Hunter Pence News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

January 28

Courier-Post

"The final significant item on Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.'s offseason to-do list is now complete. Friday, the club agreed on a one-year, $10.4 million deal with right fielder Hunter Pence. Pence, 28, was the last player on the roster without a deal in place, but the two sides essentially split the difference in what each had submitted for arbitration earlier this month. "I'm very grateful to be able to sign this deal and play for the Phillies," Pence said. "They took care of me, and it's a very fair deal. I'm excited and very grateful." The Phillies offered Pence $9 million, while Pence was asking for $11.8 million. The deal goes a bit beyond what the Phillies had hoped to"

Phils meet Pence halfway with $10.4M deal

January 28

CSN Philly

"The Phillies and Hunter Pence avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $10.4 million contract Friday. The deal is at the halfway point between the $11.8 million Pence was seeking through arbitration and the $9 million the Phillies offered. Pence is not eligible for free agency until after the 2013 season."

Pence agrees to one-year deal with Phillies

January 27

MLB.com

"The Phillies on Friday announced that they've agreed to terms with outfielder Hunter Pence, avoiding arbitration with their lone remaining player. Pence received a one-year contract for $10.4 million, plus award bonuses. "We're always focused on getting a deal done with a player," said assistant general manager Scott Proefrock. "We think that's the most productive way to handle these situations.""

The case for Pence as next season's NL MVP

December 16

CSN Philly

"While the Philadelphia sports universe awaits a decision on Jimmy Rollins' future, I have begun to think about the upcoming season and how the lineup will shake out with or without J-Roll. Every time I engage in this mental exercise, my mind stops on one realization: Hunter Pence is lined up pretty nicely to win the National League MVP this season."

And the Astros' MVP is ... Hunter Pence

November 3

CSN Philly

"If you ask Phillies fans who was one of the team's most valuable players coming down the stretch, a number of them would say Hunter Pence was the guy. Acquired at the trade deadline, Pence appeared in 54 games for the Phillies where he posted 11 homers, 35 RBIs while batting .324. But for as well as Pence played with the Phillies, a few folks in Houston think he was even better for the Astros. The Houston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America voted Pence as the 2011 Astros MVP. Every year the writers select the MVP from the Astros and he is honored at the annual baseball dinner held during the winter."

Falling short leaves Pence in suspense

November 2

Courier-Post

"Once his season was over, it took a few days before Hunter Pence could flip on the TV and watch a baseball game. He'd only been in Philadelphia for a little more than two months, but he felt the weight of the expectations and the immense disappointment of falling short as much as anyone. But eventually, the lure of baseball was too much. By the time the World Series began, Pence was glued to his TV and, despite his Texas roots, pulling hard for the Cardinals. "It feels better to lose to the team that beats everybody," Pence said."

Pence gets first taste of playoffs

October 3

Courier-Post

"While the postseason has become old hat for the bulk of the Phillies' lineup, October is fresh ground for Hunter Pence, and his introduction to the playoffs was a memorable one. Sure, Pence had a strong start to his postseason career, picking up two hits and driving in two runs in Saturday's Game 1. But it wasn't his big hits that cemented the memory in his mind. It was Ryan Howard's three-run blast in the sixth inning. "When Ryan hit that homer to put us ahead, I've never had a more exciting moment in my life on a baseball field," Pence said. "For Game 1, it was pretty crazy. I've never had that kind of adrenaline. And it wasn't even me that did it. I was just watching him. Crazy.""

Hunter Pence on the bench until the weekend

September 22

Courier-Post

"The Phillies aren't expecting Hunter Pence to be available until the weekend after he was diagnosed with a mild strain of the patella tendon in his left knee. Pence hurt his knee while running out an infield single during the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday. He stayed in the game until the sixth inning. He didn't play in the nightcap, and had an MRI Wednesday, which confirmed the strain. But Pence didn't seem too concerned. He said he's had the condition before, and that he felt like he could have played Wednesday."

