BD Hot Stove: Astros Tank Not Completely Empty | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Astros Tank Not Completely Empty | Baseball Digest

Times have been tough down in H-Town since the Astros reached the World Series in 2005. Gone are marquis players Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens, and Andy Pettitte. In their place is a group of youngsters with a few veterans, like Carlos Lee, sprinkled in. The team averaged just 75 wins the last two seasons and have had four managers in four years. But owner Drayton McLane gave second year manager Brad Mills something to happy about.

The Astros announced last evening they had given a three year extension to their top starter, Wandy Rodriguez. The deal is worth $34M and with an option for 2014 Rodriguez is guaranteed $44.5M. The 32-yr old left-hander is the number one man in the front of a rotation that features veteran Brett Myer and youngster J.A. Happ. Not a bad threesome to compete in the NL Central.

The extension means the two sides avoid the arbitration process and quells any rumors that the Astros were trying to trade their top guy. Rodriguez averaged 200 innings the last two seasons, but went just 25-24 despite a combined 3.30 ERA. 23 of Rodriguez’s 32 starts in 2010 were quality starts (6 or more IP 3 ER allowed or less) and he allowed more than three earned runs in a game just seven times.

Now if the Astros could only add some some pop to their punchless lineup.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

SI’s Jon Heyman and Hardball Talk’s Craig Calceterra both reported that their sources indicated Andy Pettitte will pitch in 2011. Still looking to fill the back end of the rotation, the Yankees signed veteran Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training. The 37-yr old hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2009.

The Twins claimed left-hander Dusty Hughes off waivers from KC.

Rather then have him compete for a starting spot in spring training, the Mets have decided to have Jenrry Mejia begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo to work on being a starter.

Pitchers coming off injuries – Brandon Webb (TEX) and Joe Nathan (MIN) will have no restrictions entering spring training, but Johan Santana (NYM) has yet to begin a throwing program.

The Rockies signed veteran catcher Chad Moeller to a minor league deal. Moeller split the 2010 season between the Orioles and Yankees.

BD Hot Stove: If I Were A GM… | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: If I Were A GM… | Baseball Digest

I’m just sitting around, keeping warm by the hot stove as we wait for more moves to occur. Things are a little slow right now with the holidays, so maybe it’s time to ponder what moves might occur and some moves I would like to see during the 2011 season.

The Red Sox deal Jon Papelbon for a bat or a starting pitcher. The Red Sox had some discussion with Mariano Rivera then signed closer Bobby Jenks to a two year deal to set up (for now) Papelbon. It’s obvious the front office isn’t happy with Papelbon’s performance and would like to move him even though they insist otherwise. The Red Sox are still trying to sign Brian Fuentes, which would give them another closer/set up guy and plenty of depth to deal Papelbon.

How about a non-move? The Brewers, bolstered by Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo, hold on to Prince Fielder for the entire season.

The Yankees, in need of starting pitching, decide to go all out to land Joakim Soria from the Royals. Soria sets up Rivera as a prelude to taking over as closer one day.

The Mets deal Carlos Beltran and cash to the Brewers as Milwaukee goes all out for a shot at the World Series.

The Mets tire of Jose Reyes‘ inconsistency and work out a mega deal with the Angels. Among the players the Mets receive are Erick Aybar, Brandon Wood, and prospect Garrett Richards.

The Astros continue to clean house and deal Carlos Lee, not getting too much in return, but not having to pay out the entire remainder of his contract either.

The Yankees are rebuffed in numerous attempts to acquire Felix Hernandez or Justin Verlander, and overpay to acquire Fausto Carmona from the Indians.

Derrek Lee has a tremendous comeback season with the Orioles, who then flip him at the deadline for several prospects.

Okay, time for things that are more likely to happen…

Rumors, News, and Transactions

A’s beat reporter Joe Stiglich reports the team is among six clubs interested in reliever Chad Qualls.

According to the Centre Daily Times, the Metrodome roof won’t be fixed until March. That means hundreds of college baseball games will be affected and the Twins annual fan festival will have to find another venue.

Cuba is considering letting some ball players sign with teams in the US in exchange for some money… a lot of money. First things first though, the U.S. would have to lift the embargo on such a maneuver.

