Houston Astros: 8 Trade Ideas to Acquire a True Ace

The Houston Astros lineup is pretty much set going into Spring Training. Their rotation on the other hand is not.

The Astros have four or five pitchers battling each other for the fifth and final spot in the rotation.

One bigger concern for the Astros could be at the top of their rotation.

The NL Central is the one division in the National League where a surprise team can emerge and make a run into the playoffs.

The NL East (Phillies) and NL West (Giants) titles seem already locked and it is only day one of Spring Training, but then again, that is why they play the 162 game season.

That leaves a surprise contender from the NL Central. The Astros have a very young team that will compete every day. They have a decent rotation and good depth, but they lack a true ace up top to anchor the staff.

Here are some trade possibilities for the Astros to consider in order for them to be the surprise team out of the NL Central.

Roy Oswalt, Phillies

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 23: Roy Oswalt #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after ending the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants in Game Six of the NLCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park on October 23, 2010 in Philadelphi

If the Astros end up making a run towards the playoffs this season, they will shoot themselves for trading away the only ace they have had the past decade.

Chances of this reacquisition are slim to none, but anything is possible with the Phillies nowadays. Oswalt is in the last year of his contract, unless the mutual option kicks in.

If the Phillies for some reason or another start to unravel, they could unload Oswalt and his contract. I know...I know... it is unlikely.

Jered Weaver, Angels

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Pitcher Jered Weaver #36 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim throws against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 1, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Let us be realistic now. The Astros want a true No. 1, but they honestly cannot afford one. They may be able to pay for a half a year rental though.

Weaver is in the final year of his contract with the Angels. There have been on going talks between both sides. Weaver says he "would love to play with the Angels for a long time."

For the first time in awhile, the Angels are probably not the favorite to win the division. Their offseason has been very intriguing, to say the least.

They traded for overpaid OF Vernon Wells and had to let go of steady set-up man Scott Shields.

If they fall in the standings early, they might think about letting one of their top pitchers go.

C.J. Wilson, Rangers

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 28: Starting pitcher C.J. Wilson #36 of the Texas Rangers warms up in the bullpen before taking on the San Francisco Giants in Game Two of the 2010 MLB World Series at AT&T Park on October 28, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (

C.J. Wilson is a very solid No. 2 for most clubs. He is the No. 1 for Texas and would be for Houston if he was traded.

Wilson had a breakout year for Texas last year in their run to the World Series. Now with Cliff Lee gone, Wilson will have the pressure of being the No. 1 of the staff.

I do not know if Texas can have another year like they did last year. Cliff Lee was a big key to their success and newcomer Brandon Webb is another serious question mark for their staff.

Wilson is also in the final year of his deal, which could make him expendable.

Javier Vazquez, Marlins

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: Starting pitcher Javier Vasquez #31 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Texas Rangers on September 10, 2010 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Is he or isn't he a No. 1...that is the question. The past two seasons for Vazquez have been complete opposites of each other.

2009 w/ ATL: 15-10 2.87 ERA, 238 K, 44 BB, 219 IP

2010 w/ NYY: 10-10 5.32 ERA, 121 K, 65 BB, 157 IP

Over his career Vasquez has statistically been a better pitcher when he pitched in the NL. He totally blew up last year. Who knows if it was his confidence or just the pressure of pitching in the Bronx.

Vazquez is another candidate for a trade because he is in the final year of his deal as well.

The Marlins have a very strong rotation and could compete in the NL East. If they do not, expect them to unload some of their veterans like Vazquez.

Edison Volquez, Reds

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CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 11: Edison Volquez #36 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the game against the Pittsburg Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 11, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Just this past week, the Reds offered Volquez a four-year contract extension. He promptly declined saying that he wants to play out this year in order to increase his value.

The Reds are another team that has a deep pitching staff. If talks start to heat up or Volquez has a down year, I can see the Reds trying to get something for him. He will probably stay in Cincy though.

The Reds are favored to win the NL Central which makes me think that they will not be pulling any blockbuster trades.

With the Reds also in the NL Central, that just makes the chances of Houston getting him that much harder.

Justin Duchscherer, Orioles

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SEATTLE - APRIL 12: Starting pitcher Justin Duchscherer #58 of the the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the Mariners' home opener at Safeco Field on April 12, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

It seems that every summer, Duchscherer is always in trade talks with contending teams.

When healthy Duchscherer could be the ace for Houston. He could be the ace for a lot of teams. The only problem is that Duchscherer seems to never be healthy.

He has only started 27 games the past two seasons. When he is healthy though, he is good. He has a career 3.13 ERA and a 2.87 KK/BB ratio.

Chris Carpenter, Cardinals

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 5: Starter Chris Carpenter #29 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium on September 5, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals beat the Reds 4-2. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Carpenter has been in a lot of trade talks recently. One reason is because of his contract ending after this season.

Another is the fact that the Cardinals are looking for extra money in order to re-sign Albert Pujols.

With the emergence of Adam Wainwright as one of the top starters in the league, Carpenter may become expendable.

The Cardinals may have to choose between Pujols or Carpenter. I would go with keeping Pujols.  

Other Possibilities

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Pitcher Kevin Millwood #34 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field on September 29, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

There are still a number of quality pitchers still without a team for 2011. Among them are Kevin Millwood, Jeremy Bonderman and Doug Davis.

All three are not aces, but could definitely help out this young Houston team.

These three options are probably the most realistic at this point too.