For the record, the home ballpark that Clemens was playing in this past
season is a big time hitters park.  It's like Coors Field of yesteryear
where the home/away splits for players were polar opposites.

On Sat, Nov 21, 2009 at 8:45 AM, <JJMeadows3@...> wrote:

>
>
> I am surprised that the Astros wouldn't protect Koby Clemens and Drew Locke
> in the Rule 5 draft.  The only players that they protected were all relief
> pitchers (not even starters). Both of them had great numbers.  Of course, I
> think that this is the first year that Clemens has had good number and he is
> still down at Single-A after 5 years. So, that might have something to do
> with the decision not to protect him.  Also, since they converted him to a
> catcher and now they have Jason Castro, they may feel that they don't need
> him anymore.  In hindsight, maybe they should have kept him as a 3rd baseman
> like he was originally. Drew Locke is a little more of a surprise to see
> left out, he put up really good numbers at Double-A and I expect that
> someone will try to grab him.  Of course, he is an outfielder, so again, the
> Astros may not feel that they have room for him.
> ------------------------
> Astros add four to 40-man roster
> Moves come with eye on December's Rule 5 Draft
>
> 11/20/09 6:08 PM EST
>
> HOUSTON -- After a painstaking week of poring over names, statistics and
> looking into their crystal ball, the Astros on Friday added four players to
> their 40-man roster by purchasing the contracts of three Minor League
> right-handed pitchers and signing another.
>
>
>  The Astros purchased the contracts of pitchers Evan Englebrook, Matt
> Nevarez and Henry Villar and signed Minor League free agent Jose Valdez and
> added him to the 40-man roster, which now stands at 37. Friday was the
> deadline to add players to the 40-man roster to protect them from being
> taken by other clubs in next month's Rule 5 Draft.
>
> By leaving three spots open on the 40-man roster, the Astros gave
> themselves some flexibility to sign free agents. Englebrook, Nevarez, Villar
> and Valdez will be with the Major League club at Spring Training next year,
> with Englebrook and Valdez the mostly likely to compete for a roster spot.
>
> "First of all, the kids from within the organization all have earned the
> opportunity," Houston general manager Ed Wade said. "Englebrook has been in
> the organization for a while. There's been somewhat of an ongoing discussion
> with regards to protecting him on the roster, and the prevailing sentiment
> was he's made a lot of progress the way he pitched during the season and
> also in the Arizona Fall League."
>
> Englebrook, 27, went 3-1 with nine saves and a 4.25 ERA in 30 relief
> appearances last season between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Round
> Rock. The 6-foot-8 pitcher spent the majority of the season at Corpus
> Christi, going 2-0 with a 3.16 ERA in 21 games.
>
> Nevarez, 22, was 2-4 with 13 saves and a 2.28 ERA in 42 combined
> appearances with Class A Hickory and Class A Lexington last season. He was
> acquired along with infielder Jose Vallejo from the Texas Rangers in August
> in exchange for catcher Ivan Rodriguez. He appeared in eight games at
> Lexington, throwing 8 1/3 scoreless innings.
>
> "Nevarez was the key piece in the Pudge Rodriguez trade, and we think the
> kid's got closer stuff," Wade said. "It was a no-brainer to protect him. I
> don't think there was any chance he would have gotten through the Rule 5
> Draft without someone claiming him."
>
> Villar, 22, pitched in 43 games, including three starts, for Class A
> Lexington. He went 3-4 with five saves and a 2.60 ERA and led all Lexington
> relievers with 109 strikeouts. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2005,
> he walked only 18 batters in 90 innings.
>
> "We think all three guys have a lot of upside," Wade said. "Nevarez and
> Villar fit perfectly in the mix of kids we've been bragging about the last
> couple of years, and it made all the sense the to make sure we didn't lose
> him."
>
> Valdez, 26, spent last season in the New York Yankees' organization,
> splitting time between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton. In 43 games,
> he went 3-2 with 10 saves and a 3.43 ERA. He's currently pitching for Licey
> in the Dominican Winter League and is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 games.
>
> "The Valdez kid threw well last season, and he's lighting up the Dominican
> Winter League," Wade said. "We had a couple of guys see him down there and
> they felt this kid had a chance to be a real significant contributor to the
> back end of the bullpen. We gave him a roster spot as a Minor League free
> agent, which is a rarity."
>
> Among the players left unprotected were two of the Astros' biggest
> offensive producers last season in the Minor Leagues -- outfielder Drew
> Locke and infielder Koby Clemens. Locke hit .338 with 20 homers and 109 RBIs
> at Corpus Christi, and Clemens hit .345 with 22 homers and 121 RBIs at
> Lancaster.
>
> Teams selecting players in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft
> must pay the original team $50,000 and keep him on the 25-man roster the
> entire season. If the team decides it doesn't want the player, the player
> must clear waivers and be offered back to the original team for half the
> price.
>
> "We had discussions about a lot of guys," Wade said. "When you try to
> create flexibility on your roster, you try to put yourself in the position
> of the other GMs and [you have to ask] is it realistic to think that
> somebody is going to take a player in the Rule 5 Draft and keep him in the
> big leagues for an entire season?
>
> "In every year I've been in this position, Philadelphia and here, I've
> started these discussions saying that. You need to keep in mind when you go
> through this process, somebody taking this player in the Major League
> portion of the Rule 5 Draft has to be able to keep them on the big league
> roster for the entire year. That tends to sober up the room."
>
> Players such as Locke and Clemens and other Minor Leaguers could be taken
> in the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft, but teams use that process to
> simply fill out Minor League rosters.
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I am surprised that the Astros wouldn't protect Koby Clemens and Drew Locke in
the Rule 5 draft.  The only players that they protected were all relief pitchers
(not even starters). Both of them had great numbers.  Of course, I think that
this is the first year that Clemens has had good number and he is still down at
Single-A after 5 years. So, that might have something to do with the decision
not to protect him.  Also, since they converted him to a catcher and now they
have Jason Castro, they may feel that they don't need him anymore.  In
hindsight, maybe they should have kept him as a 3rd baseman like he was
originally. Drew Locke is a little more of a surprise to see left out, he put up
really good numbers at Double-A and I expect that someone will try to grab him. 
Of course, he is an outfielder, so again, the Astros may not feel that they have
room for him.
------------------------
Astros add four to 40-man roster
Moves come with eye on December's Rule 5 Draft

11/20/09 6:08 PM EST

HOUSTON -- After a painstaking week of poring over names, statistics and looking
into their crystal ball, the Astros on Friday added four players to their 40-man
roster by purchasing the contracts of three Minor League right-handed pitchers
and signing another.


  The Astros purchased the contracts of pitchers Evan Englebrook, Matt Nevarez
and Henry Villar and signed Minor League free agent Jose Valdez and added him to
the 40-man roster, which now stands at 37. Friday was the deadline to add
players to the 40-man roster to protect them from being taken by other clubs in
next month's Rule 5 Draft.

By leaving three spots open on the 40-man roster, the Astros gave themselves
some flexibility to sign free agents. Englebrook, Nevarez, Villar and Valdez
will be with the Major League club at Spring Training next year, with Englebrook
and Valdez the mostly likely to compete for a roster spot.

"First of all, the kids from within the organization all have earned the
opportunity," Houston general manager Ed Wade said. "Englebrook has been in the
organization for a while. There's been somewhat of an ongoing discussion with
regards to protecting him on the roster, and the prevailing sentiment was he's
made a lot of progress the way he pitched during the season and also in the
Arizona Fall League."

Englebrook, 27, went 3-1 with nine saves and a 4.25 ERA in 30 relief appearances
last season between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Round Rock. The
6-foot-8 pitcher spent the majority of the season at Corpus Christi, going 2-0
with a 3.16 ERA in 21 games.

Nevarez, 22, was 2-4 with 13 saves and a 2.28 ERA in 42 combined appearances
with Class A Hickory and Class A Lexington last season. He was acquired along
with infielder Jose Vallejo from the Texas Rangers in August in exchange for
catcher Ivan Rodriguez. He appeared in eight games at Lexington, throwing 8 1/3
scoreless innings.

"Nevarez was the key piece in the Pudge Rodriguez trade, and we think the kid's
got closer stuff," Wade said. "It was a no-brainer to protect him. I don't think
there was any chance he would have gotten through the Rule 5 Draft without
someone claiming him."

Villar, 22, pitched in 43 games, including three starts, for Class A Lexington.
He went 3-4 with five saves and a 2.60 ERA and led all Lexington relievers with
109 strikeouts. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2005, he walked only 18
batters in 90 innings.

"We think all three guys have a lot of upside," Wade said. "Nevarez and Villar
fit perfectly in the mix of kids we've been bragging about the last couple of
years, and it made all the sense the to make sure we didn't lose him."

Valdez, 26, spent last season in the New York Yankees' organization, splitting
time between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton. In 43 games, he went 3-2
with 10 saves and a 3.43 ERA. He's currently pitching for Licey in the Dominican
Winter League and is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 games.

"The Valdez kid threw well last season, and he's lighting up the Dominican
Winter League," Wade said. "We had a couple of guys see him down there and they
felt this kid had a chance to be a real significant contributor to the back end
of the bullpen. We gave him a roster spot as a Minor League free agent, which is
a rarity."

Among the players left unprotected were two of the Astros' biggest offensive
producers last season in the Minor Leagues -- outfielder Drew Locke and
infielder Koby Clemens. Locke hit .338 with 20 homers and 109 RBIs at Corpus
Christi, and Clemens hit .345 with 22 homers and 121 RBIs at Lancaster.

Teams selecting players in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft must pay
the original team $50,000 and keep him on the 25-man roster the entire season.
If the team decides it doesn't want the player, the player must clear waivers
and be offered back to the original team for half the price.

"We had discussions about a lot of guys," Wade said. "When you try to create
flexibility on your roster, you try to put yourself in the position of the other
GMs and [you have to ask] is it realistic to think that somebody is going to
take a player in the Rule 5 Draft and keep him in the big leagues for an entire
season?

