UPDATE 1/13/10 - 12:06 PM PST
The team signed former Phillie Brett Myers, giving the rotation a possible upgrade in the middle of the rotation behind Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez. The 29 year-old, who missed much of 2009 because of hip surgery, went 10-13 with a 4.55 ERA and two wins in three postseason starts for the World Champion Phillies in 2008. Prior to '09, the right-hander had made at least 30 starts and won at least 10 games in five full seasons as a starter.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated outfielder Jason Bourgeois for assignment. The 28 year-old had been claimed off waivers from the Brewers in October. Jason Michaels is the 4th outfielder with Alex Romero and Yordany Ramirez now the leading candidates if the team carries five outfielders.
UPDATE 12/11/09 - 8:53 AM PST
Despite GM Ed Wade's comments earlier this offseason that the 'payroll is in all likelihood going to be lower than it was this year', they went on a mini-spending spree, signing reliever Brandon Lyon to a three-year, $15M deal, third baseman Pedro Feliz to a one-year $4.5M deal, and acquiring arbitration-eligible reliever Matt Lindstrom, who is expected to make a salary in the neighborhood of $1.5M in 2010. While Lyon pitched well for the Tigers last season (2.86 ERA, 15 holds in 58 relief appearances), the hard-throwing Lindstrom lost his closer's job with the Marlins early in the season and finished with a 5.89 ERA. The Astros are hoping for the pre-2009 version when he posted a 3.11 ERA in 131 relief appearances over his first two seasons. As far as Feliz, he's a solid defender that isn't going to do much offensively. Playing in hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park the past two seasons, the 34 year-old averaged just 13 HR's with an OPS under .700. I guess they weren't comfortable with the Geoff Blum-Chris Johnson platoon that had been projected.
UPDATE 11/14/09 - 2:51 PM PST
LINEUP - The team could have a new catcher, shortstop, and third baseman heading into the 2010 season and with the team not expected to add to their payroll, the holes could be filled internally. J.R. Towles, who has failed to establish himself at the major league level (.188 BA in 234 AB's) in parts of three seasons with the 'stros, could possibly get one last chance. However, the team's catcher of the future, Jason Castro, is on the fast track and could be in Houston by mid-season. Tommy Manzella (.289 BA, 9 HR, 12 SB in AAA) is in line to be the starting shortstop, replacing free agent Miguel Tejada. While the team has already re-signed 36-year old Geoff Blum, who received the majority of playing time at 3B in '09, Chris Johnson (.281 BA, 13 HR in AAA) could split time with him and eventually take over full-time.
ROTATION - Roy Oswalt remains the staff leader and lefty Wandy Rodriguez, coming off of a 14-win season, has developed into a very good major league pitcher. Brian Moehler had his $3M mutual option exercised for 2010 despite a 5.47 ERA and 1.54 WHIP (walks + hits / IP). Top pitching prospect Bud Norris won his first three decisions after being promoted to Houston before losing his next three. He did finish the season on a high note, offering the rotation hope for the future by winning his last three decisions and posting a 1.57 ERA over his last four starts. The #5 spot could be up for grabs. Felipe Paulino had some great starts in '09 but those were few and far between as he finished with a 2-11 record and 5.69 ERA as a starter. Left-handed reliever Wesley Wright is another option. Working as a starter in the Dominican Winter League, he has posted a 1.29 ERA and 30 K in his first 21 IP.
BULLPEN - The Astros have some work to do in the 'pen as they try to replace free agent closer Jose Valverde and top setup men LaTroy Hawkins and Doug Brocail, also free agents. Internally, Jeff Fulchino proved in 2009 (3.40 ERA, 82 IP, 70 H, 71 K in 61 relief appearances) that he was ready to take on a late-inning bullpen role while Chris Sampson (15 holds, 3 Sv) and veteran Tim Byrdak (3.23 ERA 39 hits in 61.1 IP) could also be called upon to help late in the game. Twenty-four year-old Samuel Gervacio also offers hope after impressing in a late-season audition with the team (2.14 ERA, 25 K in 21 IP) and Alberto Arias had 9 holds and a 3.35 ERA in 42 relief appearances.
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