Players name Taveras top NL rookie

11/03/2005
HOUSTON -- When Spring Training began in February, the Houston Astros received so much criticism for what was considered a depleted lineup that manager Phil Garner said, "You never know. We may have three Rookie of the Year candidates by the time the season is over."
They don't have three, but they do have one -- Willy Taveras, who is a leading candidate to win the honor. That will be announced early next week, but on Thursday, the center fielder got a head start on what could be an award-filled offseason for the 23-year-old. Taveras was introduced as the Outstanding Rookie in the National League at the Players Choice Awards.
Taveras, who in October was voted by his peers as The Sporting News Rookie of the Year, hit .291 (172-for-592) over 152 games in 2005. He led all Major League rookies with 34 stolen bases, good for fourth in the National League.
Considered to be one of the fastest in the big leagues, Taveras led the Majors with 70 infield hits and 29 bunt singles. He led all rookies with 52 multihit games, 82 runs scored, 151 singles and 152 games played.
He is only the second Astros rookie to record 30 stolen bases, and his 96 hits in the first half were the most for a National League rookie before the All-Star break since Albert Pujols (101) and Jimmy Rollins (98) in 2001.
Taveras is one of the few Rookie of the Year candidates who spent the entire season on the big league level. His closest competition, Pittsburgh's Zach Duke and Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, had tremendous years, but on a smaller scale. Howard played in 88 games, batting .288; Duke made 14 starts and posted a 1.81 ERA.
Garner superstitiously avoided the topic of Taveras' chances to win Rookie of the Year honors during the regular season. On Monday, soon after the Astros announced they extended Garner's contract, the skipper expressed his thoughts about his center fielder.
"I hope Willy wins it," Garner said. "It's totally deserved. He should be the Rookie of the Year."

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros prospects heat up in the AFL

11/04/2005
With nine multi-hit games and a .360 batting average, Josh Anderson has undressed AFL pitching. The 23-year-old outfielder wore the costume of a power hitter on Halloween for the Surprise Scorpions, slugging his first homer in a 3-2 loss to the Mesa Solar Sox. He followed that by going 2-for-4 on Nov. 2, but his run-scoring streak ended at four games.
The Astros' other four farmhands had eventful weeks as well. Here's how they fared:
LHP Philip Barzilla -- Barzilla bounced back from his worst appearance with the Surprise with two scoreless outings. He gave up one hit over two frames on Oct. 31 against Mesa and tossed a hitless inning against the Saguaros on Nov. 3.
RHP Taylor Buchholz -- Buchholz hasn't pitched since Oct. 29, when he allowed one run on two hits in four innings against the Mesa Solar Sox. The 24-year-old has had a strong campaign in the AFL, yielding three earned runs in 14 innings.
SS/2B Wade Robinson -- Robinson found the fences with his first homer in the AFL, going back-to-back with Cardinals prospect Gabe Johnson on Nov. 2 against the Phoenix Desert Dogs. He also collected two hits and two runs, but it wasn't enough to fend off a 7-6 loss.
OF Charlton Jimerson -- Jimerson is on a 7-for-15 tear in his last four games. He drove in his first run in eight games with a two-run homer against the Peoria Saguaros on Nov. 3.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Six nominated for Stenson Award

