Posted by Enrique Rojas
Closer
Jose Valverde is not available as trade bait, according to Astros GM Ed Wade.
"Basically, I don't like to talk publicly about potential trades, but I can assure that Valverde is not being traded," Wade said Monday in Las Vegas.
Valverde, 28, led the NL in saves with 44 in 2008 and had 47 in '07. Valverde is set to become a free agent after the upcoming season.
According to insiders, Houston was considering trading Valverde,
Miguel Tejada or
Ty Wigginton to cut its payroll.
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