Best Option For Astros: Keep Jennings

I once thought Jason Jennings would be the best available starter at the trading deadline.  However, he was terrible last night.  He’s really racking up the losses, even if some were undeserved.

With health and performance a major concern, I was wondering whether it would make more sense for the Astros to hang onto him this year, and take some draft picks if he leaves via free agency after the season.  So I asked ESPN’s Keith Law whether Jennings would earn the Type A designation.  His reply:

"Almost certainly yes. It would mean the signing team’s first-round pick (subject to the various rules on that) PLUS a sandwich pick."

Not too shabby, and I sincerely doubt the Astros would snag something better via trade this month.  So who’s the best available starter? 

Assuming the Erik Bedard whispers weren’t serious, I’d have to go with Bronson Arroyo.  Javier Vazquez doesn’t really seem available, and Matt Morris and Jose Contreras just aren’t good right now.  And I doubt any AL team would go after Arroyo.  The point many have been making bears repeating: the market for pitching is downright awful.  I wonder whether Billy Beane will take advantage of that and trade Joe Blanton for a king’s ransom.