Astros' trade deadline plan revealed with .664 OPS problem

With the trade deadline less than one week away, the Houston Astros plan to be buyers. ESPN's Alden Gonzalez wrote Tuesday that the Astros' general manager, Dana Brown, is not prepared to trade for an impending free agent, however. Their biggest need is in the outfield. "The Astros began the week with a combined .664 OPS from their outfielders, the worst mark in the majors," Gonzalez wrote.Houston has received underwhelming seasons from a few of its outfielders, including right fielder Cam Smith. Smith's 13 home runs rank fourth on the club, but his .648 OPS leaves much to be desired. "Astros GM Dana Brown is on the record saying he expects to be a buyer leading up to the trade deadline, and a source said that will be the case so long as the team remains within striking distance of a playo