Off Season

[Astrosfan13]

Well the Astros were a little busy at the winter meetings. They kinda had to scramble to find substitutes for the set up man and closer. LaTroy Hawkins was the setup man and did a good job, and he filed for free agency and was picked up by the Brewers. Jose Valverde the closer also filed for free agency and is looking for a multi year deal that the Astros did not offer. They wanted at least one if not both guys back but they are not willing to spend the coins. So if Valverde signs on with another team the Astros will get two extra picks in the draft.

They did however aquire Matt Lindstorm from the Marlins for three minor league players. They also signed free agent Pedro Feliz who came from Philly to come and play third base. They also picked up Brandon Lyon from the Tigers. Jason Michaels resigned and they tendered the contracts of eight players for next season.

I do not see them really adding anymore. Which kinda sucks since we need starting pitching, but they are trying to cut payroll. So stay tuned and i will inform of anymore transactions. On another note pitchers and catchers will start reporting to spring training around Feburary 17th.

[Astrosfan13]

Hello Astros fans. It has been some time since my last post but here is a little news from the Astros:

Josh Banks, a right-hander who has appeared in 26 career Major League games with the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres, has signed a Minor League contract with the Astros that includes an invitation to Spring Training.


Banks, 27, will arrive in Kissimmee, Fla., competing for a spot in the Astros' bullpen with the ability to be a long reliever, though he could also be in the mix to win a job in the starting rotation. He's started 18 games in his career and threw a complete game for the Padres in 2008.

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 above info copied from articles written by Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs


Well hopefully the pitching they have picked up will help out. With the starting rotation basically being set at 1,2,3 there are two spots open. So far they predict Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Bud Norris. That leaves two spots maybe only one if they put Brian Moehler in the 5th spot. Well spring training is right around the corner so lets see what happens.


Stayed tuned for more.......

[Astrosfan13]

Well the Astros signed another starting pitcher. They signed Brett Myers who missed last season with after under going hip surgery. He played for the Phillies before that. He will likely slip into the #3 spot of the starting rotation. We have also picked up some extra draft pick since Jose Valverde has signed on with Detroit. So maybe we will be able to pick up some young talent to improve the minor league system. They also signed Cory Sulivan to a minor league contract with an invitation to sprig training. He has some major league experience playing for the Mets last season. They also signed a catcher Kevin Cash to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He started 10 games last season for the Yankees. Well it sounds like they have made a couple of additions that could be good for the team. Hopefully Myers is fully recovered and can be a strong pitcher. We are getting closer to the start of spring training.