"In every year I've been in this position, Philadelphia and here, I've started
these discussions saying that. You need to keep in mind when you go through this
process, somebody taking this player in the Major League portion of the Rule 5
Draft has to be able to keep them on the big league roster for the entire year.
That tends to sober up the room."

Players such as Locke and Clemens and other Minor Leaguers could be taken in the
Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft, but teams use that process to simply
fill out Minor League rosters.

=


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Given the options (Tejada or the platoon or Blum/Keppinger/Johnson), it
seems as though we won't be seeing a whole lot of power at that position
next season.  Of course it's been that way for a few seasons. :(

That's a tough decision for Wade.  With Tejada, who are we going to get -
Tejada '08 or Tejada '09.  My guess is somewhere in between.  Looks like
Chris Johnson's numbers in all of his Trip-A experience somewhat resemble
Tejada's numbers in a few cats. in 2008.  Same OPS, same HR (granted 100
less ABs for Johnson).  As you said though, it's not like those numbers or
his numbers a whole down below really scream "BIGS".  Most other teams and
farm systems and he perhaps would not be in consideration at this particular
moment.



On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 3:24 PM, <JJMeadows3@...> wrote:

>
>
> Well, the Astros may not be interested in more than one season. They may be
> able to offer him a second year as a team option. One of the reasons I would
> think that they might be willing to consider signing him to two years would
> be if they felt that they did not have an good minor league option available
> in the next two years for third base. To my knowledge, they don't. Chris
> Johnson did nothing in Triple-A that would convince anyone that he was ready
> for the majors. Florentino and Molina at Corpus Christi didn't do that much
> either. We have a rookie at Lancaster named Suarez, who had a good season,
> but that is Single-A and he is probably still at least 2 to 3 years from
> being major league ready. So, I think that we can afford to sign Tejada for
> a couple of years if we could get him for only 4 or 5 million.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: subprong <subprong@... <subprong%40gmail.com>>
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
> Sent: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 1:50 pm
> Subject: Re: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
> re-signing Tejada
>
> There's also speculation about the Phillies nabbing him for 3rd base. Also
> ead that the As are weak at 3rd and SS. Not exactly a winner of a team but
> t might give him the opportunity to play his position.
> I agree that he'll be with the Astros so long as they match the highest
> idder. However, I think there might be a team out there that will give him
>
> years at a slightly lower price per year than a 1 year deal that the
> stros would offer. Not so sure the Stros want to gamble on anything past 1
> ear.
>
> On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 1:15 PM, <JJMeadows3@...<JJMeadows3%40aol.com>>
> wrote:
> >
>
> I highly doubt that article's prediction for Tejada. It has him signing a
> one-year deal for 4 million dollars with the Mariners. I am willing to bet
> that the Astros would be willing to sign him for 5 millions dollars if his
> price drops that low (which would be higher than the 4 million the article
> predicts). And, I believe that if both the Astros and Mariners were to
> offer
> him the same amount of money that he would rather stay with the Astros.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@...
<bennett.brier%40va.gov><bennett.brier%
> 40va.gov>
> >
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
> <houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wed, Nov 18, 2009 5:57 am
> Subject: RE: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
> re-signing Tejada
>
> http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid
> =2&articleid=34139
>
> From:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
> <houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com>
>
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com>
> <houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com>]
>
> On Behalf Of subprong
> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:25 AM
> To: HoustonsOwnSportsTeams
> Cc:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
> <houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com>
>
> Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
> re-signing Tejada
>
> Astros open to re-signing Tejada Reserve outfielders, starting pitcher
> also
> on club's radar
>
> http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091117&content_id=7677606&vkey
> =news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou
>
> By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
>
> 11/17/09 3:15 PM EST
>
> HOUSTON -- 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.
>
> <http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/index.jsp>
>
> 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 All-Star [with the
> Astros],"
> Wade said. "We're not prepared to close any doors with Miggy."
>
> Considering they aren't going to bring Doug Brocail back, re-signing
> either
> Hawkins and/or Valverde is one of Wade's top priorities. Wade said the
> club
> is also going to explore some options at third base, while trying to
> address
> the two backup outfield spots.
>
> The Astros' starting outfield is set with slugger Carlos Lee in left
> field,
> Gold Glove winner Michael Bourn in center and 2009 All-Star Hunter Pence
> in
> right. Jason Michaels and Darin Erstad served as backups last year, and
> both
> are free agents.
>
> "From the standpoint of position players with both Jason Michaels and
> Darin
> Erstad being free agents, our extra-outfield situation at this point is
> an
> issue," Wade said. "I'm not saying we wouldn't bring both guys back, but
> both are free agents, and we have to recognize we have a void now."
>
> Houston could be in the market for a third baseman to platoon with Geoff
> Blum, a switch-hitter. The Astros signed Aaron Boone last season, but he
> missed pretty much the entire season after undergoing open-heart surgery
> in
> March.
>
> Blum wound up starting 94 games at third, with Jeff Keppinger starting
> 59.
> Keppinger returns, and Chris Johnson, who would be a rookie, could also
> work
> his way into the mix. Of course, if they re-sign Tejada, it will be to
> play
> third base.
>
> "If we can mix and match with Geoff over there and provide more offense,
> that's something we have to pay attention to," Wade said.
>
> The Astros feel good about the top of their starting rotation with Roy
> Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Bud Norris occupying the first three spots.
> They've re-signed workhorse Brian Moehler to anchor the bottom of the
> rotation and may look within to fill the final spot.
>
> Felipe Paulino, who has great stuff but is terribly inconsistent,
> started 17
> games last season and will be in the mix, along with Yorman Bazardo,
> Wilton
> Lopez and left-hander Wesley Wright, a former reliever who is in the
> process
> of being converted into a starter.
>
> "But at the same time, if we have an opportunity to make a deal that
> brings
> us a starting pitcher [it will be considered]," Wade said. "But
> everybody is
> looking to add starting pitching."
>
> Former first-round pick Jason Castro appears on track to take over as
> starting catcher for the Astros at some point next year. Last season,
> the
> club signed Ivan Rodriguez -- and later traded him away -- to help
> bridge
> the gap to Castro, who hit .309 with seven homers and 44 RBIs in 56
> games at
> Class A Lancaster before hitting .293 in 63 games at Double-A Corpus
> Christi.
>
> J.R. Towles, a former No. 1 prospect, remains in the mix to share some
> of
> the catching duties next year, along with backup Humberto Quintero.
>
> "I thought J.R. caught better for us at the end of the season last
> year,"
> Wade said. "Q has established himself at the very least as a solid
> backup
> catcher at the big league level, so we have two guys we like. Whether we
> add
> onto that or not remains to be seen.
>
> "Castro we think at some point in time will be here, whether it's April
> or
> some point beyond. I certainly don't see us going out and adding a
> front-line starting catcher. We do believe with J.R. and Q already here
> and
> Castro on the horizon that we've got coverage there. Our resources are
> better used in other areas to try to improve."
>
> *Brian McTaggart* <brian.mctaggart@...
<brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com><brian.mctaggart%
> 40mlb.com>
> <mailto:brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com
<brian.mctaggart%2540mlb.com><brian.mctaggart%
> 2540mlb.com>> > is a
>
> reporter for MLB.com. This
> story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its
> clubs.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> Individual Email | Traditional
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Well, the Astros may not be interested in more than one season.  They may be
able to offer him a second year as a team option.  One of the reasons I would
think that they might be willing to consider signing him to two years would be
if they felt that they did not have an good minor league option available in the
next two years for third base.  To my knowledge, they don't. Chris Johnson did
nothing in Triple-A that would convince anyone that he was ready for the majors.
Florentino and Molina at Corpus Christi didn't do that much either. We have a
rookie at Lancaster named Suarez, who had a good season, but that is Single-A
and he is probably still at least 2 to 3 years from being major league ready. 
So, I think that we can afford to sign Tejada for a couple of years if we could
get him for only 4 or 5 million.



-----Original Message-----
From: subprong <subprong@...>
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 1:50 pm
Subject: Re: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
re-signing Tejada


There's also speculation about the Phillies nabbing him for 3rd base.  Also
ead that the As are weak at 3rd and SS.  Not exactly a winner of a team but
t might give him the opportunity to play his position.
I agree that he'll be with the Astros so long as they match the highest
idder.  However, I think there might be a team out there that will give him
  years at a slightly lower price per year than a 1 year deal that the
stros would offer.  Not so sure the Stros want to gamble on anything past 1
ear.

On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 1:15 PM, <JJMeadows3@...> wrote:
>

  I highly doubt that article's prediction for Tejada. It has him signing a
  one-year deal for 4 million dollars with the Mariners. I am willing to bet
  that the Astros would be willing to sign him for 5 millions dollars if his
  price drops that low (which would be higher than the 4 million the article
  predicts). And, I believe that if both the Astros and Mariners were to offer
  him the same amount of money that he would rather stay with the Astros.

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@... <bennett.brier%40va.gov>
  >
  To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
  Sent: Wed, Nov 18, 2009 5:57 am
  Subject: RE: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
  re-signing Tejada

  http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid
  =2&articleid=34139

  From:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
 
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com>]
  On Behalf Of subprong
  Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:25 AM
  To: HoustonsOwnSportsTeams
  Cc:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
  Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
  re-signing Tejada

  Astros open to re-signing Tejada Reserve outfielders, starting pitcher
  also
  on club's radar

  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091117&content_id=7677606&vkey
  =news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou

  By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com

  11/17/09 3:15 PM EST

  HOUSTON -- 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.

  <http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/index.jsp>

  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 All-Star [with the
  Astros],"
  Wade said. "We're not prepared to close any doors with Miggy."

  Considering they aren't going to bring Doug Brocail back, re-signing
  either
  Hawkins and/or Valverde is one of Wade's top priorities. Wade said the
  club
  is also going to explore some options at third base, while trying to
  address
  the two backup outfield spots.

