — worth $3 million, according to ESPN.com — will be the Astros' third major transaction of the winter meetings. The Astros on Wednesday obtained right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom in a trade with the Marlins and reached agreement on a three-year, $15 million contract with another right-handed reliever, free agent Brandon Lyon."
Astros acquire pair of relievers after Hawkins leaves
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December 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"Wasting little time dwelling on his disappointment over losing LaTroy Hawkins to the Milwaukee Brewers via free agency Wednesday, Astros general manager Ed Wade acquired reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Florida Marlins for two young minor leaguers and a player to be named. The Astros also reached a three-year, $15 million agreement with reliever Brandon Lyon, but an official announcement on that deal won't be made until a physical is passed. With Lindstrom having saved 15 games for Florida last year and Lyon having saved 26 for Arizona in 2008, the two might compete for the closer's job in spring training. The Astros also have expressed interest in acquiring reliever Rafael Soriano from ..."
Brandon Lyon agrees to deal with Astros
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December 10
Detroit News
 
"Right-hander Brandon Lyon, expected to leave the Tigers after declining arbitration on Tuesday, has agreed to a three-year deal with the Houston Astros, numerous sources reported late Wednesday night. The deal is contingent on Lyon passing a physical. Lyon appeared in 65 games for the Tigers last season, allowing 25 runs on 56 hits in 78 2/3 innings. The deal is believed to be for three years and $15 million dollars, major league sources told Foxsports.com."
Astros nearing deal with reliever Lyon
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December 10
Foxsports.com
 
"The Astros, rapidly trying to reconstruct their bullpen, are nearing an agreement with free-agent right-hander Brandon Lyon on a three-year, $15 million contract, according to major-league sources. Earlier Tuesday, the Astros obtained right-hander Matt Lindstrom in a trade from the Marlins. Both Lindstrom and Lyon have closed in the past, but most industry observers view them more as setup men."
Source: Lindstrom-to-Astros trade near completion
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December 9
Foxsports.com
 
"Marlins reliever Matt Lindstrom is on the verge of being traded to the Houston Astros, according to a major-league soruce. The teams are exchanging medical information. The deal, first reported by the Palm Beach Post, gives the Astros a replacement for a LaTroy Hawkins, who signed earlier Wednesday with the Brewers. Lindstrom also gives the Astros another option to replace closer Jose Valverde, who is not expected to be back."
Florida Marlins close to sending Matt Lindstrom to the Astros?
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December 9
Palm Beach Post
 
"Hard-throwing reliever Matt Lindstrom might be the first arbitration Marlin to be traded at the winter meetings, and the destination could be Houston. Although the Marlins haven't had any success trading 2B Dan Uggla, a source with one National League team said the Marlins are close to sending Lindstrom to the Astros. The Marlins would get prospects in return. Stay tuned, though, since the Marlins have been "close" to other deals earlier this week that failed to materialize."
Latroy Hawkins agrees to terms with Brewers
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December 9
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"On the heels of signing starting pitcher Randy Wolf, now comes word that the Brewers have agreed to terms with reliever LaTroy Hawkins on a two-year deal. Haven't seen the numbers yet but Hawkins made $3.5 million with Houston last season. In 65 games with the Astros last season, Hawkins, 37, was 1-4 with a 2.13 ERA and 11 saves. In 63 1/3 innings, he allowed 60 hits and only 16 walks with 45 strikeouts."
Astros' focus turns to Hawkins
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December 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"With Jose Valverde no longer a pressing concern, the Astros resumed negotiations with LaTroy Hawkins on Tuesday while also becoming pessimistic about re-signing Miguel Tejada. A day after Valverde declined arbitration from the Astros, general manager Ed Wade resumed his club's offseason course during the winter meetings. Wade and assistant general manager David Gottfried met with Larry Reynolds, who represents Hawkins, early in the day. Hawkins arrived in Indianapolis on Tuesday afternoon and was scheduled to meet with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles. He told the Chronicle by telephone he'd rather not comment on the negotiation process at this time. Wade also ..."
Hawkins to discuss options with Astros
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December 8
MLB.com
 
