2009 Astros Hot Stove: Who's left

I would like to see the Astros sign Counsell. Gruzelanek would be a second choice. Either choice would be a good defensive utility infielder and would add some OBP.

We can hope a decent pitcher falls in the Astros lap. Perhaps hope that the latest rumors that Pettitte is considering a “lessor offer” from the Astros is true.

I think Counsell will sign in the next couple days with the Brewers. For a backup CF or for other positions, wait and see who gets cut out of spring training. I don’t know about other teams, but the Brewers likely only have a couple spots, or maybe just one open on the bench and they have 3 bench type guys capable of playing CF, Hernan Iribarren, Tony Gwynn jr, and Jason Bourgeios. H.I. was a top 20 prospect not long ago, a pretty good LH hitter who can play in the OF including CF and was once a 2B so could fill in there in a pinch. In fact he is still listed as a 2B a lot of times. He’s out of options as is TGjr (I’m pretty sure about that). TGjr has never really hit all that well although he has in a month stretch or so now and then. Good defense and speed though. I think he could do better but the few times he’s had a shot with the Brewers, he seems to always have a bad hammy or something. Like H.I., he hit pretty well in VWL. The last guy I don’t know his contract situation, but to me he seems like a RH version of H.I. Good hitter without a lot of power, mixes in a fair number of doubles and some triples and can play a lot of positions but lacks a standout glove at any of them.