Do Astros Trade for Dunn??

Watching the Astros/Cardinals on MLB.com. This is a huge series for
the Astros and Pettitte is pitching great although it appears his lack
of bunting skills may hurt him before this game is over. The Astros
offense has been OK tonight with eight hits thru eight innings but they
just can't get that timely hit. I think the Astros can make the
wildcard but there going to have to acquire a power hitter. Lane and
Burke are OK but the Astros really need one more power threat in the
lineup. I hope they acquire Dunn from the Reds and sign him ahead of
time to a long-term deal.

David233 wrote:
> Watching the Astros/Cardinals on MLB.com. This is a huge series for
> the Astros and Pettitte is pitching great although it appears his lack
> of bunting skills may hurt him before this game is over. The Astros
> offense has been OK tonight with eight hits thru eight innings but they
> just can't get that timely hit.

That's one of the reasons I'm not sold on the Astros continuing this
run. They can play great against teams like Cincy and Pittsburgh, but
they're dead against teams playing at or above .500. With this sweep of
the Pirates, I think we're finally 5-4 against them for the season.

> I think the Astros can make the wildcard

I don't. There are too many teams who've played better than Houston all
season. The season didn't start when Houston climbed back to .500 from
15 games under, and it won't end before the end of September. I think
the NL Wild Card will come from the East, which has two teams 12 games
above .500 or better (and Atlanta beat the Astros 5-1 this season).
Houston is now two games above .500 and playing well below .500 against
teams with winning records.

> but there going to have to acquire a power hitter.

While the Astros can certainly use a little more offense, I think their
greatest need is relief pitching.

> Lane and
> Burke are OK but the Astros really need one more power threat in the
> lineup.

Lane should've been traded two seasons ago when the Astros didn't have
room for him and before he showed that he was overrated.

> I hope they acquire Dunn from the Reds

My God, don't the Astros strike out enough as it is?

> and sign him ahead of
> time to a long-term deal.

I'm not sure the Astros are willing to put up the money Dunn will
command to AVOID arbitration. Signing Dunn for $8 million a season (and
I think he can get a lot more than that) would put the Astros over $85
million next season if everyone else stands pat. I don't see that
appealing to McLane, nor do I think the Astros are willing to part with
the pitchers the Reds will demand for a Dunn trade. It would be a really
bad, lousy deal for Houston.