With a large list of teams still in for Hunter Pence, Ed Wade and the Astros have set the Phillies a Friday deadline to trade for the outfielder.
Jim Bowden is saying that a rumor is floating about that the Astros are asking for Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singleton and Trevor May. That is a hefty asking price, and May would be a huge asking price for a third piece. Its not like a chuck it in third piece to get the deal done. Get those three prospects and they could instantly become the Astros three best prospects. It would be an insane return on Pence.
I'm now reading by rote from Astros County, so make sure you bookmark it over the next day or two and keep refreshing: Jayson Stark says that the Astros want Singleton, Cosart and two more high-end prospects for Pence. I already think the above asking price is too high, but this might be foolishly optimistic for Wade.
Meanwhile the Braves might not be out of it, but they seem to be eyeing up Carlos Quentin and Ryan Ludwick. If the Phillies-Pence talks do not work, the Braves might have a package ready, but don't expect Julio Teheran or Arodys Vizcaino to be moved in any deal.
Also, almost every contending team had scouts to watch Wandy Rodriguez's start last night, where he beat the Cardinals to improve to 7-7, no mean feat on a team as bad as this one. It could be his last start as an Astro, with ex-Chicago White Sox farmhand Lucas Harrell ready at Oklahoma City to slot into the rotation if Wandy is traded (h/t to native_astro).