Astros rumors: Bud Norris should bring 'good haul'

The Houston Astros should be able to get "a good haul" between now and the trade deadline for right-handed starting pitcher Bud Norris, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Cafardo notes that one unnamed National League adviser told him that the Texas Rangers -- who Norris defeated on MLB's opening night -- might ultimately "be his landing point."

Lackey re-injures arm

The right-hander failed to make it through his first start back from Tommy John without injuring himself again.

The Astros aren't likely to seriously entertain offers on Norris until closer to the trade deadline. While Houston has indicated they could hang onto Norris and continue to build a starting rotation around him, many expect them to eventually unload the 28-year-old to help expedite the rebuilding process.

Last season, Norris maintained an ERA of 4.65 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio (SO/BB) of 2.50 over 29 starts spanning 168 1/3 innings. He owns a career ERA of 4.40 with 2.32 SO/BB over four seasons in the majors.

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Over the past two seasons, the Astros have traded away multiple veteran players -- including J.A. Happ, Jed Lowrie, Carlos Lee, Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Mark Melancon -- in exchange for prospects to infuse their system with young talent.