Astros | Marwin Gonzalez has tools to be everyday player

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:03:48 -0800

Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Friday, Feb. 10, that Rule 5 pick SS Marwin Gonzalez possesses the tools to be an everyday player. "Marwin is going to be an interesting guy to take a look at," Luhnow said. "When you get a guy in the Rule 5, you don't automatically hand him the position. Marwin's got the tools to be an everyday shortstop down the road. It's nice that maybe he has the flexibility to maybe allow him to be a utility guy this year. If you have to carry him on the roster, you don't want to overexpose him."

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Jordan Lyles will get chance to win rotation spot

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:03:25 -0800

Houston Astros SP Jordan Lyles will be given a chance in spring training to win a rotation spot. "If (Jordan) comes to spring training, just like any of the other young players, and has a great spring and proves that he deserves a spot in the rotation or the starting lineup, they'll win those spots," general manager Jeff Luhnow said Friday, Feb. 10.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Wandy Rodriguez important piece of roster

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:03:02 -0800

Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Friday, Feb. 10, that SP Wandy Rodriguez is an important piece of the team's roster, and he said there is no reason to think of the team without him. "He's not only been an Astro, but he knows the guys here and he knows the staff, and he's going to win some ballgames for us," Luhnow said. "That's why he's definitely an important part of our plan."

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | J.D. Martinez has bulked up

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:14:43 -0800

Houston Astros OF J.D. Martinez said he bulked up a little this offseason to counteract the fact that he typically loses weight throughout the season. He is expected to go into the 2012 season as the team's starting left fielder. Martinez was at 206 pounds last year, and he is now up to 228, which he expects will come down during the season.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: Houston Chronicle - Zachary Levine

Astros | Jed Lowrie terms

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:14:37 -0800

Updating previous reports, Houston Astros SS Jed Lowrie signed a one-year, $1.15 million deal to avoid arbitration. Lowrie can earn an additional $75,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 341, 502 and 550 plate appearances.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Astros | Three competing for 3B job

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:55:13 -0800

Updating a previous report, with the move of Houston Astros 1B Brett Wallace to third base for spring training, there will be three main combatants vying for the starting job. Wallace, 3B Chris D. Johnson and INF Jimmy Paredes will battle during the spring for the starting nod.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Jed Lowrie signs one-year deal

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:54:33 -0800

The Houston Astros signed SS Jed Lowrie to a one-year contract Wednesday, Feb. 8, as the two sides avoid an arbitration hearing. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Alyson Footer

Astros | Jason Castro expected to be ready

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:31:02 -0800

Houston Astros manager Bradley Mills expects C Jason Castro (foot, knee) to be ready for spring training in the second week of Grapefruit League games.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: Houston Chronicle - Zachary Levine

Astros | Closer job up for grabs

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:35:30 -0800

Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said the team's closer job is up for grabs with RPs Brandon Lyon and David Carpenter in the mix.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Alyson Footer

Astros | Brett Wallace to take grounders at 3B

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:22:01 -0800

Houston Astros manager Bradley Mills said 1B Brett Wallace will take grounders at third base this spring with OF Carlos Lee moving to first base.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Richard Justice

Astros | Justin Ruggiano signs

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:16:48 -0800

The Houston Astros signed free-agent OF Justin Ruggiano (Rays) to a minor league deal Monday, Feb. 6.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Jason Castro hoping to be ready

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:14:04 -0800

Houston Astros C Jason Castro (knee, foot) is hoping to be fully ready to participate in spring training later this month. He is currently ahead of schedule in his rehab and has been cleared to resume jogging and increasing the intensity of his workouts. "I've been really happy so far," Castro said. "I've been doing quite a bit of work on the rehab, physical therapy side, and the whole healing process and everything has actually gone really well. I'm pretty much ahead of schedule as far as the way it's been healing and the progress I've made in my rehab and everything," Castro said. He projects to be the team's starting catcher this year.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Jarred Cosart likely to start at Class AA

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:52:39 -0800

Houston Astros P Jarred Cosart is likely to begin the 2012 season with Double-A Corpus Christi, where he made seven starts last year after being traded from the Philadelphia Phillies. Cosart worked to slow his delivery down in the minors last year, and he could be part of the team's rotation as early as 2013.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Mike Hessman signs