Phillies' Pence to have MRI for knee tendinitis

September 21

CSN Philly

"A season that began with a case of patellar tendinitis is ending with a case of patellar tendinitis. Hopefully for the Phillies, Hunter Pence's affliction is not as severe as Chase Utley's. Late Tuesday night, Phillies officials announced that Pence was suffering from patellar tendinitis in his left knee. Pence, who left the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against Washington with a limp in the sixth inning, will have a precautionary MRI on Wednesday. Pence was reluctant to talk about his condition after the first game. Basically all he would say was that he felt some tightness in the knee and would be fine. After the second game, he expounded on his condition. He said he has had the"

Hunter Pence to have MRI today

September 21

Courier-Post

"After an infield single in the first inning of Tuesday's day game, Hunter Pence limped around the bases but refused to return to the dugout between innings. The training staff was waiting. Pence stayed in the game for two more at-bats, finally leaving in the sixth inning. Afterward, Charlie Manuel said he expected Pence to play in Game 2 of the day's doubleheader. At some point before the lineup card was filled out, the trainers finally had their say. "Our doctors checked him out and they told me he would prefer him not to play the second game," Manuel said. "Hunter was wanting to play.""

Phils' Pence enjoys his first taste of victory

September 18

CSN Philly

"Hunter Pence always hustles. He's one of those guys who has just one speed -- fast. So when Chase Utley beat the play to second when Pence hit an infield chopper with two outs and the bases loaded in the eighth inning on Saturday night at the Bank, Pence got the extra inch he needed to beat the throw to first. Pence's single gave the Phillies a late three-run cushion, but actually did more damage than that. Had the newest Phils' starter not beat out the throw, Raul Ibanez would not have come to the plate to belt the grand slam that got the party started a little early on Saturday night. So as the Phillies wrapped up their fifth straight NL East title and brought the celebration back into"

Why does Hunter Pence choke up?

September 14

CSN Philly

"Asked Hunter Pence why he choked up on the bat the other day. His answer: "I was always a Barry Bonds fan and if it worked for him …" Reasonable enough. Pence has been with the Phillies for 39 games. The team is 28-11 in those contests. He entered Tuesday night's game, his 40th with the club, hitting .325 with eight homers, 24 RBIs and a .952 OPS. You could probably say that Pence has been the best stretch-drive pickup in the majors. But there have been other good ones, too: Detroit righthander Doug Fister is 5-1 with a 2.88 ERA and a 0.994 WHIP in eight starts. The Tigers are 6-2 in those starts."

Pence, Oswalt share a bittersweet return to Houston

September 13

Houston Chronicle

"For two players who took the same positions in a ballpark where they'd played for the home team so many times before, almost everything was different. Even forgetting the literal — that Hunter Pence and Roy Oswalt had very different walks to the unfamiliar visitors' clubhouse at Minute Maid Park and wore a brighter shade of red — their circumstances were totally different than when they left Houston in twin July purges. They're now competing for a playoff spot, a goal they advanced a little closer toward even with Monday's 5-1 loss to the Astros. And at least for Pence, despite hitting third and playing right field — same as it ever was — he fills a whole new role in the dynamic of the"

Oswalt, Pence return to Minute Maid tonight with Phillies

September 12

Houston Chronicle

"The receptions, however Houston wants the tone to be, will come in one order or another. Hunter Pence may get his first when he takes his high-socked strut to the batter's box to what is almost sure to be a loud ovation in his first game back as a Philadelphia Phillie and as a visitor. Or if he doesn't get to bat in the top of the first inning against former Astros teammate (and former Phillie) Brett Myers, then it might be Roy Oswalt who gets his greeting first. Oswalt, in speaking with the Philadelphia press at a weekend series in Milwaukee, said he isn't sure what his will sound like. "Hunter will probably get a lot of cheers because they just traded him outright," said Oswalt, who"

Phils notes: Official complaint filed; Blanton returns

September 6

CSN Philly

"If it comes to it, the Phillies will go back to Miami to play a few more innings of baseball. At least that's what the team announced on Monday after filing an official protest to umpire Joe West's call in the sixth inning of Sunday's series finale at Sun Life Stadium. "I think we're just doing what we think is right," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We'll deal with the consequences after that." Manager Charlie Manuel filed the initial protest during Sunday's 14-inning loss to the Marlins when West decided to go to the video replay even though the umpires on the field ruled Hunter Pence's long drive to the right-field fence was a double, despite the fact that fans had interfered"

5 questions with Hunter Pence

August 31

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Hunter Pence was the face of the lowly Houston Astros, but now Pence is one of many stars on the powerful Philadelphia Phillies. On July 29, Pence went from worst to first in one day, when the Astros traded their two-time All-Star outfielder to Philadelphia. Houston has the worst record in baseball and Philadelphia the best. Pence entered Tuesday hitting .326 since joining the Phillies, with five homers and 15 RBI. Pence's season totals entering: .312, 16 homers, 77 RBI. With the Phillies in town to play the Reds this week, the 28-year-old Pence took time to answer five questions from The Enquirer."

