Purpura's Quest to Destroy Franchise Continues, Takes on Nostalgic Twist

Astonishing. Impossible. Deranged. Those are several adjectives that leap to mind after reading Jose de Jesus Ortiz's latest filing with the Chronicle. I will grant you that a minor league invite, as the article suggests was offered, is not a big deal. Obviously, this is a low risk decision, unlike the $40M+ contract that the Astros inked Hidalgo to after the 2000 season. Hidalgo's last major-league season was 2005 with the Mets, where he batted .221 with a .289 OBP and 16 HR in 308 ABs. Last season, Hidalgo posted a .173 average (.489 OPS) in 110 at-bats with the Rookie League Gulf Coast Nationals. Yes, Rookie League.

Nothing against Richard, and God himself knows that the Astros need help in the OF. It just seems like a GM whose team has automatic outs at SS and C and three pitchers in its starting rotation could be acting more productively than negotiating with Richard Freaking Hidalgo's agent! Like for instance, bringing Chris Holt in for a tryout or signing Mitch Meluskey to back up Ausmus.