11/07/2005
MESA, Ariz. -- The second annual MLB.com AFL Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award will be given out in an on-field ceremony on Wednesday. On Monday, the six finalists were announced.
The manager from each team was asked to nominate one player. The AFL, in conjunction with MLB.com, will select one winner from the six nominees.
This year's finalists are Josh Anderson (Astros), Surprise Scorpions; Chris Denorfia (Reds), Mesa Solar Sox; Andre Ethier (A's), Phoenix Desert Dogs; Brandon Fahey (Orioles), Peoria Javelinas; Garrett Jones (Twins), Grand Canyon Rafters; and Chris Young (White Sox), Peoria Saguaros.
The six were chosen not because of their statistics or on-field performances, but because they best demonstrate the qualities Stenson brought to the ballpark every day: a quiet, hard-nosed attitude, a player who does his job without complaint, who plays the game the way it was meant to be played.
"It's an honor to be put in that category," said Ethier, who won Texas League Player of the Year honors as well as the league's All-Star Game MVP award and Home Run Derby. "A lot of guys here work hard. You kind of have to in order to go here."
"To me, it's one of the greatest honors, greatest compliments you can get, when people appreciate the way you play the game," Denorfia said. "It's the only way I know how to play."
Dernell Stenson played in the AFL as part of the Reds organization in 2003 and was having a terrific season until he was slain in Chandler on Nov. 5, 2003.
"Stenson, I didn't know him very well, but I saw him play a couple of times," Ethier said. "Everything I've heard is that he was climbing up the ladder and was on the doorstep, and he did it the right way the whole time. To be put in those shoes is an honor.
"I'm honored that I was nomininated from our team. We've got a lot of hard workers on the team."
The reasons for choosing the nominees were universally the same -- that these prospects were unselfish, hard-working and that they displayed tremendous leadership, either by example or vocally, or both.
"It's an approach ingrained in me throughout my career, first with my dad and then at Arizona State," Ethier said. "I take pride in it. It's not even something I do consciously. I never want to be complacent.
"Even on a day off, I want to make sure I get my work in and stay sharp. I want to keep that hunger because I don't have the skills some of these other players have. I need to work twice as hard to compete with them."
"Your work ethic always goes back to your father," Denorfria added. "It was reinforced fiercely in college. Then it just continues here. (Getting nominated) is a great compliment to all the guys who have coached me."
The winner will be honored in a special on-field ceremony on Wednesday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. In addition, MLB.com will make a donation to the charity of the winner's choosing.
Funds for the donation, in excess of $500, were raised through an online auction of a Derek Jeter autographed ball. Jeter played in the AFL in 1994 and is enshrined in the Fall League's Hall of Fame.
"Dernell's death was a very difficult situation for the league," said Steve Cobb, AFL executive vice president, at the time of the award's inception. "We suffered a tremendous loss, but we came together as a family (in 2003). At this point, we want to remember the contributions Dernell Stenson made to this league, in his work ethic and his dedication to the game.
"We think this is a fitting way to remember Dernell and we are pleased to work hand-in-hand in MLB.com to make this happen."
Last year, Royals third baseman Mark Teahen became the first recipient of the award as a member of the Phoenix Desert Dogs. The other finalists were Detroit's Curtis Granderson, the Padres' Ben Johnson, the White Sox's Pedro Lopez, Freddy Sanchez of the Pirates and the Brewers' Rickie Weeks. The work ethics and attitudes of those finalists clearly reaped rewards, with all six seeing time in the big leagues during the 2005 season.
"Looking back, the things the managers and coaches noticed in me benefited me," said Teahen, who hit .246 in 447 at-bats as a Royals rookie. "The hard work in the Fall League helped me out in getting to the big leagues and in getting my feet wet.
"I would assume everyone in the Fall League is there for the same prupose, to get better and prepare for a higher level. Whoever wins the award isn't doing it to win an award. They're there to put in that much effort to try to become the best player they can be. When a guy really dedicates himself, sometimes it gets acknowledged."

