The Astros & a Power Bat

Ike Davis (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

The Houston Astros are looking for a power bat this winter. First base and the outfield are the areas of upgrade. That much is not a secret.

When Jeff Luhnow is considering possible targets, there are two likely characteristics that I am sure stand out; youth and power. With that as a rough description, two available targets quickly come to mind; Ike Davis and Mark Trumbo.

While both are young power hitters, that is where the parallels end. The New York Mets are shopping Davis because he is coming off of a down season after hitting 32 home runs in 2012 because he is need of a change of scenery and the Mets have a log jam at first base.

The left handed power hitter still is young, has lots of potential, and is a perfect buy low candidate depending on the price. Plus he does have a track record of having produced at the major league level. However, at this point Evan Drellich is reporting that there does not appear to be a match between the two teams. Of course the rumor mill is just begging to churn, so it is possible that this changes.

With regards to Trumbo, the Astros have more competition both from other teams and the Angels themselves. The Angels need pitching, and they would prefer to trade just about anyone else, but their power hitting outfielder is the one that is drawing the most interest, as Jon Heyman reports. I can see the Trumbo rumors carrying on at least through the Winter Meetings in December.

The 24-year old who hit 34 home runs last season, is the best power hitter available. However, the issue is that the Astros cannot get into an issue here where they overpay. Although he would like nice in the outfield and the middle of the order.