"Hoping to get a deal in place by the end of the Winter Meetings, free-agent pitcher LaTroy Hawkins was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday afternoon to meet with the Astros and perhaps other teams. Houston is searching for relief pitching after closer Jose Valverde informed the team late Monday that he was declining arbitration. Hawkins worked his way into the Astros' setup role last year and even spent time as closer when Valverde was injured. "There's some opportunities out there we've got to look at and figure out what's going to be in his best interest and move from there," Hawkins' agent, Larry Reynolds, said. Astros general manager Ed Wade declined to comment. Wade has said that he would ..."
Market for Valverde is very limited
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent closer Jose Valverde declined salary arbitration from the Astros. He might have made a mistake. The market for Valverde appears to be extremely limited — and, as a Type A free agent, he will cost any rival team that signs him a high draft pick, further depressing demand. The Astros do not want to meet Valverde's price. None of the four teams with the biggest need for a closer — the Rays, Orioles, Tigers and Nationals — will want to pay Valverde big money and forfeit a draft pick. Any of those clubs could sign Fernando Rodney without losing a draft pick. Mike Gonzalez — the most attractive late-inning left-hander on the market — is drawing interest from both the Yankees and Red ..."
Jose Valverde could complicate things for Houston
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December 7
Foxsports.com
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"Astros owner Drayton McLane isn't going to like this. Free-agent reliever Jose Valverde could accept the Astros' offer of salary arbitration by Monday's midnight ET deadline, according to major-league sources. The return of Valverde would eliminate the Astros' need for a closer. But it also could be a $10 million hit for a team with limited payroll flexibility. Valverde, who turns 32 on March 24, earned $8 million last season. He missed more than six weeks in the first half with a right calf strain, but went 17-for-17 in save opportunities after the All-Star Game with a 1.64 ERA."
Myers, Putz may be on Astros' radar
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December 3
MLB.com
 
"Brett Myers and J.J. Putz, two pitchers who had their 2009 seasons cut short because of injuries, are among the players the Astros have interest in adding to their bullpen, according to reports by ESPN.com. Astros general manager Ed Wade said Wednesday the club has reached out to dozens of free agents as part of its preparations for next week's Winter Meetings in Indianapolis. "We've made contact with agents for about every player out there as a matter of course," Wade said. "I would not read anymore into it than that. If there's an opportunity for us to do something from a pitching standpoint, it behooves us to make contact. That's all that's taken place." Craig Landis, the agent for ..."
Jenks' future with White Sox up in the air
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December 3
Foxsports.com
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"It's one of the hottest questions in the baseball industry. What will the White Sox do with closer Bobby Jenks? If the Sox offer Jenks a contract, they could end up paying him $8 million in salary arbitration. If they do not, Jenks will become a free agent, and the Rays, Astros and other clubs almost certainly will try to pounce on him at a reduced rate. Jenks, 28, is coming off a season of decline. He has engaged in a running debate with club officials over his conditioning. But if the White Sox allow him to reach the open market, they would lack a proven replacement. Sox GM Ken Williams told MLB.com on Wednesday, "He's my closer, and I haven't had one trade discussion about him." Two ..."
Astros will eye relief at Winter Meetings
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December 2
MLB.com
 
"Things have been slow to develop in the free-agency and trade markets since the World Series ended over a month ago, as teams take a wait-and-see approach to gauge the market for players and the economy. With baseball's annual Winter Meetings set to take place Dec. 7-10 in Indianapolis, the Hot Stove will begin in earnest when general managers and agents get the chance to spend quality time together and talk about deals. Astros GM Ed Wade and his front-office staff will be making the trip, armed with the task of trying to upgrade a club coming off an 88-loss season. "It gives us a chance to sit face-to-face with other clubs," Wade said. "We had a chance to do a little bit of that at the ..."
Wolf won't be reunited with Wade, Astros
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December 2
MLB.com
 
"There's no secret that Astros general manager Ed Wade likes Randy Wolf. He had him with the Philadelphia Phillies for years and pulled off a nice trade in 2008 to bring Wolf to the Astros, where he pitched pretty well. The Astros made an offer to bring him back for last season, but they were forced to pull the offer for economic reasons. Wolf is back on the free agent market after a stellar season in which he went 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA and was arguably the best starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wade would love to bring Wolf back to Houston, but the Astros are going to be priced out. "I love Randy Wolf and wish we could have done something a year ago [to sign him]," Wade said. "I don't ..."
The market for Miguel Tejada
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November 30
Foxsports.com
 
"Not long ago, Miguel Tejada was a virtual lock to finish each season with 162 games played and roughly 100 RBIs. Now, he doesn't have the same range at shortstop. His power production has dipped. He is 35. Yet, for the right teams, he could be a very attractive free agent. There seems to be one major hurdle: Tejada and his representatives must decide whether he can be successfully marketed to clubs as a shortstop ... or if it's time for him to play another position — likely third base — for the first time in his major league career. On Monday, one National League executive suggested a hybrid arrangement: The Red Sox could sign Tejada to a multiyear contract, with the idea that he would be ..."
Astros add four pitchers to 40-man roster
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November 21
Houston Chronicle
 
"A pair of minor-league journeymen were among four players the Astros added to their 40-man roster Friday. Righthander Jose Valdez, a 26-year-old former New York Yankees farmhand who recently signed as a minor-league free agent with the Astros, was added to the 40-man roster along with fellow righthanded relievers Evan Englebrook, 27, Matt Nevarez, 22, and Henry Villar, 22."
Re-signing their own Astros' priority
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November 19
MLB.com
 
