The Houston Astros, based in Houston, Texas, participate in Major League Baseball (MLB) and are a member of the National League Central Division. The Astros were founded as the Houston Colt .45's in 1962.
HOUSTON — The Astros made progress in 2008, but it wasn't quite enough. They recovered from a disastrous first half to post one of the best records after the All-Star break, but they still fell just shy of their first postseason berth in three years. Still, what looked to be a lost season early in [...]
The Hot Stove season is stressful for front offices, busy for reporters and fun for fans. But for the players, the offseason simply is a time to relax. Right-hander Chris Sampson, feeling great since undergoing right elbow surgery in October, is enjoying quite a bit of down time at his Houston home, where he's getting [...]
HOUSTON — The Astros added depth to their pitching pool when they signed right-hander Clay Hensley to a Minor League contract and invited him to Major League Spring Training camp. The two sides agreed to terms on Monday. If Hensley makes the team out of Spring Training, he'll earn $550,000. The contract also includes bonuses [...]
It seems as though the Astros are planning on pleading poverty and going into 2009 with much the same unit as 2008. Is there any reasonable hope for a different outcome? Frustrated already in West Texas! — Bret K., Abernathy, Texas They're not pleading poverty as much as they're bracing themselves for significant losses in [...]
HOUSTON — When Aaron Boone heard the Astros were in need of a right-handed-hitting third baseman and that they had inquired about him, he was instantly intrigued. The negotiations didn't take long, and on Thursday, Boone signed a one-year deal worth $750,000. The contract also includes a package of incentives based on plate appearances. "I'm [...]
HOUSTON — Dave Smith, an Astros reliever from 1980-90 and a member of all three Houston playoff teams in the 1980s, died Wednesday of a heart attack. He was 53. A two-time All-Star reliever with the Astros in 1986 and 1990, Smith finished his Astros career with 199 saves, second on the club's all-time career [...]
HOUSTON — Twenty years ago, the Astros were the first team to start a baseball academy in Venezuela, and since then, dozens of products from that grassroots undertaking have gone on to enjoy successful and lucrative Major League careers, including outfielder Bobby Abreu and ace left-hander Johan Santana. But the Astros are preparing to close [...]
HOUSTON — Astros general manager Ed Wade is "kicking the tires" of players who can share time with Geoff Blum at third base and has plans to reach out to a handful of free agents who may fit the bill. "There are a couple of guys that are at least worth talking about or talking [...]
HOUSTON — The Astros' pursuit for a fifth outfielder may have come to a conclusion on Monday, when they signed Jason Michaels to a one-year contract worth $750,000. Michaels, 32, also can make an additional $750,000 in performance bonuses. He'll receive an extra $25,000 for 200 plate appearances, $50,000 for 225 plate appearances, $75,000 for [...]
Lots to talk about this week, so let's get started … and please, don't shoot the messenger. Why couldn't the Astros trade Ty Wigginton before having to non-tender him? They could have gotten something for him; he had a solid year last year. — Adam C., Houston There was plenty of interest in Wigginton, but [...]