After spending yesterday looking at Houston's handling of the Julio Lugo situation, I want to look at the Astros' related roster moves today. When Houston designated SS-R Lugo for assignment on Thursday, he was hitting .246 with a .338 OBP and .292 SLG in 65 AB on 16 H and 3 2B with a 9:12 BB:K and 2/3 SB%. The improvement in his plate discipline is encouraging, but when he's making contact, he currently isn't hitting the ball well. He's overmatched as a starter, however as a bench player he has a good deal to offer a team. Houston will seek to trade him to someone looking for a flexible bench player with a little upside at the plate, though I doubt they'll find anyone willing to shoulder the potential negative publicity and Lugo's $1.575M contract, since he'll clearly be available on waivers and likely as a free agent.

I'm curious as to whether the Astros will retain RHP Ruddy Lugo, Julio's younger brother, who they acquired in the Daryle Ward trade, of if they will want to separate themselves from the whole family. Ruddy is currently pitching effectively at AA Round Rock.

IF-R Dave Matranga didn't even make it into a game during his one day in the majors as Lugo's immediate replacement. The Astros merely chose to promote him because they needed to call up someone not already on the 40-man roster in order to DFA Lugo. Houston drafted Matranga out of Pepperdine University with their sixth round pick of the 1998 draft. He worked his way steadily through the system and is now in his second season at AAA New Orleans. The 26-year-old complements acceptable plate discipline with minimal speed and power skills, so while he could potentially develop into a solid bench player as he ripens at AAA and matures physically, he shouldn't factor into the Astros plans in the near future.

Houston lost no time replacing Matranga with SS-R Adam Everett. Now in essentially his fourth year at AAA, Everett's skills seem to decline the longer he remains in the minors. The 26-year-old certainly hasn't met the offensive expectations of a first round pick. However, I don't believe there are many upgrades available on the trade market. If the Brewers accelerate J.J. Hardy's development track, Milwaukee might make Royce Clayton available. Once Derek Jeter returns, I believe Eric Almonte will be on the trading block, though I don't think the Astros and Yankees fit well for a trade. Consequently, I expect Houston to continue to accept meager offensive stats from their shortstop in exchange for solid defense at the position. IF-S Jose Vizcaino's playing time also should increase.