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Clemens, Ausmus and more

11/07/2005
What a difference a year makes. Last year, almost every mailbag question I received asked about Carlos Beltran. This year, the focus is on Brad Ausmus ... and, of course, Roger Clemens. It's still very early in the offseason, so it's hard to guess what's going to happen. But here's what we have so far.
What's the status on Ausmus for next season? I understand he is a free agent and possibly interested in San Diego. Also, is there any indication that Roger could come back as a closer -- or would he even like to? -- Ron J.
Ausmus filed for free agency, and the Astros are hoping he'll re-sign for 2006. The Padres do appear to be interested in the catcher, also, which will create competition for the Astros. Ausmus lives in San Diego and is intrigued by the idea of playing at home. That said, he also has a home in Houston, and his family likes it here.
Ausmus isn't limiting himself to only the Padres and Astros, but it's clear those teams are at the top of his list. If he does sign with the Padres, the Astros would likely have to sign a front-line free agent catcher or trade for one. I doubt they'll want to go with the Humberto Quintero-Raul Chavez duo. In that respect, Padres catcher Ramon Hernandez could be a catcher the Astros might pursue.
I doubt Clemens would want to be a closer. If he had arm problems, perhaps he'd consider it, like John Smoltz did a few years ago. But Clemens' arm is fine. His leg? Not so fine.
He has to decide if he's healthy enough to get through a full season, and at this point, no one knows how much he's hurting. Obviously, he had some serious hamstring issues toward the end of the season, and those hammy problems likely stemmed from the back problems he had earlier in the season. Not long ago, he said he had already made up his mind about '06. Now we just have to wait to hear what he's decided.
Does Clemens not realize he HAS TO come back? ... In the spring he said one thing he still needed to do was steal a base, and I'm still waiting! -- Marlene
I'll have to call the Elias Sports Bureau to find out how many Hall of Famers never stole a base, because I'm afraid we'll have to add Roger to that list. Have you watched him run? Roger's a lot of things on a baseball diamond. Speedy is not one of them. I'm guessing he could beat Andy Pettitte in a foot race, but trust me, that's not saying much.
Is there any chance that the Astros could trade for Manny Ramirez? -- Austin S.
I hope not. Signing Ramirez would require manager Phil Garner to check with one of the game's most expensive players on a daily basis to see if he feels like playing.
Last July, the Red Sox were dealing with several injuries and needed Manny to play on a day that earlier he was promised he'd have off. Ramirez decided the day off was more important, and it put his team in a bind. His teammates shrugged it off, saying it was "Manny being Manny." That's garbage.
I don't care how great of a hitter he is. The Astros clubhouse, comprised of plenty of young players, doesn't need Ramirez's influence.
Side note: When you're one of the best hitters in the game, and your team has tried to trade you plenty of times since you signed, there's a problem.
Are the Astros waiting on Clemens' decision or is Tim Purpura actively talking to any eligible free agents? -- Greg S.
They're not waiting on Clemens, but they certainly have to keep in mind what it's going to cost if Clemens does re-sign. The payroll is going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $80-85 million, and if Clemens returns, he'll take up a lot of it. The Astros already have $64 million allotted to five players, not including Clemens. That leaves approximately $20 million for the remaining 20. Clemens made $18 million last year. The math is ugly.
What are Jeff Bagwell's odds of actually getting back to first base and producing, and what options do the Astros have to alleviate the financial strain of his contract if he cannot? Would he simply be the most expensive pinch-hitter in history or would he retire gracefully? -- Steve F.
Bagwell resumed the process of rehabbing his shoulder as soon as the World Series was over. His goal is to build strength in the shoulder so that he can throw 90 feet, something he has not been able to do for quite some time.
It's too early to tell what will happen this winter. Bagwell believes he can rehabilitate his shoulder and return to the field as a healthy, productive player in '06. He proved in September and in the playoffs he can still hit. The question will be, can he throw, and will the strain he puts on his shoulder by throwing affect his hitting? Those answers will come in time.
No one is talking about what happens if he cannot play. But this notion that he's going to walk away from the rest of his contract is a waste of time. First of all, Jeff backloaded the contract when he signed it in 2000, and he's deferred several millions every year so the Astros could sign other players. Why would he not collect what he's legitimately earned?
One thing is for sure -- Bagwell will not be a pinch-hitter. He's either going to play both sides of the game, or he won't play. The pinch-hitting option was available last season because it was September, and rosters expanded to 40 men, and he wasn't taking someone else's roster spot.
Since Mike Lamb came to the Astros, he has been my favorite player and I have really enjoyed watching him play. After the last World Series game when the Astros lost, he talked as if he was not coming back next season. My question is, do you have any idea if Lamb will be coming back? I would think he is because he has helped the Astros out a lot these past two seasons, especially in the postseason and with pinch-hitting. I really hope he is coming back because I would hate to see my favorite Astros player leave. -- Kara
It's exactly those sentiments that brought Lamb to tears after the Game 4 loss. He said losses are part of the game, but he was overwhelmed by the way he was treated by the fans during his two years in Houston He's never felt that welcome by a city in his professional career.
Lamb is arbitration eligible, which means he doesn't yet have control over his future. The Astros could decide to re-sign him, trade him, or non-tender him. Because he is expendable, and not locked in a long-term contract, there are no guarantees that he will be back. Purpura said he sees value in keeping all of the arbitration eligible players. Finances may not allow that to happen. We'll have to wait and see.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Taveras voted Rookie of Year runner-up

