"Brett Myers and J.J. Putz, two pitchers who had their 2009 seasons cut short because of injuries, are among the players the Astros have interest in adding to their bullpen, according to reports by ESPN.com.

Astros general manager Ed Wade said Wednesday the club has reached out to dozens of free agents as part of its preparations for next week's Winter Meetings in Indianapolis.

"We've made contact with agents for about every player out there as a matter of course," Wade said. "I would not read anymore into it than that. If there's an opportunity for us to do something from a pitching standpoint, it behooves us to make contact. That's all that's taken place."

Craig Landis, the agent for both Myers and Putz, didn't immediately return an e-mail seeking comment.

The Astros could lose closer Jose Valverde and setup man LaTroy Hawkins to free agency, leaving two big holes in the back of the bullpen. They offered arbitration to Valverde, who made $8 million last season, but didn't offer it to Hawkins, who received a contract offer from the Astros weeks ago. "