Houston Astros Baseball

Arbitration Deadline

This past week has been pretty exciting for baseball fans, and a little more exciting for Tiger fans. The blockbuster deal giving the Tigers one of, if not the most potent lineup in all of baseball was the highlight of The Winter Meetings and maybe all of the off-season. Now that The Winter Meetings and The Rule 5 Draft are offically over there is little baseball news to enjoy right? Well, maybe. However, it's no secret that The Astro's still have some holes and will likely explore any remaining trade offers to fill those positions. Also worth noting, today Mark Loretta and Trever Miller have made their decisions regarding the Astros arbitration offer. Miller has decided to explore free agency while Loretta will rejoin the Astros as a pricey utility bench hand. Loretta coming back to The Stros will turn out to be a good thing for the team, his leadership, versatility, and consistent bat are sure to be used. Miller has offers with other teams and is seeking a two year deal. If he signs with one of those teams, The Astros will earn a sandwich pick between the 1st and 2nd round of next years draft.

Here are some rumblings that could possibly effect The Astros.

-Ron Mahay has declined arbitration from The Braves and has drawn interest from The Yankees, Royals, Rays, Giants and Astros. (A lefty like Mahay would be a welcome addition to an Astros bullpen lacking a lefty specialist)

-Eric Gagne has until tonight to decide whether or not to rejoin The Red Sox and accept their arbitration offer, or to continue to test free agency. The Texas Rangers have officially dropped out of the Gagne race, based on Gagne wanting a two year deal and The Rangers unable to to do so.

-Solomon Torres was traded by The Pirates to The Brewers for two minor league pitchers The Brewers won't miss.

-Tejada trade talk is all but dead. After the smoke has cleared it looks as though The Astros made a strong push for Miggy, but The O's backed off to do a little homework. However, according to several sources, The O's beleive that The Astros have to players necessary to make a trade. I find that interesting considering Wade named: Pence, Patton, Towles untouchable. Although this trade seems dead now, once the O's realize that no one else wants Tejada anymore, and their desire to trade him may bring these talks back. Wade is doing the right thing here by not pressing the issue and giving up to much.

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