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Astros Rumors: Jed Lowrie, Chris Johnson and Jose Altuve

By Blaine Blontz
Jun 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie (4) throws to first during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE
Jun 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie (4) throws to first during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

The Houston Astros are willing to listen to trade offers on "virtually all of their players," reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. While veteran players such as Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez and Carlos Lee were expected to be available this summer, Rosenthal adds that younger Astros such as Jed Lowrie, Chris Johnson and Jose Altuve are also in play.

Earlier this month, Rosenthal said the Astros best shot at acquiring a big return this summer would be to trade one of their younger players. Rosenthal used Jose Altuve as his example, but Jed Lowrie and Chris Johnson are younger options that also figure to appeal to teams.

Acquired from the Boston Red Sox this offseason in the Mark Melancon trade, Lowrie has been solid for the Astros in 2012. On the season, the 28-year-old shortstop has hit at a clip of .272/.351/.507 with 13 home runs, 12 doubles and 30 RBIs.

Altuve has launched himself onto the MLB scene this season, as the 22-year-old second baseman has maintained a line of .217/.359/.462 with 26 extra-base hits, 43 runs scored and 12 stolen bases over his 262 at-bats.

Johnson has been the Astros primary third baseman since the 2010 season. After a promising rookie campaign, Johnson struggled to the tune of a .670 OPS last year. The 27-year-old has been better this season, posting an OPS of .719 with 19 extra-base hits and 27 RBIs over his 223 at-bats.

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