This Seattlepi.com story reports that the Stros (34-40) are considering a trade of RHP Brandon Backe (-8 RSAA/5.31 ERA) for Seattle Mariners (33-41) OF Randy Winn (4 RCAA/.283 AVE/.354 OBP/.384 SLG).
I’m not wild about this proposed deal, but it’s certainly not a disaster. Despite his nice run at the end of last season, Backe is still a below average National League pitcher whose value may be at its peak right now. The switch-hitting Winn is no savior, either, but he is similar to Orlando Palmeiro (3/.318/.379/.471), which is not bad, and is a definite upgrade over Chris Burke (-12/.220/.269/.285) in left field. I’d rather have Austin Kearns (-4/.224/.306/.394) and take on the risk that he could turn his career around, but it takes two to tango and the Reds have not shown any inclination to date to dangle Kearns in a trade with the Stros. As noted here, the Stros need to take major steps in improving almost every non-pitching position on the team, and acquiring Winn would be a small step in the right direction.