AOL Fanhouse has named 19 year outfielder Mike Trout as the top MLB prospect of the year.

SI’s Jon Heyman said the Yankees “checked in” on Rafael Soriano, which just sounds like due diligence.

Around the Horn - 6/23

Weekend Interleague Recap

Interleague play continued this past weekend and will finish up this coming Sunday. Here are the latest results.

In a rematch of the 2004 World Series, the Cardinals finally won a pair of games. Too bad some of them couldn't have been 4 years earlier. Boston salvaged the finale only after Jon Papelbon blew his 4th save of the season. He only blew 3 saves all of last year. Kevin Youkillis provided a 13th inning walk off winner on Sunday. AL:1 NL:2

The Cubbies took the battle of the windy city in a clean sweep. The Cubs are now a remarkable 32-8 at home this season. Ryan Dempster's win on Sunday gave him a 9-0 record in Wrigley. Aramis Ramirez slugged a walk off winner on Friday and hit his 3rd in two days in Saturday's win. AL:0 NL:3

The Angels had no problem going into the "City of Brotherly Love" and beating the Phillies 2 of 3. Angels pitching held the Phillies to just 4 runs in the 3 games. Francisco Rodriguez became the fastest closer to earn the 30 saves when he closed out Sunday's win in the Angels 76th game. AL:3 NL:0

The Royals won their series with the Giants thanks to a big comeback in the finale. Down 6-0 to Tim Lincecum, KC rallied to an 11-10 win. It made up for blowing a 4-0 lead on Friday. AL:2 NL:1

The Astros and Rays played three 1-run games at the Trop. Roy Oswalt out dueled Matt Garza in the opener and Brandon Backe out pitched Scott Kazmir in the finale. In between the Rays won on Gabe Gross' pinch-hit 2-run single in the bottom of the 9th or it could have been an Astros sweep. The best part of the series was the Astros donning their old '70s uniforms. AL:1 NL:2

The Pirates made it a tough return for Cito Gaston, winning 2 of 3. The two teams were scoreless until the 12th on Friday when John McDonald made a rare error to give the Pirates a 1-0 win. The Blue Jays gave Gaston his first win since 1997 with an 8-5 win in the series finale. AL:1 NL:2

The Rangers and Nationals started their series with a 14th inning marathon, won when Elijah Dukes, who had tied the game with a home run, singled in the game winner. The Rangers got strong pitching performances, how often is that said, from Kason Gabbard and Vincente Padilla to take the next two. AL:2 NL:1

The Twins took a sweep of the NL West leading Diamondbacks, including a win against ace Brandon Webb on Sunday. Scott Baker, Livan Hernandez, and Nick Blackburn helped hold the Dbacks to just 6 runs in the series. AL:3 NL:0

Jim Riggleman got a present in Friday's 10-2 romp by the Mariners over the Braves, but it was downhill after that. Mark Texeira belted 3 home runs on Sunday for the second time in his career. AL:1 NL:2

Aubrey Huff hit a pair of home runs on Friday as the Orioles topped the Brewers for their 4th straight win. But the Brewers owned the rest of the series behind home runs from Prince Fielder and Corey Hart. AL:1 NL:2

After putting together no offense in a weekday series against the Yankees, the Padres put 6 runs on the board Friday to beat the Tigers, 6-2. They managed to score 5 and 3 the next two games, but this time the pitching let down and the Tigers took both. Justin Verlander won on Sunday, but continued his odd season, walking 5 and striking out 10 in 5.1 innings. AL:2 NL:1

The injury riddled Indians still managed to take 2 of 3 from the struggling Dodgers, dropping the finale on Sunday. The first two games went extra innings and included a 6-run 11th inning for the Indians on Saturday. C.C. Sabathia started that game, allowing 1 run over 7 innings and recorded 10 strikeouts. He also hit his first home run of the season. The big man is 2-0, 1.50 in his last 3 starts. AL:2 NL:1

The A's and Marlins played a thriller to start their series on Friday night. Dan Uggla's 2nd home run of the season tied the game in the 9th against Huston Street, but Kurt Suzuki doubled in the game winner in the 11th. Saturday's game came down to the 9th again, and again Uggla delivered, this time with a game winning 3-run double. The A's took the series with a laugher on Sunday. AL:2 NL:1

FINAL TALLY
AL: 22 NL: 20

Around the Horn - 6/23

Weekend Interleague Recap

Interleague play continued this past weekend and will finish up this coming Sunday. Here are the latest results.