  The Astros' starting outfield is set with slugger Carlos Lee in left
  field,
  Gold Glove winner Michael Bourn in center and 2009 All-Star Hunter Pence
  in
  right. Jason Michaels and Darin Erstad served as backups last year, and
  both
  are free agents.

  "From the standpoint of position players with both Jason Michaels and
  Darin
  Erstad being free agents, our extra-outfield situation at this point is
  an
  issue," Wade said. "I'm not saying we wouldn't bring both guys back, but
  both are free agents, and we have to recognize we have a void now."

  Houston could be in the market for a third baseman to platoon with Geoff
  Blum, a switch-hitter. The Astros signed Aaron Boone last season, but he
  missed pretty much the entire season after undergoing open-heart surgery
  in
  March.

  Blum wound up starting 94 games at third, with Jeff Keppinger starting
  59.
  Keppinger returns, and Chris Johnson, who would be a rookie, could also
  work
  his way into the mix. Of course, if they re-sign Tejada, it will be to
  play
  third base.

  "If we can mix and match with Geoff over there and provide more offense,
  that's something we have to pay attention to," Wade said.

  The Astros feel good about the top of their starting rotation with Roy
  Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Bud Norris occupying the first three spots.
  They've re-signed workhorse Brian Moehler to anchor the bottom of the
  rotation and may look within to fill the final spot.

  Felipe Paulino, who has great stuff but is terribly inconsistent,
  started 17
  games last season and will be in the mix, along with Yorman Bazardo,
  Wilton
  Lopez and left-hander Wesley Wright, a former reliever who is in the
  process
  of being converted into a starter.

  "But at the same time, if we have an opportunity to make a deal that
  brings
  us a starting pitcher [it will be considered]," Wade said. "But
  everybody is
  looking to add starting pitching."

  Former first-round pick Jason Castro appears on track to take over as
  starting catcher for the Astros at some point next year. Last season,
  the
  club signed Ivan Rodriguez -- and later traded him away -- to help
  bridge
  the gap to Castro, who hit .309 with seven homers and 44 RBIs in 56
  games at
  Class A Lancaster before hitting .293 in 63 games at Double-A Corpus
  Christi.

  J.R. Towles, a former No. 1 prospect, remains in the mix to share some
  of
  the catching duties next year, along with backup Humberto Quintero.

  "I thought J.R. caught better for us at the end of the season last
  year,"
  Wade said. "Q has established himself at the very least as a solid
  backup
  catcher at the big league level, so we have two guys we like. Whether we
  add
  onto that or not remains to be seen.

  "Castro we think at some point in time will be here, whether it's April
  or
  some point beyond. I certainly don't see us going out and adding a
  front-line starting catcher. We do believe with J.R. and Q already here
  and
  Castro on the horizon that we've got coverage there. Our resources are
  better used in other areas to try to improve."

  *Brian McTaggart* <brian.mctaggart@... <brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com>
  <mailto:brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com <brian.mctaggart%2540mlb.com>> > is a
  reporter for MLB.com. This
  story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its
  clubs.

  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
    Individual Email | Traditional
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Geary sounds like an ideal HouTX P!

-----Original Message-----
From: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of subprong
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:55 PM
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
Starter

Should be interesting.

Oswalt
Magic Wandy
Bud Norris
Wesley Wright or Felipe Paulino
Brian Moehler

This is a bad season to have your two strongest bullpen guys hit the FA
market.  What is the word on Geary.  They basically sent him down to the
minors for the entire season because of tendinitis (or whatever it was).
Is
that it for him?



On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:52 AM, Brier, Bennett (AITC)
<bennett.brier@...
> wrote:

>
>
> I should go to winter ball then. 2009 sucked...
>
>
>
> From:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog
roups.com>[mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog
roups.com>]
> On Behalf Of JJMeadows3@... <JJMeadows3%40aol.com>
> Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:50 AM
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog
roups.com>
> Subject: Re: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
> Starter
>
>
>
>
>
> Hey, keep in mind that after a bad year in 2008, Bourn went to winter
ball,
> put up good numbers and managed to make a big turn around in 2009.
Maybe
> after a down year, Wesley can do the same, he is at winter ball, he is
> putting up good numbers, and maybe he can turn it into a good 2010
season
> just like Bourn.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@...
<bennett.brier%40va.gov><mailto:
> bennett.brier%40va.gov <bennett.brier%2540va.gov>> >
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog
roups.com><mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%2540ya
hoogroups.com>>
>
> Sent: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 6:28 am
> Subject: RE: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
> Starter
>
> Lord help us all!
>
> From:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog
roups.com><mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%2540ya
hoogroups.com>>
>
>
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%
40yahoogroups.com><mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%2540ya
hoogroups.com>>
> ] On Behalf Of
> JJMeadows3@... <JJMeadows3%40aol.com>
<mailto:JJMeadows3%40aol.com<JJMeadows3%2540aol.com>>
>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:13 PM
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog
roups.com><mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%2540ya
hoogroups.com>>
>
> Cc:
HoustonsOwnSportsTeams@yahoogroups.com<HoustonsOwnSportsTeams%40yahoogro
ups.com><mailto:
>
HoustonsOwnSportsTeams%40yahoogroups.com<HoustonsOwnSportsTeams%2540yaho
ogroups.com>>
>
> Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
> Starter
>
> Wright's winter work impressing Astros
> Transitioning from reliever to starter, lefty will get rotation shot
> HOUSTON -- If his performance in the Dominican Winter League is any
> indication, Wesley Wright could have a future in the Astros' rotation.
> The 5-foot-10 left-hander's transformation to a starting pitcher has
> gotten off to a promising beginning, with Wright going 0-1 with a 1.73
> ERA in
> his first five starts for Azucareros de Este, which is based in the
> eastern
> city of La Romana in the Dominican Republic.
> "My goal is to get stretched out and see how good I can be in that
role,
>
> but I have no preconceived expectations," Wright said.
> In 26 innings, Wright has yielded 17 hits, seven runs (five earned),
no
> home runs, 12 walks while striking out 33. He's allowed two runs or
> fewer in
> all five of his starts, which have all been at least five innings.
> "All the reports we've gotten have been very solid," Astros general
> manager Ed Wade said. "A couple of our pro scouts were down there and
> had a
> chance to see him firsthand, and the reports have been very solid on
> him.
> [Assistant general manager] David Gottfried had a conversation with
> Wesley in the
> last couple of days, and Wesley is feeling really good about the way
> things have gone for him down there."
> Wade said Wright will come to Spring Training with a chance to win a
> spot
> in the rotation.
> "We're going to give him every opportunity to try to win a job as a
> starter next year and see where it takes us," he said.
> Wright, 24, was a starting pitcher in high school in Alabama, but he
got
>
> moved to the bullpen after the Dodgers drafted him in the seventh
round
> in
> 2003. Houston plucked him away from Los Angeles in the Rule 5 Draft in
> 2007,
> and he spent two years in the bullpen before the Astros discussed the
> idea
> of moving him to the rotation.
> "We had some internal conversations about him late in the season, and
> then
> we approached Wesley," Wade said. "I had a conversation with him and
Wes
>
> told me as an amateur he was a starting pitcher and he got into the
> Dodgers
> organization and they had a lot of high Draft picks that were starters
> and
> he ended up in the bullpen. He said he welcomed an opportunity to do
> this.
> "I arranged a slot for him in winter ball, and he went down the
> instructional league to get his arm ready to go. And so far the
results
> have been
> very solid down there. I think it's a clear indication that when a
> player is
> willing to go to winter ball and work on his craft, good things can
> happen."
>
> Wright was named the Astros' Rookie of the Year in 2008, when he made
71
>
> appearances and went 4-3 with a 5.01 ERA. Last season, he split time
> between
> the Astros and Triple-A Round Rock and struggled for consistency.
> He was 3-4 with a 5.44 ERA in 49 games during four different stints
with
>
> the Major League club and 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 13 games at Round
Rock.
> He
> suffered from arm fatigue near the end of the season and was on the
> disabled list from Aug. 12-Sept. 1 with a left shoulder strain.
> Wright has been used primarily as a left-handed specialist, but
lefties
> hit .359 against him last season (righties hit .265).
> "It seemed to boil down to command. It certainly wasn't a health issue
> and
> his stuff didn't fade," Wade said. "He's just got to make pitches and
> stay
> down in the zone and out of the middle of the plate, which fits the
bill
>
> of every guy that stands 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate."
> For Wright, the chance to learn to become a starter began before he
went
>
> to instructional league at the end of the season.
> "I'm a very observant person, and I watch the starting pitcher from
> different teams and the way they manage the game," he said. "It's a
> different
> mind-set than coming out of the bullpen. The main thing is to try to
go
> as
> long as you can and keep your team in the game. There are definitely a
> lot of
> things I need to learn."
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

Cue up the Metallica!

----

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10357594

Interest in Wagner still strong — 12:31 p.m.

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 probably among the contenders interested in upgrading
their late-inning relief: the Tigers, Cubs, Mariners, Rangers, White Sox,
Rays and Marlins.

Stringfellow believes Wagner will receive multiyear offers once teams are
able to begin discussing financial terms with free agents Friday.
Stringfellow pointed out that Wagner demonstrated his health after elbow
surgery by pitching effectively for the Red Sox late in the season.

"This is a normal offseason for him," Stringfellow said. "He's not doing any
rehab. He'll begin throwing in earnest at the same time he always did. He
feels wonderful now."


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Should be interesting.

Oswalt
Magic Wandy
Bud Norris
Wesley Wright or Felipe Paulino
Brian Moehler

This is a bad season to have your two strongest bullpen guys hit the FA
market.  What is the word on Geary.  They basically sent him down to the
minors for the entire season because of tendinitis (or whatever it was).  Is
that it for him?



