Houston Astros News

Texas Sports Hall of Fame inducts 10
Comment
February 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Oilers founder Bud Adams, former Rice quarterback Tommy Kramer and former Astros pitching coach Burt Hooton were among the Class of 2010 that was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame on Monday. The Hall of Fame used its annual induction banquet to show off its new wing — doubling the size of the museum — dedicated to the Southwest Conference. "When I got the call telling me I'd been voted in, I knew then it was an honor," said Berkman, who grew up in Waco. "But when I got here and started looking around, I thought, 'Wow.' It really started to sink in what an honor it is. "The SWC expansion is awesome. I played for two years at Rice, and when the ..."
Backe, two others plead no contest
Comment
February 7
Houston Chronicle
 
"Former Astros pitcher Brandon Backe and two others accused in a fight with police that broke out at a post-wedding party in 2008 have pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of interfering with a police officer and failing to appear in court. The Galveston County Daily News reports that Backe, Christopher Cornwell and Calvin Silva weren't present in Galveston Municipal Court Friday but entered pleas through their attorneys, Bob Moen and Kyle Dickson."
Astros sign five players to one-year deals
Comment
February 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"Continuing to tie loose ends ahead of spring training, the Astros signed righthander Alberto Arias and four others to split contracts Tuesday. Arias, who went 2-1 with a 3.35 ERA in 42 relief appearances for the Astros in 2009, signed a one-year deal with the corresponding major league value of $415,500. Righthander Sammy Gervacio ($402,500), lefthander Polin Trinidad ($400,000) and outfielders Brian Bogusevic ($400,000) and Yordany Ramirez ($400,000) were also signed to one-year deals. With split contracts, players are paid their major-league salary as long as they are on the team's roster. They are paid a lower salary for time spent in the minors."
Phillies to observe workout of former Giants lefty Lowry
Comment
February 2
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed that the Phillies plan to watch Noah Lowry, who hasn't pitched since 2007 because of a series of arm injuries, when he auditions for scouts in Arizona. That was supposed to happen today, but the session was postponed to give the 29-year-old lefthander more time to prepare. The Phillies general manager last night characterized the team's interest as "moderate." The Astros, Mets, Rangers and Red Sox also are reportedly interested. About half the teams are expected to be represented when he has his open bullpen session. Lowry's agent, Damon Lapa, told the Associated Press that the former Giants No. 1 draft choice hasn't had a setback, but decided it would be to his ..."
All quiet on Astros sale front, McLane says
Comment
February 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"The exclusive negotiating window has closed for a group of investors seeking to buy the Astros, with team owner Drayton McLane receiving nary an offer. "This group was granted an exclusive negotiating window, which expired (Sunday)," McLane said Monday in a release. "However, nothing materialized." McLane gave the group, headed by New York investment firm Great Court Capital, 30 days to come up with the asking price, believed to be upward of $650 million. The group includes former International Baseball Federation president Harvey Schiller and businessman Neil Leibman, chairman and CEO of Houston-based Aspen Pipeline LP. Joe Favorito, a spokesman for the group, told the Chronicle the group ..."
Rodriguez, Astros to head to arbitration
Comment
January 26
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros and pitcher Wandy Rodriguez are headed to salary arbitration after failing to strike a deal by Monday's team-imposed deadline. "We couldn't come to an agreement," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "I think both sides gave it their best effort, but we just couldn't find common ground." Player and team stood $2 million apart after exchanging salary figures last week, with the lefthander asking for $7 million for one year and the Astros offering $5 million. Shortly after the exchange, the Astros set a deadline for unsigned arbitration-eligible players to agree to terms or face going to a hearing. Pitcher Tim Byrdak agreed to terms Sunday, a day after right fielder Hunter Pence ..."
Mills a hit as people person
Comment
January 25
Houston Chronicle
 