In a rematch of the 2004 World Series, the Cardinals finally won a pair of games. Too bad some of them couldn't have been 4 years earlier. Boston salvaged the finale only after Jon Papelbon blew his 4th save of the season. He only blew 3 saves all of last year. Kevin Youkillis provided a 13th inning walk off winner on Sunday. AL:1 NL:2

The Cubbies took the battle of the windy city in a clean sweep. The Cubs are now a remarkable 32-8 at home this season. Ryan Dempster's win on Sunday gave him a 9-0 record in Wrigley. Aramis Ramirez slugged a walk off winner on Friday and hit his 3rd in two days in Saturday's win. AL:0 NL:3

The Angels had no problem going into the "City of Brotherly Love" and beating the Phillies 2 of 3. Angels pitching held the Phillies to just 4 runs in the 3 games. Francisco Rodriguez became the fastest closer to earn the 30 saves when he closed out Sunday's win in the Angels 76th game. AL:3 NL:0

The Royals won their series with the Giants thanks to a big comeback in the finale. Down 6-0 to Tim Lincecum, KC rallied to an 11-10 win. It made up for blowing a 4-0 lead on Friday. AL:2 NL:1

The Astros and Rays played three 1-run games at the Trop. Roy Oswalt out dueled Matt Garza in the opener and Brandon Backe out pitched Scott Kazmir in the finale. In between the Rays won on Gabe Gross' pinch-hit 2-run single in the bottom of the 9th or it could have been an Astros sweep. The best part of the series was the Astros donning their old '70s uniforms. AL:1 NL:2

The Pirates made it a tough return for Cito Gaston, winning 2 of 3. The two teams were scoreless until the 12th on Friday when John McDonald made a rare error to give the Pirates a 1-0 win. The Blue Jays gave Gaston his first win since 1997 with an 8-5 win in the series finale. AL:1 NL:2

The Rangers and Nationals started their series with a 14th inning marathon, won when Elijah Dukes, who had tied the game with a home run, singled in the game winner. The Rangers got strong pitching performances, how often is that said, from Kason Gabbard and Vincente Padilla to take the next two. AL:2 NL:1

The Twins took a sweep of the NL West leading Diamondbacks, including a win against ace Brandon Webb on Sunday. Scott Baker, Livan Hernandez, and Nick Blackburn helped hold the Dbacks to just 6 runs in the series. AL:3 NL:0

Jim Riggleman got a present in Friday's 10-2 romp by the Mariners over the Braves, but it was downhill after that. Mark Texeira belted 3 home runs on Sunday for the second time in his career. AL:1 NL:2

Aubrey Huff hit a pair of home runs on Friday as the Orioles topped the Brewers for their 4th straight win. But the Brewers owned the rest of the series behind home runs from Prince Fielder and Corey Hart. AL:1 NL:2

After putting together no offense in a weekday series against the Yankees, the Padres put 6 runs on the board Friday to beat the Tigers, 6-2. They managed to score 5 and 3 the next two games, but this time the pitching let down and the Tigers took both. Justin Verlander won on Sunday, but continued his odd season, walking 5 and striking out 10 in 5.1 innings. AL:2 NL:1

The injury riddled Indians still managed to take 2 of 3 from the struggling Dodgers, dropping the finale on Sunday. The first two games went extra innings and included a 6-run 11th inning for the Indians on Saturday. C.C. Sabathia started that game, allowing 1 run over 7 innings and recorded 10 strikeouts. He also hit his first home run of the season. The big man is 2-0, 1.50 in his last 3 starts. AL:2 NL:1

The A's and Marlins played a thriller to start their series on Friday night. Dan Uggla's 2nd home run of the season tied the game in the 9th against Huston Street, but Kurt Suzuki doubled in the game winner in the 11th. Saturday's game came down to the 9th again, and again Uggla delivered, this time with a game winning 3-run double. The A's took the series with a laugher on Sunday. AL:2 NL:1