On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:52 AM, Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@...
> wrote:

>
>
> I should go to winter ball then. 2009 sucked…
>
>
>
> From:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>[mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>]
> On Behalf Of JJMeadows3@... <JJMeadows3%40aol.com>
> Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:50 AM
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
> Subject: Re: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
> Starter
>
>
>
>
>
> Hey, keep in mind that after a bad year in 2008, Bourn went to winter ball,
> put up good numbers and managed to make a big turn around in 2009. Maybe
> after a down year, Wesley can do the same, he is at winter ball, he is
> putting up good numbers, and maybe he can turn it into a good 2010 season
> just like Bourn.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@...
<bennett.brier%40va.gov><mailto:
> bennett.brier%40va.gov <bennett.brier%2540va.gov>> >
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m><mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%2540yahoogroup\
s.com>>
>
> Sent: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 6:28 am
> Subject: RE: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
> Starter
>
> Lord help us all!
>
> From:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m><mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%2540yahoogroup\
s.com>>
>
>
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com><mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%2540yahoogroup\
s.com>>
> ] On Behalf Of
> JJMeadows3@... <JJMeadows3%40aol.com>
<mailto:JJMeadows3%40aol.com<JJMeadows3%2540aol.com>>
>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:13 PM
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m><mailto:
>
houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%2540yahoogroup\
s.com>>
>
> Cc:
HoustonsOwnSportsTeams@yahoogroups.com<HoustonsOwnSportsTeams%40yahoogroups.com>\
<mailto:
>
HoustonsOwnSportsTeams%40yahoogroups.com<HoustonsOwnSportsTeams%2540yahoogroups.\
com>>
>
> Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
> Starter
>
> Wright's winter work impressing Astros
> Transitioning from reliever to starter, lefty will get rotation shot
> HOUSTON -- If his performance in the Dominican Winter League is any
> indication, Wesley Wright could have a future in the Astros' rotation.
> The 5-foot-10 left-hander's transformation to a starting pitcher has
> gotten off to a promising beginning, with Wright going 0-1 with a 1.73
> ERA in
> his first five starts for Azucareros de Este, which is based in the
> eastern
> city of La Romana in the Dominican Republic.
> "My goal is to get stretched out and see how good I can be in that role,
>
> but I have no preconceived expectations," Wright said.
> In 26 innings, Wright has yielded 17 hits, seven runs (five earned), no
> home runs, 12 walks while striking out 33. He's allowed two runs or
> fewer in
> all five of his starts, which have all been at least five innings.
> "All the reports we've gotten have been very solid," Astros general
> manager Ed Wade said. "A couple of our pro scouts were down there and
> had a
> chance to see him firsthand, and the reports have been very solid on
> him.
> [Assistant general manager] David Gottfried had a conversation with
> Wesley in the
> last couple of days, and Wesley is feeling really good about the way
> things have gone for him down there."
> Wade said Wright will come to Spring Training with a chance to win a
> spot
> in the rotation.
> "We're going to give him every opportunity to try to win a job as a
> starter next year and see where it takes us," he said.
> Wright, 24, was a starting pitcher in high school in Alabama, but he got
>
> moved to the bullpen after the Dodgers drafted him in the seventh round
> in
> 2003. Houston plucked him away from Los Angeles in the Rule 5 Draft in
> 2007,
> and he spent two years in the bullpen before the Astros discussed the
> idea
> of moving him to the rotation.
> "We had some internal conversations about him late in the season, and
> then
> we approached Wesley," Wade said. "I had a conversation with him and Wes
>
> told me as an amateur he was a starting pitcher and he got into the
> Dodgers
> organization and they had a lot of high Draft picks that were starters
> and
> he ended up in the bullpen. He said he welcomed an opportunity to do
> this.
> "I arranged a slot for him in winter ball, and he went down the
> instructional league to get his arm ready to go. And so far the results
> have been
> very solid down there. I think it's a clear indication that when a
> player is
> willing to go to winter ball and work on his craft, good things can
> happen."
>
> Wright was named the Astros' Rookie of the Year in 2008, when he made 71
>
> appearances and went 4-3 with a 5.01 ERA. Last season, he split time
> between
> the Astros and Triple-A Round Rock and struggled for consistency.
> He was 3-4 with a 5.44 ERA in 49 games during four different stints with
>
> the Major League club and 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 13 games at Round Rock.
> He
> suffered from arm fatigue near the end of the season and was on the
> disabled list from Aug. 12-Sept. 1 with a left shoulder strain.
> Wright has been used primarily as a left-handed specialist, but lefties
> hit .359 against him last season (righties hit .265).
> "It seemed to boil down to command. It certainly wasn't a health issue
> and
> his stuff didn't fade," Wade said. "He's just got to make pitches and
> stay
> down in the zone and out of the middle of the plate, which fits the bill
>
> of every guy that stands 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate."
> For Wright, the chance to learn to become a starter began before he went
>
> to instructional league at the end of the season.
> "I'm a very observant person, and I watch the starting pitcher from
> different teams and the way they manage the game," he said. "It's a
> different
> mind-set than coming out of the bullpen. The main thing is to try to go
> as
> long as you can and keep your team in the game. There are definitely a
> lot of
> things I need to learn."
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

There's also speculation about the Phillies nabbing him for 3rd base.  Also
read that the As are weak at 3rd and SS.  Not exactly a winner of a team but
it might give him the opportunity to play his position.

I agree that he'll be with the Astros so long as they match the highest
bidder.  However, I think there might be a team out there that will give him
2 years at a slightly lower price per year than a 1 year deal that the
Astros would offer.  Not so sure the Stros want to gamble on anything past 1
year.



On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 1:15 PM, <JJMeadows3@...> wrote:

>
>
> I highly doubt that article's prediction for Tejada. It has him signing a
> one-year deal for 4 million dollars with the Mariners. I am willing to bet
> that the Astros would be willing to sign him for 5 millions dollars if his
> price drops that low (which would be higher than the 4 million the article
> predicts). And, I believe that if both the Astros and Mariners were to offer
> him the same amount of money that he would rather stay with the Astros.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@... <bennett.brier%40va.gov>
> >
> To:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
> Sent: Wed, Nov 18, 2009 5:57 am
> Subject: RE: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
> re-signing Tejada
>
> http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid
> =2&articleid=34139
>
> From:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
>
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com>]
> On Behalf Of subprong
> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:25 AM
> To: HoustonsOwnSportsTeams
> Cc:
houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
> Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
> re-signing Tejada
>
> Astros open to re-signing Tejada Reserve outfielders, starting pitcher
> also
> on club's radar
>
> http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091117&content_id=7677606&vkey
> =news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou
>
> By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
>
> 11/17/09 3:15 PM EST
>
> HOUSTON -- 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.
>
> <http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/index.jsp>
>
> 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 All-Star [with the
> Astros],"
> Wade said. "We're not prepared to close any doors with Miggy."
>
> Considering they aren't going to bring Doug Brocail back, re-signing
> either
> Hawkins and/or Valverde is one of Wade's top priorities. Wade said the
> club
> is also going to explore some options at third base, while trying to
> address
> the two backup outfield spots.
>
> The Astros' starting outfield is set with slugger Carlos Lee in left
> field,
> Gold Glove winner Michael Bourn in center and 2009 All-Star Hunter Pence
> in
> right. Jason Michaels and Darin Erstad served as backups last year, and
> both
> are free agents.
>
> "From the standpoint of position players with both Jason Michaels and
> Darin
> Erstad being free agents, our extra-outfield situation at this point is
> an
> issue," Wade said. "I'm not saying we wouldn't bring both guys back, but
> both are free agents, and we have to recognize we have a void now."
>
> Houston could be in the market for a third baseman to platoon with Geoff
> Blum, a switch-hitter. The Astros signed Aaron Boone last season, but he
> missed pretty much the entire season after undergoing open-heart surgery
> in
> March.
>
> Blum wound up starting 94 games at third, with Jeff Keppinger starting
> 59.
> Keppinger returns, and Chris Johnson, who would be a rookie, could also
> work
> his way into the mix. Of course, if they re-sign Tejada, it will be to
> play
> third base.
>
> "If we can mix and match with Geoff over there and provide more offense,
> that's something we have to pay attention to," Wade said.
>
> The Astros feel good about the top of their starting rotation with Roy
> Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Bud Norris occupying the first three spots.
> They've re-signed workhorse Brian Moehler to anchor the bottom of the
> rotation and may look within to fill the final spot.
>
> Felipe Paulino, who has great stuff but is terribly inconsistent,
> started 17
> games last season and will be in the mix, along with Yorman Bazardo,
> Wilton
> Lopez and left-hander Wesley Wright, a former reliever who is in the
> process
> of being converted into a starter.
>
> "But at the same time, if we have an opportunity to make a deal that
> brings
> us a starting pitcher [it will be considered]," Wade said. "But
> everybody is
> looking to add starting pitching."
>
> Former first-round pick Jason Castro appears on track to take over as
> starting catcher for the Astros at some point next year. Last season,
> the
> club signed Ivan Rodriguez -- and later traded him away -- to help
> bridge
> the gap to Castro, who hit .309 with seven homers and 44 RBIs in 56
> games at
> Class A Lancaster before hitting .293 in 63 games at Double-A Corpus
> Christi.
>
> J.R. Towles, a former No. 1 prospect, remains in the mix to share some
> of
> the catching duties next year, along with backup Humberto Quintero.
>
> "I thought J.R. caught better for us at the end of the season last
> year,"
> Wade said. "Q has established himself at the very least as a solid
> backup
> catcher at the big league level, so we have two guys we like. Whether we
> add
> onto that or not remains to be seen.
>
> "Castro we think at some point in time will be here, whether it's April
> or
> some point beyond. I certainly don't see us going out and adding a
> front-line starting catcher. We do believe with J.R. and Q already here
> and
> Castro on the horizon that we've got coverage there. Our resources are
> better used in other areas to try to improve."
>
> *Brian McTaggart* <brian.mctaggart@... <brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com>
> <mailto:brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com <brian.mctaggart%2540mlb.com>> > is a
> reporter for MLB.com. This
> story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its
> clubs.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I highly doubt that article's prediction for Tejada.  It has him signing a
one-year deal for 4 million dollars with the Mariners.  I am willing to bet that
the Astros would be willing to sign him for 5 millions dollars if his price
drops that low (which would be higher than the 4 million the article predicts). 
And, I believe that if both the Astros and Mariners were to offer him the same
amount of money that he would rather stay with the Astros.



