So the big remaining question in the Lance Berkman deal is what the Astros will be getting in return from New York. Ken Davidoff has an idea:
#Astros indeed expected to get non-prospect minor-leaguer(s) and payroll relief from #Yankees in return for Berkman.
Berkman is due several million dollars over the rest of the season and has a $2m buyout for his 2011 option, so it would appear that the Yankees are covering his cost. As such, what the Astros are getting is salary relief and some as-yet unnamed minor leaguers of little standing. As an Astros fan, it would be hard to get real excited about this deal. Salary dumps are never a thrill.