Astros' PTBNL from Pudge trade may be already named

that i picked up from the previous post, was that the Rangers would be on the hook for the entire remainder of this year’s salary INCLUDING THE $1.5MM BONUS.

Sounds like we get some potentially high upside minor league depth, although no surefire top-of-the-system guys. As far out of the race as we are, I’m cool with cutting some fat and adding to the farm. Like others, I wonder if there is more to follow or if this is just a unique individual opportunity capitalized on.

Jose Vallejo is a 22 year old middle infielder playing in AAA and hitting .233/.282/.307 in 84 games for the Redhawks. Matt Nevarez, 22, is pitching for Low A Hickory.

Vallejo is the more prominent name here, a top 20 prospect in a system that was stacked coming into the season, and someone observers who had the opportunity to watch him last year thought more highly of than that. He has a high ceiling due to his athleticism and baseball tools, but his stock is down as a result of his offensive struggles this season. He is the second fairly prominent middle infield prospect that Houston has acquired from Texas this summer, after the Astros claimed German Duran on waivers last month.

Nevarez has his stock moving in the opposite direction. He is a hard throwing reliever who was highly regarded going into the 2005 draft, but after being picked in just the tenth round by Texas he battled injuries and miserable control problems for three years. He has broken out to a degree this season, saving nine games for the Crawdads and putting up a line of 35 IP, 22 H, 15 BB, 50 K and just 1 HR. His stuff is quality, but as his walk rate indicates, he still struggles some with control and command. He will present the Astros with a potentially tricky roster decision in the near future because he’s taken so long to get his feet under him in full season ball.

Matt Nevarez was signed at the age of 18 and has been in the Rangers’ organization for 4 years, so he will be eligible for the Rule 5 draft at the end of the season. Look for the Astros to protect him after the season is over by placing him on the 40-man roster, but putting him at AA (similar to what they did with Polin Trinidad this year).

If for no other reason , I remember the overwhelming Texas crowd appreciation showed Pudge when Astros played there this season.

says the trade if for Nevarez and TWO players to be named later. Anyone see any confirmation elsewhere?

Her response:

Jon Daniels called Ed Wade when Salty went down in Arlington. That’s how it started; talks began Friday night.

The Astros pulled Tejada off waivers when he was claimed. Therefore, there is almost zero possibility that he will be traded, since he can’t be put on waivers again without being lost with no trade compensation. I doubt that Hawkins or Valverde would clear waivers.

Nevarez looks promising. That is quite a strike out rate in A ball. I have a hard time seeing much potential in Vallejo, given that his offense seems to get progressively worse the more he advances in the farm system. At worst, I suppose Vellejo provides a body at 2d base in Round Rock to replace Kata, if Maysonet is on the ML roster.

Since the he’s had success at low A, and a loaded rangers system has probably prevented his advancement, will Nevarez be assigned to AA for a better look at him for a few relief appearances, or will he just get sent to Lancaster?