While in Houston on Thursday, the Cubs traded RHP Tom Gordon to the Astros for LHP Russ Rohlicek and two players to be named later. The Astros' short relief has been strong this year, but the most reliable relievers outside closer Billy Wagner were in danger of being severely overworked, and the middle and long relievers have not always been reliable. Houston acquired Gordon with the intention of using him in the middle innings, usually before Octavio Dotel comes in to set-up Wagner, though Gordon will occasionally work set-up. Gordon has pitched for Houston manager Jimy Williams before when both were with the Red Sox.

Despite his desire for a closing position, Gordon should be able to provide the Astros with what they want. Surprisingly, his performance since returning from his Spring Training shoulder injury indicates he didn't rush back too quickly. At the time of the trade, Gordon had compiled a 31:10 K:BB with 27 H and 1 HR allowed in 25 IP for a 3.24 ERA with the Cubs.

Reportedly the Cubs agreed to pay all but $100,000 of Gordon's remaining salary in exchange for the opportunity to pick up some minor league talent for the pending free agent. Gordon has expressed an interest in re-signing with the Cubs this off-season as a closer, which would seem redundant considering Antonio Alfonseca will only be arbitration-eligible. Unfortunately, GM Jim Hendry appears open to the idea.

Houston drafted Rohlicek out of Long Beach State University in the sixth round of the 2001 draft. After signing, Rohlicek reported to the Short-Season New York-Pennsylvania League. The 22-year-old lefty struggled in his first professional assignment, but this season the Astros assigned Rohlicek to A Michigan in the Midwest League, where he had compiled a 95:36 K:BB in 151 IP with 148 H and 10 HR allowed. His dominance is a bit weak, indicating he might need to move to relief to remain useful in the upper levels of professional baseball. However, his other skills appear fairly strong and it is always a good idea to have a healthy stock of left-handed pitchers in the minors to provide inexpensive relief options for your major league club. Rohlicek likely won't be ready to join the Cubs until at least 2006 if he remains a starter.

In the event of a season-ending strike, Chicago will not receive the two players to be named later. Although this arrangement seems rather morbid, Houston was wise to insure that a week of Gordon doesn't cost them three players. The Cubs could easily win this trade depending on the skills of the players to be named later, but as of right now the two sides break fairly even.

In order to clear room on the roster for Gordon, the Astros demoted Brandon Puffer. Puffer, who the Astros acquired from the independent leagues, had practically no AAA experience when Houston promoted him this season, and he had no substantial time to acquire any during his 6-day demotion in June. Consequently his major league struggles are quite understandable. In 53.2 IP, the 26-year-old has allowed 57 H and 2 HR with a 43:33 K:BB for a 5.37 ERA. Although his AA numbers indicated promise, due to his age and history of frequent release, Puffer may not receive the opportunity to work out his problems in AAA next season in an effort to earn another major league job. However, the Astros will likely recall him in September for roster expansion.

Houston activated both Carlos Hernandez and Brian L. Hunter from the disabled list earlier this week. Hernandez's first start back was cut short by rain, but he performed well in his second start and seems fully recovered from his shoulder problems. Likewise, Hunter hasn't reported any soreness related to his appendectomy and hernia surgery.

The Astros demoted Jim Mann to clear room for Hernandez and Jason Lane for Hunter. Both will likely return to the majors in September. Dave Mlicki has moved to the bullpen, reopening Hernandez's rotation spot.

In another transaction related to the Cubs, the Astros placed Julio Lugo on the DL last week after Kerry Wood struck Lugo with a pitch during the August 12th game in Chicago, breaking Lugo's left forearm. Lugo underwent surgery to have a plate and screws inserted to insure that the fractured ulna heals properly and will likely miss the rest of the season. However, he'd very much like to accelerate the 10-week recovery process in order to return to the team for any possible playoff action. Meanwhile, the Astros have recalled Adam Everett to fill Lugo's roster spot. Jose Vizcaino and Everett are splitting time at shortstop.

On August 9th, the Astros signed pending free agent Vizcaino to a $2M one-year extension. Vizcaino is having a strong season with a .317 BA, .355 OBP, and .413 SLG on 96 H, 15 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, a 17:30 BB:K, and 3/6 SB% in 293 AB. He's also provided the team with a versatile player capable of covering the entire in front of the plate infield. However, the 34-year-old's career season isn't based on a particular increase in his skills, so he could and likely will slide back to his former mediocre levels next season. Luckily, Houston didn't make the mistake of signing him to a multi-season contract, but if they can afford to pay $2M to a bench player like Vizcaino, they certainly shouldn't complain about costs elsewhere.

Five days later the Astros signed pending free agent Orlando Merced to a $1.7M one-year extension. Merced is also reportedly eligible for another $500,000 in performance bonuses. As a reserve corner infielder and leftfielder this season, Merced is hitting .300 with a .360 OBP, and .458 SLG on 57 H, 10 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, a 19:38 BB:K, and 3/3 SB% in 190 AB. Although the production is nice for a bench player, it again doesn't merit a salary close to $2M for a 35-year-old. He's certainly not in a position to improve upon his performance, and the Astros have several younger players in their minors with more upside who need roster spots and playing time next season.

Both Vizcaino and Merced are favorites of manager Jimy Williams, so he likely played a significant role in encouraging their re-signing. Williams has never been fond of young players, an unfortunate attribute for the manager of a team with as promising a farm system as the Houston.