"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..." (1 Viewer)

[Colin Dowling]

I'll start:

Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott.

Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

Astros get a solid #3 or #4 starter and a good CF. Chris Burke slides over to Left, Biggio becomes the 4th OF until Pence is ready. Loretta gets more

Rays get two up and coming OF to pair with Dukes, Young, and Baldelli. They also get a guy with top-closer talent, but some obstacles to overcome.

GO 'STROS!

 

[guru_007]

up and coming OF's aren't 28 & 30 years old.

 

[Colin Dowling]

up and coming OF's aren't 28 & 30 years old.

I had NO idea those guys were that old. Holy cow. THat is terrible. So, the Astros have been dilly-dallying around the last few years waiting on one of these two and Chris Burke to become everyday players, and they aren't even YOUNG? Puke. OK, switch out Burke with Lane. Send them a 27 year old and a 28 year old along with Lidge.

 

[guru_007]

up and coming OF's aren't 28 & 30 years old.

I had NO idea those guys were that old. Holy cow. THat is terrible. So, the Astros have been dilly-dallying around the last few years waiting on one of these two and Chris Burke to become everyday players, and they aren't even YOUNG? Puke. OK, switch out Burke with Lane. Send them a 27 year old and a 28 year old along with Lidge.

Wow Colin, I thought you weren't new here. Yes, the Astros have been doing this crap for years now. They are letting Pence toil in the minors now....and he is 24. Yet, they keep letting Biggio come back. You're second one has a chance....but I don't think the Rays are looking for outfielders.How about....Lidge, Patton and Scott for Crawford and a pitcher....I believe the Rays have a Rice alum in their farm....brb....Wade Townsend!

 

[ooofffaaa]

The Mets send Lastings Milledge & Aaron Heilman to the A's for Rich Harden.

You did say dreaming.

 

[guru_007]

The Mets send Lastings Milledge & Aaron Heilman to the A's for Rich Harden.You did say dreaming.

Mets dropped the ball by holding out so long on Milledge....could have received a ton in exchange last year. Also, the Mets are VERY gunshy about dealing young arms......Scott Kazmir anyone.That being said, I think Milledge and Heilman would fetch a handsome reward if they were willing to part with them

 

[Capella]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

 

[Gonzo Stokes]

Pence is older than Miguel Cabrera and Jose Reyes. Jason Lane is the same age as Carlos Lee. The Astros have been very conservative with their position player prospects for some reason, as guru said.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

Enjoy 5th place in the East.

 

[shadyridr]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.Astros get a solid #3 or #4 starter and a good CF. Chris Burke slides over to Left, Biggio becomes the 4th OF until Pence is ready. Loretta gets more Rays get two up and coming OF to pair with Dukes, Young, and Baldelli. They also get a guy with top-closer talent, but some obstacles to overcome.GO 'STROS!

stick to

 

[Sammy3469]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

Enjoy 5th place in the East.

Enjoy 5th place in the Central

 

[Colin Dowling]

Pence is older than Miguel Cabrera and Jose Reyes. Jason Lane is the same age as Carlos Lee. The Astros have been very conservative with their position player prospects for some reason, as guru said.

I don't know why they do that. They had a great opportunity this year to say, "we're not going to be great, but our young guys are going to get a ton of experience." Lots of teams (notably the Twins and Marlins) have been successful in year +1 doing that. I realize they don't want to waste the prime years of Oswalt and Berkman, and signing Lee made the point moot. But would it have really been so bad to get some of the very talented young guys like Pence and Estrada up to the majors?

 

[guru_007]

Pence is older than Miguel Cabrera and Jose Reyes. Jason Lane is the same age as Carlos Lee. The Astros have been very conservative with their position player prospects for some reason, as guru said.

Conservative is one way to put it.Anyone see Jason Hirsh's first start for Colorado? Good thing they gave up on him so early.

 

[Capella]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

Enjoy 5th place in the East.

what have the astros ever won? this is like a rangers fan talking smack.don't be mad at me because you proposed a ridiculous trade.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

Enjoy 5th place in the East.

what have the astros ever won? this is like a rangers fan talking smack.don't be mad at me because you proposed a ridiculous trade.

The National League Pennant comes to mind....6 playoff appearances in the last decade...The trade I am proposing is similar to the one that almost brought Miguel Tejada to town a year ago. For you to scoff at it is a little silly.

 

[Sammy3469]

I'll start:

Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott.

Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

Enjoy 5th place in the East.

what have the astros ever won? this is like a rangers fan talking smack.don't be mad at me because you proposed a ridiculous trade.

The National League Pennant comes to mind....6 playoff appearances in the last decade...The trade I am proposing is similar to the one that almost brought Miguel Tejada to town a year ago. For you to scoff at it is a little silly.

The trade you proposed is quite easy to scoff at...if and that's a huge IF, the Rays ever moved Crawford it would be for ML ready pitching not 28 OFs....the Rays are loaded with young positional players who quite frankly are potentially much better than anyone the Stros have save maybe Pence.

 

[Gonzo Stokes]

Pence is older than Miguel Cabrera and Jose Reyes. Jason Lane is the same age as Carlos Lee. The Astros have been very conservative with their position player prospects for some reason, as guru said.

Conservative is one way to put it.Anyone see Jason Hirsh's first start for Colorado? Good thing they gave up on him so early.

I will save the venom from the Hirsh and Taveras deal until the Astros do not resign Jennings. I do not blame the Astros, yet, for looking at Hirsh and seeing Tim Redding or Chris Holt or Carlos Hernandez.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I'd like to see the Phillies trade for Brad Lidge.

Sadly, he'd probably be the best pitcher in their bullpen.

 

[Capella]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

Enjoy 5th place in the East.

what have the astros ever won? this is like a rangers fan talking smack.don't be mad at me because you proposed a ridiculous trade.

The National League Pennant comes to mind....6 playoff appearances in the last decade...

That falls under not having won anything. Sorry. Nobody cares about playoff berths and no World Series titles.

The trade I am proposing is similar to the one that almost brought Miguel Tejada to town a year ago. For you to scoff at it is a little silly.

Yes it is. It's ridiculous. As Sammy said, the Rays wouldn't trade one of their outfielders for a horrible closer and two close to 30 outfielders. They would only do it for top-shelf SP, none of which the Stros have other than Oswalt.btw, thanks for that Mitch Talbot/Aubrey Huff trade last fall. Guy threw 6 no-hit innings at AAA last night, after rolling through AA last year. At least Huff pushed you guys over!

 

[guru_007]

Pence is older than Miguel Cabrera and Jose Reyes. Jason Lane is the same age as Carlos Lee. The Astros have been very conservative with their position player prospects for some reason, as guru said.

Conservative is one way to put it.Anyone see Jason Hirsh's first start for Colorado? Good thing they gave up on him so early.

I will save the venom from the Hirsh and Taveras deal until the Astros do not resign Jennings. I do not blame the Astros, yet, for looking at Hirsh and seeing Tim Redding or Chris Holt or Carlos Hernandez.

or johann santana

 

[Funkley]

Makes slightly more sense to remove Crawford and add in Baldelli. Even then it's a horrible deal for Tampa. They would be better off trying to land Slowey/Perkins, Crain and possibly even something else from the Twins for Baldelli. Or just ask for Garza but I doubt the Twins would do that.

 

[[icon]]

Odds of the Rays trading away Crawford = 7.6%

Odds of the Rays trading way Crawford for table scraps = 0.02%

 

[Deranged Hermit]

The Mets send Lastings Milledge & Aaron Heilman to the A's for Rich Harden.You did say dreaming.

I think they could get Harden for those two players. Milledge had a good spring training and everyone could use good bullpen help so Heilman is a pretty valuable chip to be able to trade. All that being said, I don't think Heilman is going anywhere until Mota comes back.

 

[Funkley]

The Mets send Lastings Milledge & Aaron Heilman to the A's for Rich Harden.You did say dreaming.

I think they could get Harden for those two players. Milledge had a good spring training and everyone could use good bullpen help so Heilman is a pretty valuable chip to be able to trade. All that being said, I don't think Heilman is going anywhere until Mota comes back.

It's not horrible but Milledge isn't the top prospect he used to be. Matter of fact, he's on the path toward being a guy of bad rep at this point. Milledge and Pelfrey get it done but no way Oakland trades Harden for Milledge and Heilman.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

The Mets send Lastings Milledge & Aaron Heilman to the A's for Rich Harden.You did say dreaming.

I think they could get Harden for those two players. Milledge had a good spring training and everyone could use good bullpen help so Heilman is a pretty valuable chip to be able to trade. All that being said, I don't think Heilman is going anywhere until Mota comes back.

