Astros hope to make another deal before Deadline

HOUSTON -- After losing out on Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels, who was traded to the Rangers on Wednesday night, the Astros remain hopeful they can make another trade prior to Friday's 3 p.m. CT non-waiver Deadline.

Hamels and the Astros had multiple conversations throughout the day Tuesday, according to a baseball source, but the coveted lefty was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, blocking a deal to Houston. Instead, the Rangers get him for three years in a blockbuster deal.

"I don't have a huge comment on what other teams are doing, but it looks like we'll be facing him, if that's the case," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "We play them next week and a few times down the stretch. That'll be somebody else that's in our way."

The Astros, who last week acquired pitcher Scott Kazmir from the A's, would still like to add another starting pitcher, or perhaps a reliever. Detroit lefty David Price is on the market, and the Astros could turn their attention to trying to land him. Price is a free agent at the end of the season.

The Astros have also discussed Padres pitchers Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner as back-up options if they can't land one of the front-line arms.

The Astros could also land another reliever or a bat prior to Friday, or simply stand pat.

General manager Jeff Luhnow wasn't available to comment on Wednesday, and Hinch -- without mentioning specific names -- said the club takes into account how bringing in any new player will affect the chemistry of a clubhouse that's been rock solid.

"I think you're always concerned about the chemistry and the culture of your own clubhouse," he said. "I think this time of year, that's part of the evaluation and what you talk about when you talk about potential acquisitions, when you talk about potential changes on your team, whether it's coming from the Minor Leagues or coming from a different organization.

"A winning environment absorbs a lot of newness, absorbs a lot of different personalities. We have a really strong bond with our guys that I don't think, when you make an addition like last week with Kazmir, it doesn't disrupt a thing. Any time you change the makeup of your team, an addition means a subtraction in some capacity, but those are difficult conversations."