Phillies' Pence can do no wrong

August 28

CSN Philly

columnist John Gonzalez

"It's not as simple as you might think. It takes planning and style and no small amount of courage. It also requires form – especially form. "The key," Hunter Pence said, a sly smirk forming at the corner of his mouth, "was the crow hop and the throw. That was perfect form." These are important things to remember if you're suddenly overcome by the urge to whip off your shirt while walking down a fashion show runway – or, failing that, a city sidewalk. In the event that day comes, follow Pence's lead, and remember to put your weight behind the throw. If you somehow missed Shane Victorino's Celebrity Fashion Show, you can find video and pictures on The700Level.com. It has to be an odd"

Gonzo: Phillies' Pence can do no wrong

August 27

CSN Philly

columnist John Gonzalez

"It's not as simple as you might think. It takes planning and style and no small amount of courage. It also requires form – especially form. "The key," Hunter Pence said, a sly smirk forming at the corner of his mouth, "was the crow hop and the throw. That was perfect form." These are important things to remember if you're suddenly overcome by the urge to whip off your shirt while walking down a fashion show runway – or, failing that, a city sidewalk. In the event that day comes, follow Pence's lead, and remember to put your weight behind the throw. If you somehow missed Shane Victorino's Celebrity Fashion Show, you can find video and pictures on The700Level.com. It has to be an odd"

Hunter Pence feeding off of Philadelphia's passion

August 15

Allentown Morning Call

"When Hunter Pence recently returned from the Phillies' 10-game road trip, he found his truck had been driven from Houston to Philadelphia, his apartment had been furnished - by his family - and countless presents, including gift basket from the Sixers, a board game and pictures were waiting in and around his locker. Then, he heard about the T-shirt. That one put everything into perspective. After Pence scored the game-winning run in the Phils' 10-inning victory over the Pirates on July 31, Gary Matthews asked the right fielder in an on-field, postgame interview what he was thinking as he rounded third and headed home. Pence replied by saying, "Good game. Let's go eat." Boom. T-shirt. "The"

Pence building a strong bond with Philadelphia

August 15

CSN Philly

"With a cup of coffee in hand and a copy of Napoleon Hill's famous self-motivational book, Think and Grow Rich, on his lap, the newest Phillie, Hunter Pence, was into his pregame routine when he was told there would be no game on Sunday. Just like that, Pence had nothing planned and all day to do it. So before diving back into the Andrew Carnegie-inspired book which explains to readers that they can do or be anything, a book that Ken Norton famously read before beating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title in 1973, Pence took a little time to talk to some of the local writing press about how things were going during his first fortnight with his new team. Sprinkled in, of course, were"

Pence renews enthusiasm among Phils

August 12

Courier-Post

"Hunter Pence has played 12 games in a Phillies uniform, and 11 times he's walked off the field a winner. In his last 47 games with the Astros, Pence won only 10 times. "It's been surreal," he said. When Pence arrived in Philadelphia, he sat at a news conference and gushed that he'd just jumped 60 games in the standings. It was a statement meant to underscore Pence's enthusiasm rather than an actual statistic, but as it stands the Phillies actually lead Houston in the wild-card race by 39 games -- so it wasn't that much of an exaggeration. The truth is, Pence fell into a perfect situation, and he's been the perfect fit for the Phillies. "He plays hard. He hustles. He puts"

Unconventional Pence gets it done

August 11

Yahoo! Sports

columnist Tim Brown

"Hunter Pence ambled past on his way to a baseball game Tuesday night, across the dugout and up the stairs and onto the field, where the Philadelphia Phillies would play the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jimmy Rollins cracked a smile and pointed. "There he goes now," he said and shook his head, like the whole notion of a Hunter Pence could not be more foreign to him. Not here, not in an era when ballplayers seem bred from an assembly line and raised in a Tom Emanski video, their edges ground clean and predictable. For every Youkilis, there are 20-some Theriots. In form and style, Pence is more erector set than conveyor belt. "You'll never see another Hunter Pence," Rollins said, "and that's the"