"It was when TV cameras and microphones had been turned off and still cameras had ceased flashing that new Astros manager Brad Mills was at his best. Paying a visit to the Brookwood Community — a remarkable place in Brookshire serving functionally disabled adults — as part of the 2010 Astros Caravan earlier this week, Mills made the rounds through the arts and crafts workshops at the sprawling campus west of Houston. Accompanied by pitcher Brian Moehler and Astros front-office personnel, Mills did more than just sign autographs, shake hands and pose for pictures. He took the time to engage folks. He listened attentively as they explained their artistic creation. He offered encouragement. ..."
Astros get Byrdak in fold by deadline
Comment
January 25
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros are one deal away from avoiding arbitration for a second consecutive year after lefthander Tim Byrdak agreed to a one-year, $1.6 million contract late Sunday. In signing Byrdak, 35, the Astros are left with pitcher Wandy Rodriguez as the lone arbitration-eligible player yet to agree to terms this offseason. Friday, the team issued agents for Byrdak, Rodriguez and outfielder Hunter Pence, the three remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players at the time, a Monday deadline to strike deals or face arbitration hearings. Pence agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal Saturday. The Astros and Rodriguez, 31, stood $2 million apart after exchanging salary figures this past week, with ..."
Pence signs on for $3.5 million
Comment
January 24
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros have avoided arbitration with another key player, signing All-Star outfielder Hunter Pence to a one-year, $3.5 million deal Saturday. The deal provides Pence with a raise of nearly $3.1 million from last year's salary. The Astros have great expectations for Pence. "I really think Hunter's about to step off into a very significant portion of his career at this point in time," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "I think he's going to take on a great leadership role on the club, and from a talent standpoint, I think he's going to get better." Pence entered the weekend as one of the club's three remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players, the others being lefthanders Wandy ..."
Astros set deadline to make deals with three players
Comment
January 23
Houston Chronicle
 
"While hopeful they won't need to head to arbitration, the Astros are taking no chances. The team has given the agents of their three remaining arbitration-eligible players until the close of business Monday to agree to deals or face going to hearings. "We feel that if we establish a deadline that's fair to both sides, it gives us ample time to get a negotiated settlement done," Astros general Ed Wade said Friday. "And yet it leaves us the appropriate amount of time to prepare a case in case we go to a hearing." The Astros remain in negotiations with lefthander Wandy Rodriguez, right fielder Hunter Pence and lefthander Tim Byrdak. Players and team exchanged salary figures Tuesday. The ..."
Group nears deadline to reach the asking price for Houston Astros
Comment
January 22
Houston Chronicle
 
"As the month winds down, Astros owner Drayton McLane has yet to hear from the group of investors that has declared interest in buying the team. "There's absolutely no communications," McLane said Thursday. "I don't see anything happening." McLane has granted exclusive negotiating rights to purchase the Astros to a group being assembled by New York-based investment firm Great Court Capital and that includes former United States Olympic Committee chief Harvey Schiller. McLane, 73, gave the group until Jan. 31 to come up with the asking price — believed to be around $650 million — so time is running out for the potential buyers to put together a deal. "They really have not gotten back to me," ..."
Rodriguez's pitching can speak for itself: Astros honoree keeps his speech short and sweet
Comment
January 22
Houston Chronicle
 
"Wandy Rodriguez was a man of few words at Thursday night's Houston Baseball Dinner. Upon being presented with the Astros Pitcher of the Year award, the lefthander kept his acceptance speech to a minimum. "I'm very happy," Rodriguez said. "Thank you." With that, he stepped away from the microphone to a loud ovation. These days, Rodriguez is doing his talking on the mound. And turning heads in the process. He is coming off a career year that saw him go 14-12 with a 3.02 ERA in 205 2/3 innings. And he's looking to keep the good vibes going in 2010. "I'm working very hard, preparing well for the upcoming season," Rodriguez said after the dinner. "I feel great so far." Rodriguez was among ..."
Oswalt feels he'll bounce back
Comment
January 21
MLB.com
 