-----Original Message-----
From: Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@...>
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, Nov 18, 2009 5:57 am
Subject: RE: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
re-signing Tejada




http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid
=2&articleid=34139

From: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of subprong
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:25 AM
To: HoustonsOwnSportsTeams
Cc: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
re-signing Tejada

Astros open to re-signing Tejada Reserve outfielders, starting pitcher
also
on club's radar

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091117&content_id=7677606&vkey
=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou

By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com

11/17/09 3:15 PM EST

HOUSTON -- 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.

<http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/index.jsp>

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 All-Star [with the
Astros],"
Wade said. "We're not prepared to close any doors with Miggy."

Considering they aren't going to bring Doug Brocail back, re-signing
either
Hawkins and/or Valverde is one of Wade's top priorities. Wade said the
club
is also going to explore some options at third base, while trying to
address
the two backup outfield spots.

The Astros' starting outfield is set with slugger Carlos Lee in left
field,
Gold Glove winner Michael Bourn in center and 2009 All-Star Hunter Pence
in
right. Jason Michaels and Darin Erstad served as backups last year, and
both
are free agents.

"From the standpoint of position players with both Jason Michaels and
Darin
Erstad being free agents, our extra-outfield situation at this point is
an
issue," Wade said. "I'm not saying we wouldn't bring both guys back, but
both are free agents, and we have to recognize we have a void now."

Houston could be in the market for a third baseman to platoon with Geoff
Blum, a switch-hitter. The Astros signed Aaron Boone last season, but he
missed pretty much the entire season after undergoing open-heart surgery
in
March.

Blum wound up starting 94 games at third, with Jeff Keppinger starting
59.
Keppinger returns, and Chris Johnson, who would be a rookie, could also
work
his way into the mix. Of course, if they re-sign Tejada, it will be to
play
third base.

"If we can mix and match with Geoff over there and provide more offense,
that's something we have to pay attention to," Wade said.

The Astros feel good about the top of their starting rotation with Roy
Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Bud Norris occupying the first three spots.
They've re-signed workhorse Brian Moehler to anchor the bottom of the
rotation and may look within to fill the final spot.

Felipe Paulino, who has great stuff but is terribly inconsistent,
started 17
games last season and will be in the mix, along with Yorman Bazardo,
Wilton
Lopez and left-hander Wesley Wright, a former reliever who is in the
process
of being converted into a starter.

"But at the same time, if we have an opportunity to make a deal that
brings
us a starting pitcher [it will be considered]," Wade said. "But
everybody is
looking to add starting pitching."

Former first-round pick Jason Castro appears on track to take over as
starting catcher for the Astros at some point next year. Last season,
the
club signed Ivan Rodriguez -- and later traded him away -- to help
bridge
the gap to Castro, who hit .309 with seven homers and 44 RBIs in 56
games at
Class A Lancaster before hitting .293 in 63 games at Double-A Corpus
Christi.

J.R. Towles, a former No. 1 prospect, remains in the mix to share some
of
the catching duties next year, along with backup Humberto Quintero.

"I thought J.R. caught better for us at the end of the season last
year,"
Wade said. "Q has established himself at the very least as a solid
backup
catcher at the big league level, so we have two guys we like. Whether we
add
onto that or not remains to be seen.

"Castro we think at some point in time will be here, whether it's April
or
some point beyond. I certainly don't see us going out and adding a
front-line starting catcher. We do believe with J.R. and Q already here
and
Castro on the horizon that we've got coverage there. Our resources are
better used in other areas to try to improve."

*Brian McTaggart* <brian.mctaggart@...
<mailto:brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com> > is a reporter for MLB.com. This
story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its
clubs.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I should go to winter ball then.  2009 sucked…



From: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of JJMeadows3@...
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:50 AM
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a Starter





Hey, keep in mind that after a bad year in 2008, Bourn went to winter ball, put
up good numbers and managed to make a big turn around in 2009. Maybe after a
down year, Wesley can do the same, he is at winter ball, he is putting up good
numbers, and maybe he can turn it into a good 2010 season just like Bourn.

-----Original Message-----
From: Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@...
<mailto:bennett.brier%40va.gov> >
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 6:28 am
Subject: RE: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a Starter

Lord help us all!

From: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of
JJMeadows3@... <mailto:JJMeadows3%40aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:13 PM
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoogroups.com>
Cc: HoustonsOwnSportsTeams@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:HoustonsOwnSportsTeams%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
Starter

Wright's winter work impressing Astros
Transitioning from reliever to starter, lefty will get rotation shot
HOUSTON -- If his performance in the Dominican Winter League is any
indication, Wesley Wright could have a future in the Astros' rotation.
The 5-foot-10 left-hander's transformation to a starting pitcher has
gotten off to a promising beginning, with Wright going 0-1 with a 1.73
ERA in
his first five starts for Azucareros de Este, which is based in the
eastern
city of La Romana in the Dominican Republic.
"My goal is to get stretched out and see how good I can be in that role,

but I have no preconceived expectations," Wright said.
In 26 innings, Wright has yielded 17 hits, seven runs (five earned), no
home runs, 12 walks while striking out 33. He's allowed two runs or
fewer in
all five of his starts, which have all been at least five innings.
"All the reports we've gotten have been very solid," Astros general
manager Ed Wade said. "A couple of our pro scouts were down there and
had a
chance to see him firsthand, and the reports have been very solid on
him.
[Assistant general manager] David Gottfried had a conversation with
Wesley in the
last couple of days, and Wesley is feeling really good about the way
things have gone for him down there."
Wade said Wright will come to Spring Training with a chance to win a
spot
in the rotation.
"We're going to give him every opportunity to try to win a job as a
starter next year and see where it takes us," he said.
Wright, 24, was a starting pitcher in high school in Alabama, but he got

moved to the bullpen after the Dodgers drafted him in the seventh round
in
2003. Houston plucked him away from Los Angeles in the Rule 5 Draft in
2007,
and he spent two years in the bullpen before the Astros discussed the
idea
of moving him to the rotation.
"We had some internal conversations about him late in the season, and
then
we approached Wesley," Wade said. "I had a conversation with him and Wes

told me as an amateur he was a starting pitcher and he got into the
Dodgers
organization and they had a lot of high Draft picks that were starters
and
he ended up in the bullpen. He said he welcomed an opportunity to do
this.
"I arranged a slot for him in winter ball, and he went down the
instructional league to get his arm ready to go. And so far the results
have been
very solid down there. I think it's a clear indication that when a
player is
willing to go to winter ball and work on his craft, good things can
happen."

Wright was named the Astros' Rookie of the Year in 2008, when he made 71

appearances and went 4-3 with a 5.01 ERA. Last season, he split time
between
the Astros and Triple-A Round Rock and struggled for consistency.
He was 3-4 with a 5.44 ERA in 49 games during four different stints with

the Major League club and 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 13 games at Round Rock.
He
suffered from arm fatigue near the end of the season and was on the
disabled list from Aug. 12-Sept. 1 with a left shoulder strain.
Wright has been used primarily as a left-handed specialist, but lefties
hit .359 against him last season (righties hit .265).
"It seemed to boil down to command. It certainly wasn't a health issue
and
his stuff didn't fade," Wade said. "He's just got to make pitches and
stay
down in the zone and out of the middle of the plate, which fits the bill

of every guy that stands 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate."
For Wright, the chance to learn to become a starter began before he went

to instructional league at the end of the season.
"I'm a very observant person, and I watch the starting pitcher from
different teams and the way they manage the game," he said. "It's a
different
mind-set than coming out of the bullpen. The main thing is to try to go
as
long as you can and keep your team in the game. There are definitely a
lot of
things I need to learn."

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey, keep in mind that after a bad year in 2008, Bourn went to winter ball, put
up good numbers and managed to make a big turn around in 2009.  Maybe after a
down year, Wesley can do the same, he is at winter ball, he is putting up good
numbers, and maybe he can turn it into a good 2010 season just like Bourn.



-----Original Message-----
From: Brier, Bennett (AITC) <bennett.brier@...>
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 6:28 am
Subject: RE: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a Starter




Lord help us all!

From: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
JJMeadows3@...
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:13 PM
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Cc: HoustonsOwnSportsTeams@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
Starter

Wright's winter work impressing Astros
Transitioning from reliever to starter, lefty will get rotation shot
HOUSTON -- If his performance in the Dominican Winter League is any
indication, Wesley Wright could have a future in the Astros' rotation.
The 5-foot-10 left-hander's transformation to a starting pitcher has
gotten off to a promising beginning, with Wright going 0-1 with a 1.73
ERA in
his first five starts for Azucareros de Este, which is based in the
eastern
city of La Romana in the Dominican Republic.
"My goal is to get stretched out and see how good I can be in that role,

but I have no preconceived expectations," Wright said.
In 26 innings, Wright has yielded 17 hits, seven runs (five earned), no
home runs, 12 walks while striking out 33. He's allowed two runs or
fewer in
all five of his starts, which have all been at least five innings.
"All the reports we've gotten have been very solid," Astros general
manager Ed Wade said. "A couple of our pro scouts were down there and
had a
chance to see him firsthand, and the reports have been very solid on
him.
[Assistant general manager] David Gottfried had a conversation with
Wesley in the
last couple of days, and Wesley is feeling really good about the way
things have gone for him down there."
Wade said Wright will come to Spring Training with a chance to win a
spot
in the rotation.
"We're going to give him every opportunity to try to win a job as a
starter next year and see where it takes us," he said.
Wright, 24, was a starting pitcher in high school in Alabama, but he got

moved to the bullpen after the Dodgers drafted him in the seventh round
in
2003. Houston plucked him away from Los Angeles in the Rule 5 Draft in
2007,
and he spent two years in the bullpen before the Astros discussed the
idea
of moving him to the rotation.
"We had some internal conversations about him late in the season, and
then
we approached Wesley," Wade said. "I had a conversation with him and Wes

told me as an amateur he was a starting pitcher and he got into the
Dodgers
organization and they had a lot of high Draft picks that were starters
and
he ended up in the bullpen. He said he welcomed an opportunity to do
this.
"I arranged a slot for him in winter ball, and he went down the
instructional league to get his arm ready to go. And so far the results
have been
very solid down there. I think it's a clear indication that when a
player is
willing to go to winter ball and work on his craft, good things can
happen."