Pence factor makes difference for Howard

August 6

Courier-Post

"No player in baseball has seen fewer fastballs during the past four seasons than Ryan Howard. Only the Brewers' Prince Fielder and Marlins' Mike Stanton have seen fewer balls thrown in the strike zone. Howard's job is to be a run producer, but the opposition rarely gives him anything to hit. Until, of course, Hunter Pence joined the lineup. "HP is getting it done," Howard said. "If they want to keep throwing me fastballs, I'm not going to be mad at them." With Pence batting fifth, Howard is seeing more fastballs out of the cleanup spot. But the added protection from Pence's bat isn't exactly rewriting the book on how the opposition pitches Howard. Before Pence arrived,"

Pence's presence sparks Howard's bat

July 31

Allentown Morning Call

"The 45,737 fans who comprised the 181st consecutive sellout at Citizens Bank Park did their best Saturday night to make newly acquired Hunter Pence feel at home. They cheered his every move. In the field. At the plate. On the rail signing autographs before the game. "The fans were giving me chills," he admitted. "I ran out to stretch and they went nuts. It was pretty amazing." The right fielder did his best to acknowledge every ovation, including the loudest roar - by far - when PA announcer Dan Baker called out his first at-bat in a Phillies uniform in the bottom of the second inning. It came on the heels of Ryan Howard's 430-foot home run off the ivy wall in center field. Normally,"

Pence and Phillies fans love each other back

July 31

CSN Philly

"There was another love fest at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday night. Like Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt before him, Hunter Pence felt the affection of 45,000 Philadelphians who are crazy about their baseball team. And that was just during warmups. Pence, acquired in a trade with Houston on Friday night, got the full you're-one-of-us-now treatment as he ambled to the plate before his first at-bat as a Phillie. The place went bonkers for the 28-year-old outfielder, who general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. called "the missing piece" in what he hopes will be a drive to the World Series. Pence, of course, had been prepped for the loud, standing-O reception by Oswalt and Brad Lidge, who had"

Pence to find a new world after trade to Phillies

July 30

Houston Chronicle

"Depending on how you look at it, Hunter Pence is either headed into focus or out of focus. Into the focus of the baseball world, as he is moving from the worst team in all of major league baseball, straight up to No. 1. Into the focus of one of the best baseball cities in America, a rediscovered title for what was for much of the last decade, clearly a professional football town. But out of the focus of the lineup as the Phillies now have a strong and well-balanced mix from 1-8. No longer is he THE guy. He's a guy, and a good one, whom Charlie Manuel told Phillies writers would hit in the No. 5 spot. They have righties, Pence and Placido Polanco. They have lefties, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard"

Astros trade Pence to Phillies for three prospects and a player to be named

July 30

Houston Chronicle

"The Astros' agreeing to trade their only All-Star and most popular player after two days of rapidly escalating negotiations proved to be as much about when as it was about who. They could have had Hunter Pence for the rest of the year. The next two years too without another team getting a shot at him. But their shipping Pence and $2 million cash to the Philadelphia Phillies for a package of four prospects was a sign of just how far away the organization is from contention, not just in wins and losses but in time. The two centerpieces of the deal, pitcher Jarred Cosart, who attended Clear Creek High School, and first baseman/outfielder Jonathan Singleton, are still three jumps from the"

Brown, Phillies pleased with addition of Pence

July 30

CSN Philly

"Through three consecutive trade deadlines, Domonic Brown has remained a Phillies untouchable, a good thing that nevertheless didn't keep him from touching wood that he will not again become an IronPig on Saturday. "I can't be selfish or anything like that," he said after the Phillies dealt four players, none of them Brown, to Houston for Hunter Pence. "I know they have a lot of faith in me and everything like that, I'm just saying my goal is to be in the big leagues. "That's just the bottom line. They still got to Sunday. I just hope I'm here, not in Triple A, but if that's what happens, I'll go out and play. There's a good possibility it can happen, so I'm not going to be bothered by"

