Or so says Buster Olney from ESPN.com here.
No one can accuse the Houston Astros of being quitters. Despite the fact that Houston is 12 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central, the Astros continue to look to be buyers before the trade deadline, rather than sellers. Rival teams report that the Astros are calling around in search of a high-profile, experienced reliever who might serve as a complement to Doug Brocail as Houston makes its push for a playoff spot in August and September.
I'm not sure if I'm happy that they still want to be a good team and improve, or sad that they still think they have a chance. I'm still under the impression that the bullpen isn't the main weakness on this team and that the starting pitching(as well an an underachieving offense) is the main weakness on the team.
I'm not sure why they would be searching for a "high-profile" reliever though. High-Profile to me, means high cost... and blowing money on a player that more than likely isn't going to help this team get into the playoffs(and more than likely leave in the off season) isn't something I want to be a part of... maybe the Astros are just going to trade for a bunch of players that will leave at the end of the season to lower their payroll, and bring in draft picks. Not sure how well that will work out. What do you think?