The Houston Astros are dreadful this season. After a slow start, followed by a hot streak, the Astros have sputtered in recent weeks. This team went from two games out of first place to almost 13 games out in a matter of days.
The pitching has been horrible, and the offense has been streaky at best. This is not a team built to win now, or even in the future.
The Astros' owner, Drayton McClain, plays by a philosophy that his beloved team must win and compete now. McClain practices this philosophy by adding veteran names to his roster from free agency; a very effective technique, if you have a top-notch farm system.
However, the Astros have the worst farm system in the majors. There is no one on the Round Rock Express that is ready for everyday major-league duty or a spot in the rotation or bullpen. The Astros need a major shake-up.
The Astros own some very impressive talents on their team right now, talents that could garner a ton of interest around the trade deadline. There are three ways the Astros can approach the deadline.
The team can look to acquire a front-line starter and swap a valuable position player, they can trade some of their superstars for prospects and look at the next two years before a window closes, or they can have a “firesale”. Now, let us take a look at the Astros' most tradable commodities.
Roy Oswalt
The name that will surely anger fans, assuming he was mentioned to be on the block, is Roy Oswalt. Roy owns a no-trade clause, but would likely waive it should the right team be brought up.
The list of acceptable teams is small, likely only including the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cardinals, Padres, Angels, and Braves. Roy really wants a shot at the postseason this late in his career, and all these teams, sans Padres, are ready to strike.
The Cardinals should be out of the question. The Astros do not want to face Roy more than once or twice a year. The Padres could bring a pretty penny, and Roy would be on the same team with good friend Jake Peavy. Realistically, Roy could fetch two high-level prospects as well as one medium to low-level prospect.
Roy has seen better days, and decline is in his future. He will never be the same Oswalt who won 20 games in consecutive seasons. Trading him for three prospects or more is a smart move.
Lance Berkman
The current face of the Houston Astros is Lance Berkman. He is a native Texan, has a local collegiate affiliation, and is a clubhouse leader. Berkman also has a full no-trade clause that he would have to waive to be dealt. Berkman loves being in Houston, but if the team approached him about waiving his clause, you could expect a sour attitude from the superstar. He is one of the best hitters in the NL and brings a lot of intangibles off the field.
Teams looking to acquire Berkman should pony up the prospects. He is very underrated in terms of defensive skills, and he swings a very mean stick. A destination like New York doesn’t seem to fit Berkman, but the Rangers, White Sox, Twins, Mariners, and Athletics should ask about the Big Puma.
The Astros should only make this deal for a king’s ransom. The starting bid should be three major-league-ready prospects, as well as two, future major leaguers. Five players for one is not a common occurrence in the MLB, but it has happened before. The Astros would have to be absolutely positive they are getting can’t-miss prospects before they even think about moving Berkman.
Carlos Lee
Carlos Lee loves playing in Houston. That is something that needs to be cleared up right now. He likes the city and has a full no-trade clause. It would take a lot of convincing to get “El Caballo” to accept a new address.
Lee is a great power hitter with a ton of RBI potential. He also keeps his strikeouts low, never totaling more than 100 in a season. He is a consistent source of offense, and he has shown that in his career. Since 2003, he has averaged 32 homeruns and 112 RBI a season. He would be a welcomed addition to any team.
The downside to a Lee trade is finding a suitor. He has a gigantic contract, and though his offense is exceptional, his defense is well below average. The Astros would more than likely have to eat a part of the contract and throw in another player for three prospects, which would not be a terrible deal.
The line of suitors for Carlos is short. The Mets, White Sox, Mariners, Dodgers, and Braves could all look to Caballo to provide a jolt of offense. Lee could bring three to four prospects in a trade, and would not be a terrible move, considering the salary flexibility the Astros would gain by moving him.
Miguel Tejada
The Astros have always had an offensive hole at SS. Miguel brings above-average defense, an above-average bat, and immeasurable amounts of energy to a team. He is a clubhouse saint, and he infects everyone with his energy; however, he is an aging veteran.
Tejada could fetch a pretty penny to a team in need of a jolt in July, but his contract, and impending free agency, will scare some teams away. Moving Tejada would be a mistake. At most he would fetch two prospects, but he is the perfect stopgap if the Astros were to acquire a good SS prospect through another deal.
Kaz Matsui
Kaz is having a good year and could fetch a prospect or two from a team in need of middle-infield help. The problems facing Kaz being part of deal to another team are his proneness to be injured and his big contract. Kaz is playing well this year and would come in handy in a playoff race.
The fact that he is one of GM Ed Wade’s boys should keep him in Houston. A team like the Mariners, Dodgers, Athletics, and Indians wouldn’t mind parting with a mid-level prospect to boost their playoff hopes.
Jose Valverde
Valverde is slowly becoming a premier closer in MLB. That said, with the current infatuation with the closer role, a premier player emerging like Valverde could fetch a pretty penny in the trade market. The Astros, however, have not had a great history in trading closers, but the team always develops guys for that role well.
If a team becomes infatuated with him and offers three players, send him on his way. He is do for a big payday, and he could be worth it if he continues to do well. The Astros cannot pass up an opportunity to help their struggling farm system.
The bottom line is that the Astros need to replenish the farm system. The team they have put together now is not built to win over time. They lack sufficient pitching depth, timely bullpen pitching, and consistent hitting.
General Manager Ed Wade did an amazing job of putting together what looked like a contender, however, the team has fizzled and the weak pitching-legs it was standing on have long since collapsed.
The most likely of these players to be traded is Carlos Lee. Ed Wade needs to rid himself of that horrendous contract to give himself some maneuverability next season for a premier pitcher.
Roy Oswalt could be moved if his downward trend continues. If the Astros are put in a position to get some premiere talent at the deadline, they should not pass it up. MLB, you are on notice. Let the “firesale” begin.
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3 months ago
the problem with this article is that everyone you mentioned, except for oswalt and berkman, was just recently brought to houston. meaning that the astros are not too willing to let them go. these are the players that the franchise is built upon. and how can you say that roy and berkman are on the decling in their careers? berkman is having his best season and yes roy is struggling, but that doesn't mean he is going to continue spiraling down. the astros have always been a second half team. that being said, you are correct, the pitching downright sucks. look for the astros to make a surge, but bottomline, the pitching isn't there. that being said, there is no one on this list that will be traded this year. when the astros trade it will most likely be one for one deals like they did last year with wiggington and wheeler.
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