Wright was named the Astros' Rookie of the Year in 2008, when he made 71

appearances and went 4-3 with a 5.01 ERA. Last season, he split time
between
the Astros and Triple-A Round Rock and struggled for consistency.
He was 3-4 with a 5.44 ERA in 49 games during four different stints with

the Major League club and 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 13 games at Round Rock.
He
suffered from arm fatigue near the end of the season and was on the
disabled list from Aug. 12-Sept. 1 with a left shoulder strain.
Wright has been used primarily as a left-handed specialist, but lefties
hit .359 against him last season (righties hit .265).
"It seemed to boil down to command. It certainly wasn't a health issue
and
his stuff didn't fade," Wade said. "He's just got to make pitches and
stay
down in the zone and out of the middle of the plate, which fits the bill

of every guy that stands 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate."
For Wright, the chance to learn to become a starter began before he went

to instructional league at the end of the season.
"I'm a very observant person, and I watch the starting pitcher from
different teams and the way they manage the game," he said. "It's a
different
mind-set than coming out of the bullpen. The main thing is to try to go
as
long as you can and keep your team in the game. There are definitely a
lot of
things I need to learn."

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Lord help us all!



From: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
JJMeadows3@...
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:13 PM
To: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Cc: HoustonsOwnSportsTeams@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] Wright Getting Chance as a
Starter






Wright's winter work impressing Astros
Transitioning from reliever to starter, lefty will get rotation shot
HOUSTON -- If his performance in the Dominican Winter League is any
indication, Wesley Wright could have a future in the Astros' rotation.
The 5-foot-10 left-hander's transformation to a starting pitcher has
gotten off to a promising beginning, with Wright going 0-1 with a 1.73
ERA in
his first five starts for Azucareros de Este, which is based in the
eastern
city of La Romana in the Dominican Republic.
"My goal is to get stretched out and see how good I can be in that role,

but I have no preconceived expectations," Wright said.
In 26 innings, Wright has yielded 17 hits, seven runs (five earned), no
home runs, 12 walks while striking out 33. He's allowed two runs or
fewer in
all five of his starts, which have all been at least five innings.
"All the reports we've gotten have been very solid," Astros general
manager Ed Wade said. "A couple of our pro scouts were down there and
had a
chance to see him firsthand, and the reports have been very solid on
him.
[Assistant general manager] David Gottfried had a conversation with
Wesley in the
last couple of days, and Wesley is feeling really good about the way
things have gone for him down there."
Wade said Wright will come to Spring Training with a chance to win a
spot
in the rotation.
"We're going to give him every opportunity to try to win a job as a
starter next year and see where it takes us," he said.
Wright, 24, was a starting pitcher in high school in Alabama, but he got

moved to the bullpen after the Dodgers drafted him in the seventh round
in
2003. Houston plucked him away from Los Angeles in the Rule 5 Draft in
2007,
and he spent two years in the bullpen before the Astros discussed the
idea
of moving him to the rotation.
"We had some internal conversations about him late in the season, and
then
we approached Wesley," Wade said. "I had a conversation with him and Wes

told me as an amateur he was a starting pitcher and he got into the
Dodgers
organization and they had a lot of high Draft picks that were starters
and
he ended up in the bullpen. He said he welcomed an opportunity to do
this.
"I arranged a slot for him in winter ball, and he went down the
instructional league to get his arm ready to go. And so far the results
have been
very solid down there. I think it's a clear indication that when a
player is
willing to go to winter ball and work on his craft, good things can
happen."

Wright was named the Astros' Rookie of the Year in 2008, when he made 71

appearances and went 4-3 with a 5.01 ERA. Last season, he split time
between
the Astros and Triple-A Round Rock and struggled for consistency.
He was 3-4 with a 5.44 ERA in 49 games during four different stints with

the Major League club and 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 13 games at Round Rock.
He
suffered from arm fatigue near the end of the season and was on the
disabled list from Aug. 12-Sept. 1 with a left shoulder strain.
Wright has been used primarily as a left-handed specialist, but lefties
hit .359 against him last season (righties hit .265).
"It seemed to boil down to command. It certainly wasn't a health issue
and
his stuff didn't fade," Wade said. "He's just got to make pitches and
stay
down in the zone and out of the middle of the plate, which fits the bill

of every guy that stands 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate."
For Wright, the chance to learn to become a starter began before he went

to instructional league at the end of the season.
"I'm a very observant person, and I watch the starting pitcher from
different teams and the way they manage the game," he said. "It's a
different
mind-set than coming out of the bullpen. The main thing is to try to go
as
long as you can and keep your team in the game. There are definitely a
lot of
things I need to learn."

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wright's  winter work impressing Astros
Transitioning  from reliever to starter, lefty will get rotation shot
HOUSTON  -- If his performance in the Dominican Winter League is any
indication, Wesley  Wright could have a future in the Astros' rotation.
The  5-foot-10 left-hander's transformation to a starting pitcher has
gotten off to a  promising beginning, with Wright going 0-1 with a 1.73 ERA in
his first five  starts for Azucareros de Este, which is based in the eastern
city of La Romana  in the Dominican Republic.
"My  goal is to get stretched out and see how good I can be in that role,
but I have  no preconceived expectations," Wright said.
In  26 innings, Wright has yielded 17 hits, seven runs (five earned), no
home runs,  12 walks while striking out 33. He's allowed two runs or fewer in
all five of  his starts, which have all been at least five innings.
"All  the reports we've gotten have been very solid," Astros general
manager Ed Wade  said. "A couple of our pro scouts were down there and had a
chance to see him  firsthand, and the reports have been very solid on him.
[Assistant general  manager] David Gottfried had a conversation with Wesley in
the
last couple of  days, and Wesley is feeling really good about the way
things have gone for him  down there."
Wade  said Wright will come to Spring Training with a chance to win a spot
in the  rotation.
"We're  going to give him every opportunity to try to win a job as a
starter next year  and see where it takes us," he said.
Wright,  24, was a starting pitcher in high school in Alabama, but he got
moved to the  bullpen after the Dodgers drafted him in the seventh round in
2003. Houston  plucked him away from Los Angeles in the Rule 5 Draft in 2007,
and he spent two  years in the bullpen before the Astros discussed the idea
of moving him to the  rotation.
"We  had some internal conversations about him late in the season, and then
we  approached Wesley," Wade said. "I had a conversation with him and Wes
told me as  an amateur he was a starting pitcher and he got into the Dodgers
organization  and they had a lot of high Draft picks that were starters and
he ended up in the  bullpen. He said he welcomed an opportunity to do this.
"I  arranged a slot for him in winter ball, and he went down the
instructional  league to get his arm ready to go. And so far the results have
been
very solid  down there. I think it's a clear indication that when a player is
willing to go  to winter ball and work on his craft, good things can happen."

Wright  was named the Astros' Rookie of the Year in 2008, when he made 71
appearances  and went 4-3 with a 5.01 ERA. Last season, he split time between
the Astros and  Triple-A Round Rock and struggled for consistency.
He  was 3-4 with a 5.44 ERA in 49 games during four different stints with
the Major  League club and 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 13 games at Round Rock. He
suffered from  arm fatigue near the end of the season and was on the
disabled list from Aug.  12-Sept. 1 with a left shoulder strain.
Wright  has been used primarily as a left-handed specialist, but lefties
hit .359  against him last season (righties hit .265).
"It  seemed to boil down to command. It certainly wasn't a health issue and
his stuff  didn't fade," Wade said. "He's just got to make pitches and stay
down in the  zone and out of the middle of the plate, which fits the bill
of every guy that  stands 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate."
For  Wright, the chance to learn to become a starter began before he went
to  instructional league at the end of the season.
"I'm  a very observant person, and I watch the starting pitcher from
different teams  and the way they manage the game," he said. "It's a different
mind-set than  coming out of the bullpen. The main thing is to try to go as
long as you can and  keep your team in the game. There are definitely a lot of
things I need to  learn."


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=MLB&columnid
=2&articleid=34139



From: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of subprong
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:25 AM
To: HoustonsOwnSportsTeams
Cc: houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Astros open to
re-signing Tejada





Astros open to re-signing Tejada Reserve outfielders, starting pitcher
also
on club's radar

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091117&content_id=7677606&vkey
=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou

By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com

11/17/09 3:15 PM EST

HOUSTON -- 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.

<http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/index.jsp>

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 All-Star [with the
Astros],"
Wade said. "We're not prepared to close any doors with Miggy."

Considering they aren't going to bring Doug Brocail back, re-signing
either
Hawkins and/or Valverde is one of Wade's top priorities. Wade said the
club
is also going to explore some options at third base, while trying to
address
the two backup outfield spots.

The Astros' starting outfield is set with slugger Carlos Lee in left
field,
Gold Glove winner Michael Bourn in center and 2009 All-Star Hunter Pence
in
right. Jason Michaels and Darin Erstad served as backups last year, and
both
are free agents.

"From the standpoint of position players with both Jason Michaels and
Darin
Erstad being free agents, our extra-outfield situation at this point is
an
issue," Wade said. "I'm not saying we wouldn't bring both guys back, but
both are free agents, and we have to recognize we have a void now."

Houston could be in the market for a third baseman to platoon with Geoff
Blum, a switch-hitter. The Astros signed Aaron Boone last season, but he
missed pretty much the entire season after undergoing open-heart surgery
in
March.

Blum wound up starting 94 games at third, with Jeff Keppinger starting
59.
Keppinger returns, and Chris Johnson, who would be a rookie, could also
work
his way into the mix. Of course, if they re-sign Tejada, it will be to
play
third base.

