(This is a few Astros rumors I posted at another Astros group. Do you
all have a preference? Who would you like the Astros to acquire with
all this cash thrown back in our lap?? Are we for or against giving
up talent for Soriano?)

Arizona, undergoing an extreme makeover after losing 111 games last
season, also is pursuing erstwhile Rockies Steve Reed and Jeromy
Burnitz. Houston, after losing outfielder Carlos Beltran, remains a
slight favorite to land Burnitz, who has indicated he would like to
play center field. Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and the Chicago Cubs also are
interested.

"Best that I can tell you is that we should have something done by the
end of the week," agent Howard Simon said of Burnitz, who hit 37 home
runs last season.

denverpost.com

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Rays Now May Have To Compete With Astros For Bautista

By CARTER GADDIS
Published: Jan 11, 2005


TAMPA - The Devil Rays' pursuit of free-agent outfielder Danny
Bautista could be affected by the Astros' fail- ure to re-sign
All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran.

Tampa Bay has a contract offer on the table for Bautista, who would
come in as a temporary replacement for injured Rocco Baldelli, who is
expected to miss at least the first two months of the season after
undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

The offer to Bautista is believed to be similar to the contract signed
last week by new Rays third baseman Alex Gonzalez (one year, $1.75
million).

The Astros also are believed to be interested in signing Bautista to
add outfield depth. In addition to losing Beltran to the Mets, Houston
will be without Lance Berkman (knee) until May at the earliest.

The Astros also reportedly have discussed trades involving Rays right
fielder Jose Cruz Jr., Mariners (and former Rays) outfielder Randy
Winn and Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd.

The Rays likely wouldn't part with Cruz (who is scheduled to make $4
million in 2005) for less than a starting outfielder (Houston's Jason
Lane?) and a pitching prospect.

One potential Rays signee, former MVP Juan Gonzalez, appears to be
close to signing a minor-league deal with the Indians. The Rays never
have been more than marginally interested in Gonzalez, whose injury
problems have prevented him from playing more than 82 games in a
season since he batted .325 with 35 home runs and 140 RBIs for the
Indians in 2001.

The Rays also have begun preliminary negotiations with their six
arbitration-eligible players: catcher Toby Hall, shortstop Julio Lugo
and pitchers Trever Miller, Travis Harper, Jesus Colome and Jorge Sosa.

Hall is expected to receive a raise from $320,000 to the $2 million-$3
million range. Lugo, who made $1.75 million in 2004, is expected to
receive $3 million to $4 million.

The other four likely will earn $700,000-$900,000.

Teams and players exchange contract figures for arbitration purposes
on Jan. 18.

tbo.com

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Deal to bring Delgado to Texas looks unlikely

By T.R. Sullivan

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

The Rangers remain open to any possibility that could arise in the
remainder of the off-season.

But right now, they are dubious about the possibility of pulling off a
double play that would send second baseman Alfonso Soriano to the
Houston Astros and free up money so they can sign free-agent first
baseman Carlos Delgado.

"Our position with Sori is exactly as it has been," Rangers general
manager John Hart said Monday. "We like the player, and we see him
here on the ballclub. That's been pretty much the case all along."

What's changed is the Houston Astros were unable to re-sign center
fielder Carlos Beltran, who has agreed to a seven-year, $119 million
contract with the New York Mets.

That leaves the Astros with another hole in their lineup. The Rangers
and the Astros spoke briefly about Soriano at the winter meetings,
talks that were broken off until the Beltran situation was resolved.

The sides expect to talk again, but the Astros might look at acquiring
outfielder Randy Winn from the Seattle Mariners and going with top
prospect Chris Burke at second base. Another possibility is trading
for the Mets' Mike Cameron.

The Rangers would want Burke in any deal for Soriano. They would also
want pitching, a list that would start with either Brandon Backe or
minor league prospect Ezequiel Astacio.

The Rangers, who are intrigued by the possibility of doing something
with the Astros, have been open to trading Soriano this winter, but
say they are insulted by what has been offered in return.

dfw.com

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The Yankees never bid for Carlos Beltran, general manager Brian
Cashman explained yesterday,

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Randy Johnson hiding his mug in New York.

http://tinyurl.com/52mue