I would imagine most people know about this, but there were a couple more moves today so far.
HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros appear to be the big players in Tuesday's trade sweepstakes.
Houston acquired Pedro Astacio from the Colorado Rockies for Scott Elarton and a player to be named later, ESPN's Peter Gammons reported.
The Astros then dealt for Pittsburgh Pirates closer Mike Williams in exchange for pitcher Tony McKnight.
Elarton is currently on the Astros' disabled list with biceps tendinitis.
The Astros entered the day 4? games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.
Williams is 2-4 with 22 saves and a 3.67 ERA as Pittsburgh's closer this season. But the right-hander will team with Octavio Dotel to set up for Astros closer Billy Wagner.
Williams, third on Pittsburgh's career saves list with 69, is making $1.2 million this year and is eligible for free agency at the end of the season.
McKnight went 9-5 with a 4.76 ERA in 18 starts at Triple-A New Orleans this season. He was the Astros first round selection in 1995 and was 1-0 in three starts for the Astros this season.
McKnight was recalled from New Orleans to start the second game of a doubleheader at Pittsburgh on Saturday and allowed two runs in seven innings to get the win.
This was the second deal in two days for the Pirates, tied with Cincinnati for last in the NL Central. Pittsburgh traded starter Jason Schmidt and outfielder John Vander Wal to San Francisco on Monday for outfielder Armando Rios and pitching prospect Ryan Vogelsong.
HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros appear to be the big players in Tuesday's trade sweepstakes.
Houston acquired Pedro Astacio from the Colorado Rockies for Scott Elarton and a player to be named later, ESPN's Peter Gammons reported.
The Astros then dealt for Pittsburgh Pirates closer Mike Williams in exchange for pitcher Tony McKnight.
Elarton is currently on the Astros' disabled list with biceps tendinitis.
The Astros entered the day 4? games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.
Williams is 2-4 with 22 saves and a 3.67 ERA as Pittsburgh's closer this season. But the right-hander will team with Octavio Dotel to set up for Astros closer Billy Wagner.
Williams, third on Pittsburgh's career saves list with 69, is making $1.2 million this year and is eligible for free agency at the end of the season.
McKnight went 9-5 with a 4.76 ERA in 18 starts at Triple-A New Orleans this season. He was the Astros first round selection in 1995 and was 1-0 in three starts for the Astros this season.
McKnight was recalled from New Orleans to start the second game of a doubleheader at Pittsburgh on Saturday and allowed two runs in seven innings to get the win.
This was the second deal in two days for the Pirates, tied with Cincinnati for last in the NL Central. Pittsburgh traded starter Jason Schmidt and outfielder John Vander Wal to San Francisco on Monday for outfielder Armando Rios and pitching prospect Ryan Vogelsong.
