Astros apparently out on Abreu

Welp.

Jose Abreu finalizing terms on six-year, $68M deal. Club expected to be #WhiteSox. Deal will be largest first-time contract for int’l player
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 18, 2013

We'll have more on this tomorrow morning. Obviously there are some unknowns here, but the fact that the Astros were at least in the conversation makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and at least - for now - willing to forget the last 15 games of the 2013 season.

UPDATE: Cancel that bullcrap. From T.R. Sullivan:
The Rangers are definitely making a push for Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu. The are indications that Abreu is close to a decision and the Rangers could end up getting him. The White Sox are also hot after him but one source familiar with the negotiations said the Rangers are expected to land him.

So, if this happens, screw that warm and fuzzy crap. Astros need to go nuclear on this, and if it doesn't include Jim Crane photoshopping a Samsonite full of unmarked bills over his crotch to Tom Hicks whomever owns the Rangers and signing Abreu, then F this offseason already. 

Sigh.

Astros also are out on Abreu. Other reports indicate Red Sox out. One source suggested there could be last-right-of-refusal mystery team.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 18, 2013