11/07/2005
HOUSTON -- When asked about the National League Rookie of the Year results, Houston Astros general manager Tim Purpura said first and foremost, he is not in a position to give an unbiased opinion.
"I'm not a voter, and I'm not objective," Purpura said. "I am completely subjective on this topic."
And, of course, Purpura felt that center fielder Willy Taveras was deserving of the award. After all, Purpura watched Taveras transform from a youngster who never played higher than Double-A to a top-of-the-order speedster who played center field in the World Series.
Taveras finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting behind Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, who took over for the injured Jim Thome and led all first-year players with 22 homers.
Howard received 19 first-place votes, three second-place votes and five third-place votes for a total of 109 points. Taveras finished with seven first-place votes, 11 second-place votes and 10 third-place votes, totalling 78 points. Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur finished third with 60 points.
Taveras, who was voted by his peers as The Sporting News Rookie of the Year and The Players Choice outstanding rookie, hit .291 (172-for-592) over 152 games in 2005. He led all Major League rookies with 34 stolen bases, good for fourth in the National League.
Considered to be one of the fastest in the big leagues, Taveras led the Majors with 70 infield hits and 29 bunt singles. He led all rookies with 52 multihit games, 82 runs scored, 151 singles and 152 games played.
He is only the second Astros rookie to record 30 stolen bases, and his 96 hits in the first half were the most for a National League rookie before the All-Star break siince Albert Pujols (101) and Jimmy Rollins (98) in 2001.
And Taveras had some big shoes to fill. He took over in center field after the Astros lost out on Carlos Beltran, who departed via free agency and signed with the Mets.
Purpura's confidence in Taveras never waned, even during tough stretches when the 23-year-old experienced growing pains defensively and at the plate. Purpura's philosophy was simple: put Taveras in the lineup, and leave him there.
"Look at how far he's come," Purpura said. "Last year at this time, he was wrapping up his season at the Arizona Fall League. This year, he played in the World Series. He's come a long way. If you watched him all year like we did, you've got to believe in him."


Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Elston among Frick Award candidates

