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 — Astros manager Cecil Cooper still envisions Michael Bourn as his leadoff hitter, but just not quite yet. Bourn will hit elsewhere in the order when the season starts, but Cooper is hopeful that eventually his young center fielder will prove that he is indeed capable of handling the leadoff role. "He has to [...]
HOUSTON — While Brad Ausmus received criticism for his offensive struggles during his 10-year run as the Astros' front-line catcher, his departure for the West Coast leaves an unquestionable void behind the plate as the club searches for an everyday starter. In all likelihood, whoever receives the majority of the playing time this year will [...]
HOUSTON — As expected, the Astros inked infielder David Newhan to a Minor League contract on Thursday, and invited him to Spring Training. Newhan, 35, will compete for a job as a backup infielder, and because he's mainly a second baseman, he has a good chance to not only make the team, but to receive [...]
AUSTIN — For those who may have thought the Astros' tree-planting exercise at the State Capitol on Wednesday was little more than a casual photo opportunity, they needed to take just one look at radio announcer Milo Hamilton to see this project was for real. Hamilton grabbed his shovel and got down to business, doing [...]
ROUND ROCK, Texas — Everywhere Mike Hampton goes these days, he hears the same sentiment from well-wishers who remember the lefty from his first go-around. "Glad you're back," most say. Hampton has heard those words more lately, considering he's back in Astros territory this week, touring the Waco, Austin and Round Rock markets in Texas [...]
ROUND ROCK, Texas — As special assistant to general manager Ed Wade, Jeff Bagwell has a myriad of responsibilities, including signing autographs, making a few caravan stops and — most importantly — evaluating the young talent the Astros have in the Minor League system. During the Astros' three-day caravan trip to Waco and Round Rock [...]
HOUSTON — The Astros participated in two arbitration hearings in 2008, but they won't have to go through that exercise this year. On Monday, they inked their final two arbitration-eligible players to one-year deals, signing right-hander Geoff Geary for $1.7 million plus incentives and left-hander Wandy Rodriguez for $2.6 million plus incentives. The Astros previously [...]
HOUSTON — Several pitchers will begin Spring Training with hopes of nabbing a spot in the starting rotation, including two whose names are familiar to Astros fans but whose bodies of work are still relatively unknown. Felipe Paulino and Fernando Nieve, once considered two of the organization's most promising arms, have had extensive injury histories [...]
Options are certainly available for free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf, but apparently the lucrative, multi-year deal is missing. Wolf said in an interview with Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com that he is talking with the Dodgers, Mets and other clubs. The veteran pitcher added that the tough economic times impacted his negotiations in November with the Astros. [...]
HOUSTON — Three years ago, the Astros became a large presence at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Calif., soon after it opened its doors, thanks to contributions of funds, equipment and on-site instructors. In the very near future, the Astros will have a Youth Academy similar to the original, practically in their own backyard. [...]