LAstros Trade Issues

The futility of the Houston Astros continues to amaze even the most jaded fans (me included at this point). Not only is Houston suffering through what will likely be one of the worst seasons in team history, the folks in the Bayou City must come to terms with the fact that the foreseeable future holds no relief from the absolutely embarassing brand of baseball being played at Minute Maid Park.

With one of the worst minor league systems in Major League Baseball, Astros fans have no light at the end of this dark tunnel. In December of 2009, Baseball American ranked the 'Stros farm system as the absolute worst in MLB. The minor league teams in Houston's farm system haven't produced a winning season since 2007. Their aren't top prospects available or home-grown. How accurate is Baseball America's rankings? Well, in the Spring of 2009 the Texas Rangers were atop the board, with prospects Neftali Feliz, Julio Bourbon, Derek Holland, Elvin Andrus all mentioned as top prospects. Each of these players are major contributors to the Ranger's surprising ascent to the top of the AL West. The other top prospect? Justin Smoak, who was recently traded for ace Cliff Lee.

Therein lies the problem for Houston. No one is interested in their farm system players, so getting top level major league ready talent is out of the question. The front office would like to build from within, but have shown a stunning inability to draft players worthy of the majors. The remaining solution involves trading popular veterans Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt. Berkman likely won't be dealt, as the homegrown first baseman is the only draw remaining with Houston fans. Oswalt, however, is a different story.

Earlier this year, Roy-O publicly stated he'd be open to a trade from the Astros to a contender. Rumors have flown since, with teams like the Mets, Braves, Twins, and Tigers all being considered prime candidates for Houston. The problem is Oswalt is looking for someone to pick up his option for 2012, and he's still owed $25 million for the rest of 2010 and 2011. Teams seem hesitant to pick up the large contract for a player with a sub .500 record over the last 3 years, even if pundits argue that if he had ANY run support, Oswalt would be a top pitcher in the game.

Houston has offered to take some of the financial hit of Oswalt's salary in an effort to get some life injected into the farm system. The issue, of course, is teams in the major leagues seem to have realized that building from within with homegrown and drafter prospects is a cheaper way to become succesful than buying talent ala the Yankees. Unless a big market club jumps in with a deal that blows Houston away (and don't hold your breath, as the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees all have average farm systems at best), it appears Roy-O will be stuck in Houston with the mess built around him.

And thus, the fans of Houston can expect prolongd misery for the LAstros. But hey, at least Jeff Bagwell is back as the hitting coach....