Astros looking to improve

[Providence A's]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3518153.html

Faced with more choices
The Astros already made a big move by not offering arbitration to Roger Clemens. And now they're serious about bolstering their team

By BRIAN MCTAGGART
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

The Astros understand better than anyone that after not offering arbitration to Roger Clemens, they are now expected to make a significant move to upgrade their roster.

That's why general manager Tim Purpura spent countless hours in talks with player agents and fellow GMs during last week's winter meetings in Dallas, which ended Thursday with the Astros unable to make a big offseason splash — yet.

"The club wants to do something," Purpura said. "We've been wanting to do some things. When you've got limitations, it's tough to move ahead. We had a big commitment to Roger, and that's in the rearview mirror, and now we have a chance to review a few things."

There's no reason to believe Purpura and his staff won't be able to make some key additions, but the free-agent market has thinned out, and making a trade would be costly.

While the Astros would be interested in acquiring an outfielder such as Kevin Mench or Brad Wilkerson of the Texas Rangers, there's reason to believe the club might have something much bigger planned.

Baltimore's Miguel Tejada and Philadelphia's Bobby Abreu could both be traded, but the asking price for players of that caliber would be a player such as closer Brad Lidge, who has been mentioned in trade rumors.

Without a crystal ball — or the ability to tap Purpura's phone — to predict which players will be coming and going, here's how the Astros could shape up next season:

• Catcher — The Astros are close to agreeing with veteran Brad Ausmus on a two-year contract that will keep him in Houston through 2007. Either Raul Chavez or Humberto Quintero will remain his backup.

• First base — The big question is whether Jeff Bagwell can get his surgically repaired right shoulder in good enough shape to start. If not, Lance Berkman and Mike Lamb will get the bulk of the time here.

• Second base — Craig Biggio, who turns 40 on Wednesday, signed a $4 million contract extension at the end of last season and will be back for his 19th season with the Astros.

• Shortstop — Adam Everett is one of the best defensive shortstops in the National League, but his limited offensive skills were exposed during the playoffs.

• Third base — Morgan Ensberg is coming off an All-Star season and is firmly entrenched. He likely would have hit 40 home runs in 2005 had he not suffered a hand injury late in the season.

• Left field — If Bagwell returns to the lineup at first base, Berkman will get more time in the outfield than first. Chris Burke also figures to see some time in left.

• Center field — After finishing second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, Willy Taveras is a lock to return in center, though the Astros would like to see his offense and defense improve.

• Right field — Jason Lane finally got a chance to be an every-day starter last season and had a pretty good year. The Astros are high on Lane and have no plans to include him in any trades.

• Bench — The Astros said goodbye to veteran utility man Jose Vizcaino, opening the door for Eric Bruntlett to get more playing time. They've already signed backup outfielder Orlando Palmeiro a two-year deal, and they're going to invite minor-league infielder Danny Klassen to spring training. Burke figures to come off the bench as well.

• Starting pitching — The top three in the rotation are set with Andy Pettitte, Roy Oswalt and Brandon Backe, who has been mentioned a lot in trade talks. But without Clemens, the Astros can't afford to trade Backe. Wandy Rodriguez and Ezequiel Astacio are at the bottom of the rotation, but rookies Fernando Nieve and Jason Hirsh could push them this spring. The club would still like to add a veteran starter.

• Middle relief — The Astros need a veteran lefty reliever. Lefthander Mike Gallo stands to return, with righthanders Russ Springer, Dan Wheeler and Chad Qualls all under contract for next season.

• Closer — Lidge, who developed into one of the top closers in baseball this past season, is a hot commodity who could bring big returns. But he works relatively cheap, and the Astros are confident he can shake off his postseason meltdowns.

Tejada isn't going anywhere and from what I've read neither is Abreu.

[Providence A's]

so they turn to Nomar just like everyone else!

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3528752.html

The Astros, one of what is believed to be four teams in pursuit of free agent Nomar Garciaparra, are still awaiting a decision from the five-time All-Star on his future.

Arn Tellem, Garciaparra's agent, said Thursday his client was still considering his options. In addition to the Astros, the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians are reported to be interested.

"Nomar is very pleased to have several attractive options for next season," Tellem said. "He is weighing all of them carefully and hopes to make the best decision for him and his family in the very near future. The decision will not, however, be made today."

Astros general manager Tim Purpura said Thursday he hadn't spoken with Tellem since Wednesday and that the club has yet to make a formal offer to Garciaparra.

"We've talked about parameters," Purpura said. "We haven't really negotiated anything. He's whittling down his list, and as he whittles that down presumably he'll start talking more about money and that type of thing."