Blalock for Lidge?

[love_that_reefer]

Everyone has seen Lidge setup before. He was the man before Dotel and Wagner were traded. Maybe a change3 would be nice but he has absolutely pitched like shit in save and non save situations.

[Roy31]

Blalock is 25 and signed cheap until 2009. I'll take that over 30 year old Ensberg who is soon to be a FA. Blalock, at 25, hasn't even hit his prime while at 25, Ensberg had 7 major league at bats. I wouldn't call that an identical swap.

I agree, I think one player getting overlooked in this potential deal is Fernando Nieve though.

[Raphictor]

I agree, I think one player getting overlooked in this potential deal is Fernando Nieve though.

He definately is getting overlooked because no one's heard of him. He's not on the level as Pence or Hirsh are as prospects, but hes a good one.

[Roy31]

He was the Astros best pitching prospect coming into this season.

[msneezie31]

Adrian Beltre had his career year at age 25, when he was in a contract year. Since then, he hasnt done a thing. It seems like after Blalock had a "down year" last year and isnt really tearing it up this season, Rangers fans want an "upgrade". Like i said, Ensberg for Blalock isnt really a bad deal when you consider you are getting Nieve and Lidge thrown in for Wilkerson, who is hitting .231 and Barajas, whom you can upgrade with starting Laird everyday at catcher. I think its a pretty nice trade for the Rangers. But then again, im not a big Blalock fan, nor am I a Rangers fan. Just looking from both sides here.

[Roy31]

Adrian Beltre had his career year at age 25, when he was in a contract year. Since then, he hasnt done a thing. It seems like after Blalock had a "down year" last year and isnt really tearing it up this season, Rangers fans want an "upgrade". Like i said, Ensberg for Blalock isnt really a bad deal when you consider you are getting Nieve and Lidge thrown in for Wilkerson, who is hitting .231 and Barajas, whom you can upgrade with starting Laird everyday at catcher. I think its a pretty nice trade for the Rangers. But then again, im not a big Blalock fan, nor am I a Rangers fan. Just looking from both sides here.

Thats exactly how I see it but im a big Blalock fan and would hate to see him go. Not even sure why we are trading him but we are so this deal wouldnt be so bad in my opinion as oppose to dealing him for some crap or Tejada.

[msneezie31]

and the Astros have an overabundance of pitching down in the minors, so they can afford to make the trade looking from their side.

[love_that_reefer]

But why give up a guy who you have til 2009 for cheap (Blalock) for a guy with an ERA close to 6 and he's a reliever!! Ensberg is no upgrade and he is a FA after this year. I almost forgot that Ensberg is still on the DL. Blalock should get better having Lee in that lineup. If the Astors got Wilkerson, they then would trade Taveras to possibly the Marlins. Then it would make the Astors deal even better which is why I doubt the Rangers could be this dumb.

[missionhockey21]

Blalock is 25 and signed cheap until 2009. I'll take that over 30 year old Ensberg who is soon to be a FA. Blalock, at 25, hasn't even hit his prime while at 25, Ensberg had 7 major league at bats. I wouldn't call that an identical swap.

Blalock is a curious player. His AB/HR rating is on the decline for the second straight season, as is most of his extra base power. Given that he is not known to be a huge on-base percentage guy, the power at his age is what sold him. His 2004 season of 73 XBH's (32 being homers) was downright impressive since he was 23. He locked into that terrific contract for the Rangers (and any OOTP player knows how desirable with that kind of contract for tha talent.) But is he a player that has already hit his prime? Two seasons on the decline from his 2003-2004 season is not exactly encouraging, but I am not a Rangers fan so perhaps I do not know the whole story. What I do know is that it would be a risky move for the Rangers if a change of scenery allows him to revert to previous production he saw earlier in his career and be a potential all-star at discount prices.

I personally really don't know what to think of this deal as it's a bit curious like Blalock himself. So many of these players are having off years and it's hard to distinguish between past views on players that are being challenged with current performances. Especially when it's a young and talented player like Blalock or a guy like Lidge who at one time looked completely filthy but now can seem somewhat lost out there. If I was the Rangers, I would pass.

[FmrFresnan]

I was watching the Boston/Angels game tonight, Steve Philips mentioned the Lidge/Blalock trade. The way he described it, Lidge would go to Texas for Blalock, the Astros would then send Morgan Ensberg to San Diego for Scott Linebrink who would become the closer. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

[Providence A's]

Steve Phillips is a Grade A moron

hence the reason he was canned from the Mets GM after 2 years or whatever

[Roy31]

This is just what im hearing but the Astros want Lee for Lidge...

[Witlon]

The Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice reports that Astros owner Drayton McLane has ordered GM Tim Purpura to trade Brad Lidge.

The Rangers are the team getting mentioned in connection with Lidge, but if he has to go, there will be more interested parties, starting with the Mets and Red Sox. The Astros could turn over closing duties to Dan Wheeler if they move Lidge.

Uh oh, this could add some teeth to this and any other Lidge rumor. Credit: Rotoworld and the Houston Chronicle

[Molina00]

Ranger fans want an upgrade? I am a Ranger fan and I do not want an upgrade. He is a good fielder, and an overall solid hitter despite having an off-year. As he is only in his mid-20's, there is every reason to believe that he can get back on track eventually. Nothing against Ensberg who is a fine hitter, but he is quite a bit older and does not have near the attractive looking contract Blalock does. If we lose Mench and Blalock in the same season, especially if it's Blalock for Lidge, I will be severely irritated with Mr. Daniels.

[Slyder]

Texas would be stupid to do this deal. If Lidge was even a shadow of his former self then I might think about it but hes just been that bad since the Pujols HR. If Houston is desperate to get rid of him I wouldnt mind Cincy throwing something plus a contract at Houston for him and see if we cant fix him like we did Mark Wohlers a few years ago.