Hawkins staying in Houston Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Astros have apparently come to
terms on a one-year deal with right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins.
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the deal will likely be announced
sometime on Friday and will pay Hawkins close to the $3.75 million he earned a
year ago.
Hawkins appeared in 24 games for the Astros last season after being acquired
from the New York Yankees in late July. He was 2-0 with a save and a 0.43 ERA
in 21 innings with Houston after going 1-1 with a 5.71 ERA in 31 games for the
Yankees.
The Indians would be interested in Jose Valverde if the Astros offer him on the trading block as expected, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Indians' GM Mark Shapiro said, "If Valverde is available, he's be a guy we'd explore."
Our View:The Indians top needs for 2009 are a closer and third baseman. Valverde would be a strong addition to fill one of those voids, as he nailed down 44 saves with a 1.18 WHIP for Houston in 2008.
The Houston Astros purchased the contract of second baseman Drew Sutton and added him to their 40-man roster, according to the Astros official web site.
Our View:Sutton led all Astros Minor Leaguers in batting average, hits, runs scored, walks, doubles and extra-base hits in 2008. He posted a .317 average, 20 home runs and 69 RBIs for Corpus Christi and was named a Texas League midseason and postseason All-Star.
Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle believes Ty Wigginton is likely going to be dealt in the next few weeks.
Our View:The team is looking to trim their payroll, and Wigginton is viewed as expendable, namely because their high profile stars like Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman are untouchable. As for replacing Wigginton at third base, Chris Johnson is considered the best option in their thinned out farm system.