FINAL TALLY
AL: 22 NL: 20

Around the Horn - 5/7

Gavin Floyd came oh so close again. For the 2nd time this season Floyd flirted with a no-hitter. Before Edgar Renteria singled, Floyd had no-hit the Tigers through 7.1 innings on April 12. Last night Floyd gave the U.S. Cellular crowd another thrill as he entered the 9th inning without allowing a hit. After striking out Brendan Harris for the first out (which meant we had to hear Hawk Harrelson give a "he gone"), Floyd's attempt came to an end when Joe Mauer doubled to the gap in left-center field. Center fielder Nick Swisher dove about 15 feet (seemed that way) , but to no avail). Floyd improved to 3-1 as the White Sox dropped the Twins 7-1.

The Red Sox keep rolling and the Tigers keep sliding. Tim Wakefield threw 8 innings of 2-hit ball in the Sox 5-0 win. Look out AL, Big Papi is heating up. David Ortiz homered for the second straight night and has a 6-game hitting streak in which he's hitting .440 (11-25).

Andy Sonnanstine is now 5-1 after the Rays beat the Blue Jays 5-4. Aki Iwamura drove in 2 runs and Eric Hinske homered. The Jays got a scare when slick fielding John McDonald went down with what appeared to be a badly sprained ankle. Starting shortstop David Eckstein is also bothered by a bad hip.

Garrett Anderson 5 Royals 0. The Angels veteran drove in all 5 LA runs with a home run and two singles. Nick Adenhart's start was nearly as bad as his first one, but the Angels bullpen picked him up. Royals starter Brian Bannister has seen his ERA go from 0.86 to 4.46 over his last four starts.

The Rangers used a 7-run 3rd inning to pound the slumping Mariners 10-1. Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, and Dave Murphy drove in 3 runs each. The big shocker though? Sidney Ponson is now 2-0, 1.33 in 2 starts.

Justin Duscherer and the A's bullpen limited the Orioles to 4 hits in the A's 4-2 win. Emil Brown drove in his 28th run, second best in the AL.

The Dodgers overcame a 4-1 deficit to beat the Mets 5-4. Blake DeWitt's 2-run inside-the-park home run was the game winner. The rookie drove in 4 runs on the night.

Carlos Zambrano is 5-1 after limiting the Reds to 3 hits over 8 innings in the Cubs 3-0 win. He was also 1-3 and is hitting .261.

The Marlins got a dominant performance from Scott Olson who allowed 2 hits over 8 and struck out 8 in a 3-0 win against the Brewers. Mike Jacobs slugged his 9th home run and Luis Gonzalez was 4-4.

The Pirates pounded the Giants 12-6 as Zach Duke earned his first win. Nate McClouth slugged a pair of home runs and is hitting .333.

Braden Looper came within 2 outs of a complete game in the Cards 6-5 win over the slumping Rockies. Rick Ankiel homered and Ryan Ludwick was 4-4.

Chipper Jones belted his 396th career home run in the Braves 5-3 win over the Padres. Mark Kotsay also homered to help sink the Padres to 12-21.

Carlos Lee doubled home 2 runs in the bottom of the 8th as the Astros beat the Nationals 6-5. Lance Berkman went 5-5 and is hitting .353.

Stephen Drew hit a 3-run HR and Randy Johnson drew a bases loaded walk in the Diamondbacks 6-4 win over the Phillies. The Big Unit earned his 286th career win.

Around the Horn - 5/7

Gavin Floyd came oh so close again. For the 2nd time this season Floyd flirted with a no-hitter. Before Edgar Renteria singled, Floyd had no-hit the Tigers through 7.1 innings on April 12. Last night Floyd gave the U.S. Cellular crowd another thrill as he entered the 9th inning without allowing a hit. After striking out Brendan Harris for the first out (which meant we had to hear Hawk Harrelson give a "he gone"), Floyd's attempt came to an end when Joe Mauer doubled to the gap in left-center field. Center fielder Nick Swisher dove about 15 feet (seemed that way) , but to no avail). Floyd improved to 3-1 as the White Sox dropped the Twins 7-1.

