The Rockies are going to let Yorvit Torrealba walk as a free agent so they will likely be in the trade market for a catcher to split time with Chris Iannetta. With that in mind the Astros should offer them J.R. Towles for lefty starting pitcher Greg Smith. Smith did not pitch for the Rockies this season and the Astros have a huge need for starting pitching. This is the kind of trade that could help out both teams as both of the players involved have nice upsides despite the struggles they have had lately.

The Astros would like to move either Jose Valverde or LaTroy Hawkins with whoever remains being the closer. A good fit would be the Cubs for Valverde as the Astros might be able to pry Mike Fontenot and Jake Fox from them. Not a lot of 3B appear to be on the market so the Astros might also look for a starting pitcher in return.

Don’t let the Astros fool you because they added Randy Wolf in a trade last week as they are likely going to be sellers next week. The Astros are 46-55 this season which has them in last place in the National League Central, 13.5 games behind the Cubs. They are also 12.5 games behind the Brewers for the Wild Card. I tend to think that the Astros traded for Wolf with the idea of flipping him for something better than Chad Reineke who they traded for him. Look for the Astros to attempt to move Ty Wigginton, Mark Loretta, Geoff Blum, Darin Erstad, Brian Moehler and Doug Brocail. They could even expand the bloodletting more if teams make solid offers for some of the core players on the Astros. The Astros don’t have a lot in the farm system as far as up and coming players so it makes sense to wave the White Flag and acquire as many good young players as they can get there hands on.