[NYCdog]

Here's the reason for this rather smart move by the Astros..........

1..........Its to free up money to help throw a kings ransom at local hero Andy Pettite.

And oh yeah............believe me, he will NOT be a Yankee next season. On a TV report done by "Scoopster" Marc Berman of Fox 26 in Houston and aired on WNYW-TV Fox 5 in NYC, Pettite said that he will indeed opt out for Free Agency. He went on to say that the only thing that would keep him back in NY is loyalty, "if there is any left." The only other team he is considering is the Astros so he can play close to home. And now with the Astros clearing room and even going as far as to trade Wagner........Pettite will be impressed and should be with the offer too. And from the way it sounds from sources close to both Pettite and the Yanks, a deal with the Astros sounds like a done deal...........we'll have to wait and see.

2...........Wagner will be a Free Agent next season and most likely, the Astros wouldnt have been able to resign him. He is looking for reportedly around 9 mil, way too expensive for a closer. So trade him now, get someting for him, and let another team worry about it. Plus, despite having a career year this season, his stuff hasnt been as nasty after arm tendon surgery in 2000.........

3..........."High Octane" Octavio Dotel is now better suited for this closer position. Look for this guy to turn alot of heads with his dominating stuff, much like Wagner did in 1996 when he took over for then closer mainstay Doug Jones. Just ask the Yankees. On the night of the famous "No-No-No-No-No-No Hitter" Dotel came in for relief and struck out 4 Yanks in 1 inning. They were the likes of Soriano, Jeter, Giambi and Bernie Williams. His stuff is simply amazing and will probably be even better then Wagner was for the Astros.

As for who takes Dotel's spot at setup man, that will become Brad Lidge's duties, who looks ready for that role.

4.........."Zeke" as in 6'3 160 pound Dominican Ezequiel Astacio. Astacio's fastball has been clocked as high as 99 mph accoriding to the Phils, and he also has a sharp curveball. He's still at least two years away, but he is considered a high-ceiling talent with perhaps No. 1 starter ability.

Taylor Buchholz is interesting. He had a very bad start to his pro career, but after a trip to Reading, he has now found a a new dangerous curveball and change-up. In the minors, he has no become a consistent pitcher. It will be interesting to see if the same will happen in the majors. Like the Hampton deal in 99' where Octavio Dotel was the key, Buchholz's success will be the key to this deal. For he has No. 1 starter stuff written on him too

I'm not so high on Duckworth though. At best, he has 3 starter ability. To me, the Astros should have gotten either one of the other bright young Philly pitching prospects, either Cole Hamels or Gavin Floyd.

All in all, the Astros came out pretty good on this deal............that is if they land Pettite which I expect to happen.

BTW...........Look for the Astros to deal away Richard Hidalgo, who is due 12 mill. in a salary dump move to free up more money for more possible free agnet signings and to make way for prospect Jason Lane.