Happy weekend, folks! Sorry the thread is a little late. Just to follow up from my comment on Friday: I figured pre-season would be a good time to remind everyone that it costs about $500 annually to keep this site running, so any donations are appreciated (you can check the “Support Us” page for details). And thanks for your generosity to all those who have already donated!

Per an article in USA Today…

The Astros, after learning that third baseman Isaac Paredes will be out the rest of the season, made a telephone call that triggered the most stunning trade of the day. They called the Minnesota Twins to tell them they were interested in acquiring shortstop Carlos Correa. The Twins, who are up for sale, listened but had no interest. The Astros told the Twins that they’d help them financially by taking Correa off their hands. The only catch is that they wanted the Twins to pay half of the remaining $103 million he is owed, and asked for an outfielder in return. The Twins hung up the phone, called the proposal laughable and figured that was the end of it.

Owner Jim Crane, knowing the Twins are more than $400 million in debt, took over. He called Twins chairman Joe Pohlad, and let him know that he could take a big financial burden off his hand by moving Correa. In the meantime, Correa went to the front office and informed them that if they are selling, he’d gladly waive his no-trade clause for Houston. Crane and Pohlad talked, and talked, and talked some more. By the end of the day, the Twins agreed to send Correa to Houston, pay $33 million of his remaining contract, and got only minor league lefty Matt Mikulsi in return. The Astros have their third baseman for $70 million through 2028.

The Astros didn’t stop there, with GM Dana Brown grabbing left-handed hitting outfielder Jesus Sanchez from the Miamai Marlins and utility infielder Ramon Urias from the Baltimore Orioles. He nearly traded for Padres starter Dylan Cease until balking at the demand of pitcher Spencer Arrighetti and three prospects.

At the end of the day, no one obtained more talent, and gave up less, than the Astros.

Crazy MLB trade deadline deal (with a minor league kazoo player to be named later).

Whew… the skid has ended.

Everybody was kung-fu fighting…

Jury duty. Woo hoo.

Have you ever asked yourself: What if Bonnie Tyler made power metal?

I like big butts and I cannot lie.