It's not horrible but Milledge isn't the top prospect he used to be. Matter of fact, he's on the path toward being a guy of bad rep at this point. Milledge and Pelfrey get it done but no way Oakland trades Harden for Milledge and Heilman.

Funny what a difference a year makes. Last year that package (Milledge/Heilman) was close to getting Dontrelle Willis......

 

[Funkley]

The Mets send Lastings Milledge & Aaron Heilman to the A's for Rich Harden.You did say dreaming.

I think they could get Harden for those two players. Milledge had a good spring training and everyone could use good bullpen help so Heilman is a pretty valuable chip to be able to trade. All that being said, I don't think Heilman is going anywhere until Mota comes back.

It's not horrible but Milledge isn't the top prospect he used to be. Matter of fact, he's on the path toward being a guy of bad rep at this point. Milledge and Pelfrey get it done but no way Oakland trades Harden for Milledge and Heilman.

Funny what a difference a year makes. Last year that package (Milledge/Heilman) was close to getting Dontrelle Willis......

True. I guess the good news is that Milledge could still emerge but forcing him to sit for Alou and Green must make a lot of GM's wonder what's up with him. Ditto Heilman who should have been more than a bullpen piece by now.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

The Mets send Lastings Milledge & Aaron Heilman to the A's for Rich Harden.You did say dreaming.

I think they could get Harden for those two players. Milledge had a good spring training and everyone could use good bullpen help so Heilman is a pretty valuable chip to be able to trade. All that being said, I don't think Heilman is going anywhere until Mota comes back.

It's not horrible but Milledge isn't the top prospect he used to be. Matter of fact, he's on the path toward being a guy of bad rep at this point. Milledge and Pelfrey get it done but no way Oakland trades Harden for Milledge and Heilman.

Funny what a difference a year makes. Last year that package (Milledge/Heilman) was close to getting Dontrelle Willis......

True. I guess the good news is that Milledge could still emerge but forcing him to sit for Alou and Green must make a lot of GM's wonder what's up with him. Ditto Heilman who should have been more than a bullpen piece by now.

Heilman could start, but he's been so good in the 8th setting up Wagner (Sunday's game being an exception) that the Mets have been stuck keeping him there.As for Milledge, I dunno. You're right about him sitting behind Alou/Green. I've been wondering that myself. Maybe he's Greg Jefferies part II (the last 'phenom' in the Mets system), maybe not. I get a feeling Minaya is purposly keeping him under wraps to trade him later in the season. What better way to cover any flaws I guess?

 

[Funkley]

The Mets send Lastings Milledge & Aaron Heilman to the A's for Rich Harden.You did say dreaming.

I think they could get Harden for those two players. Milledge had a good spring training and everyone could use good bullpen help so Heilman is a pretty valuable chip to be able to trade. All that being said, I don't think Heilman is going anywhere until Mota comes back.

It's not horrible but Milledge isn't the top prospect he used to be. Matter of fact, he's on the path toward being a guy of bad rep at this point. Milledge and Pelfrey get it done but no way Oakland trades Harden for Milledge and Heilman.

Funny what a difference a year makes. Last year that package (Milledge/Heilman) was close to getting Dontrelle Willis......

True. I guess the good news is that Milledge could still emerge but forcing him to sit for Alou and Green must make a lot of GM's wonder what's up with him. Ditto Heilman who should have been more than a bullpen piece by now.

Heilman could start, but he's been so good in the 8th setting up Wagner (Sunday's game being an exception) that the Mets have been stuck keeping him there.As for Milledge, I dunno. You're right about him sitting behind Alou/Green. I've been wondering that myself. Maybe he's Greg Jefferies part II (the last 'phenom' in the Mets system), maybe not. I get a feeling Minaya is purposly keeping him under wraps to trade him later in the season. What better way to cover any flaws I guess?

Risky but it does allow the perception of upside if you think he sucks and would ruin it by playing. Baseball America, BP and the Forecaster all still think more of him than that. Matter of fact, I wouldn't mind seeing him in left field for the Twins.

 

[AtomicDogg97]

Manny Ramirez traded to where he rightfully belongs...right field for the Cleveland Indians. Supposedly it almost happened this winter too.

Imagine that lineup with Manny, Hafner, Sizmore, and Martinez.

 

[guru_007]

Looks like Colin's put the bug in Purpora's ear.

Rays interested in Lidge

 

[Colin Dowling]

Looks like Colin's put the bug in Purpora's ear.

