Garland is scheduled to receive $10 million in 2007 and $12 in 2008. So the question is ... would the Astros be willing to pay Garland that much plus between $12-$15 million to keep Andy close to home?? It's unlikely. Which tells me the Astros must have already decided they weren't going to match the Yankees reported offer to Pettite of $15 million for 2007 ...so they've decided to go in a different direction.

The reported deal involves Willy Taveras so that means the Astros now must decide who they want to play centerfield. I really thought a better option was to send Taveras, Morgan Ensberg and Taylor Buchholz or another young pitcher to Tampa Bay in exchange for Houston native Carl Crawford ....that way you not only add to your offense ....but you keep speed in the lineup. Garland would move into the #2 starter's slot behind Roy Oswalt. The 27 year old was 18-7 last year with the White Sox. His ERA was 4.51. He's 82-68 for his career. Garland was a 1st round draft pick of the Cubs back in 1997. More updates as news develops.