ASTROS SIGN FREE AGENT CUST: Wednesday, the Astros agreed to terms on a one-year, Major League contract with free agent OF Jack Cust worth $600,000…the deal includes a club option for 2013…in 670 Major League games, the 33-year-old Cust has hit 105 home runs with 323 RBI, 444 walks with a .374 on-base pct….from 2007-09, while with Oakland,
he led the AL in walks (309) and pitches per plate appearance (4.34) while ranking 5th in game-winning RBI (39)…Cust averaged 28 home runs and 103 walks per season in that three-year span…he spent most of the 2011 season with Seattle before being released in August.
TATUM DESIGNATED: C Craig Tatum has been designated for assignment to make room on the Astros 40-man roster for OF Jack Cust, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Wednesday afternoon…the Astros claimed Tatum off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on October 28, 2011…the Astros 40-man roster is now at 40.
2012 ASTROS CAREavan APPROACHING: The 2012 Astros CAREavan, which begins on February 1, will include several current and former players while visiting 13 cities thoughout central and south Texas in an eight-day span and will include a stop in Oklahoma City…each day will include free autograph sessions at Academy Sports + Outdoors stores…for more information on player participation and the CAREavan schedule, visit www.astros.com/careavan.
FANFEST SET FOR FEB. 11TH: Astros FanFest, which will be Saturday, February 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Minute Maid Park, will feature several attractions for Astros fans…the event, which will raise dollars for the Astros Urban Youth Academy, will include several current and former players signing autographs, Talkin Baseball sessions with Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow, a garage sale of Astros merchandise, opportunities to run the bases and much more…for more information, visit www.astros.com/community.
ARBITRATION UPDATE: The Astros avoided arbitration with LHP J.A. Happ on Tuesday, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract worth $2.35 million…Happ, who earned $474,000 in 2011, was arbitration-eligible for the first time in his career…IF Jed Lowrie is the only unsigned Astros player eligible for arbitration…prior to Tuesday’s deadline, Lowrie submitted a salary figure of $1.5 million while the Astros submitted a salary figure of $900,000.
MAJOR LEAGUE COACHING STAFF: In the last week, the Astros completed their Major League coaching staff with the additions of bench coach Joe Pettini (1/11) and bullpen coach Craig Bjornson (1/17)…the remainder of manager Brad Mills coaching staff will be as follows: Mike Barnett (hitting coach), Doug Brocail (pitching coach), Dave Clark (third base coach) and Bobby Meacham (first base coach), all of whom were part of the 2011 staff.
NEW TO THE OFFICE: On January 11, General Manager Jeff Luhnow named Mike Elias as Special Assistant to the General Manager/Scouting and Dan Radison as Special Assistant to the General Manager/Player Development…Elias, 29, had worked for the St. Louis Cardinals for the past five seasons under Luhnow, most recently as manager of amateur
scouting…Radison, who had been the first base coach for the Washington Nationals from 2010-11, has experience as a minor league manager, hitting coordinator and player.
BERKMAN TO ATTEND HOUSTON BASEBALL DINNER: Former Astro Lance Berkman has been added to the list of guests at the 2012 Annual Houston Baseball Dinner Benefiting Grand Slam For Youth Baseball, which will be held on Friday, February 10 (7 p.m. start) at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston…this year’s event will include a special celebration of the Astros 50th anniversary with several former and current players in attendance…Berkman will receive his Houston Area Player of the Year award from the Houston Baseball Writers and will be one of many former Astros Team MVPs in attendance as part of the 50th anniversary celebration…other former Astros scheduled to attend are J.R. Richard, Bob Aspromonte, Bob Watson, Jose Cruz, Larry Dierker, Jimmy Wynn, Enos Cabell, Roger Metzger, Art Howe and Phil Garner…longtime Astros Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton will serve as the MC…for ticket information, visit www.astros.com/baseballdinner or call 713-259-8686.
THIS WEEK’S ASTROLINE: RHP Fernando Rodriquez will be this week’s guest on Astroline,
which will be broadcast live on KTRH 740 AM tonight at 7 p.m. from the Buffalo
Wild Wings on 510 Gray St. in midtown Houston…Rodriguez was solid out of the bullpen
for the Astros in 2011, posting a 2-3 record with a 3.96 ERA in 47 appearances while tallying 57 strikeouts in 52.1 innings pitched…his 9.8 SO/9 IP ratio was tops on the club and ranked 14th in the NL among RH relievers…Astroline is hosted each week by Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton and Alyson Footer.
