Carrasco is an interesting player. In a recent article anticipating a possible non-tender, Carrasco calls himself one of the better long relievers in the league and says he has also been a successful starter. Pointing out that he has never been a closer or set up man, he says, “2 out of 4 isn’t bad.” I recall when Carrasco was an interesting starter candidate, but he had a bad year or something when he was acquired as a starter…was he injured several years ago, I can’t recall. Something waylaid his career…he was 32 years old when the White Sox gave him a NRI. Carrasco left open the possibility he will re-sign with the White Sox, but said he isn’t worried because he doesn’t expect a salary which “breaks the bank.” Carrasco lives in Dallas-Fort Worth, by the way.

Either Johnny Gomes or Ryan Church would be very good 4th outfielders. Church may be too pricey for that role, because he is legitimate starting candidate or platoon outfielder for teams which need outfielders. But look at Gomes’ numbers in 200 some at bats; incredible really….that reminds me of that terrific year that Daryl Ward had for the Astros.

Surprisingly, Uggla was offered arbitration, rather than non-tendered. Also, Correia was signed to a $3.5 million deal by the Padres—another non-tender unavailable.

Word is, he’s likely to be non-tendered at this point. He was injured most of last year and some of 2008 … (his 2008 injury, you may recall.. it happened while running the bases at MMP) I’ve been interested in him for the last few years.. what do you think he will pull in on the open market? His agent says he’s likely to be ready to pitch by May 1st.

"The free agent pool is becoming deeper," general manager Ed Wade said. "I think there will be some interesting things we can do to perhaps fill the backup outfielders and I think there’s going to be some interesting potential to add some depth at a number of positions based on not only the quantity of players but the quality of players out there."

The Astros’ 40-man roster now stands at 39.

Because of non-tender market, Wade anticipates that some quality big-league talent may be more willing to accept non-roster deals with invitations to spring training.