Jose Valverde News

Baseball America released its list of top Astros' prospects last week and there may be some good news.

Most call it the Hot Stove Season. Not me. Try the lying season. OK, that's harsh.

A few days ago, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi over at Foxsports.com wrote that there are 7 teams interested in signing John Smoltz this offseason, with some interested in him closing.

With both Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon free agents, Joel Zumaya a constant question mark and Ryan Perry perhaps a year or two away from being handed the reigns to the ninth inning, the Detroit Tigers are looking for a closer for 2010.

Don't expect the Astros to pursue veteran pitcher John Smoltz. Smoltz was said to have drawn interest of several teams according to a report by Foxsports.com, a list that included the Astros.

Sunday did not bring the heat, but prepare for a busy five days on the Hot Stove starting Monday.

If you're a hunter, you know when the season opens for your particular animal . If you're a baseball hunter , you're getting your ducks in a row for the upcoming free agent season.

When it comes to free agency, the Astros are going to keep an eye focused on bullpen help, especially considering closer Jose Valverde and setup man LaTroy Hawkins are both free agents, and Doug Brocail's option for 2010 has been declined.

Ita TMs going to be a busy offseason for the Houston Astros franchise. With reorganization and revamping on the hearts and minds of team owners and managers, the true tasks lie ahead.

Believe it or not, pitchers and catchers report to spring training in about 90 days.

As expected, Astros closer Jose Valverde officially filed for free agency on Monday.

The conclusion of the World Series may mark the finish of the Major League Baseball season, but it hardly means that baseball is put on the back burner.

The Philadelphia Phillies are in a good position to make a trade, or sign a good free agent relief pitcher.

Two of the Astros' best performers -- shortstop Miguel Tejada and closer Jose Valverde -- are among a group of Houston players expected to file for free agency during the filing period that began Thursday.

Now that the manager is on board and some of the roster is beginning to take shape, much of the Astros' heavy lifting remains ahead.

Seems to me some of the local journalists are missing a real good story regarding the Astros.

Ed Wade has made what may be the defining move of his tenure as Astros' general manager.

Reds 2, Astros 1: Ramon Hernandez hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to give the Reds a road victory over the Astros on Friday night.

No matter where Valverde winds up this offseason, this 9th inning intro needs to live on.

Wandy Rodriguez pitched six solid innings, Humberto Quintero homered as the Astros beat the Reds 3-2 on Sunday ending Cincinnati's six game winning streak.