Phillies acquire target: Pence

July 30

Courier-Post

"Rampant rumors, strong speculation and consistent conjecture eventually culminated in one, hard fact Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. All-Star right fielder Hunter Pence is coming to the Phillies. The Phillies announced after their 10-3 win over the Pirates they'd given their offense the spark expected to come from Pence's right-handed bat as they pursue a World Series title. The cost was steep, four minor leaguers, but could have been steeper. The Phillies didn't part with prized rookies Domonic Brown or Vance Worley. The 28-year-old Pence, in his fifth season, is a lifetime .290 hitter who isn't eligible for free agency until 2014. He's expected to be in the Phillies'"

Phillies land All-Star outfielder

July 30

Courier-Post

"Rampant rumors, strong speculation and consistent conjecture eventually culminated in one fact Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. All-Star right fielder Hunter Pence is coming to the Phillies. The Phillies announced after their 10-3 win over the Pirates they'd given their offense the spark expected to come from Pence's right-handed bat as they pursue a World Series title. The cost was steep -- four minor leaguers -- but could have been steeper. The Phillies didn't part with prized rookies Domonic Brown or Vance Worley. The 28-year-old Pence, in his fifth season, is a lifetime .290 hitter who isn't eligible for free agency until 2014. He's expected to be in the Phillies'"

Phillies land All-Star outfielder

July 30

Courier-Post

"Rampant rumors, strong speculation and consistent conjecture eventually culminated in one fact Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. All-Star right fielder Hunter Pence is coming to the Phillies. The Phillies announced after their 10-3 win over the Pirates they'd given their offense the spark expected to come from Pence's right-handed bat as they pursue a World Series title. The cost was steep -- four minor leaguers -- but could have been steeper. The Phillies didn't part with prized rookies Domonic Brown or Vance Worley. The 28-year-old Pence, in his fifth season, is a lifetime .290 hitter who isn't eligible for free agency until 2014. He's expected to be in the Phillies'"

Phillies round out club with trade for Pence

July 30

CSN Philly

"Charlie Manuel said he wanted a hitter, a good hitter. Will Hunter Pence do the trick? "He's a .300 hitter," Manuel said. "He's got some power. He's a good player. I like him. Yes. I like him quite a bit." Manuel got his hitter, his lineup upgrade and a proven rightfielder when the Phillies acquired Pence from the Houston Astros for four players on Friday night. Pence, 28, was pulled from the Astros' game in Milwaukee and hugged Houston teammates when the trade went down. He is expected to arrive in Philadelphia in time to play right field and bat fifth against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night. He will wear No. 3. Despite an inconsistent offense, the Phillies have the best record"

Source: Astros could trade Pence as soon as today; Phillies lead candidates

July 29

Houston Chronicle

"The Astros are deep into talks to trade right fielder Hunter Pence before Sunday's trade deadline, perhaps as soon as today, and the Philadelphia Phillies are the leading candidate for his services, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions. There are multiple teams with interest, including the Braves, according to multiple reports. But talks with the Phillies have progressed furthest, the person said. Astros general manager Ed Wade, as a policy, does not comment on trade possibilities before a deal is finished. Pence is the foremost righthanded hitter on the market despite his struggles since the All-Star break. On the season, he is hitting .309 with 11 home runs after going"

Dealing Pence or Bourn raises chances of regret for Astros

July 28

Houston Chronicle

"It doesn't hurt to listen to offers to trade the face of the Astros franchise. True, Hunter Pence is the Astros' most popular player, an All-Star in two of the last three seasons. Just as true are the words Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey used when Ralph Kiner was bargaining for a raise after winning the home run title for a bottom-of-the-barrel Pirates team: "We finished last with you, and we can finish last without you." With the Astros on course to lose more than 100 games for the first time in an existence that began in 1962, they could decide that the face of the franchise might as well have a bag over the head. What Astros general manager Ed Wade has to determine this week — in"

Phillies still trying hard for Hunter Pence

July 27

Hardball Talk

"While there's some thought out there that they've soured on a potential Carlos Beltran deal, the Phillies have been the most aggressive suitors for Houston's Hunter Pence, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports. Rosenthal also tweets that the Red Sox have inquired about Pence, but that they've had a tough time finding a match with the Astros, and that the Braves aren't currently involved in the chase."

