I don't have a problem trading Valverde IF the Astros had a capable replacement. But the Astros don't. I don't think anyone else currently in the bullpen can be a trustworthy closer. No one in the farm system is ready to be a closer at the ML level. If you want an experienced closer on the market, you probably end up paying more than Valverde will cost next year. If the Astros had a better farm system, then they might have the Lidge type reliever waiting in the wings. That's one the principal problems for the Astros...they don't have as much flexibility as other teams to make moves because they don't have replacement players in the minors who are ready to replace any part of the ML roster. So, replacements for any "moves" made by the Astros tend to come at a premium cost.