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01-08-2003, 03:17 PM
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/1728093
The part of this article that really gets me is the idea that Hillenbrand might be a favorite of Jimy "One M In Jimy, One M Also In Needs Lobotomy" Williams ... I'm thinking if Jimy likes it, that drops it at least two rungs on my ladder.
Also, for those of you who do not speak much Spanish, de Jesus Ortiz roughly translates to mean "reporters with more experience and knowledge are on vacation!" :eek:
Astros bandied in trade talk
By Jose de Jesus Ortiz
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle
As the winter figuratively heats up in Boston and Montreal, the Astros could suddenly become a perfect fit for matchmaker in the race to acquire ace Expos righthander Bartolo Colon.
Two baseball officials and one prominent Astros veteran said Tuesday night the Astros could be primed to facilitate a deal that helps Montreal send Colon to Boston, with Red Sox third baseman Shea Hillenbrand landing in Houston.
The Astros have arbitration-eligible third baseman Geoff Blum on the 40-man roster, but they could use him or Hillenbrand in another deal to acquire the pitching they crave. The Mets are also interested in Hillenbrand.
Hillenbrand, considered a favorite of Jimy Williams when the Astros boss managed Boston, hit .293 with 18 home runs and 83 RBIs last season and was the American League's All-Star Game starter at third base. But his 95 strikeouts, 25 walks and .330 on-base percentage leave something to be desired, especially on a team that might want a better on-base percentage to help set up the offense for premier sluggers Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman and Jeff Kent.
Moreover, the Astros are more in need of pitching. General manager Gerry Hunsicker, who was not available for comment Tuesday night, has made it clear he would like to upgrade the bullpen. Another cheap veteran starter such as Paul Wilson or Brian Moehler could be an option.
Astros officials have also told scouts from other teams that they want to trade one or two of their surplus outfielders. Daryle Ward, Brian Hunter and Orlando Merced are the most likely candidates to be traded. Ward might have the most value of the three.
Owned by the other 29 teams, the Expos have been given specific instructions to trim payroll by at least $10 million. Expos GM Omar Minaya was the center of attention at the winter meetings last month in Nashville, Tenn. Hunsicker and Minaya spoke at the winter meetings, but Hunsicker didn't appear optimistic afterward.
Pitchers Colon, Javier Vazquez and Tony Armas Jr., right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, second baseman Jose Vidro and third baseman Fernando Tatis are only a few of the stars for whom Minaya has fielded offers.
Hunsicker and Astros assistant general manager Tim Purpura have developed one of the best farm systems in baseball, which is why the Astros could have a better opportunity to package the young prospects the Expos crave.
Outfielder Jason Lane was one of the top players at Class AAA in 2002. Round Rock catcher John Buck was among the top five prospects at the AA level.
The Astros "have pretty good prospects," Minaya said last month. "I don't know them in detail, but I know the Astros have had a pretty good farm system. They've been good at developing prospects, especially pitchers."
Colon will earn $8.2 million next season before he becomes a free agent. He appears too expensive for the Astros' budget, but Hunsicker has a reputation for pulling off incredible deals.
The part of this article that really gets me is the idea that Hillenbrand might be a favorite of Jimy "One M In Jimy, One M Also In Needs Lobotomy" Williams ... I'm thinking if Jimy likes it, that drops it at least two rungs on my ladder.
Also, for those of you who do not speak much Spanish, de Jesus Ortiz roughly translates to mean "reporters with more experience and knowledge are on vacation!" :eek:
Astros bandied in trade talk
By Jose de Jesus Ortiz
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle
As the winter figuratively heats up in Boston and Montreal, the Astros could suddenly become a perfect fit for matchmaker in the race to acquire ace Expos righthander Bartolo Colon.
Two baseball officials and one prominent Astros veteran said Tuesday night the Astros could be primed to facilitate a deal that helps Montreal send Colon to Boston, with Red Sox third baseman Shea Hillenbrand landing in Houston.
The Astros have arbitration-eligible third baseman Geoff Blum on the 40-man roster, but they could use him or Hillenbrand in another deal to acquire the pitching they crave. The Mets are also interested in Hillenbrand.
Hillenbrand, considered a favorite of Jimy Williams when the Astros boss managed Boston, hit .293 with 18 home runs and 83 RBIs last season and was the American League's All-Star Game starter at third base. But his 95 strikeouts, 25 walks and .330 on-base percentage leave something to be desired, especially on a team that might want a better on-base percentage to help set up the offense for premier sluggers Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman and Jeff Kent.
Moreover, the Astros are more in need of pitching. General manager Gerry Hunsicker, who was not available for comment Tuesday night, has made it clear he would like to upgrade the bullpen. Another cheap veteran starter such as Paul Wilson or Brian Moehler could be an option.
Astros officials have also told scouts from other teams that they want to trade one or two of their surplus outfielders. Daryle Ward, Brian Hunter and Orlando Merced are the most likely candidates to be traded. Ward might have the most value of the three.
Owned by the other 29 teams, the Expos have been given specific instructions to trim payroll by at least $10 million. Expos GM Omar Minaya was the center of attention at the winter meetings last month in Nashville, Tenn. Hunsicker and Minaya spoke at the winter meetings, but Hunsicker didn't appear optimistic afterward.
Pitchers Colon, Javier Vazquez and Tony Armas Jr., right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, second baseman Jose Vidro and third baseman Fernando Tatis are only a few of the stars for whom Minaya has fielded offers.
Hunsicker and Astros assistant general manager Tim Purpura have developed one of the best farm systems in baseball, which is why the Astros could have a better opportunity to package the young prospects the Expos crave.
Outfielder Jason Lane was one of the top players at Class AAA in 2002. Round Rock catcher John Buck was among the top five prospects at the AA level.
The Astros "have pretty good prospects," Minaya said last month. "I don't know them in detail, but I know the Astros have had a pretty good farm system. They've been good at developing prospects, especially pitchers."
Colon will earn $8.2 million next season before he becomes a free agent. He appears too expensive for the Astros' budget, but Hunsicker has a reputation for pulling off incredible deals.