"Roy Oswalt is feeling just fine, thank you, so quit worrying about him. At least, that's the message Oswalt had for those who are wringing their hands about the back condition that has bothered the ace right-hander the previous three seasons, forcing him to miss the final two weeks of last season. Oswalt would have pitched through the back trouble had the Astros been in a pennant race, but with 181 1/3 innings and 30 starts under his belt, the club wisely decided to shut him down. A specialist recommended Oswalt cut back on his running and do more core-strengthening exercises to get prepared for 2010, and the new regimen has worked. He's working out once in the morning and the afternoon ..."
Astros sign Sullivan as backup outfielder
Comment
January 21
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros appear to have found the backup lefthanded bat in the outfield they were looking for. The team signed Cory Sullivan to a minor league contract on Wednesday. The deal comes with an invitation to spring training. Sullivan, 30, hit .250 with two home runs and 15 RBIs in 64 games with the New York Mets last season. The team also announced that outfielder Jason Bourgeois cleared waivers and has accepted an assignment to Class AAA Round Rock. Bourgeois was designated for assignment Jan. 13. He also has been invited to spring training. The Astros have invited 16 non-roster players to spring training. Tonight, center fielder Michael Bourn will be honored as the Astros' MVP at the 25th ..."
Astros agree to deals with three players
Comment
January 20
Houston Chronicle
 
"On a day they signed one-year deals with three more arbitration-eligible players, including Gold Glove center fielder Michael Bourn, the Astros acknowledged they have their work cut out with the three who remain. Especially lefthander Wandy Rodriguez. With teams and players exchanging salary figures Tuesday as part of arbitration protocol, the Astros found their offer of $5 million to Rodriguez $2 million short of what the lefthander is seeking, according to numbers released by the team. "The spread is substantial (in Rodriguez's case)," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "Reaching settlements with all three remaining arbitration-eligible players will continue to be our goal." However it ..."
A month before spring training, Astros carry hope
Comment
January 19
Houston Chronicle
 
"If everything goes as planned, the Astros should be an improved ballclub in 2010 thanks to defense and pitching. Not to mention new management under Brad Mills. With pitchers and catchers due to report for duty in a month, the Astros are approaching spring training with optimism and a hint of caution. "I think we're going to be solid," general manager Ed Wade said. Having lost closer Jose Valverde to free agency, the Astros entered last month's winter meetings in need of bullpen help. They also sought a third baseman with proven power to help compensate for the departure of Miguel Tejada. A quality starting pitcher was also a must, even if that meant having to convince team owner Drayton ..."
Astros sign pair with 6 more to go
Comment
January 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"Infielder Jeff Keppinger and righthander Chris Sampson agreed to terms on one-year contracts with the Astros on Friday. The deals save the Astros from going to arbitration with either player, with Friday being the deadline for players to file. Keppinger's deal is worth $1.15 million and Sampson's $815,000 plus bonuses, the team said. "Getting Chris and Jeff done today is a step in the right direction." Astros general manager Ed Wade said. The Astros have six arbitration-eligible players left: OF Michael Bourn, LHP Tim Byrdak, RHP Matt Lindstrom, OF Hunter Pence, C Humberto Quintero and LHP Wandy Rodriguez. Under the arbitration process, parties can exchange figures Tuesday, and hearings ..."
Astros prospect OK after Haiti earthquake
Comment
January 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"As Major League Baseball pledged $1 million for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, the Astros were happy to learn Thursday lefthanded pitching prospect Dieudone Paul, the only Haiti native in the team's Dominican Republic academy, was never in harm's way. Paul, 22, resides in the Dominican Republic and was there when a 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked neighboring Haiti, the Astros said. Astros assistant GM Ricky Bennett, who also oversees player development, said Paul has been in contact with the academy. Bennett said Paul indicated he had talked to his family in Haiti, which was unharmed after the quake rocked Port-au-Prince, leaving estimates of up to 50,000 dead and the captial city in ..."
Loss of Valverde has silver lining: Astros gain two draft picks as Tigers sign free-agent closer
Comment
January 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"At least from a player development standpoint, the inescapable departure of free-agent closer Jose Valverde isn't hurting the Astros so badly after all. Because of Valverde's status as a Type A free agent, when he signed with Detroit on Thursday, the Astros landed two draft picks to givethem three of the top 36 selections in June's draft. Valverde, who declined arbitration from the Astros last month, reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $14 million that also includes a $9 million club option for a third year. If there is an upside for the Astros to losing one of the best closers in baseball to free agency, it is that the move comes with a chance to boost their minor league system. "It ..."
New manager says possible sale of Astros won't affect approach
Comment
January 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"New Astros manager Brad Mills is too excited about the upcoming season to worry about recent reports that have team owner Drayton McLane considering selling the team. "News like this, it's not going to — and it shouldn't — affect us in getting ready for the season," Mills said Thursday. "It's something we have no control over." And Mills, who is set to conduct his first spring training as a manager when the Astros open camp next month in Kissimmee, Fla., is not anticipating the news of a potential sale having any effect on his players' mindsets or preparation, either. "It doesn't matter who is owning the club or whatever," said Mills, who will be arriving in Houston over the weekend for a ..."
Myers Wants To 'Stick It' To Phillies
Comment
January 14
Wilmington News Journal
 
