The offseason is like that Hispanic soap opera that you’ll sometimes find yourself watching around lunch. You can’t understand half the stuff thats happening but its still grossly entertaining. It’s also the perfect time for half-brained crazy trade scenarios that everyone loves to cook up. Albert Pujols and Adam Wainwright for Brad Hennessey and a box of dreams? Sure thing! You’ve got a deal Walt, I’ll send the paperwork over in the morning. The smallest change in one team’s roster opens up a thousand different possibilities for other teams looking to add players. Which brings me to todays post.

Houston is very close to re-signing Aubrey Huff to a 3 year deal with a option for the fourth. Huff was brought in at the trading deadline in 2006 to pick up at bats from a struggling Morgan Ensberg. Ensberg had a breakout year in 2005 but struggled to find a groove in 2006, putting up a final line of .235/.396/.464. The Astros seem to be tired of his inconsistency and now that Huff is close to re-signing, Ensberg’s likeliness of getting dealt just shot through the roof. If Ensberg can be had for a couple of minor prospects I think he would be a good sign. He constantly puts up a good OBP and has had flashes of brilliance. He is solid defensively and would play a nice third base in San Francisco. The drawbacks are that he’s a streaky hitter and that since he is 31, this is as good as hes going to get. He also slugs about a 100 points higher at the hitter friendly Minute Maid Park than on the road.

Would the Giants and Astros be suitable trade partners? Maybe. It’s believed that the Astros are looking for starting pitching. The Giants do have some interesting starting pitching prospects but nothing thats solid and major league ready. Nick Pereira had a nice run in A ball and was aggressively promoted by the Giants to AAA but hit a speed bump struggling to find his stuff in Fresno. Does anyone actually desire a Brad Hennessey? The pitching prospects that other teams will most likely inquire about should be untouchable. I would trade anyone not named Lincecum, Sanchez, or Sadler. But the writing is on the wall for Ensberg in Houston and I believe that hes on his way out. If the Giants could find a suitable trade package to send, maybe something like Brad Hennessey + Brian Anderson + other mid-level prospect, a deal could be made.