Bolstering the Astros Infield

Setting aside Lance Berkman, the Houston Astros 2010 infield is... well, it's pretty pathetic. The only other everyday starter certain to return is Kazuo Matsui.

Unfortunately, the Astros are also strapped for cash. Between current commitments, arbitration raises, and a lower payroll, Ed Wade is likely to have somewhere between $10 and $15 million to play with. That money is likely to be spent on starting pitching--or just wasted on a bunch of low-impact washed up veterans, knowing the Astros. Regardless, they may need to look into the trade market to find some help.

The best situation would be if they could do some shrewd wheeling and dealing with logjammed teams, or teams who might be willing to sell low on some guys with little future in their organizations. For instance, the Brewers and J.J. Hardy. He's a great defensive shortstop with obvious offensive potential (as demonstrated in 2008)--a young bounceback candidate.

Or, to get a little more obscure, how about the Yankees' second base/utility prospect Kevin Russo, who hit for .326/.397/.431 this year at their AAA club? He went to school here in Texas (at Baylor University). The Yankees won't have any everyday need for him in their infield for a long time, and might be willing to part with him for a couple of low-A prospects.

Obviously, it's important the Astros not trash the farm system again. That's why it will be important not to give up any top prospects, and especially not to trade for any veterans due big money. Try to pick up somebody with at least a couple years of club control left, with lots of upside, who won't cost much money following the trade.

Perhaps pickups could be made by swapping players acquired in the Rule 5 Draft. How about trading Drew Locke for former Astros prospect Neil Sellers, who posted a .317/.383/.486 line at third base with the Phillies' AA affiliate this year? He's already 27, but we're not exactly swimming in third base options, are we? Unless you'd rather see Chris Johnson strike out all season.

Any other ideas? Drop me a comment and fire away!