"During his introductory news conference in Houston, Brett Myers said he wants to "stick it" to the Phillies each time he faces them. Good to see Brett hasn't changed. Myers, the Phillies' first-round draft pick in 1999, said he never wanted to leave the only team he had ever known, and Jamie Moyer didn't have to undergo three offseason surgeries for everyone to realize how much the Phillies could use a pitcher like Myers (AP photo) in their depth-challenged rotation. He's only 29, and at an annual salary of $3.1 million (with an $8 million option or a $2 million buyout in 2011), he likely would've fit within the Phillies' projected $140 million payroll structure. So, what caused the ..."
Moving Astros would be costly to future owner
Comment
January 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"Any out-of-town investor wanting to purchase the Astros and relocate them better think twice. In moving to Minute Maid Park in 2000, the Astros, under current ownership, signed a 30-year lease agreement and a non-relocation agreement with the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, the entity that owns the 41,000-seat stadium. While neither agreement would prevent potential new Astros ownership from moving the franchise, it would make it extremely expensive for it to do so."
McLane may have trouble getting desired sum for Astros
Comment
January 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"They say numbers don't lie. If that's the case, there might be more than just some truth to Astros owner Drayton McLane's assertion that his team is not for sale — even as he's willing to entertain offers. That's because McLane's asking price, believed to be around $650 million, might make it difficult for him to find a buyer. McLane has granted exclusive negotiating rights to purchase the team to a group led by the investment firm Great Court Capital of New York. The group also includes former United States Olympic Committee chief Harvey Schiller, who on Tuesday declined to elaborate on reports that he is interested in purchasing the Astros. "It's really inappropriate to make any comment ..."
Astros finalize deal with pitcher Myers
Comment
January 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"In an effort to bolster their starting rotation, the Astros officially welcomed former Philadelphia righthander Brett Myers to the club on Tuesday. Myers, who has a 73-63 career record and 4.40 ERA in seven-plus season agreed to a one-year contract that will pay him a guaranteed $5.1 million ($3.1 million in 2010) and includes a mutual option for 2011. The 29-year-old will be paid $8 million in 2011 if he and the Astros exercise the option or will receive a $2 million buyout if the option is declined. "Hopefully I'll bring a lot of innings for one, and a lot of heart for two," said Myers, who was 4-3 with a 4.84 ERA in 18 appearances (10 starts) for the Phillies in 2009. "I enjoy pitching ..."
Berkman, Mills say McGwire's confession helps
Comment
January 12
Houston Chronicle
 
"Astros first baseman Lance Berkman said Monday he is not surprised at former slugger Mark McGwire's admission that he used steroids when he broke baseball's home run record in 1998. "That doesn't surprise me," Berkman said. "I don't think it will surprise anybody. I think everybody knew that. I think it's good that he came out and admitted it. It's good for him and good for the sport. It hopefully will help us get over this steroid mess." McGwire, who retired in 2001, became the second baseball star in less than a year to admit to using illegal steroids, after the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez in February. The Yankees' Andy Pettitte admitted to using human growth hormone to recover from ..."
Drayton understands ownership
Comment
January 12
Houston Chronicle
 
