Bud Norris rumors: Astros RHP wants to play for the Giants

Most MLB players are typically pretty mum when it comes to trade rumors and where they may end up in a deal. Some players have limited no-trade clauses that offer a hint as to where they don’t want to play, but it is extremely rare for a player to make his relocation desires known while still under the employ of another club.

“It gives you goose bumps when you think about it,” Norris said...

“If it were to happen, it would be a dream come true for me to play for my childhood team. ... San Francisco is a lovely place, and I still call it home.”

Norris added that ultimately he’s happy pitching for anyone, but it is evident that the Giants at the top of his list. The 28-year-old right-hander -- now in his fourth season with the Astros -- is still under team control for two more seasons, so there is no guarantee that Houston will move him at the trade deadline. He is off to a career-best start this year, however, and will be owed just $1 million after July 31, so he could be at the height of his trade value.

There is no indication that the Giants have any interest in Norris at the moment, but it’s not hard to see how a deal could happen. The right-hander would immediately fill the void left by Ryan Vogelsong’s season-ending injury, and he could prove a more long-term solution with the potential departures of Tim Lincecum and Barry Zito in the fall.

Norris owns a 3.64 ERA in 89 innings over 15 starts so far this season. While his strikeout numbers have dipped by more than two batters per nine, the right-hander has been able to limit damage by lowering his walk and home-run rates.

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