The Red Sox keep rolling and the Tigers keep sliding. Tim Wakefield threw 8 innings of 2-hit ball in the Sox 5-0 win. Look out AL, Big Papi is heating up. David Ortiz homered for the second straight night and has a 6-game hitting streak in which he's hitting .440 (11-25).

Andy Sonnanstine is now 5-1 after the Rays beat the Blue Jays 5-4. Aki Iwamura drove in 2 runs and Eric Hinske homered. The Jays got a scare when slick fielding John McDonald went down with what appeared to be a badly sprained ankle. Starting shortstop David Eckstein is also bothered by a bad hip.

Garrett Anderson 5 Royals 0. The Angels veteran drove in all 5 LA runs with a home run and two singles. Nick Adenhart's start was nearly as bad as his first one, but the Angels bullpen picked him up. Royals starter Brian Bannister has seen his ERA go from 0.86 to 4.46 over his last four starts.

The Rangers used a 7-run 3rd inning to pound the slumping Mariners 10-1. Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, and Dave Murphy drove in 3 runs each. The big shocker though? Sidney Ponson is now 2-0, 1.33 in 2 starts.

Justin Duscherer and the A's bullpen limited the Orioles to 4 hits in the A's 4-2 win. Emil Brown drove in his 28th run, second best in the AL.

The Dodgers overcame a 4-1 deficit to beat the Mets 5-4. Blake DeWitt's 2-run inside-the-park home run was the game winner. The rookie drove in 4 runs on the night.

Carlos Zambrano is 5-1 after limiting the Reds to 3 hits over 8 innings in the Cubs 3-0 win. He was also 1-3 and is hitting .261.

The Marlins got a dominant performance from Scott Olson who allowed 2 hits over 8 and struck out 8 in a 3-0 win against the Brewers. Mike Jacobs slugged his 9th home run and Luis Gonzalez was 4-4.

The Pirates pounded the Giants 12-6 as Zach Duke earned his first win. Nate McClouth slugged a pair of home runs and is hitting .333.

Braden Looper came within 2 outs of a complete game in the Cards 6-5 win over the slumping Rockies. Rick Ankiel homered and Ryan Ludwick was 4-4.

Chipper Jones belted his 396th career home run in the Braves 5-3 win over the Padres. Mark Kotsay also homered to help sink the Padres to 12-21.

Carlos Lee doubled home 2 runs in the bottom of the 8th as the Astros beat the Nationals 6-5. Lance Berkman went 5-5 and is hitting .353.

Stephen Drew hit a 3-run HR and Randy Johnson drew a bases loaded walk in the Diamondbacks 6-4 win over the Phillies. The Big Unit earned his 286th career win.

Short Stops - 4/14

Barry Roids hit HRs number 736 and 737 as the inevitable nears.

The D-Train beat Atlanta last night and is now 12-1 in his career in April.

Johann Santana lost to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays last night, ending his 17 home game winning streak.

Carlos Lee had the 1st 3 HR game of his career in the Astros win over the Phillies. Lee smacked a grand slam and added a pair of solo shots. Jimmy Rollins better get his teammates going. They're now 2-8.

Eric Gagne got into his 1st game of the season and promptly saved the Rangers win against the Mariners.

A-Rod is getting all the attention, but Ian Kinsler smacked his 5th HR last night to tie him for the HR lead.

David Wright's single last night extended his hitting streak to 22 games.

Short Stops - 4/14

Barry Roids hit HRs number 736 and 737 as the inevitable nears.

The D-Train beat Atlanta last night and is now 12-1 in his career in April.

Johann Santana lost to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays last night, ending his 17 home game winning streak.

Carlos Lee had the 1st 3 HR game of his career in the Astros win over the Phillies. Lee smacked a grand slam and added a pair of solo shots. Jimmy Rollins better get his teammates going. They're now 2-8.

Eric Gagne got into his 1st game of the season and promptly saved the Rangers win against the Mariners.

A-Rod is getting all the attention, but Ian Kinsler smacked his 5th HR last night to tie him for the HR lead.

David Wright's single last night extended his hitting streak to 22 games.