Sheff to the 'Stros?

From here.

The Yankees are looking for takers for Gary Sheffield, and the Houston Astros are thought to be interested.

A major-league official confirmed the Yankees are trying to trade Sheffield, whose contract includes a $13 million team op tion for 2007. Although Sheffield -- who turns 38 next month and missed most of 2006 with a wrist injury -- would seem unlikely to command $13 million on the free- agent market, his original deal called for $4.5 million of the $13 million to be deferred, making him more affordable (it is unclear if that portion was adjusted when Sheffield got upset about the deferments in spring training 2005).

By trading Sheffield, the Yankees can get something in return rather than just allowing him to become a free agent.

The Yankees would have to have a deal in place by the early- November deadline to pick up the option to avoid an outfield logjam. There seems to be no room for Sheffield, with the late- season and playoff move to first base not very successful and outfielders Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu all under contract.

The Astros could use Shef field's power, if it returns. Despite a close left-field fence at its home park, Houston had just 39 homers against left-handed pitching, the fourth-lowest total in the NL, and Astros cleanup hitters had a .484 slugging percentage, 10th in the league.

Houston may have relief pitching to trade, possibly including embattled closer Brad Lidge, who is eligible for arbitration.

Umm... I wouldn't trade Lidge straight up for Sheffield.  Yes Sheff would be a good addition to the offense(if he stays healthy), but he's getting close to 40 and missed most of last season.  Not real sure how his attitude would gel with the Astros.  If the Astros can't make a deal to get Lee or Soriano(or some other decent bat through free agency) and they could get Sheff without trading away any young talent... then I would be okay with it.  But I still have hope for Lidge... I still have hope for Ensberg...  Trading away our young unproven pitching for a guy who will probably retire soon is not worth it in my opinion.  If I read that correctly, there's a chance that the Yankees will just buy out his contract and make him a free agent...  That seems like the better option to me.  Take a chance by not trading for him and see if you can pick him up through FA.  Of course through FA, he might not want to come to the Astros... but if that's the case, then I don't see why we'd want him here anyways.