Alyson Footer is reporting that the Astros have offered arbitration to Jose Valverde, but not to Miguel Tejada, LaTroy Hawkins, or Doug Brocail.
The only thing that surprises me is the decision on LaHawk. It's no secret that the Astros have an offer on the table to LaHawk, so he's likely returning - especially with the news that Valverde is probably out the door - though now that he won't cost any draft picks, he could draw more interest. Is it possible the Astros could lose their 8th/9th inning guys this off-season? Rest up, Jeff Fulchino.
Jerome Solomon is telling us, however, that talks are ongoing with all three (Brocail has already been shown the door. And by "the door," I mean, "a minor-league coaching position.")
UPDATE: MyFoxHouston quotes Easy Eddie:
“We would love to retain Valverde, Hawkins and Tejada, and we continue to negotiate with all three. However, we have to be realistic in our arbitration offerings because of the uncertainty of the process. We plan to continue talks with all three players.”
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
