A few more of our Astros have flown the nest and found other homes via free agency. According to Baseball America's minor league free agent tracker:
RHP Jose Cisnero - Reds
RHP Paul Clemens - Phillies
1B Jesus Guzman - Hiroshima Carp
RHP David Martinez - Rangers
LHP Rudy Owens - Athletics
LHP Patrick Urckfitz - Marlins
In addition, Evan Drellich of The Houston Chronicle reported today that C Rene Garcia has also been signed by the Phillies. I wish each and every one of them the best.
I've updated my ongoing off-season transaction list with the latest.
Good thing is that none of the guys who left as free agents were sure fire prospects, and a couple of them had multiple cups of coffee at the majors and didn't produce much. Just waiting for Luhnow to make a couple of moves. I mean, Hank Conger and Will Harris will likely not move the needle. We need another sturdy bat (who can hit for average and bring in some runs, like a Nick Markakis or Mike Morse) in the lineup, need to sure up the bullpen, and make sure we have a durable 4th/5th starter. I'm not sold on Oberholtzer and Peacock, nor am I that excited about Deduno, Buchanan, Wojo or White. We need some real competition for those 4th and 5th spots until Appel, Velasquez, Hader, Feliz etc are ready. Maybe adding a Brett Anderson (as rumored) and possibly someone like a Kevin Correia might at least add some proven competition. Folty unfortunately looks like he's better suited as a reliever, given his control issues. Bullpen has some decent arms in Qualls, Fields, Sipp but Chapman, Downs, Harris are largely unproven or have been shaky in the majors. Two (or even three) free agent bullpen signings wouldn't hurt. One proven closer, and a couple of veterans who can pitch the 6th thru 8th innings. Would be nice if we could add Robertson or Romo, re-sign Veras and add someone like a Matt Belisle.
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