SPRING IS IN THE AIR!: The Astros will hold the first official Spring Training workout for pitchers and catchers on Monday, February 20th at the Osceola County Stadium complex in Kissimmee, FL…position players will have their first workout on Sunday, February 26th…2012 will mark the Astros 28th season training in Kissimmee.
SPRING TRAINING EXPRESS!: The Astros equipment truck is scheduled to depart from Minute Maid Park for Kissimmee on Monday, February 13th.
GETTING THEIR WORK IN: Several Astros players are currently working out weekday mornings at Minute Maid Park with Dr. Gene Coleman, the Astros longtime strength and conditioning coach…players working out include: Brian Bogusevic, Bud Norris, Angel Sanchez, Jarred Cosart, Ross Seaton, Humberto Quintero, Chris Johnson, Brett Wallace, Wandy Rodriguez, Fernando Rodriguez.
SPECIAL TICKET OFFERS
Valentine’s Day 6-Game Flex Plan presented by Lewis Jewelers: The Astros Valentine’s Day 6-Game Flex Plan presented by Lewis Jewelers allows the purchaser, or gift recipient, to select any six Astros home games during the 2012 season including Opening Day. Plus, each account receives a $50 Lewis Jewelers gift card with purchase. Plans start at only $42 and are available in multiple seating sections including Field Box and the newly created Club III section. The plan is available at www.astros.com/Valentine or at 1-800-ASTROS2.
Astros 14-Game Plans: The Astros offer two flexible 14-Game plans, which both include a free bonus 15th game. With the 14-Game Flex Plan presented by Papa John’s, fans select any 14 home games of their choice to attend during the 2012 season, including Opening Day. The Friday Opening Day 14-Game Plan presented by Papa John’s guarantees a ticket to Opening Day, the season finale, all Friday night home games and a free bonus game. Plans are available at www.astros.com or at 1-800-ASTROS2.
ASTROS 40-MAN ROSTER
PITCHERS (22)
Abad, Fernando LHP
Abreu, Juan RHP
Carpenter, David RHP
Clemens, Paul RHP
Cruz, Rhiner RHP
De Leon, Jorge RHP
Del Rosario, Enerio RHP
Escalona, Sergio LHP
Happ, J.A. LHP
Harrell, Lucas RHP
Leon, Arcenio RHP
Lopez, Wilton RHP
Lyles, Jordan RHP
Lyon, Brandon RHP
Myers, Brett RHP
Norris, Bud RHP
Rodriguez, Aneury RHP
Rodriguez, Fernando RHP
Rodriguez, Wandy LHP
Sosa, Henry RHP
Weiland, Kyle RHP
Wright, Wesley LHP
CATCHERS (2)
Castro, Jason
Quintero, Humberto
INFIELDERS (9)
Altuve, Jose
Downs, Matt
Gonzalez, Marwin
Johnson, Chris
Lee, Carlos
Lowrie, Jed
Paredes, Jimmy
Sanchez, Angel
Wallace, Brett
OUTFIELDERS (7)
Bogusevic, Brian
Bourgeois, Jason
Cust, Jack
Martinez, Fernando
Martinez, J.D.
Schafer, Jordan
Shuck, J.B.
