A few rumors on the Bud Norris front just came out. Jayson Stark says the Astros seem to be collecting final offers and that the price is still high.
#Astros seem to be collecting final offers on Bud Norris. Price still high. #Orioles still interested. One dark horse could be #SFGiants
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 31, 2013
Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle says that the Pirates are still linked, along with Baltimore and Arizona.
Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Arizona continued to be linked with #Astros' Norris with a fourth team as possible late candidate.
— Chronicle Astros (@ChronAstros) July 31, 2013
However, Jon Heyman says the Pirates don’t seem to be aggressively pursuing Norris.
dbacks, pirates dont seem to be aggressively pursuing norris. chance stros keep him. not big impetus to move — $3M salary
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2013
Yesterday we heard rumors that Norris could be on the move, and that the Pirates could be a landing point. However, every rumor that has come out since the initial report makes it seem like the Pirates have little interest. They shouldn’t have much interest, since starting pitching isn’t a need and the Astros are asking a lot for Norris. I don’t think Norris would be one of the five best starters in the rotation right now. Even if they needed depth, they aren’t short on options, as we saw with Brandon Cumpton last night. There seems to be no reason to make a move for Norris.
UPDATE 12:43 PM: Rob Biertempfel says the Astros would consider lower level prospects for Norris.
I've heard if #Astros are willing to consider bundle of low-level prospects for Norris, #Pirates have interest and ability
— RobBiertempfel (@RobBiertempfel) July 31, 2013
The Pirates have a ton of lower level depth, and a lot of interesting guys. There would probably be some appeal for the Astros. But again, Norris isn’t an upgrade. There’s no need to add him.
UPDATE 2:24 PM: Ken Rosenthal says the Pirates, Orioles, and Diamondbacks have been in touch with the Astros, and talks have accelerated in the last hour.
Finally some movement on Norris: #Pirates, #Orioles, #DBacks in touch with #Astros, talks have accelerated in last hour.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2013
Jayson Stark says there’s a 75% chance Norris could be dealt.
Now hearing chances of Bud Norris getting traded today are up to about 75 percent. But not there yet. Multiple teams still in it.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 31, 2013
UPDATE 3:36 PM: Ken Rosenthal says Norris goes to the Orioles.
Sources: #Orioles agree to acquire Norris from #Astros for Hoes and another piece. Finalizing now.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2013
Some related music to celebrate Norris getting dealt elsewhere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8T095mFdW8