Phillies trying for Pence

July 22

SI.com

"The Astros' asking price on Hunter Pence has been so prohibitive that competing teams believe he will stay in Houston. Supposedly Houston wants at least three good pieces, probably young, major-league-ready talent. Rivals are questioning whether they're serious about trading him based on the requests they've heard. A lot of teams need outfielders and Pence is a player who could help the Phillies, Braves, Giants, Astros, Pirates and Indians. Current Astros management views him as the "favorite of the franchise," however, and just the right type of player to set an example for a young team. The Phillies are said to be one team trying for Pence despite the asking price, and Phillies GM Ruben"

Astros reportedly willing and expected to trade Pence

July 21

Houston Chronicle

"With the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline looming, this is the season for rumors and speculation. Astros general manager Ed Wade has made it clear he'd be willing to entertain trade discussions with anybody and everybody. With teams such as Philadelphia and Atlanta coveting a righthanded-hitting outfielder and Boston, San Francisco, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Detroit seeking outfield upgrades in general, All-Star right fielder Hunter Pence is becoming an increasingly popular topic of conversation. ESPN's Buster Olney reported, through Twitter, that the Astros have shown a willingness to trade Pence and that rival executives expect it to happen. One team with the prospects to make a deal"

Pence and Bourn here today, may be gone tomorrow

July 21

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richrd Justice

"Someone asked Brett Myers if he'd thought much about Wednesday's home game possibly being his last for the Astros. "I'm not worried about that," he said. "It is what it is." How about you, Michael Bourn? "You can't help but think about it," he said. "That's natural." Bourn said he would prefer to remain with the Astros. So would Hunter Pence. Here's hoping they get their wish. But change is on the way. Manager Brad Mills has urged his players to focus on the things they can control, but that's going to be a tall order as the July 31 trading deadline approaches. The Astros are on pace for 107 losses, which would be 10 more than the worst of the franchise's previous 49 teams suffered. Those"

Pirates considering acquisition of pricey 'rental' players

July 18

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"As they set their targets for trade offers, the Pirates are willing to consider acquiring a high-priced "rental" player to provide a boost in the playoff chase. "We are open to various types of players, based on acquisition cost and fit on the club," general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday. In previous years, when the Pirates were sellers at the deadline, their strategy was to pick up players who had multiple years of contractual control -- prospects and major leaguers who hadn't yet reached arbitration eligibility. That paradigm began to change last year, when the Pirates traded for Chris Snyder. The veteran catcher came with a $5.75 million price tag for 2011 and will become a free"

Astro Pence gets hit, scores run in All-Star Game victory

July 13

Houston Chronicle

"Prince Fielder's three-run homer sailed over the left-field wall at Chase Field, and the conveyor belt from the National League bullpen began. One after another, a hard-throwing pitcher walked to the mound — well, one of them sprinted and slid into the infield feet first — and then shut down the American League's hitters for the second straight year. With pitching, speed and a little bit of power from the Prince, the NL is king of the All-Star game once again, using the same formula that worked during its dominating run in the 1970s and '80s. Roy Halladay combined with nine relievers on a six-hitter in the NL's 5-1 victory Tuesday night, giving the senior circuit its first two-game winning"

Norris, Pence are Astros' beacons in a dark abyss of a season

July 7

Houston Chronicle

"From the stands to the dugout, frustration abounds for the 2011 Astros. Whether you see it in frowns, body language or shaking heads from players or see it in the blog comments or hear it on radio talk shows, it's evident fans and players both are reaching the boiling point with this lost season. Yet, with the season already down the drain, Hunter Pence and Bud Norris stand out as beacons in a dark abyss. They just press on game after game as though the season had meaning, as though the next win could pull the Astros into a first-place tie. Wednesday's win over the Pirates belonged as much to Norris and Pence as anyone. Norris pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs, while Pence"

Pence chosen as Astros' only All-Star

July 4

Houston Chronicle

"For the second time in three years, Hunter Pence will be a National League All-Star. This time, he wants in. The Astros' right fielder was selected by the players to NL manager Bruce Bochy's team as a reserve for the game to be played in Phoenix on July 12. Pence also made the team in 2009, but manager Charlie Manuel never had him take the field. "It would be very nice to get in the game," Pence said. "Last time I went in '09 and didn't get to play. It's kind of an empty feeling a little bit. "I've faced all these pitchers, so I'll see what I can do on that stage. It's definitely a different atmosphere and different energy. We'll see. Whatever happens, I'll be ready to play if they want me"

"I'm a loyal guy. This is where I want to be. This is where I want to win."—Hunter Pence