"When it comes to the big names of the free-agent market this offseason, don't expect to see the likes of Matt Holliday or John Lackey spending time looking for real estate or researching the best school districts in the Houston area. Astros owner Drayton McLane said Wednesday his club isn't in a position to sign marquee players, which certainly isn't a revelation. Houston is expected to cut its payroll from the $107 million it spent last year, and with so much money already committed to players under contract, it makes for a frugal winter for the Astros. "We're going to have to work to see who's out there and what our needs are," McLane said. "We're not like we were when we signed Carlos ..."
Astros not interested in Smoltz
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November 18
MLB.com
 
"Don't expect the Astros to pursue veteran pitcher John Smoltz. Smoltz was said to have drawn interest of several teams according to a report by Foxsports.com, a list that included the Astros. And while the Astros have kicked around dozens of names from the list of free agents who have filed, sources indicate their interest in Smoltz just isn't there. Smoltz is open to starting or relieving and could serve in the closer's role for a team in need of help at the back of the bullpen. Astros general manager Ed Wade said late on Tuesday that he wasn't going to comment on Smoltz."
Astros open to re-signing Tejada
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November 17
MLB.com
 
"The Astros might not be in position to sign any marquee names when free agency begins in earnest Friday, but general manager Ed Wade is still confident he can improve the club in the coming weeks through either trades or free agency. The first task for the Astros is re-signing their own free agents, a list that includes impact players in shortstop Miguel Tejada, closer Jose Valverde and reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Houston likely doesn't have enough payroll flexibility to retain all three, and Tejada's future with the club would be at third base instead of shortstop. "Everybody is aware Miggy is a free agent and that's 199 hits and a guy who did a really super job for us and a two-time ..."
Interest in Wagner still strong
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November 16
Foxsports.com
 
"Teams would have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign Billy Wagner, but interest in the left-hander remains strong. Bean Stringfellow, Wagner's agent, said Monday that eight clubs have called to express interest in Wagner, a Type A free agent. "The best way to put it," Stringfellow said, "is that the teams that called are aware that he's a Type A free agent, and they're calling anyway." Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Houston and Baltimore are on the list, according to Stringfellow, along with three teams that preferred to remain anonymous. Of that group, Stringfellow said only the Red Sox — Wagner's most recent team — would slot him in a role other than closing. The unnamed teams are ..."
Valverde to test free-agent waters
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November 15
MLB.com
 
"Gene Mato, one of the agents for free agent closer Jose Valverde, confirmed the pitcher's desire to test the free-agent waters. "The Astros have communicated to Jose their desire to bring him back," Mato wrote in an email to MLB.com "He really enjoyed his time there and is open to the idea of returning. With that said, he is intrigued with the whole free agency process and the interest that is being generated." Valverde is coming off a stellar season in which he was 25-for-29 in save opportunities and posted the second-lowest ERA of his career at 2.33. He told MLB.com in September he was going to test the free-agent market after making $8 million in 2009."
Tejada, Cabrera head free agent shortstops
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November 12
MLB.com
 
"This year's class of free agent shortstops features two familiar names in former Most Valuable Player Miguel Tejada and the always steady Orlando Cabrera, yet it's a mostly unheralded shortstop from Venezuela who figures to be the crown jewel of the class. Toronto's Marco Scutaro, who might not be a household name like Tejada and Cabrera, could certainly provide the most value, considering what he brings both offensively and defensively to the shortstop position. Scutaro emerged as one of baseball's better leadoff hitters last season, when he hit .282 with an impressive .379 on-base percentage while also providing some power with 12 homers and some speed with 14 stolen bases. He's the ..."
Mets won't get Lee from Astros
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November 11
New York Post
 
"I thought I had come up with a possible option for the Mets to be that slugging left fielder they so badly crave. Astros GM Ed Wade admitted his team needs to have its payroll "go south" and the highest-paid player on the team is Carlos Lee, who is owed $55.5 million over the next three seasons. He also has hit at least 24 homers in each of the last 10 seasons. The only player with a longer streak is Alex Rodriguez at 12 years. However, Wade put the kibosh on this theory by saying, "He is going to be our left fielder. He has a complete no-trade clause and he has made it very, very clear that he does not want to go anywhere.""
Valverde files for free agency
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November 10
MLB.com
 
"Astros closer Jose Valverde filed for free agency Monday, joining teammates Miguel Tejada, LaTroy Hawkins, Jason Michaels and Darin Erstad, who filed last week. Valverde is coming off a stellar season in which he was 25-for-29 in save opportunities and posted the second-lowest ERA of his career at 2.33. He told MLB.com in September he was going to test the free-agent market after making $8 million in 2009. Astros general manager Ed Wade said he hopes to re-sign Valverde, who figures to command a sizable raise in free agency. Valverde, 31, led the National League with 47 saves for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007 before being traded to the Astros following that year. He led the NL in saves ..."
Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops
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November 9
MLB.com
 
"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."
Astros name three coaches, re-sign Blum
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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
Comment
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, ..."