Good work by SB Nation Houston, picking up Toronto Sun columnist Bob Elliott's tweet about the Astros' interest in LHP David Purcey, who was DFA'ed earlier this week.
It's quite direct:
Houston Astros interested in LHP David Purcey.
As SBN Houston notes, that left-handed reliever spot is currently held by Fernando Abad, but the routine duck-buttering of games by Aneury Rodriguez hasn't exactly inspired confidence in limited roles.
The Jays Journal blog discussed it, and linked to an MLB.com article quoting GM Alex Anthopolous, on Purcey:
With respect to David, the last few outings in the spring weren’t great, the three outings here. That’s always been the issue with him. He has always had a tremendous arm, great teammate, and the issue has always been command and the ability to throw strikes.”
Purcey has always been with the Blue Jays organization, and his first two seasons with the big league club would have overlapped with Brad Arnsberg. So maybe the Astros are looking at Purcey as another reclamation project.
What would the Blue Jays want in return? Again we turn to Jays Journal:
As for needs, the Blue Jays have little in the way of pressing needs. If anything, they may want to acquire someone who can man both 2B and SS since both Aaron Hilland Yunel Escobar could wind up on the DL at some point in time.
I think, I think, the Astros have some middle infielders they could send to Toronto. If Wade could move Clint Barmes for Purcey, I would give him a hug.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
