Geoff

Blum

Blum’s last 10 starts have come at second base with Jeff Kent on the DL. When Kent returns, the Astros will have to find a spot for Blum. The most obvious use for him is as a semi-regular floating utility man, which is how the Expos used to use him.

It’s expected that the Padres will sign Eric Young if the Rangers don’t offer him arbitration. If they continue to pursue another utilityman after an E.Y. signing, it would seem to signal that Ramon Vazquez’s days in San Diego are over.

Blum didn’t get into the game and remains day-to-day.

Blum estimates he is at 70 to 75 percent of his full strength.

The Astros were planning to non-tender Blum, so they’d love to get a prospect in return for him. It’s been reported that the Pirates and the Rays are interested in the versatile infielder, although they’d be crazy to go to arbitration with him. The Astros have also received calls about Tim Redding and Jeriome Robertson and might be willing to part with Robertson for a reliever.

Lou Piniella, who is looking for as many right-handed batters to start in today’s contest, will likely play Aubrey Huff at first base.

Blum now qualifies at second, third, short and in the outfield. If he were a better hitter, his versatility may be worth something in fantasy circles.

Blum extended his career-high hitting streak to 16 games, but we have to hope his start is just a reward for his hot play and not a platoon or something permanent manager Jimy Williams is planning. If it is, Morgan Ensberg’s value takes a tumble.

Blum appears to be on his way to finishing with a sub-700 OPS for a fourth straight season, but he definitely has some value in NL-only leagues while Khalil Greene is out. Tonight’s performance raised his average from .246 to .263.

This will give Blum some extra fantasy value in some leagues. Blum is putting together a nice hot streak right now. He went 3-for-5 with a homer and a double tonight.