Raul

Chavez

''I’m kind of gravitating toward catching Chavez 40 percent of the time and Brad (Ausmus) 60 percent of the time,’' manager Phil Garner said. It looks like Chavez will be catching two starters each week, meaning he could have some value in NL leagues, while Ausmus’ value takes a bit of a hit.

Manager Jimy Williams is trying to find a way to get Chavez, who came up as a shortstop, some at-bats. He has no value.

What a waste of a roster spot this would be. Chavez would only be kept because he’s out of options, and the Astros are concerned about losing him even though he’s a 30-year-old career minor leaguer. If the Astros keep Chavez, then both Morgan Ensberg and Adam Everett would probably be sent down.

Chavez had the option of declaring himself a free agent after the Astros designated him for assignment.

He has until Saturday to make up his mind. If Chavez becomes a free agent, he’ll likely sign a minor league contract with the Royals.

Brad Ausmus will remain the personal catcher for Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, but has been terrible offensively with a 596 OPS. Thing is, Chavez is actually worse at 522. Makes you wonder if the Astros will look back at giving up John Buck as being the biggest mistake of the season.

They would like to have an extra catcher, and with only 39 names on their 40-man roster, they can add Chavez without losing anyone.

Chavez was hanging around as an emergency catcher for the rare instances where the club needed to pinch-run for Ramon Hernandez. With Javy Lopez around and healthy, the Orioles decided the roster spot would be better utilized with a 13th pitcher.

Chavez hasn’t gotten an at-bat since May 4 as the team becomes more comfortable using Javy Lopez as Ramon Hernandez’s backup.

Chavez entered the game with a 487 OPS and he doesn’t have a home run in 154 at-bats, but he has managed to drive in 22 runs. Brad Ausmus has 31 RBI in 393 at-bats.