"If we can mix and match with Geoff over there and provide more offense,
that's something we have to pay attention to," Wade said.

The Astros feel good about the top of their starting rotation with Roy
Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Bud Norris occupying the first three spots.
They've re-signed workhorse Brian Moehler to anchor the bottom of the
rotation and may look within to fill the final spot.

Felipe Paulino, who has great stuff but is terribly inconsistent,
started 17
games last season and will be in the mix, along with Yorman Bazardo,
Wilton
Lopez and left-hander Wesley Wright, a former reliever who is in the
process
of being converted into a starter.

"But at the same time, if we have an opportunity to make a deal that
brings
us a starting pitcher [it will be considered]," Wade said. "But
everybody is
looking to add starting pitching."

Former first-round pick Jason Castro appears on track to take over as
starting catcher for the Astros at some point next year. Last season,
the
club signed Ivan Rodriguez -- and later traded him away -- to help
bridge
the gap to Castro, who hit .309 with seven homers and 44 RBIs in 56
games at
Class A Lancaster before hitting .293 in 63 games at Double-A Corpus
Christi.

J.R. Towles, a former No. 1 prospect, remains in the mix to share some
of
the catching duties next year, along with backup Humberto Quintero.

"I thought J.R. caught better for us at the end of the season last
year,"
Wade said. "Q has established himself at the very least as a solid
backup
catcher at the big league level, so we have two guys we like. Whether we
add
onto that or not remains to be seen.

"Castro we think at some point in time will be here, whether it's April
or
some point beyond. I certainly don't see us going out and adding a
front-line starting catcher. We do believe with J.R. and Q already here
and
Castro on the horizon that we've got coverage there. Our resources are
better used in other areas to try to improve."

*Brian McTaggart* <brian.mctaggart@...
<mailto:brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com> > is a reporter for MLB.com. This
story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its
clubs.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Astros open to re-signing Tejada Reserve outfielders, starting pitcher also
on club's radar

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091117&content_id=7677606&vkey=news_ho\
u&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou

By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com

11/17/09 3:15 PM EST

HOUSTON -- 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.

   <http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/index.jsp>

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 All-Star [with the Astros],"
Wade said. "We're not prepared to close any doors with Miggy."

Considering they aren't going to bring Doug Brocail back, re-signing either
Hawkins and/or Valverde is one of Wade's top priorities. Wade said the club
is also going to explore some options at third base, while trying to address
the two backup outfield spots.

The Astros' starting outfield is set with slugger Carlos Lee in left field,
Gold Glove winner Michael Bourn in center and 2009 All-Star Hunter Pence in
right. Jason Michaels and Darin Erstad served as backups last year, and both
are free agents.

"From the standpoint of position players with both Jason Michaels and Darin
Erstad being free agents, our extra-outfield situation at this point is an
issue," Wade said. "I'm not saying we wouldn't bring both guys back, but
both are free agents, and we have to recognize we have a void now."

Houston could be in the market for a third baseman to platoon with Geoff
Blum, a switch-hitter. The Astros signed Aaron Boone last season, but he
missed pretty much the entire season after undergoing open-heart surgery in
March.

Blum wound up starting 94 games at third, with Jeff Keppinger starting 59.
Keppinger returns, and Chris Johnson, who would be a rookie, could also work
his way into the mix. Of course, if they re-sign Tejada, it will be to play
third base.

"If we can mix and match with Geoff over there and provide more offense,
that's something we have to pay attention to," Wade said.

The Astros feel good about the top of their starting rotation with Roy
Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Bud Norris occupying the first three spots.
They've re-signed workhorse Brian Moehler to anchor the bottom of the
rotation and may look within to fill the final spot.

Felipe Paulino, who has great stuff but is terribly inconsistent, started 17
games last season and will be in the mix, along with Yorman Bazardo, Wilton
Lopez and left-hander Wesley Wright, a former reliever who is in the process
of being converted into a starter.

"But at the same time, if we have an opportunity to make a deal that brings
us a starting pitcher [it will be considered]," Wade said. "But everybody is
looking to add starting pitching."

Former first-round pick Jason Castro appears on track to take over as
starting catcher for the Astros at some point next year. Last season, the
club signed Ivan Rodriguez -- and later traded him away -- to help bridge
the gap to Castro, who hit .309 with seven homers and 44 RBIs in 56 games at
Class A Lancaster before hitting .293 in 63 games at Double-A Corpus
Christi.

J.R. Towles, a former No. 1 prospect, remains in the mix to share some of
the catching duties next year, along with backup Humberto Quintero.

"I thought J.R. caught better for us at the end of the season last year,"
Wade said. "Q has established himself at the very least as a solid backup
catcher at the big league level, so we have two guys we like. Whether we add
onto that or not remains to be seen.

"Castro we think at some point in time will be here, whether it's April or
some point beyond. I certainly don't see us going out and adding a
front-line starting catcher. We do believe with J.R. and Q already here and
Castro on the horizon that we've got coverage there. Our resources are
better used in other areas to try to improve."

*Brian McTaggart* <brian.mctaggart@...> is a reporter for MLB.com. This
story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Speaking of speedy types, this guy may end up being one heck of a pick up by
Wade.  Speedy guy who has played middle infield and all outfield positions
in the minors.  May be a key this season (should he claim a spot) as a part
time player and should be fun to watch.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=bourge001jas

On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 8:53 PM, <JJMeadows3@...> wrote:

