DALLAS -- Astros new president and CEO George Postolos stated Monday that Houston remains "open for business" regarding any potential transaction over the course of the offseason.
With the Astros' top priority revolving around building the farm system through scouting and player development, it comes as little surprise that the organization continues to explore all potential trade scenarios involving high-priced veterans Carlos Lee, Brett Myers and left-hander Wandy Rodriguez.
"We need to focus on moving our system forward as quickly as we can to develop one of the top systems in baseball," Postolos said. "That is really our top objective. We need to improve our young talent. If you're talking about high-priced veterans, we're obviously going to be shifting toward younger talent.
We are looking for opportunities to do that."
According to sources, the Astros are willing to pay half of the salaries for Lee and Myers, if they can move either of them in possible deals.
Lee will make $18.5 million in 2012 in the final season of his six-year, $100 million contract, while Myers is scheduled to earn $11 million.
Myers also has a $3 million buyout on a $10 million club option for 2013.
However, when it comes to Rodriguez, the Astros reportedly won't absorb any of his salary and expect to acquire quality prospects in return.
The standout left-hander is due $23 million over the next two seasons, but his club option for 2014 will turn into a player option, if he's traded.
This may put the acquiring team on the hook for another $13 million.
According to a source, Houston faces a tough challenge in moving any of the three players, mainly due to the financial aspects.
The source further indicated that there isn't a great deal of interest from teams -- at this point --regarding the Astros' veteran trio.
Lee, 35, hit .275 with 18 homers, 94 RBI, 38 doubles and a career-best four triples over 155 games for the Astros last season.
He has recorded at least 80 RBI in all 13 of his big league seasons.
Myers, 31, posted a 7-14 record with a 4.46 ERA and 160 strikeouts over 216 innings in 34 games (33 starts) for the Astros last season.
He's known for being one of the better workhorses in the NL.
Rodriguez, 32, went 11-11 record with a 3.49 ERA and 166 strikeouts over 191 innings in 30 starts for the Astros last season.
"We are open for business," Postolos said. "[Dave] Gottfried is in place as our interim GM. He has the authority to go out there and make moves to improve the Astros. If there is an opportunity to make a deal that sort of fits into our plan, we are absolutely prepared to do it. We are prepared to move forward."
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