LaTroy Hawkins News

Baseball America released its list of top Astros' prospects last week and there may be some good news.

A few days ago, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi over at Foxsports.com wrote that there are 7 teams interested in signing John Smoltz this offseason, with some interested in him closing.

I remember it like it was yesterday. Larry Dierker used to write a regular column for the Chronicle before he became the manager.

Don't expect the Astros to pursue veteran pitcher John Smoltz. Smoltz was said to have drawn interest of several teams according to a report by Foxsports.com, a list that included the Astros.

The Astros might not be in position to sign any marquee names when free agency begins in earnest Friday, but general manager Ed Wade is still confident he can improve the club in the coming weeks through either trades or free agency.

Sunday did not bring the heat, but prepare for a busy five days on the Hot Stove starting Monday.

When it comes to free agency, the Astros are going to keep an eye focused on bullpen help, especially considering closer Jose Valverde and setup man LaTroy Hawkins are both free agents, and Doug Brocail's option for 2010 has been declined.

Ita TMs going to be a busy offseason for the Houston Astros franchise. With reorganization and revamping on the hearts and minds of team owners and managers, the true tasks lie ahead.

Believe it or not, pitchers and catchers report to spring training in about 90 days.

Two of the Astros' best performers -- shortstop Miguel Tejada and closer Jose Valverde -- are among a group of Houston players expected to file for free agency during the filing period that began Thursday.

Now that the manager is on board and some of the roster is beginning to take shape, much of the Astros' heavy lifting remains ahead.

Ed Wade has made what may be the defining move of his tenure as Astros' general manager.

In what is shaping up to be a classic celebrity battle, the attorneys for Frank and Jamie McCourt volleyed contradictory claims of who really owns the Los Angeles Dodgers just one day after the couple's marriage separation was announced.

At times this year, it seemed as though the inmates ran the jail. That won't be happening if Phil Garner is rehired.

The Astros will be the last National League team to get their first look at new Citi Field this weekend.

A blog with Astros watcher Chip Bailey September 28, 2009 Bold and risky: Trade Wandy for a haul? If the Astros want to make a big splash this off season and perhaps build a truly young rotation, trade Wandy Rodriguez.

Wandy Rodriguez pitched six solid innings, Humberto Quintero homered and the Houston Astros beat Cincinnati 3-2 on Sunday to snap the Reds' six-game winning streak.

Rodriguez allowed two runs and nine hits. He walked one and struck out nine in his career-high 32nd start of the season.

When the regular season ends next week, LaTroy Hawkins will pack up his car and make the four-hour drive to Prosper, Texas, and wait for his next opportunity.

Hours before taking the mound in the ninth inning, Jose Valverde was adamant that the St.