Rays interested in Lidge

Baldelli and an arm for Lidge and Lane would work for me. Baldelli has a reasonable contract and is young enough to go well with the team's core.

 

[Capella]

Looks like Colin's put the bug in Purpora's ear.

Rays interested in Lidge

Baldelli and an arm for Lidge and Lane would work for me. Baldelli has a reasonable contract and is young enough to go well with the team's core.

Why would the Rays do this? Baldelli with his contract has a lot more value than a RP who is now a basket case and a 30-year-old OF with an OBP of .318 and .316 the past two years.Dreaming thread is right..

 

[Gonzo Stokes]

Looks like Colin's put the bug in Purpora's ear.

Rays interested in Lidge

Baldelli and an arm for Lidge and Lane would work for me. Baldelli has a reasonable contract and is young enough to go well with the team's core.

Why would the Rays do this? Baldelli with his contract has a lot more value than a RP who is now a basket case and a 30-year-old OF with an OBP of .318 and .316 the past two years.Dreaming thread is right..

Tampa is perceived to have a glut of OF and no RP, and perceived, like Pittsburgh, to be easy marks in the trading game.

 

[Funkley]

Looks like Colin's put the bug in Purpora's ear.

Rays interested in Lidge

Baldelli and an arm for Lidge and Lane would work for me. Baldelli has a reasonable contract and is young enough to go well with the team's core.

Why would the Rays do this? Baldelli with his contract has a lot more value than a RP who is now a basket case and a 30-year-old OF with an OBP of .318 and .316 the past two years.Dreaming thread is right..

No kidding. Baldelli is on a list of players that might interest Houston for Lidge. Well I hope so. No coincidence that there's no reported interest on Tampa's part. If Tampa wants to move Baldelli they can do better than Brad Lidge or at least get more from Houston.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I love how everyone is acting as if Brad Lidge is the worst pitcher in baseball.

I'm the first to criticize the guy and he has been very unreliable for 06 and the beginning of '07, but he's not void of talent. Just like in the NFL where coaches think they can redeem quarterbacks who've had a bad patch, the coaches in MLB are the same way. There are bound to be more then a few folks on other teams saying, "I could fix that guy...give me a month..."

Baldelli would be of interest to the Astros as Houston essentially has one great outfielder, three with potential (Scott, Burke, Pence), and one who is filler for the time being but playing a ton (Lane).

I have no idea who will take Lidge off Houston's hands, but someone will in the next month and people will be acting like Houston ripped someone off.

 

[Colin Dowling]

The "rumor" stuff in papers has mentioned Shawn Riggans, who is a catcher. I know nothing about the guy, but I know that the Astros biggest problem has been the fact that they are playing with a 6 deep lineup in a league where most teams field at least 7, if not 8, good hitters. As Adam Everett (career .250 hitter, no power) is at shortstop, then they need to find a catcher who hits better then Ausmus. Add in that Ausmus is old and the attraction for a catcher is even higher.

 

[guru_007]

For the record, Adam Everett is Houston's career leading HR hitter by a short stop.

(.302 OBP is a blackhole wherever they hit him)

 

[Colin Dowling]

For the record, Adam Everett is Houston's career leading HR hitter by a short stop. (.302 OBP is a blackhole wherever they hit him)

His competition has been Dickie Thon, Rickie Gutierrez, Roger Metzger, and Craig Reynolds. Thon's career was cut short, Reynolds platooned everywhere, and the other two weren't much on power. Everett's strength is obviously his glove.

 

[Capella]

to be easy marks in the trading game.

I don't think this is right. Many GMs have openly complained about how hard it is to trade with Tampa.

 

[Capella]

I love how everyone is acting as if Brad Lidge is the worst pitcher in baseball. I'm the first to criticize the guy and he has been very unreliable for 06 and the beginning of '07, but he's not void of talent. Just like in the NFL where coaches think they can redeem quarterbacks who've had a bad patch, the coaches in MLB are the same way. There are bound to be more then a few folks on other teams saying, "I could fix that guy...give me a month..." Baldelli would be of interest to the Astros as Houston essentially has one great outfielder, three with potential (Scott, Burke, Pence), and one who is filler for the time being but playing a ton (Lane). I have no idea who will take Lidge off Houston's hands, but someone will in the next month and people will be acting like Houston ripped someone off.

