The Peavy Sweepstakes Vol. 1: The Houston Astros

There is a mega pitcher on the trade market this winter by the name of Jake Peavy, the former Cy Young winner who is currently a San Diego Padre. Peavy has allegedly named five teams for whom he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause: the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, St Louis Cardinals, LA Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.

In this first of a five-part series, I will look at who the Astros have in place, who they are losing to free agency, and what pieces they have that might entice the Padres to move Peavy to Houston.

Who's Staying: It's no secret to fans of the National League Central that the Astros have a lethal middle of their batting order, with Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee and Miguel Tejada all still able to drive in a lot of runs. Youngster Hunter Pence has been a welcome, and versatile, outfielder with a lot of speed and energy.

On the mound, the Astros will have Roy Oswalt through the 2012 season and have Brian Moehler signed for at least 2009 with a mutual option for 2010. Brandon Backe has dealt with health and temper issues but when he's on he's as good a third starter as there is in the division. The Astros also have some young arms, headlined by Wandy Rodriguez. The end of their bullpen is fairly secure with Jose Valverde.

Who's Leaving: The most notable free agent from the 2008 roster is left-hander Randy Wolf, who went 12-12 last year. There are some questions about a potential retirement from long time catcher Brad Ausmus. Ty Wigginton is a free agent, and the odds are likely against reliever LaTroy Hawkins getting another invite to Houston.

Who's Available: Tejada is entering a walk year in 2009, and is due $13 million. While the Astros acquisition of the former MVP was a marketing disaster last winter in the wake of the Mitchell Report, he provided a clutch presence behind Berkman that Oakland and Baltimore fans had come to appreciate.

However, the Astros lack the young major league talent or top tier minor leaguers that one would assume it would take to make this deal happen. There are a few young right handed pitchers in the organization, most notably Bud Norris, but the name that would probably have to be featured in any deal for Peavy would be Pence.

Verdict: In 2008, the Astros' Opening Day payroll totaled just under $90 million. One big problem facing Houston moving forward is the $50 million per season they have tied up in Oswalt, Berkman and Lee until at least the end of 2010 (Lee and Oswalt are signed through 2012).

Oswalt showed he is substantially more effective being a Number Two or Three pitcher behind Andy Pettite and Roger Clemens. The major issues for the Astros are a lack or players they can afford to part ways with in a potential trade and the reality that adding Peavy's $17 million salary to their already expensive nucleus leaves little left in the wallet to fill the rest of the roster.

Backe is arbitration eligible, and Wandy Rodriguez will likely command a raise in the not-too-distant future.

Odds of a Peavy trade: 15%