The Astros shored up their bullpen by sending the speedy outfielder Josh Anderson to the Braves for relief pitcher Oscar Villarreal. I like this move because the right hander can be a workhorse. He’s spot started and in two different seasons in his career he’s topped 90 innings. His walk rate was up last year but so was his strikeout rate and in Villarreal, you get a solid middle of the bullpen option night in and night out.
Josh Anderson had a solid cup of coffee in 2007 but he doesn’t have a lot of punch. His career slugging percentage in the minors is just .373 and while he’s probably good for 30 or 40 steals, I’d rather have a guy who’s slated for a corner outfield spot to have more punch.
It sounds like the next order of business for the Astros is to sign a second baseman. They’ve started the process of talking to Tad Iguchi and Kaz Matsui and Luis Castillo are also in their sights.
