I feel bad for Purpura, he really tried to get a deal done. The FSN Houston cameras showed him all night on the phone or looking at a list of players he had on a piece of paper. Then later on ESPN radio, I heard how the Astros came as close as anyone to landing Griffey Jr. According to Dan Patrick, not even the White Sox were as close to landing Griffey Jr. as the Astros came last night. Astros offered to pay 90 % of his remaining salary while the White Sox only offered to pay 75 % of his remaining salary. The Yankees didn't even want any part of Griffey's salary.

The fact that Drayton gave the " ok " to take on a high salary player like Ken Griffey Jr. gives me confidence for the future of the Astros.

It is just unfortunate the Astros ended up with nothing to show for their efforts, but they get an " A " for effort.