July 2

Houston Chronicle

"Losing hasn't changed the way you play, has it? "I look at everyday as an opportunity to get better. It's not the result that we want right now, but it's what we have. We've got to get better. To me, I've got to try and learn from everything that comes my way and find a way to get better because of it." Is it still fun to come to the park everyday even with the losing? "Today is an opportunity to do something special on the greatest stage in the game that I love. Everyday is the day we're going to turn it around. I've got to take everything from every moment that I have. This is where we're at, and it's a reflection on me. I'm supposed to be the leader on this team. I continue to put my"

Astros' Pence takes lead despite dire times

July 1

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Just to show you everything isn't broken with the Astros, there's Hunter Pence. Losing hasn't changed his work ethic, enthusiasm or passion. He once said he had to play angry to play well, and sometimes he does seem angry. He also shows up early, goes hard and is among baseball's most productive players. There was a time early in his career when veteran teammates predicted he simply couldn't continue doing everything so fast, and Pence admits there are days he probably does hurt himself by doing too much pregame work. But midway through the worst season the Astros have had, Pence is in the National League's top 10 in an assortment of offensive categories, including batting average (sixth),"

The Astros remain unlikely to trade Hunter Pence

June 27

Foxsports.com

"The Astros remain unlikely to trade right fielder Hunter Pence unless new owner Jim Crane is approved before July 31 and orders such a move. The odds of Crane consenting to a trade of Pence in one of his first acts are slim. But shouldn't the Astros at least be entertaining the idea? Club officials view Pence, 28, as a core player for the future. Pence, though, is getting pricey – his current salary is $6.9 million and he's arbitration-eligible for two more seasons. Meanwhile, offense is down. A number of contenders are eager to add right-handed thump. And Pence would be perhaps the most appealing bat on the market. The Astros need to rebuild around pitching. They've got right-handers Bud"

Pence returns after missing five games

June 25

Houston Chronicle

"Hunter Pence was back on familiar ground Friday, patrolling right field again for the Astros. Pence was in the lineup for Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays after a five-game absence that by his standards was close to an eternity. Pence, who missed 13 games total in the previous three seasons, had been out since spraining his left elbow diving into first base June 17 in Los Angeles. "Everything feels good," said Pence, who went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. "I'm good to go, and I'm excited about it." Pence had a strong showing in batting practice Wednesday. Manager Brad Mills opted to sit Pence anyway, reasoning that the extra rest would do good. And as it turns out, Mills reports"

Mills exhibits patience with Pence as he sits for a fifth game

June 23

Houston Chronicle

"Hunter Pence lobbied for an early return Wednesday, but caution prevailed and he missed his fifth consecutive game with what is now an improving left elbow sprain. Pence completely refrained from swings Tuesday after being aggressive the day before and feeling more soreness, but was back in the cage on Wednesday and was in the ear of Brad Mills hours before first pitch only to be left off the lineup card. "I know that they're looking out for the best interests and it's sometimes smart to be patient in these circumstances," Pence said. General manager Ed Wade said he expects Pence back for Friday's opener of a three-game series against the Rays and a nine-game homestand."

On second thought… Pence out again

June 22

Houston Chronicle

"Hunter Pence came to the ballpark Tuesday with more elbow soreness, and Brad Mills' expectation of writing Pence's name into the lineup went unfulfilled. Instead, Pence missed a fourth straight game with a left elbow strain and will likely sit out today's series finale against the Rangers as well, targeting a Friday return. "I'm not able to swing," said Pence, who refrained from swinging at all on Tuesday. "It's close, very close, but I'm not ready." The initial prognosis pegged Pence as questionable for this entire series in his hometown, and while he didn't expressly give up on playing today, he admitted the doctors might have had the timetable right for his return."

Elbow keeps Astros' Hunter Pence from home crowd

June 21

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Hunter Andrew Pence isn't one to gloat about personal achievement. If he were, though, then this would be the season to gush about his success. He ranks in the top five in the National League in hits (tied for 2nd), doubles (T-3rd), RBIs (T-4th) and batting average (4th). His 23-game hitting streak, was snapped on June 14, is the second-longest in the majors this season. All that's fine when it comes to All-Star balloting, but it doesn't mean much to Pence if it isn't helping the Houston Astros win. And so far, it hasn't. The Astros entered the 11th Lone Star Series against the Rangers on Monday with the worst record in baseball at 27-46. That's nothing to boast about, especially given"