Analyzing the components of Tuesday's trade that sent Pedro Astacio to Houston:

To the Astros:

Pedro Astacio, RHP
Pedro Astacio(Allsport)	What's to gain: One of the National League's best strikeout artists and a 31-year-old veteran for Houston's young rotation. Astacio aggressively works his low-90s fastball when he's on, setting up a big curveball and change. He's a fast worker who goes deep into games -- 14 complete efforts the last 2+ seasons -- and tends to win in bunches.
	What's to lose: Astacio isn't a great control pitcher, as he annually ranks among the leaders in hit batsmen and home runs allowed. That won't improve from Coors Field to Enron Field. Left-handers have pounded him the last three years. He's as inconsistent as they come.
	What's his role: Astacio fits in nicely in the No. 3 or 4 slot after Wade Miller, Shane Reynolds and possibly Roy Oswalt. Dave Mlicki or Tim Redding is out as a starter.

To the Rockies:

Scott Elarton, RHP
Scott Elarton(Allsport)	What's to gain: A future top starter with a big fastball to go with his 6-foot-7 frame. The 25-year-old won 17 games last year with similar stuff as Astacio -- the heater, a sharp curve and changeup. He's an intelligent pitcher with refined stuff for his age.
	What's to lose: Elarton's season has been a disaster between too many Enron Field gopher balls and way too much work. He went at least 110 pitches in seven out of 10 starts at one point this year, with six straight starts of at least 112 pitches last season. No surprise he's on the DL with biceps tendinitis. He had shoulder surgery after the 1999 season.
	What's his role: Elarton's close to returning, but the Rockies will likely take it easy with him this year since they have other starters. He's a Colorado native, so that's a plus.