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:38:38 -0800

The Houston Astros signed free-agent INF Mike Hessman (Japanese League) to a minor league deal Thursday, Feb. 2.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: Houston Chronicle - Zachary Levine

Astros | Chia-Jen Lo expected to miss most of year

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:28:11 -0800

Houston Astros P Chia-Jen Lo (elbow) is expected to miss most of the 2012 season. He underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2010 season, and he only pitched two innings last year. There is still a chance Lo can return at the end of 2012.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: Houston Chronicle - Zachary Levine

Astros | Vincent Velasquez healthy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:23:04 -0800

Houston Astros P Vincent Velasquez (elbow) is "good to go" after recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, the Astros may keep him in extended spring training to keep his innings limited and then send him to Single-A Tri-City.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: Houston Chronicle - Zachary Levine

Astros | Newcomers to battle for starting RF job

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:17:21 -0800

Houston Astros OFs Jack Cust and Fernando Martinez, added during the offseason, will compete with OFs Brian Bogusevic and J.B. Shuck for the starting right field job during spring training.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | J.B. Shuck in the mix in RF

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:17:00 -0800

Houston Astros OF J.B. Shuck will be among the outfielders competing for the starting job in right field during spring training.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Angel Sanchez, Marwin Gonzalez to compete for spot

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:16:15 -0800

Houston Astros SS Angel Sanchez and SS Marwin Gonzalez, a Rule 5 draftee, will compete for playing time at shortstop behind starting SS Jed Lowrie.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Angel Sanchez clears waivers

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:36:35 -0800

Houston Astros SS Angel Sanchez cleared waivers Wednesday, Feb. 1, and he will be in spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Brian Bogusevic performed well in winter ball

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:59:09 -0800

Houston Astros OF Brian Bogusevic hit .317 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in 33 games in the Dominican Winter League this offseason, including a .271 average (13-for-48) against left-handers.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Livan Hernandez signs

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:53:41 -0800

The Houston Astros signed free-agent SP Livan Hernandez (Nationals) to a minor league deal Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: FOXSports.com - Ken Rosenthal

Astros | No name change coming

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:12:10 -0800

New Houston Astros owner Jim Crane said he would not change the name of the team. He said last week he was considering changing it.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Astros | Jack Cust financials

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:27:48 -0800

Houston Astros OF Jack Cust's option for the 2013 season will be worth $1 million, all of which is guaranteed if the option is exercised. He can earn extra money in '13 for various awards.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Chris Snyder financial details

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:22:49 -0800

Houston Astros C Chris Snyder's 2013 mutual option is worth $4 million, all of which is guaranteed. The option contains a $500,000 buyout. Snyder can make extra money in 2012; he'll earn $125,000 for 300 plate appearances, $125,000 for 325, $125,000 for 350, $125,000 for 375, $250,000 for 400, $250,000 for 425, $250,000 for 450 and $250,000 for 475. He also has various bonuses for awards.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Chris Johnson to battle for starting job

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:27:19 -0800

Houston Astros 3B Chris D. Johnson will enter spring training this year fighting for a starting spot at third base with 3B Jimmy Paredes. Johnson admits that he struggled with mental toughness last year at the plate.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Astros | Zach Duke signs

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:37:32 -0800

The Houston Astros signed free-agent SP Zach Duke (Diamondbacks) to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training Friday, Jan. 27.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Alyson Footer

Astros | Financials for Chris Snyder

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:55:43 -0800

Updating a previous report, Houston Astros C Chris Snyder will receive $750,000 in 2012, with $350,000 guaranteed. He will also receive bonuses for plate appearances and days on the team's roster.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: ESPN.com - Jerry Crasnick

Astros | Angel Sanchez cut

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:45:40 -0800

The Houston Astros designated SS Angel Sanchez for assignment Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: Houston Chronicle - Zachary Levine

Astros | Inquired about Ian Desmond

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:34:23 -0800

The Houston Astros inquired about Washington Nationals SS Ian Desmond before they acquired SS Jed Lowrie.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: FOXSports.com - Ken Rosenthal