Besides the Mets, what other teams are looking for a reliable closer. What kind of trade market is out there, regarding teams that would be willing to offer a king's ransom for a closer?

I don't think the Astros can afford to trade Jose Valverde anyway, and truth is I doubt Ed Wade has even considered it. But for discussion's sake, what type of good offer can the Astros receive and from which teams?

I just feel the Astros are one or two starting pitchers away from being a legitimate World Series contender in 2009. I totally love our lineup when healthy, and our bullpen is awesome with Valverde in the ninth and Hawkins in the eighth.

Just a little more starting pitching and some luck staying healthy is all we need!

I mean heck, if not for Hurricane Ike... This team as it stands right now, would have probably won the 2008 NL wild card and that's with a ridiculously thin starting rotation and without our best home run hitter and RBI producer, Carlos Lee.

I mean damn, 86 wins with this team?

That's absolutely amazing when I think about it!