11/08/2005
HOUSTON -- Gene Elston spent a quarter century behind the microphone as the Houston Astros' play-by-play broadcaster. He's waited nearly as long for a chance to win the coveted Ford C. Frick Award, presented by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Eleven past and present Astros broadcasters appear on the list of candidates to win the Frick Award. Elston, the original voice of the Houston franchise that joined the National League in 1962, is at the top.
Elston called Astros games through 1986, went on to broadcast the CBS radio Game of the Week for 10 years, and was elected to the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2002.
Prior to joining the Colt 45s, Elston was a Cubs broadcaster from 1954-57.
Elston's resume is rich and extensive. He witnessed 11 no-hitters, including Mike Scott's National League West clincher in 1986. He was behind the microphone for the Astros' three Western Division championships in 1980, 1981 and 1986 as well as Eddie Mathews' 500th home run and Nolan Ryan's record-breaking strikeout in 1983 that put him ahead of Walter Johnson.
Presented annually since 1978 for excellence in baseball broadcasting, the Ford C. Frick Award is given to an active or retired broadcaster with a minimum of 10 years of continuous Major League broadcast service with a ballclub, network, or a combination of the two.
Fans will have the opportunity to vote for up to three of the 182 broadcasters eligible for consideration for the 2006 Ford C. Frick Award. Bios of each candidate appear at the site, and fans are allowed to vote once daily. Results will be announced when voting concludes, though updates will not be provided during the voting. The fan selections, along with the full ballot of 10 candidates, will be announced Dec. 5.
The final ballot will be comprised of the three fan selections, along with seven other candidates determined by a Hall of Fame staff research team.
The voting electorate consists of 20 members, featuring 2005 Ford C. Frick Award winner Jerry Coleman and the other 13 living Frick Award winners: Marty Brennaman, Herb Carneal, Joe Garagiola, Curt Gowdy, Ernie Harwell, Jaime Jarrin, current Astros play-by-play announcer Milo Hamilton, Harry Kalas, Felo Ramirez, Vin Scully, Lon Simmons, Bob Uecker and Bob Wolff.
Six historians and veteran media members are also part of the electorate, including Bob Costas (NBC), Barry Horn (Dallas Morning News), Stan Isaacs (formerly of New York's Newsday), Ted Patterson (historian), Curt Smith (historian) and Larry Stewart (The Los Angeles Times).
Voters are asked to base their selections on the following criteria: longevity, continuity with a club, honors --including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games, and popularity with fans.
Paper ballots will be cast by voting members each January, and the final results will be announced at the Hall of Fame's Web site in February. Each voter will cast ballots for three candidates, and the broadcaster with the most support will be named as that year's winner and be honored the following summer at the annual induction ceremony in Cooperstown.
Other Astros broadcasters, past and present, who are eligible to win the Frick Award include current television play-by-play announcer Bill Brown, Rene Cardenas, Vince Cotroneo, Larry Dierker, Al Helfer, Orlando Sanchez-Diago, Dewayne Staats, Bill Worrell, and current Astros Spanish network broadcasters Alex Trevino and Francisco Ruiz.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

All six Astros coaches will return for '06

11/08/2005
HOUSTON -- The announcement that all six Houston Astros coaches will be retained arrived a bit late, considering these decisions are usually made within a couple of days of the season ending, if not before the season ends.
But the delayed announcement had nothing to do with the Astros contemplating making any changes to the staff. It just took a while for general manager Tim Purpura to track down one unnamed coach on his cell phone, which would have completed the round of calls inviting all six coaches back for '06.
Coaches are judged largely on the performance of the players, and the Astros' World Series appearance was a nice indication that it was a productive year, to say the least.
"To come from where we were, and the number of young players improving the way they did, it was a good sign that the coaches did a nice job and deserve to come back," Purpura said.
The coaching staff is a blend of former Major Leaguers, longtime coaches and first-time Astros.
Bullpen coach Mark Bailey returns for his fifth season in 2006, while Cecil Cooper, a veteran of 17 Major League seasons as a player, returns for his second season as bench coach.
First base coach Jose Cruz, who has been involved in all of the franchise's postseason appearances as a player or coach, will begin his 10th season in his current role on the coaching staff. Hitting coach Gary Gaetti and pitching coach Jim Hickey each return for their third season with the club in their respective roles. Doug Mansolino returns as Houston's third base coach for his second season.
Additionally, the 2006 season will be the 30th with the Astros organization for bullpen assistant Strech Suba, including one as a player and 29 in his current role.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros' offseason hinges on Rocket

