MONDAY: Wade confirmed today via press release that Michaels' option will be exercised and Blum's will be declined.
SUNDAY: The Astros informed Geoff Blum they will not be exercising his $1.65MM option for 2011, the infielder explained to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. The Astros will instead pay a $150K buyout. They will exercise Jason Michaels' option for $900K, according to McTaggart's source.
Astros GM Ed Wade told McTaggart he's leaving the door open to re-signing Blum anyway. However, Blum's comments suggest he'll move on:
"I do know that I will not be here. I'll miss being here, trust me. I've had several conversations with people within the organization and my services are not going to be needed here."
Blum, 37, hit .267/.321/.356 in 218 plate appearances this year while playing all infield positions aside from catcher. He battled elbow and neck injuries.
Michaels, 34, convinced the Astros to retain him by hitting .254/.312/.470 in 202 PAs and playing all three outfield positions.