"Drayton McLane twice used the phrase "sacred trust" when we spoke Monday night. He was talking about the bond that develops between a city and the owner of a pro sports franchise. He once had trouble comprehending the depth of the passion of this relationship. Through the years, McLane has gotten it. As the man in charge of the Astros, he has been praised more effusively, criticized more harshly, than in all of his other business holdings combined. He has led the Astros through their best times — a nine-year stretch in which they went to the playoffs six times and were in contention until the final days of the season two other times. Few other baseball franchises were more successful ..."
McLane: Deal to sell Astros not imminent
Comment
January 12
Houston Chronicle
 
"Astros owner Drayton McLane has granted exclusive negotiating rights to purchase the team to a group that includes former United States Olympic Committee chief Harvey Schiller and an unidentified New York investment banker. However, McLane on Monday said no deal is close. He granted the group negotiating rights through the end of January. "They asked, if they could put together a group for the right price, would I listen? I told them sure," McLane said. "They asked if they could have exclusive negotiating rights until the end of January. I said sure. I haven't heard one word from them since then. "If they had a hot prospect, I would assume I would have heard something by now. I don't ..."
Suddenly, the Astros may have significantly upgraded their rotation
Comment
January 9
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"The Astros opened last season with a rotation of Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez, Mike Hampton, Russ Ortiz and Brian Moehler. If things go according to plan, they'll open this season with Oswalt, Rodriguez, Brett Myers, Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino. Isn't it funny the difference one potential signing can make? Ed Wade's addition of Myers could be significant. First, he must pass a physical. He was healthy at the end of last season and is only 29 years. He has had some issues in his career, but has the stuff to be a No. 2 or No. 3 starter."
It's January, but Astros show promise
Comment
January 9
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for some words of optimism about the 2010 Astros. Why not see the glass as half full? For one day? Pretty please? I promise not to let it happen again. OK, here goes. Let's begin with the rotation. It's better, possibly dramatically better, and isn't that where everything begins? The Astros opened the 2009 season with Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez, Mike Hampton, Russ Ortiz and Brian Moehler. This season, it could be Oswalt, Rodriguez and three new faces—Brett Myers, Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino. That's four power arms and one of baseball's best lefthanders. Isn't it funny how one signing can change a team's look so dramatically? Myers agreed ..."
Astros reach deal with Myers: Right-hander ready to join rotation, pending a physical
Comment
January 9
MLB.com
 
"The Astros made a surprise move to upgrade their starting pitching rotation, agreeing to a contract with right-hander Brett Myers, who started at least 30 games in all but one season for the Phillies from 2003-08. Myers was 73-63 with a 4.40 ERA and 21 saves in eight years with Philadelphia. He went 4-3 with a 4.84 ERA in 18 games last year, including 10 starts, but missed most of the season after undergoing hip surgery. The deal won't be announced until Myers completes a physical. Astros general manager Ed Wade wouldn't comment on Myers, but sources told MLB.com the two sides had reached a one-year deal for $5 million with an option for 2011. The Astros were believed to have been done ..."
Myers, Astros OK contract: Veteran righthander adds element of competition to rotation
Comment
January 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros' rotation looks to get a big boost with the team agreeing to terms with free-agent righthander Brett Myers, pending a physical. Myers, 29, comes to the Astros from Philadelphia, where he went 73-63 with a 4.40 ERA in eight years. Astros general manager Ed Wade, then with Philadelphia, drafted Myers in 1999. As a matter of team policy, the Astros do not discuss pending deals, and Wade had no comment Friday. The Associated Press, quoting a person on condition of anonymity, put the one-year deal at $5 million. Myers made $12.1 million in 2009. Myers was 4-3 with a 4.84 ERA in 18 games (10 starts) last season, when he was sidelined for a significant stretch after hip surgery. His ..."
Astros decide to pass on Chapman
Comment
January 6
MLB.com
 