11/09/2005
HOUSTON -- As the Hot Stove season heats up in Houston, the question may not be who the Astros want to pursue to fill their roster in 2006, but rather, if they have the resources to pursue anyone at all.
Five players will make a total of $64 million in 2006, and considering the Astros are likely to maintain the same payroll as they had last year -- somewhere in the low $80 millions -- they will likely have only around $20 million to fill the remaining 20 roster spots.
General manager Tim Purpura knew 2006 was going to be a challenge. Many of the high salaried players have backloaded contracts that call for big payoffs next season. For example, Andy Pettitte, who is entering the final year of his three-year, $31.5 million deal, was paid $5.5 million in '04 and $8.5 million in '05. In 2006, he'll make $17.5 million.
Roy Oswalt signed a two-year deal prior to Spring Training last year and made $5.9 million in 2005. Next year, he'll be paid $11 million to complete his $16.9 million contract.
Lance Berkman will make $14.5 million in '06, and Jeff Bagwell will be paid $17 million. Craig Biggio re-upped for $4 million.
And we still don't know if Roger Clemens is returning, or retiring.
Purpura's priorities are to re-sign Clemens, re-sign catcher Brad Ausmus and explore potential offensive help, either via trade or free agency. As Astros fans know, the offense needs a boost.
It's still too early to predict how the Astros will fare this winter. The one thing Purpura knows for sure is that while the payroll will stay relatively the same as last year, it won't go down.
"It's hard to know what payroll's going to be," Purpura said. "Circumstances could take it up. But it won't be less [than '05]. We've tried not to have a hard target. It's floating, depending on circumstances."
Circumstances are not limited to Clemens and Ausmus. Several key components of the '05 World Series team are arbitration eligible for the first time, and raises are on the horizon.
Brad Lidge made $500,000 in 2005, plus an extra $25,000 for making the All-Star team. Morgan Ensberg made $450,000, plus $25,000 for his All-Star selection, and another $25,000 for receiving the Silver Slugger Award. Adam Everett made $445,000. All are first-time arbitration eligibles, and they're going to get a hefty hike in salary. Dan Wheeler will certainly make more than the $365,000 he was paid in '05. Mike Lamb ($1.3 million) and Raul Chavez ($360,000) are also arbitration eligible.
If money weren't an issue (and just for argument's sake, let's pretend for a minute that it's not), Purpura sees value in every arbitration-eligible player. In a perfect world, most would return.
"It's hard to say with certainty, but most of our arb eligibles are players we want to keep," Purpura said. "All of them have a fit here for sure."
For now, baseball becomes a waiting game. The Astros need to know where, and if, Clemens figures into the equation, and they'll need to know if Ausmus wants to return to Houston or sign elsewhere, like San Diego, where he lives year-round. The Padres seemingly have interest in the free agent catcher, which will create competition for the Astros.
So, the answer to the question of whether the Astros can retain most of the 2005 roster is: it depends.
"A lot hinges on what Roger intends to do," Purpura said. "Some hinges on what [Ausmus] wants to do. If he comes back, we've got [Humberto] Quintero and Chavez. We might not need both."
While Purpura will explore potential players outside of the organization, he will also keep his eye on the progress of several Astros who comprised the World Series team.
Bagwell is one question. He resumed his rehab program as soon as Game 4 ended, but it'll be a while before the 15-year veteran will know if he can make a successful return to the field in '06.
"The big issue is whether he can play first base every day in the National League," Purpura said. "We won't know that until we find out about the throwing, and we don't know if the throwing will affect the hitting. That's what we have to find out."

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Garner third in Manager of Year voting

11/09/2005
HOUSTON -- Phil Garner, who guided the Houston Astros to their first World Series berth, finished third in National League Manager of the Year voting, announced by the Baseball Writers Association of America on Wednesday.
Atlanta manager Bobby Cox won by a landslide, receiving 28 first-place votes for 152 total points. Cardinals skipper Tony La Russa was a distant second with two first-place votes and 52 points, followed by Garner, who received no first-place votes and 38 points.
In his first full season as the Astros' manager, Garner watched his club sink to last place in the division with a 15-30 record to start the '05 campaign. But the Astros went 74-43 the rest of way to win the Wild Card on the final day of the season, and they eliminated the Braves and Cardinals in the postseason to reach the Fall Classic.
The 2004 season featured a dramatic turnaround, too, which arrived after Garner took over the reigns in mid-July.
Houston went 36-10 (.783) in the last 46 games of the 2004 regular season after Aug. 15, the best record in baseball during that time period and the best finish in franchise history. The finish also was also the second-best in National League history from Aug. 15 through the end of the season, trailing only the 1951 New York Giants.
To reward Garner for a job well done following the World Series in October, the Astros turned the manager's 2007 option into a guaranteed year.
The 14th manager in franchise history, Garner has a career managerial record of 845-901 (.484) in 13 big league seasons. He previously managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992-1999 and the Detroit Tigers in parts of three seasons from 2000-02.
In 236 games as Houston's skipper, Garner has a 137-99 record for a .581 winning percentage.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Clemens takes third in Cy Young voting

