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

Astros | Henry Villar outrighted

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:34:13 -0800

The Houston Astros outrighted P Henry Villar to the minors Saturday, Jan. 21, after he cleared waivers.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: CBSSports.com

Astros | Jason Castro ahead of schedule

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:18:33 -0800

Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said C Jason Castro (foot, knee) is ahead of schedule in his rehab, but C Chris Snyder was added for depth and insurance at the position.

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

Astros | Bud Norris in good shape

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:45:04 -0800

Houston Astros SP Bud Norris (biceps) said his arm is in great shape after missing his final start of last year with biceps tendonitis. "I was a little worried," Norris said. "There's definitely that (concern of injury) in the back of my mind. I feel really good now. The trainers have been great - Rex (Jones) and Nate (Lucero) - and have been giving me a lot of arm exercises to make sure it's extra strong. I started my throwing program early this year to make sure the shoulder's 100 percent, and I'm happy where I'm at right now."

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

Astros | Chris Snyder signs

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:44:33 -0800

The Houston Astros signed free-agent C Chris Snyder (Pirates) to a one-year deal with a mutual option for the 2013 season Friday, Jan. 20. Financial terms of the contract were not given.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Sports Network

Astros | Brett Wallace will have to earn spot

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:15:41 -0800

Houston Astros 1B Brett Wallace (back) will have to earn a spot on the major league roster out of spring training this year after slumping badly in 2011 and being sent to Class AAA. Wallace said he hurt his back while playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, and he was released from the team after hitting just .173 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 20 games. 1B Carlos Lee is penciled in as the team's starting first baseman this season.

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

Astros | Craig Tatum cut

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:30:26 -0800

The Houston Astros designated C Craig Tatum for assignment Wednesday, Jan. 18.

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

Astros | Jack Cust contract terms

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:40:56 -0800

Houston Astros OF Jack Cust will make $600,000 in 2012, and his deal includes a team option for the 2013 season.

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

Astros | Contract update on Jack Cust

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:55:33 -0800

Updating a previous report, the Houston Astros signed free-agent OF Jack Cust (Mariners) to a one-year contract with a club option for 2013, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

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

Astros | Jack Cust signed

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:18:11 -0800

The Houston Astros and free-agent OF Jack Cust (Mariners) reached a two-year agreement Tuesday, Jan. 17, pending a physical, according to sources. Cust might serve as a designated hitter in 2013 after the team moves to the American League.

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

Astros | Jed Lowrie files for arbitration

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:28:29 -0800

Houston Astros SS Jed Lowrie is asking for $1.5 million in salary arbitration and the team is countering at an offer of $900,000.

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

Astros | J.A. Happ avoids arbitration

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:04:55 -0800

The Houston Astros avoided arbitration with SP J.A. Happ Tuesday, Jan. 17, by agreeing to a one-year, $2.35 million deal. The deal also includes performance bonuses.

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