"Astros general manager Ed Wade got an up-close look at Cuban phenom Aroldis Chapman during a private workout in Houston on Dec. 15 that was arranged by his agents and came away impressed -- just not enough to make a run for the left-hander. Not surprisingly, Wade said the Astros won't bid to try to sign Chapman, who has been reported to have received offers from the Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox for as much as $15.5 million. The uncertainty surrounding Chapman and his price tag are too much for many teams to make a commitment, including the Astros. "In all candor, I don't see us a player in that market at this point," Wade said. "The economics are going to run ..."
Cards interested in Miguel Tejeda
Comment
January 6
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 (scroll down)
"The Cardinals could wait on the market to offer other options. The club has been intrigued with free-agent infielder Miguel Tejada, a former MVP and a shortstop who had 199 hits last season for the Houston Astros. The Cardinals' interest is predicated on Tejada's willingness to move to third base and the possibility of fitting him in on a short-term deal. Members of the Cardinals' leadership have eyed Tejada as a trade target in recent seasons, and manager Tony La Russa recently stated publicly that the club has "talked about Miguel." The same considerations would be in place for Felipe Lopez, a former Cardinal who could be a fit as a part-time third baseman and a switch-hitter off the ..."
The best team realistic money can buy, all for $80 million
Comment
January 2
USA Today
 columnist Paul White
"This team building is getting expensive.We've managed to assemble a formidable roster for Team 2009, USA TODAY Sports Weekly's annual exercise of creating a 25-man roster of the best players in their actual roles. But sticking to a realistic and responsible payroll was more difficult than it has been in several years. This is not an All-Star team, but a selection by USA TODAY baseball editors and reporters of a realistic roster, including 2009's best No. 1 starting pitcher, No. 2 starter, No. 3 starter, etc.; a bullpen with each role covered; a starting lineup; and a complete bench. Then, we pick a manger, hitting coach and pitching coach. To keep our choices as realistic as possible, we ..."
Case not closed on Valverde's landing spot
Comment
December 22
MLB.com
 
"It seems to happen every year: Veteran player coming off a solid season declines his club's offer of arbitration with visions of multiyear offers dancing in his head, only to be disappointed when the hoped for present isn't under the tree. Last year, Jon Garland declined arbitration from the Angels -- and a likely $12 million, one-year contract for 2009 it would have netted -- and ended up settling for a one-year, $6.25 million contract (with a $10 million club option) with Arizona. He was traded to the Dodgers, who declined his option, and he is a free agent once again, still searching for a multiyear offer. The year before that, it was Boston catcher Jason Varitek turning down ..."
Case not closed on Valverde's landing spot
Comment
December 22
MLB.com
 
"It seems to happen every year: Veteran player coming off a solid season declines his club's offer of arbitration with visions of multiyear offers dancing in his head, only to be disappointed when the hoped for present isn't under the tree. Last year, Jon Garland declined arbitration from the Angels -- and a likely $12 million, one-year contract for 2009 it would have netted -- and ended up settling for a one-year, $6.25 million contract (with a $10 million club option) with Arizona. He was traded to the Dodgers, who declined his option, and he is a free agent once again, still searching for a multiyear offer. The year before that, it was Boston catcher Jason Varitek turning down ..."
Young finds spot with Astros
Comment
December 19
Houston Chronicle
 
"Eric Young, who climbed to the majors with the Colorado Rockies after being picked in the 43rd round by the Los Angeles Dodgers, is ready for the second chapter of his baseball career as a roving instructor for the Astros. The former ESPN Baseball Tonight analyst will try to pass along the enthusiasm he displayed during the 15-year career he spent as a second baseman and outfielder. "It gets me back in uniform, and it gives me an opportunity to help youngsters work on their outfielding and their base running," said Young, a career .283 hitter who had 79 home runs, 543 RBIs and 464 stolen bases. Young, who lives in Houston, left ESPN recently when his contract wasn't renewed. "When this ..."
Pence tries to spread love of game
Comment
December 18
Houston Chronicle
 
