« Giants Interested In Uribe? | Main | Royals Rumors: Francoeur, Butler, Ibanez, Greinke »

Astros Rumors: Wolf, Hawkins, Hampton

By Tim Dierkes [November 4, 2008 at 11:15pm CST]

MLB.com's Alyson Footer has the latest Astros buzz.

Astros GM Ed Wade will meet with Randy Wolf's agents tomorrow, but doesn't expect an agreement to be reached before the exclusive negotiating period ends. Wolf will test the open market, and the Mets are already known to be interested.
Talks are ongoing with the agents for Doug Brocail and LaTroy Hawkins. Brocail is a Type A free agent, and the Astros already declined a $3.25MM option on him.
Wade met with Mike Hampton's agent recently. Hampton could return to Houston on an incentive-laden contract.
Wade is on the lookout for a second-tier catcher to complement Humberto Quintero.
MLB.com's Jim Molony wonders if the Astros will try to bring lefty Trever Miller back.

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d834515b9a69e2010535da1a99970c

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Astros Rumors: Wolf, Hawkins, Hampton:

Comments

Ed Wade and Mike Hampton: We knew it was coming.

Posted by: melonis rex | November 04, 2008 at 11:57 PM

Actually Hampton made the first move.... Last yr, the last game of '08 he said he wanted to come back to Houston. And Hampton did pitch 12-13 games at the end without complications.
I wouldnt mind having Hampton back for a low contract.... If he stays healthy he could be our #4-5 starter.

I want Wolf back.... Keep the paws off Mets :-P

Posted by: elcaballofan4eva | November 05, 2008 at 12:19 AM

I can only think of one compliment for Quintero. He lines out to third base very well.

Posted by: Marvel | November 05, 2008 at 07:11 AM

Houston needs more than a compliment for Quintero they need a real catcher. I think Hampton might be a good low risk pick up.

Posted by: Mike Simms | November 05, 2008 at 08:29 AM

I know Towles was absolutely terrible last year but is it worth really getting much more than a NRI or two to compete for the backup job if you aren't going to get someone to replace Quintero as the starter if he's waiting in the wings?

A horrible year for sure but he can at least be as good as anyone they would go out and sign I would think. Although I could understand this if Houston now thinks Towles needs a full season in AAA as the starter.

Posted by: CubbyFan23 | November 05, 2008 at 08:54 AM

I like Q, he has a nice arm, and has improved defensively and calling the games. I hope he can produce next yr.

As for Towles .... He didn't impress me last yr... Hopefully he can improve in ST and do well if we have him up next yr.

I do want another catcher that can hit thought.

Posted by: elcaballofan4eva | November 05, 2008 at 08:56 AM

Cubbyfan- they rushed Towles through the minors too fast, which in turn hurt him. I was so sick and tired of watching him struggle last yr. But I am willing to give him a second chance.

If he doesn't work, then we are stuck with? A catcher that can't hit major league pitching.... Since we don't really have no one in the minors.... Besides Castro but he won't be ready until '10-'11.

So I do agree we need a Veteran catcher that can be here for 1-2 until Castro/Towles matures.

Posted by: elcaballofan4eva | November 05, 2008 at 09:02 AM

I really wouldn't be surprised to see Kelly Shoppach/top SP prospect for Wiggy in the offseason and let Blum and Loretta and maybe Castillo platooning? is Castillo still with the Stros btw?

Posted by: AstrosCoverage.blogspot.com | November 05, 2008 at 09:16 AM

TheTEEJ,
Castillo was outrighted to AAA, and eventually became a free agent:
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081008&content_id=3604301&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

I say give Quintero the starting job; I value defense and a good arm from a catcher more than I do offense. Spend that money else where (i.e. PITCHING!!!). Plus, Wolf has already said that he likes the way Quintero calls his games, so maybe he'd be more willing to stick around if he knew Q would be the starter.

Posted by: thered86 | November 05, 2008 at 11:50 AM

well there goes that theory haha!!!I like the Q too thered i say give him a shot and spend it all on pitching period! Don't leave any rock unturned and ask about all players and FA's

Posted by: AstrosCoverage.blogspot.com | November 05, 2008 at 12:00 PM

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

Posted by: |

This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.

Your comment could not be posted. Error type:

Your comment has been posted. Post another comment

The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.

As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.

Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.

Astros Rumors: Wolf, Hawkins, Hampton

TrackBack

Comments

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

Post a comment

Top Stories

Search MLBTR

MLBTR Features

Recent Posts

MLBTR Mailing List

Rumors By Team

Monthly Archives

Live Chats


Home Contact About Advertise Archives Widget Twitter RSS Usage