As of 1/18/12, 40 under control
NON-ROSTER (11)
PITCHERS (3)
Cedeno, Xavier LHP
Pendleton, Lance RHP
Valdez, Jose RHP
CATCHERS (1)
Corporan, Carlos
INFIELDERS (4)
Bixler, Brian
Hernandez, Diory
Moore, Scott
Thurston, Joe
OUTFIELDERS (3)
Barnes, Brandon
Buck, Travis
Snyder, Brad
FOLLOW THESE ASTROS ON TWITTER
Houston Astros Official Twitter
@astros
Houston Astros Spanish Twitter
@losastros
Alyson Footer (Astros social media)
@alysonfooter
footer.mlblogs.com
Brett Dolan (Astros radio)
@Astrosradio
Brian Bogusevic
@BrianBogusevic
Jason Bourgeois
@jbourgeois11
Matt Downs
@DownsTown16
Chris Johnson
@CJAstros23
Jordan Lyles
@jordanlyles41
J.D. Martinez
@JDMartinez14
Bud Norris
@BudNorris20
Jordan Schafer
@JordanSchafer
J.B. Shuck
@JB_SHUCK
Brett Wallace
@brettwallace29
BASEBALL AMERICA TOP 10 ASTROS PROSPECTS: Baseball America’s Astros Top 10 Astros Prospects (combined minor league stats listed):
1) 1B Jonathan Singleton (.298, 13HR, 63RBI)… acquired as part of the Pence trade to PHI
2) RHP Jarred Cosart (10-10, 4.12 ERA)… acquired as part of the Pence trade to PHI
3) OF George Springer (.179, 1HR, 3RBI)… drafted as the 11th overall selection in the 2011 draft
4) SS Jonathan Villar (.241, 14HR, 52RBI)… acquired as part of the Berkman trade to NYY
5) RHP Paul Clemens (8-7, 3.81 ERA)… acquired as part of the Bourn trade to ATL
6) OF Domingo Santana (.287, 12HR, 53RBI)… acquired as part of the Pence trade to PHI
7) LHP Brett Oberholtzer (11-12, 4.01 ERA)… acquired as part of the Bourn trade to ATL
2B Delino DeShields Jr. (.220, 9HR, 48RBI)… drafted as the 8th overall selection in the 2010 draft
9) RHP Mike Foltynewicz (5-11, 4.97 ERA)… drafted as the 19th overall selection in the 2010 draft
10) 1B Telvin Nash (.274, 14HR, 37RBI)… drafted in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft
2011-12 OFFSEASON TRANSACTIONS: Jan. 18: Free agent OF Jack Cust signed to one-year, ML contract with club option for 2013…Jan. 17:. Agreed to terms on a one-year contract with LHP J.A. Happ, thus avoiding arbitration; Craig Bjornson hired as ML bullpen coach… Jan. 11: OF Fernando Martinez claimed off waivers from the Mets; RHP Henry Villar designated for assignment; Joe Pettini named ML bench coach; Mike Elias named Special Assistant to the General Manager/Scouting; Dan Radison named Special Assistant to the General Manager/Player Development; Matt Sinatro named ML catching and advance scouting coordinator… Jan. 3: Sig Mejdal named Director of Decision Sciences; Stephanie Wilka named Coordinator of Amateur Scouting…Dec. 14: Acquired IF Jed Lowrie and RHP Kyle Weiland from BOS in exchange for RHP Mark Melancon; IF Brian Bixler designated for assignment; OF/1B Nick Stavinoha released from minor league contract to sign with Japanese ballclub…Dec. 12: Agreed to terms on a one-year contract with C Humberto Quintero, thus avoiding arbitration…Dec. 8: Select RHP Rhiner Cruz in first round of Major League Rule 5 Draft and RHP Marco Duarte in first round of Triple A Rule 5 Draft; acquire IF Marwin Gonzalez from BOS in exchange for Duarte…Dec. 7: Jeff Luhnow named General Manager…Dec. 2: signed IF Diory Hernandez to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training…Nov. 29: signed C Carlos Corporan to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training…Nov. 18: Purchased the contract of RHP Paul Clemens; signed RHP Lance Pendleton to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training…Nov. 16: Outrighted C Carlos Corporan off the 40-man roster…Nov 15: IF Scott Moore signed to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training…Nov 13: IF Joe Thurston signed to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training…Nov 12: OF Brad Snyder signed to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training…Nov 9: OF Travis Buck and IF-OF Nick Stavinoha signed to minor league contracts with invites to Major League Spring Training…Nov. 3: IF Brian Bixler claimed off waivers from Washington…Oct. 31: RHP Brandon Lyon, LHP Sergio Escalona, and C Jason Castro removed from the 60-Day DL…Oct. 30: SS Clint Barmes and OF Jason Michaels declare free agency…Oct. 28: C Craig Tatum claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles; OF Brandon Barnes re-signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training; Astros hire three amateur scouts: Tim Bittner (Mid-Atlantic), Gavin Dickey (South Texas), and John Martin (Central and North Florida)…Oct. 24: LHP Xavier Cedeno, RHP Alberto Arias, and RHP Jose Valdez re-signed to minor league contracts; Cedeno and Valdez invited to Major League Spring Training; Jon Matlack named Minor League Pitching Coordinator; Bryan Lambe hired as professional scout…Oct. 17: RHP Jose Valdez refuses minor league assignment, becomes free agent…Oct. 13: C J.R. Towles, RHP Alberto Arias, and RHP Jose Valdez outrighted off 40-man roster; RHP Alberto Arias removed from 60-day DL; C J.R. Towles to become free agent after World Series…Oct. 11: Astros agree to terms on one-year contracts for pitching coach Doug Brocail and hitting coach Mike Barnett…Oct. 7: RHP Lance Pendleton refuses minor league assignment, becomes free agent…Oct. 5: LHP Xavier Cedeno, RHP Blake King, and RHP Lance Pendleton outrighted off 40-man roster.