"Long before Hunter Pence made his mark at Minute Maid Park, the Astros' All-Star right fielder was a shortstop for the Dallas Shorthorns. The second baseman on that team was Sean Danielson, and the pair loved Ozzie Smith. Pence and Danielson were only 10 at the time, but they already had a little sizzle. Before taking their positions, they sprinted toward the middle of the infield and did back flips, just like Smith was doing for the St. Louis Cardinals. After three seasons in the majors, Pence continues to play baseball with the joy of a child. He no longer does back flips before taking his position, but there's plenty of love for the game in his play. The same goes for Danielson, who was ..."
McLane's parting sure to be sweet sorrow
Comment
December 17
Houston Chronicle
 
"Drayton McLane is preparing to write the final chapter of his life. In the end, that may be what this is all about. "I ultimately want to get more involved in philanthropy," he said Wednesday afternoon. "God blesses us, and we have a responsibility to give back. I'm talking about religious projects, public and higher education, things of that nature." I wanted to ask if giving Carlos Lee $100 million counted as a charitable contribution, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Not on a day when McLane was thoughtful and reflective, when he revealed more of himself than he usually does, when he wore his heart on his sleeve at times. At one point, McLane interrupted a thought to tell me he was ..."
Changing of the guard for both Texas teams?
Comment
December 17
Houston Chronicle
 
"In the span of 14 months, Major League Baseball's two franchises in Texas moved to the brink of being sold. Local businessman Jim Crane, with the help of former Rockets president George Postolos, was involved in both potential sales. Crane was one of the final three ownership groups Rangers owner Tom Hicks considered before picking a group involving Rangers president Nolan Ryan. Crane got even closer to purchasing the Astros after the 2008 season, reaching a tentative deal before pulling out. For the first time since he purchased the club in November 1992, Astros owner Drayton McLane admits he's willing to listen to offers. "If it's a reliable group that wants to sit down and they have ..."
McLane admits he almost sold Astros in 2008
Comment
December 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"After a year of denials, Astros owner Drayton McLane admitted Tuesday he was on the brink of selling the city's major league baseball club to Houston businessman Jim Crane after the 2008 season. Crane, who also put in a bid for the Chicago Cubs earlier this year, was one of the losing bidders for the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night and could not be reached for comment. A little more than a year ago, Crane was on the verge of buying the Astros to the point where McLane now admits that a handshake deal was in place. "We had a tentative deal," McLane told the Houston Chronicle. According to a person with intimate knowledge of last year's discussions, the negotiations between McLane and Crane ..."
McLane's admission essentially puts Astros on the market
Comment
December 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"One deal fell through, but there will be others. Now that word is out, Drayton McLane will be hearing from potential buyers. If he could be tempted to sell the Astros once, he'll be tempted again. He'll eventually have a deal. This feels like the beginning of the end. In 16 years, McLane's Astros have soared to the threshold of a championship and fallen to the depths of ineptitude. If we're going to blame him for today's problems — and that's fair — he deserves credit for those nine seasons in which the Astros went to the playoffs six times and were one of baseball's model franchises. I miss the old boy already. I miss his smiling face, his accessibility, his enthusiasm. If you needed him, ..."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
Comment
December 15
ESPN.com
 
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Astros re-sign Michaels
Comment
December 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"Jason Michaels re-signed with the Astros on Monday, giving manager Brad Mills a backup outfielder, a righthanded bat off the bench and another veteran voice in a clubhouse that has lost some leaders. "He was in the minor leagues when I was in Philadelphia, and he was highly thought of," Mills said of Michaels. "His reputation in baseball is very solid as being a very solid clubhouse presence and a solid player." Michaels, 33, picked it up toward the end of the 2009 season with the Astros, hitting .308 with a .400 on-base percentage in his final 51 games to finish with a .237 average, four home runs and 16 RBIs. A dozen of his 18 starts in 2009 were in center field, with four coming in ..."
Santana's Home. Grab Your Glove
Comment
December 14
New York Times
 
