While he is interested in re-signing impending free agent Clint Barmes, Astros general manager Ed Wade conceded that the shortstop might be out of the team's price range. "We'd love to have Clint back," Wade said. "It's going to be a case of trying to see whether it fits for us economically as we go forward. It's something that's more apt to be dealt with after the ownership situation is resolved." A Type B free agent, Barmes had a nice year in the field and belted 12 homers over 446 at-bats. But, he's just a .252/.302/.401 hitter in his career, so we can't imagine the 32-year-old will be terribly expensive. The 'Stros might decide they're better off giving Jimmy Paredes a shot, though.

Clint Barmes will be a Type B free agent. In other words, the Astros can score a supplemental-round draft pick in 2012 if he signs elsewhere. Barmes, 32, batted .244/.312/.386 in 123 games this season.

Clint Barmes went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Sunday's win over the Cubs. He drove in a pair of runs with a single in the first and then added another base hit later on. Barmes also notched his third stolen base of the season. Though he sports a sub-par .251/.322/.394 batting line, Barmes has belted 11 homers and graded out very well defensively for the 'Stros this season.

Clint Barmes went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Houston's 5-2 win against the Phillies on Tuesday. He also doubled and scored two runs. Barmes' 11th home run of the season was his seventh since the All-Star break. Batting .252/.326/.399, Barmes has likely bought himself another year in the big leagues. He has multi-hit games in three of his last four contests, raising his average from .243.

Clint Barmes went 2-for-2 with a solo home run in Houston's loss to the Pirates on Wednesday. Barmes' 10th home run of the season was his sixth since the All-Star break. Batting .249/.324/.388, Barmes has likely bought himself another year in the big leagues.

According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, some teams have been told that Clint Barmes is not available. We can't see why that would be the case. Barmes would be an excellent fit for a team like the Brewers, so the Astros would surely change their stance if the right offer comes along. The 32-year-old enters play Friday batting .254/.319/.399 with seven homers and 21 RBI over 297 plate appearances this season and has experience at shortstop, second base and third. He will be a free agent this winter.

Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports that the Brewers have maintained their interest in Astros' infielder Clint Barmes. The Brewers would love to make a big splash with Carlos Beltran, but Barmes is a more realistic target considering the barren state of their farm system. The 32-year-old is batting .250/.317/.385 with six homers and 19 RBI over 260 at-bats this season, but could be an alternative to either Yuniesky Betancourt at shortstop or Casey McGehee at third base. He will be a free agent following the season.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Brewers "have had some internal discussions" about the Astros' Clint Barmes. It, of course, in no way means they are legitimately pursuing him, but it's clear the Brewers are turning over every stone in search of an upgrade at shortstop. Barmes is batting just .250/.320/.383 with five homers over 240 at-bats this season and would be only a minimal upgrade over Yuniesky Betancourt.

Clint Barmes homered and knocked in three runs in a win Tuesday against the Nationals. He was 2-for-4 with two runs scored. It was his fifth homer of the season. Barmes is hitting .250/.320/.383 on the year, certainly not great numbers but an improvement over his usual .300 OBP.