It's not that Lidge is void of talent. It's that his return right now will not be a talent like Baldelli.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I love how everyone is acting as if Brad Lidge is the worst pitcher in baseball. I'm the first to criticize the guy and he has been very unreliable for 06 and the beginning of '07, but he's not void of talent. Just like in the NFL where coaches think they can redeem quarterbacks who've had a bad patch, the coaches in MLB are the same way. There are bound to be more then a few folks on other teams saying, "I could fix that guy...give me a month..." Baldelli would be of interest to the Astros as Houston essentially has one great outfielder, three with potential (Scott, Burke, Pence), and one who is filler for the time being but playing a ton (Lane). I have no idea who will take Lidge off Houston's hands, but someone will in the next month and people will be acting like Houston ripped someone off.

It's not that Lidge is void of talent. It's that his return right now will not be a talent like Baldelli.

Tell me a little about HIggans the Catcher...?

 

[Capella]

I love how everyone is acting as if Brad Lidge is the worst pitcher in baseball. I'm the first to criticize the guy and he has been very unreliable for 06 and the beginning of '07, but he's not void of talent. Just like in the NFL where coaches think they can redeem quarterbacks who've had a bad patch, the coaches in MLB are the same way. There are bound to be more then a few folks on other teams saying, "I could fix that guy...give me a month..." Baldelli would be of interest to the Astros as Houston essentially has one great outfielder, three with potential (Scott, Burke, Pence), and one who is filler for the time being but playing a ton (Lane). I have no idea who will take Lidge off Houston's hands, but someone will in the next month and people will be acting like Houston ripped someone off.

It's not that Lidge is void of talent. It's that his return right now will not be a talent like Baldelli.

Tell me a little about HIggans the Catcher...?

It's Riggans..C-level prospect, decent pop, doesn't have much of an eye, but collected quite a few hits down in Durham last year. Probably better than what you have now, but not somebody I'd make the main piece of a deal for Lidge.Nothing to get excited about.

 

[Gonzo Stokes]

to be easy marks in the trading game.

I don't think this is right. Many GMs have openly complained about how hard it is to trade with Tampa.

Would it be better to say that Tampa is perceived to be a team that would entertain trading their budding stars before they reach free agency, instead of signing them to a big money contract? Now, that may not be true, but that's how people view Pittsburgh and KC.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Makes slightly more sense to remove Crawford and add in Baldelli. Even then it's a horrible deal for Tampa. They would be better off trying to land Slowey/Perkins, Crain and possibly even something else from the Twins for Baldelli. Or just ask for Garza but I doubt the Twins would do that.

In for Slowey + RP (Crain?) for a young OFer. Baldelli or Milledge would work. Think TB would throw in Cantu?

 

[Funkley]

Makes slightly more sense to remove Crawford and add in Baldelli. Even then it's a horrible deal for Tampa. They would be better off trying to land Slowey/Perkins, Crain and possibly even something else from the Twins for Baldelli. Or just ask for Garza but I doubt the Twins would do that.

In for Slowey + RP (Crain?) for a young OFer. Baldelli or Milledge would work. Think TB would throw in Cantu?

Hmmm.....hate to trade Slowey but if the scouting reports continue to be as positive for O. Sosa, Swarzak, Morlan, etc. then they can afford to do this provided that the young OF is NOT Chris Parmelee. Baldelli would sure look good in their lineup though. If they could get Cantu to play DH then it gets even better.I don't think I'd give Slowey for Milledge. Might be 'fair' but I'd rather buy low than high on him. The other thing they could maybe do is try to get Hairston out of Arizona once Quentin comes back. That guy can mash but might lose his chance to play again.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

That reminds me of the Manny Ramirez for Carl Crawford and Scott Kazmir trade. Good times

 

[Capella]

I'll start:Astros send Lidge to the Devil Rays along with Jason Lane and Luke Scott. Tampa sends back Carl Crawford and Edwin Jackson.

edit to add:

That reminds me of the Manny Ramirez for Carl Crawford and Scott Kazmir trade. Good times

 

[Your Mother]

The Rays need to add MORE outfielders!

As for the A's/Mets trade proposed, we reject. Heilman would be a nice acquisition for the starting rotation, but nowhere near a Top 3 pitcher in the division like Harden is.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Baseball hasn't seen a Mitch Williams/Mark Wohlers/John Rocker in a while. The Rays don't need a guy like that.

 

[midwest_kc]

How about KC trades Mike Sweeney for a throwing error. That's right. A throwing error. Whoever they trade him to, on the first ground ball of the next game we play with them, has to overthrow 1st base. I just hope that Moore could get someone to give up that much for him.