Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle

Brian McTaggart covers the Houston Astros for the Houston Chronicle. He's actually one of my favorite guys to talk to, no offense to the others I've had a great time talking with, but Brian used to cover the Western Athletic Conference, which is the conference Fresno State currently resides.

Baseball-Rumors: Let's start with the Astros rotation at this point. Assuming Oswalt, Backe, Rodriguez and Woody Williams, who do you see filling the #5 spot in the rotation?

Brian McTaggart: The name I keep hearing to fill that spot is Chris Sampson, who did pretty well in the rotation last year before having arm troubles. Felipe Paulino and Fernando Nieve and perhaps Jack Cassel will also be in the mix.


Baseball-Rumors: Did the Astros give up too many players when they acquired Jose Valverde and Miguel Tejada and if they waited until after the Mitchell Report was released, could they have given up less for Tejada?

Brian McTaggart: Perhaps, but it wouldn't surprise me that despite the Astros' denials they didn't think Tejada would be in the report that they pulled the trigger before the report came out to make it easier to get him. A trade like that after his name came out would hav looked pretty bad.


Baseball-Rumors: How strong of an interest did they have in Mark Prior? From what I've heard out of San Diego, the Astros offered more guaranteed money.

Brian McTaggart: Well, this is over. Based on what Prior got from SD, he must not have much left.


Baseball-Rumors: The Astros signed young right-hander Jack Cassell, what are your thoughts on him and does he have a good shot at being their 5th starter?

Brian McTaggart: I don't know much about him, but he has a shot if he pitches in the spring. Still, I think some others have an inside track on that.


Baseball-Rumors: Are they done dealing at this point or might we see a few final moves prior to pitchers and catchers reporting in February?

Brian McTaggart: I think the Astros are done. Their starting rotation, bench and bullpen are set, and there's no substantial moves they can make on the starting pitching front.