WINTER LEAGUES
Final regular season Winter League stats for Astros Major Leaguers and minor leaguers are listed below.
Position Player Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB
Altuve, Jose Magallanes VWL .339 60 242 32 82 18 2 2 35 10
Barnes, Brandon Blue Sox ABL .345 14 58 14 20 6 0 4 20 0
Bogusevic, Brian Cibaenas DWL .317 33 120 26 38 8 1 4 12 4
Corporan, Carlos Carolina PWL .220 15 41 1 9 0 0 0 3 0
Garcia, Rene Carolina PWL .324 20 37 3 12 3 0 1 6 2
Gonzalez, Marwin Caracas VWL .292 42 168 19 49 7 0 0 17 3
Hernandez, Diory Escogido DWL .240 28 96 7 23 4 1 2 9 0
Hernandez, Diory TOR, ESC DWL .287 49 174 13 50 11 1 2 26 3
Hernandez, Enrique Carolina PWL .080 15 25 4 2 1 0 0 1 0
Hernandez, Federico Magallanes VWL .333 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Paredes, Jimmy Cibao DWL .306 39 124 18 38 4 2 1 18 5
Pena, Roberto Caguas PWL .500 5 4 1 2 0 0 0 2 0
Pena, Roberto CAG, SRR .375 6 8 1 3 0 0 0 2 0
Sanchez, Angel Mayaguez PWL .293 24 92 10 27 3 1 1 10 0
Santana, Domingo Licey DWL .500 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Snyder, Brad Guasave LMP .400 3 10 1 4 0 0 1 2 0
Thurston, Joe Lara VWL .303 39 145 14 44 6 0 1 17 2
Van Ostrand, James Este DWL .176 6 17 0 3 0 0 0 2 0
Villar, Jonathan Cibaenas DWL .111 22 36 8 4 0 0 0 2 5
Wallace, Brett Escogido DWL .173 20 52 8 9 2 0 2 9 0
Pitcher Team League W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO
Abad, Fernando Este DWL 1-1 2.25 4 4 16.0 12 5 4 1 16
Abreu, Erick Cibao DWL 3-1 2.25 20 0 24.0 18 9 6 7 27
Alvino, Wander Oriente DWL 0-0 5.06 10 0 5.1 4 3 3 5 1
Aristil, Jonnathan Este DWL 1-0 5.60 12 0 17.2 14 13 11 10 12
Carpenter, David Escogido DWL 1-0 3.48 10 0 10.1 12 4 4 2 10
Cedeno, Xavier Carolina PWL 2-2 1.77 13 0 20.1 22 5 4 7 20
Cisnero, Jose Cibao DWL 0-0 0.00 2 0 1.0 0 0 0 4 1
Cruz, Luis Caguas PWL 0-2 4.11 10 9 46.0 49 22 21 20 25
Cruz, Rhiner Cibao DWL 0-0 1.47 21 0 18.1 11 4 3 10 17
De Leon, Jorge Escogido DWL 0-0 2.16 9 0 8.1 9 2 2 3 6
Del Rosario, Enerio Cibao DWL 1-1 0.93 13 0 9.2 8 3 1 4 5
Escalona, Sergio La Guaira VWL 1-1 3.48 13 0 10.1 10 4 4 4 5
Flores, Adalberto CAR, PON 1-1 2.70 16 0 20.0 15 7 6 6 11
Garcia, Gabriel Magallanes VWL 0-2 2.63 28 0 13.2 13 4 4 7 10
Leon, Arcenio Zulia VWL 2-1 3.23 26 2 30.2 24 15 11 19 24
Martinez, David Magallanes VWL 1-3 3.74 6 5 21.2 25 12 9 11 16
Perez, Sergio Aragua VWL 3-1 2.47 14 14 65.2 65 24 18 30 50
Quevedo, Carlos Magallanes VWL 1-2 4.61 4 4 13.2 17 8 7 3 7
Rodriguez, Aneury Este DWL 2-0 2.48 8 7 32.2 23 9 9 5 32
Sosa, Henry Oriente DWL 1-2 6.23 7 7 26.0 34 19 18 7 18
Storey, Mickey Oriente DWL 1-0 6.00 7 0 6.0 4 4 4 6 7
Villar, Henry Licey DWL 0-0 3.86 10 0 9.1 11 5 4 4 5
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