Astros general manager Tim Purpura said Wednesday the club is inching toward a contract with All-Star third baseman Morgan Ensberg and that a deal could be done in the next few days. "I would hope so, unless something dramatic happens," Purpura said. Purpura and Ensberg's agent, Joe Sambito, had a productive conversation Wednesday. Both sides are hoping to avoid an arbitration hearing set for Feb. 10. Ensberg is asking for $4.2 million, and the Astros have offered $3.4 million. "I'm certainly very hopeful we can get something done," Purpura said. "I'd say we're edging close to (a deal), but nothing is done yet. It will take at least another conversation or two."