"The residents here like to tell the story of how a scout, impressed by Johan Santana's performance at a junior national tournament, drove 10 hours to this small coffee-growing town 6,400 feet up in the Andes to knock unannounced on his parents' door. That scout was Andres Reiner of the Houston Astros, who soon after signed Santana. "Mr. Andres arrived - I didn't know who he was - and knocked on the door," Santana's father, Jesus, recounted Saturday. "When he saw the man, Johan said, 'Dad, that's the man who was there at the tournament.' " Santana never pitched for the Astros in the majors, moving on to the Minnesota Twins and now the Mets, becoming one of the best pitchers in baseball. He ..."
Astros tender eight arbitration-eligible players
Comment
December 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"On the same day the Astros introduced new reliever Brandon Lyon, general manager Ed Wade decided to tender all their arbitration-eligible players' contracts. Teams had until 11 p.m. Saturday to tender contacts, and the Astros decided to tender all their arbitration-eligible players — Hunter Pence, Wandy Rodriguez, Michael Bourn, Tim Byrdak, Chris Sampson, Matt Lindstrom, Humberto Quintero and Jeff Keppinger. As expected, the free agent market grew a bit as many teams decided against tendering contracts to players under their control. A year ago, the Astros non-tendered Ty Wigginton."
Astros, Lyon make it official with $15 million deal
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December 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"Reliever Brandon Lyon and the Houston Astros completed a $15 million, three-year contract on Saturday. Lyon was 6-5 with a 2.86 ERA in 65 appearances for the Detroit Tigers last season after spending 2005-08 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander had a career-high 26 saves in 2008 and appeared in a career-best 73 games with a 2.68 ERA in 2007. "This is a big deal for me in my career," Lyon said. "Weighing back and forth, going over the situations I had, Houston just made a lot of sense to me." Lyon and the Astros agreed on terms Wednesday as part of a small flurry of activity at the winter meetings. A 14th-round draft pick in 1999, Lyon also has played for the Toronto Blue Jays ..."
Rodriguez expects a full plate of work
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December 12
Washington Times
 
"Sitting in front of a bank of cameras and microphones and donning his new Washington Nationals cap and No. 7 jersey, Ivan Rodriguez made it clear Friday that he didn't come to the District to take up space on the bench and serve as some kind of figurehead clubhouse presence. "I'm ready to play every day," the 38-year-old catcher said. "We discussed that. I'm a player that I still can play every day, and I will play every day. I know that it's hard for me to play 162 games. That's impossible for a catcher. But as long as I'm healthy and I'm feeling great physically, I'll be in the field playing." Whether the Nationals actually provide Rodriguez with that kind of playing time the next two ..."
Astros reach one-year deal with third baseman Feliz
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December 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"Heading to the winter meetings Sunday night, Ed Wade's ability to maneuver while trying to build the 2010 Astros revolved around Jose Valverde. Once the star closer declined arbitration late Monday night and LaTroy Hawkins bolted to the Brewers on Wednesday, the Astros' attack crystallized a bit more with the signing of Brandon Lyon and the acquisition of Matt Lindstrom. The Astros also finalized a one-year deal with third baseman Pedro Feliz for $4.5 million on Thursday. The deal wpn't be completed under Feliz completes a physical. If Valverde had accepted arbitration, it's doubtful the Astros could have been very active at the winter meetings. But as Wade packed his bags Thursday after ..."
Source: Astros, 3B Feliz close to one-year deal
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December 10
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz is on the verge of signing a one-year contract with the Astros, according to a major-league source. The deal — worth $3 million, according to ESPN.com — will be the Astros' third major transaction of the winter meetings. The Astros on Wednesday obtained right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom in a trade with the Marlins and reached agreement on a three-year, $15 million contract with another right-handed reliever, free agent Brandon Lyon."