(May 20, 2013 – Source: Scott Halleran/Getty Images North America)
The Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline is less than three weeks away, and pitching is always a commodity in demand for contending teams down the stretch. One arm who could be in demand is Houston Astros righty Bud Norris.
Norris is the highest paid player on Houston’s roster this season, making $3 million on a team that is 32-59 as of July 11. He boasts a 6-8 record with a 114 ERA+ and WHIP of 1.412. His most recent start was July 9, in which the St. Louis Cardinals tagged him for 7 runs. The Astros wound up losing the contest 9-5.
Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle has reported on the news of the righty possibly being dealt. One of the teams linked to Bud Norris is the reigning World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, who are 41-50 as of July 12. It is possible he could play a role for them if they want to turn their season around and defend their championship.
Norris grew up a Giants fan and Nathan Aderhold of SBNation said Norris told Jon Morosi of Fox Sports what playing by the Bay would mean to him.
“If it were to happen, it would be a dream come true for me to play for my childhood team. … San Francisco is a lovely place, and I still call it home.”
Another club reported to have been interested in the 28-year-old hurler is the Baltimore Orioles, who, as of July 12, sit at 51-42, 5.5 games back of the 57-37 Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East and 2.0 games back of a wild card spot.
Norris was slated to start July 14 against the Tampa Bay Rays but MLB.com reported Norris will not go on his turn to pitch in case he is selected as an injury replacement for the All-Star Team. The Astros are going to either call someone up from the minors or use an arm from the bullpen to take Norris’ spot.
