July 23, 2003, 12:38AM Astros summary(Houston Chronicle) Quiet on trade front As the trading deadline approaches, Gerry Hunsicker has his top scouts spread across the country in search of pitching help. As of late Tuesday, though, the Astros' general manager wouldn't predict making a move soon. "Nothing is imminent, for sure," he said. "Everything is very quiet." New York Yankees righthander Jeff Weaver, Orioles ace Sidney Ponson and Pittsburgh's Jeff Suppan and Kris Benson are some of the pitchers the Astros have scouted. But Hunsicker wouldn't rule out acquiring a reliever if he cannot work out a deal for a starter who is better than what he already has in the starting rotation. "We're just trying to get better," he said. If Ponson doesn't sign an extension with the Orioles, the Astros could benefit. Weaver's stock is falling in New York, which could also bode well for Houston. Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, who caught Weaver when they were teammates in Detroit, has faith that Weaver can prosper out of New York. "Sometimes a change of scenery is good," Ausmus said. Nonetheless, there aren't any true aces on the trade market yet. "The quality is very thin," Hunsicker said. "Those few teams that have any quality pitching-wise, they've got the upper hand. Unless somebody will jump in early with a tremendous offer, those few guys will go right up to the wire and try to get the best offer. If anything happens with us, it will more likely happen right before the deadline. People aren't giving away pitching, quality pitching."
Don't get Weaver. He's been pitching terrible. I'd rather have Villone or Redding pitch than him. He's had one good year in his career and it was at a very pitcher friendly park.
I disagree... if he's cheap enough. Reuniting him with his wise old backstop (Ausmus) might be all he needs to return to his old Detroit form. Remember, he's young and Ausmus is great with pitchers.
I recall that at one point the astros were considering trading Hampton to the Orioles for Ponson, so you know that Hunsicker's got his eye on him. Of course we could have traded Alou for Benson as well if Alou hadnt kicked in the no-trade.
Didn't we almost trade Alou for Soriano for the same reason. He would have been our CF. I wouldn't mind taking a risk on Weaver as long as NY eats most of the contract. I'd like Ponson over Suppan, but I think we have a better chance at Suppan.
Actually, Hunsicker approved the trade with the Yankees. It was Alou how vetoed the trade (he had a no-trade clause), thus leaving us w/out Alphonso. Of course, we did go on to win the division next year with a very good Moises Alou. Of course, in hindsight, Alphonso will be the first ever 50-50 guy.
Actually, Hunsicker approved the trade with the Yankees. It was Alou how vetoed the trade (he had a no-trade clause), thus leaving us w/out Alphonso. Of course, we did go on to win the division next year with a very good Moises Alou. Of course, in hindsight, Alphonso will be the first ever 50-50 guy.
Did you read what mateo said that I quoted? That's why I said that we almost made a trade. I guess I should have worded it better.
Peter Gammons was hilarious last night. He was getting pissed at Harold Reynolds. He must have taken his viagra or something. Either that or he wants the Redsox to steal all of the pirate players for nothing.
Also: Jeff Suppan Cardinals Braves Astros Red Sox? Jul. 23 - The St. Louis Post Dispatch lists Suppan (9-7, 3.67 ERA) as one of the starters the Cardinals are looking at in their attempts to solidify their rotation. With Matt Morris out for 3-6 weeks with a broken finger, they might be more interested than before. Atlanta and Houston also are thought to be in the hunt for Suppan. The Red Sox, however, might be done dealing. The Providence Journal Bulletin reports the Pirates tried to expand the deal that sent Scott Sauerbeck to Boston to also include Suppan, but the Red Sox reportedly felt the asking price was too high. Boston previously had thought to be quite high on Suppan. Jeff Weaver Astros Cardinals Pirates? Jul. 25 - The Astros were interested in Weaver at this time last year, but the Yankees swooped in and nabbed him from Detroit. According to the N.Y. Post, Houston still is interested and could step up if New York decides to deal the right-hander. Houston scout Gordy MacKenzie at Yankee Stadium on Thursday. The Cardinals, who also have been scouting pitchers at Yankee Stadium this week, also could be interested in Weaver, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Steve Sparks Astros Jul. 21 - The Detroit Free Press reports the Astros have inquired about trading for the Detroit knuckleballer. Sparks will be a free agent after the season and is unlikely to remain in Detroit. Houston manager Jimy Williams has experience with knuckleball pitchers, having managed Tim Wakefield in Boston. Sparks is 0-4 with a 3.71 ERA out of the bullpen this season, but two seasons ago he went 14-9 with a 3.65 ERA as a starter.
Another pitcher we are rumored to be looking into: Scott Schoeneweis The fading Angels are entertaining offers for Scott Schoeneweis, the only lefthander in their bullpen. Schoeneweis is holding lefthanded hitters to a .188 average, and his ERA since May 1 is 2.88. The Astros are among the teams interested. ... I wonder if we can get Donnally in the deal as well
I'd like to pick up Weaver, but i wonder how we will pay his salary next year? I think a change of scenery is all he needs.
id love to have shoenweise...with those kind of numbers, our starters would only need to finish the 5th, then unto shoenweise, lidge, dotel and wagner
The Astros would benefit greatly from a quality pitcher, but there are not a lot out there given the Stos' budget... I suspect we won't do anything and just get by with what we have, which, for all practical purposes, isn't that bad...
