Latest Astacio Rumors

[RockieBill]

...from the ESPN rumor mill...

Despite the lowest payroll in baseball, the Twins are the latest team that's thinking about entering the sweepstakes for Astacio (who has about $2.2 million left on a $6.6 million deal), according to the Denver Post. The newspaper also reported that scouts from at least four teams will be on hand to watch Astacio, now at the top of the list of available starting pitchers, go against the A's on Tuesday. Scouts from Boston, L.A., Cleveland and Houston are scheduled to be on hand. Arizona could be shopping outfielder Steve Finley as part of its deal that could also involve Neifi Perez. Numerous other contending teams -- including the Phillies, Cardinals, Indians and Yankees -- have all been mentioned as possible destinations for Astacio.

Hope the scouts enjoyed the game today. Astacio threw an eight-hitter for his fourth complete game of the season. It was Astacio's 27th career complete game, but he took his sixth loss in seven decisions as the Rockies struggling offense, and even worse defense, never got going. Man, the Rockies are bad right now...

[RockieBill]

There was a report saying the Rockies could be close to sending Astacio to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for third baseman/left fielder Placido Polanco, reliever Gene Stechschulte and prized pitching prospect Bud Smith. "No validity to it," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "I haven't talked to (Cardinals GM) Walt Jocketty in a couple of days."

There are several three-team trade possibilities. One has Kansas City and Oakland involved in a deal that would include Astacio and Perez.

They aren't the only players who figure to be moved by the July 31 trading deadline. Reliever Juan Acevedo and SP John Thomson, whose minor-league rehabilitation assignment at AAA Colorado Springs expires after his start Monday, are also on the block.

RB