>
>
> I would love to see us pick up Figgins but that is because I like speedy
> players. With the speed of Bourn, Figgins, Matsui and Pence we would easily
>
> have one of the fastest teams in baseball.
>
>
> In a message dated 11/9/2009 8:32:11 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> bennett.brier@... <bennett.brier%40va.gov> writes:
>
> Good point! Figgins would be a good pickup, albeit costly also. Polanco
> would be Ok also if he’ll do a discount…
>
> From: _houstonsbrandofbasehoustonsbrandofbhous_
>
(mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com>)
> [mailto:_houstonsbrandofbasehoustonsbrandofbhous_
>
(mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com>)
> ] On Behalf Of
> _JJMeadows3@... <_JJMeadows3%40aol.JJM>_
(mailto:JJMeadows3@...<JJMeadows3%40aol.com>)
>
> Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 8:25 AM
> To: _houstonsbrandofbasehoustonsbrandofbhous_
>
(mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com>)
>
> Subject: Re: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Three more Astros
> file for fr...
>
> Crawford would be great but we don't need him or really have a place for
> him. Our outfield of Bourn, Pence and Lee is currently our biggest
> strength. Crawford would probably cost us twice as much money per season
> as Lee
> currently costs. Rather than dedicating that kind of money to upgrade an
> already strong position, I would rather use that money to fix some of the
> holes in the team (like the starting pitching). If we brought up Castro
> for C,
> Manzella for Short and moved Tejada to third, and brought in some quality
> starting pitching and relief, then I think we would be in good shape for
> this season. To me, everything about the Astros is about starting
> pitching.
> The Astros have NEVER made the playoffs on any season in which they have
> not had a successful 1-2-3 starting rotation and most of the time they
> have
> needed a successful 1-2-3-4 rotation!
>
> 1980: Niekro (20-12, 3.55), Ryan (11-10, 3.35), Ruhle (12-4, 2.37), Forsch
> (12-13, 3.20)
> 1981: Niekro (9-9, 2.82), Sutton (11-9, 2.61), Knepper (9-5, 2.18), Ryan
> (11-5, 1.69)
> 1986: Scott (18-10, 2.22), Knepper (17-12, 3.14), Ryan (12-8, 3.34),
> Deshaies (12-5, 3.25)
> 1997: Kyle (19-7, 2.57), Hampton (15-10, 3.83), Holt (8-12, 3.52),
> Reynolds
> (9-10, 4.23)
> 1998: Johnson (10-1, 1.28), Reynolds (19-8, 3.51), Lima (16-8, 3.70),
> Hampton (11-7, 3.36)
> 1999: Lima (21-10, 3.58), Hampton (22-4, 2.90), Reynolds (16-14, 3.85),
> Elarton (9-5, 3.48)
> 2001: Miller (16-8, 3.40), Oswalt (14-3, 2.73), Reynolds (14-11, 4.34)
> 2004: Oswalt (20-10, 3.49), Clemens (18-4, 2.98), Miller (7-7, 3.35)
> 2005: Oswalt (20-12, 2.94), Pettitte (17-9, 2.39), Clemens (13-8, 1.87)
>
> Right now, we have a successful 1-2 of Rodriguez and Oswalt. We really
> need at least one more star starting pitcher (if not two more). If we
> could
> land Lackey and one of our young rookies (like Norris) can have a solid
> season then we will be in a shape capable of making the playoffs.
>
> In a message dated 11/9/2009 6:30:35 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> _bennett.brier@bennet_ (mailto:bennett.brier@...<bennett.brier%40va.gov>)
>
> <mailto:bennett.mailto:bennmai> writes:
>
> Lackey, Roy, Wandy, and Norris would be good but they need to let Moehler
> go. Crawford would be a good pickup methinks
>
> From: _houstonsbrandofbasFrom: _houstFrom:
> (mailto:_houstonsbrandofbasehoustonsbrandofbhous_ (mailto:
> houstonsbrandofba
> seball@yahoogroups.com <seball%40yahoogroups.com>) <mailto:
> houstonsbramailto:houstomailto:houstonmai>
> ) [mailto:_houstonsbr ) [mailto:_ ) [mailto:
> (mailto:_houstonsbrandofbasehoustonsbrandofbhous_
>
(mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com>)
> <mailto:houstonsbramailto:houstomailto:houstonmai>
> ) ] On Behalf Of
> __JJMeadows3@_JJMead_ (mailto:_JJMeadows3@... <_JJMeadows3%40aol.JJM>)
>
> <mailto:_JJMeadows3mailto:_JJ> _
(mailto:_JJMeadows3@...<_JJMeadows3%40aol.JJM>_
> (mailto:JJMeadows3@... <JJMeadows3%40aol.com>)
> <mailto:JJMeadows3%mailto <JJMeadows3%25mailto>:JJ> )
> Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 5:27 PM
> To: _houstonsbrandofbasTo: _houstonsbraTo: _housto
> (mailto:_houstonsbrandofbasehoustonsbrandofbhous_
>
(mailto:houstonsbrandofbaseball@yahoogroups.com<houstonsbrandofbaseball%40yahoog\
roups.com>)
> <mailto:houstonsbramailto:houstomailto:houstonmai>
> )
> Subject: Re: [Houston's Brand of Baseball] (Astros.com) Three more Astros
> file for fr...
>
> Honestly, I think Lackey would be worth the money. With a 1-2-3 starting
> rotation of Lackey, Oswalt and Rodriguez, we would have a sizable
> advantage
> over the other teams in the NL Central. Our number 4 and 5 of Moehler and
> Norris would put us with probably the best starting rotation in the entire
> central division. We have enough firepower in our lineup with Pence, Lee,
> Bourn, Berkman and (if he comes back) Tejada that I think we would be in
> great shape!
>
> In a message dated 11/8/2009 5:08:08 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> __subprong@gmail._su_ (mailto:_subprong@... <_subprong%40gmail.sub>)
>
> <mailto:_subprong%mailto:_sub> _
(mailto:_subprong@...<_subprong%40gmail.sub>_
> (mailto:subprong@... <subprong%40gmail.com>)
> <mailto:subprong%mailto <subprong%25mailto>:subp> )
> <mailto:subprong%mailto <subprong%25mailto>:subp> writes:
>
> I wonder if that team could beat the Yankees. They seem to have a
> stronger
> outfield and middle relief core.
>
> Any thoughts on the Stros signing Lackey? There was speculation on the MLB
> network that Lackey could be interested in the Rangers or Astros given
> he's
> from Texas. The likelihood is doubtful. For the sake of debate though do
> you all think the money would be well spent on him? Also, if it were
> possible to sign Lackey and trade Oswalt (assuming he'd waive the NTC) for
> prospects would that be worth it.
>
> On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 3:54 PM, <__JJMeadows3@_JJMead_
> (mailto:_JJMeadows3@... <_JJMeadows3%40aol.JJM>) <mailto:
> _JJMeadows3mailto:_JJ> _
> (mailto:_JJMeadows3@... <_JJMeadows3%40aol.JJM>_ (mailto:
> JJMeadows3@... <JJMeadows3%40aol.com>)
> <mailto:JJMeadows3%mailto <JJMeadows3%25mailto>:JJ> ) <mailto:
> JJMeadows3%mailto <JJMeadows3%25mailto>:JJ> > wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Alright, in honor of free agency, here is my all Free Agent Team! I bet
> > this team could go to the World Series!
> >
> > C: Bengie Molina
> > 1B: Jim Thome
> > 2B: Placido Polanco
> > SS: Miguel Tejada
> > 3B: Hank Blalock/Chone Figgins
> > OF: Jason Bay
> > OF: Vladmir Guerrero
> > OF: Matt Holiday
> > DH: Carl Crawford
> >
> > SP: John Lackey
> > SP: Rich Harden
> > SP: Eric Bedard
> > SP: Jarrod Washburn
> > SP: Andy Pettitte
> > RP: Hawkins
> > 7th: Kevin Gregg
> > 8th: Billy Wagner
> > 9th: Jose Valverde
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 11/8/2009 12:27:01 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> > __subprong@gmail._su_ (mailto:_subprong@...<_subprong%40gmail.sub>)
>
> <mailto:_subprong%mailto:_sub> _
(mailto:_subprong@...<_subprong%40gmail.sub>_
> (mailto:subprong@... <subprong%40gmail.com>)
> <mailto:subprong%mailto <subprong%25mailto>:subp> )
> <mailto:subprong%mailto <subprong%25mailto>:subp> <subprong%40gmail.sub>
> writes:
> >
> > Three more Astros file for free agency Tejada, Hawkins and Boone test
> open
> > market
> >
> > By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
> >
> > 11/06/09 9:22 PM EST
> >
> > HOUSTON -- Miguel Tejada's days playing shortstop with the Astros are
> > likely
> > done, but that doesn't mean his time in Houston is over.
> >
> > Tejada was one of three Astros players to file for free agency Friday,
> and
> > if he returns to Houston for a third season, he'll likely be playing
> third
> > base. Astros reliever LaTroy Hawkins and third baseman Aaron Boone also
> > filed for free agency.
> >
> > With Tejada, Hawkins and Boone filing a day after Darin Erstad, Mike
> > Hampton
> > and Jason Michaels filed, the only eligible Astros player who hasn't
> filed
> > is closer Jose Valverde, who's expected to do so early next week.
> >
> > "We expect everybody to file," general manager Ed Wade said. "That
> doesn't
> > mean we don't have interest in retaining these guys. We need to let the
> > process play out, and we need to assess our own needs and look at who's
> > available in the marketplace and what may fit."
> >
> > Tejada led the Astros with a .313 batting average, 199 hits and 46
> doubles
> > last season while hitting 14 homers and driving in 86 runs. He was in
> the
> > final year of a contract that paid him roughly $15 million, but he'll
> > likely
> > have to take a pay cut next year.
> >
> > Tejada, 35, told MLB.com late in the season he'd be willing to return to
> > the
> > Astros and play third base, and that seems to fit with Houston's plans.
> >
> > "At this point, we're prepared to commit to [rookie] Tommy Manzella
> > playing
> > shortstop," Wade said. "Tommy is ready to play in the big leagues, and
> we
> > think Miggy is capable of playing third base. That's been discussed last
> > year, and we didn't feel it was right to make the move at that point in
> > time. [Geoff] Blum was playing well at third and did a good job and
> Miggy
> > was doing well at shortstop. It didn't make sense to walk down that path
> > last year."
> >
> > Tejada and Hawkins are both classified as Type A free agents, which
> means
> > the Astros would get extra Draft picks in next year's First-Year Player
> > Draft if they offer them arbitration and they sign elsewhere. The Astros
> > have been in talks with Larry Reynolds, the agent for Hawkins, for
> several
> > days and would like to bring him back.
> >
> > Hawkins, 36, has posted a 1.71 ERA in 89 games in 1 1/2 years with the
> > Astros, including going 1-4 with a 2.13 ERA and 11 saves last season. He
> > made $3.5 million in 2009.
> >
> > Boone, 36, missed most of last season after undergoing open-heart
> surgery
> > in
> > March. He returned to the Astros in September and appeared in 10 games,
> > going 0-for-13 at the plate. Boone has hinted he may retire this
> offseason.
> >
> > *Brian McTaggart* <__brian.mctaggart@__brian.mctag
> (mailto:__brian.mctaggart@_brian._
(mailto:_brian.mctaggart@...<_brian.mctaggart%40brian.m>)
>
> <mailto:_brian.mailto:_brmailto:_b> ) <mailto:_brian.mailto:_brian.<Wmai>
> <_brian.mctaggart%_brian.mc>
> > (mailto:__brian.mctaggart@_brian._
(mailto:_brian.mctaggart@...<_brian.mctaggart%40brian.m>)
>
> <mailto:_brian.mailto:_brmailto:_b> _
(mailto:_brian.mctaggart@...<_brian.mctaggart%40brian.m>_
>
> (mailto:brian.mctaggart@... <brian.mctaggart%40mlb.com>) <mailto:
> brian.mailto:brimailto:br> )
> <mailto:brian.mailto:brian.<WBmai> <brian.mctaggart%brian.mct><W> is a
> > reporter for MLB.com. This
> > story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its
> > clubs.
> >
> > ___http://mlb.mlb.http://mlb.http://mlhttp://mlb.ht&__
> (http://mlb.mlb.http//mlb.mlbhttp://mlb.mhttp://&_)
> <_http://mlb.mlb.http://mlbhttp://mlhttp://mlbh&__ (
> http://mlb.mlb.http/mlb.mlbhttp:/mlb.mhttp:/&_) >
> (_http://mlb.mlb.http://mlb.mlhttp://mlb.mhttp://&_
> (http://mlb.mlb.http//mlhttp://mlb.mhttp://mlb.m&)
> <_http://mlb.mlb.http://mlb.mhttp://mlb.http:/&_ (
> http://mlb.mlb.http/mlhttp:/mlb.mhttp:/mlb.m&) > )
> <__http://mlb.mlb.http://mlb.http://mlhttp://mlh&__
> (http://mlb.mlb.http//mlb.mlhttp://mlb.http:/&_) <_
> http://mlb.mlb.http://mlbhttp://mlb.mhttp:/&__
> (http://mlb.mlb.http/mlb.mlhttp:/mlb.http:/&_) >
> (_http://mlb.mlb.http://mlb.mhttp://mlb.http:/&_ (
> http://mlb.mlb.http/mlhttp:/mlb.mhttp:/mlb.m&) ) >
> > <WBR>conten<<WB>co&vkey=vke
> > ey=<WB&<WBR><WBR&<WBR><WB&<WBR><WBR><WBR><WB
> > (
> >
> __http://mlb.mlb.http://mlb.mlbhttp://mlb.mhttp://&_
> (http://mlb.mlb.http//mlhttp://mlb.mhttp://mlb.m&)
> <_http://mlb.mlb.http://mlb.mlhttp://mlb.http:/&_ (
> http://mlb.mlb.http/mlhttp:/mlb.mhttp:/mlb.m&) >
> <WBR>conten<<WB>co&vkey=vkey=<W
> ey=<WB&<WBR><WBR&<WBR><WB&<WBR><WBR>_
> (_http://mlb.mlb.http://mlhttp://mlb.mhttp://mlb.m&
> <WBR>conten<WBR>co&vkey=v
> key=<WB&<WBR>fext&<WBR>c_i&<WBR>_
> (
>
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091106&content_id=7634586&vkey=news_ho\
u&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partn)
> )
> > erId=rss_hou)
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> -------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
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>
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