11/10/2005
HOUSTON -- The Astros' pitching staff carried the weight of its team's playoff hopes on its back in 2005, and one glance at the list of the top Cy Young Award finishers shows why this team represented the National League in the World Series.
Three Houston starting pitchers finished in the top six in Cy Young voting. Roger Clemens finished third, Roy Oswalt fourth and Andy Pettitte sixth.
"It's an example of what we've said since the start of the season," general manager Tim Purpura said. "The pitching is the strength of the club, and it's an honor for the organization to have three guys in the top six."
All three were distant finishers behind the winner, Cardinals righty Chris Carpenter, and the runner-up, Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis. Carpenter and Willis were the only pitchers named to every ballot, and their dominance in 2005 rightfully directed most of the first-place votes by the Baseball Writers Association of America into their corner.
Clemens garnered two first-place votes and 40 total points. Oswalt received no first-place votes, grabbing two third-place votes for two points, and Pettitte received one third-place vote for one point.
Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young winner, had one of his most dominating seasons in 2005. The Rocket, who turned 43 in August, was 13-8 with a 1.87 ERA for an Astros club that was shut out nine times in games he started. Clemens did not allow a single run on the road until mid-June, when he yielded a solo homer in hitter friendly Coors Field.
Clemens' ERA was the second-lowest single-season ERA in franchise history, behind Nolan Ryan's 1.69 in 1981.
Oswalt became just the second Houston pitcher to log back-to-back 20-win seasons. He finished 2005 with a 20-12 record, a 2.94 ERA and four complete games. He was named to his first All-Star team after winning the fan vote on MLB.com by a landslide.
Pettitte, voted the Pitcher of the Year by the local chapter of the BBWAA, was the unsung hero of the 2005 season. Coming off major elbow surgery, Pettitte ranked second in the NL with a 2.39 ERA, behind only Clemens. He posted a 17-9 record over 33 starts, striking out 171 -- the second-highest strikeout total of his career.
Pettitte did not allow more than three runs in 19 of his final 20 starts of the season, and he led all Major League pitchers with a 1.69 ERA and .201 opponents batting average in the second half.
As a formality, Clemens filed for free agency on Thursday, along with reliever Russ Springer. Purpura does not anticipate Clemens expressing a desire to play for another team if the Rocket does decide to put off retirement for another season.
Purpura spoke with Clemens' agent, Alan Hendricks, on Wednesday, but no formal contract talks have begun.
"When [the agents] hear from Roger, they'll let us know," Purpura said.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros prospects shine in AFL

11/11/2005
HOUSTON -- Josh Anderson probably wouldn't mind if the AFL regular season lasted a bit longer.
The 23-year-old outfielder collected hits in 20 of his 24 games to close with a .360 average. In the past week, Anderson put together a five-game hitting streak that included four multi-hit efforts.
The Astros' other farmhands also were successful with the playoff-bound Surprise Scorpions. Here's how they fared:
LHP Philip Barzilla -- Barzilla snagged a win in relief on Nov. 7, giving up one run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings as Surprise outslugged the Saguaros, 12-10. It upped his record to 3-1, but a couple of bad outings this season pushed his ERA to 8.27.
RHP Taylor Buchholz -- It took until the final day of the regular season for Buchholz to nab a win. The 24-year-old right-hander worked a season-high five innings on Nov. 10, yielding two runs -- one earned -- on four hits in an 8-2 victory over the Peoria Javelinas. He went 1-0 with a sparkling 1.57 ERA.
SS/2B Wade Robinson -- Robinson had a great finish to the regular season by driving in runs in each of his last five games. The five-game hitting streak pushed his batting average up to .302. He homered once and drove in nine runs.
CF Charlton Jimerson -- Jimerson appeared in just two games, but one was his biggest output of the AFL season. The 26-year-old outfielder went 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs on Nov. 3 in an 11-4 win over the Peoria Saguaros. He finished the season by hitting .293 with five homers and 11 RBIs.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Lining up the offseason shuffle

11/14/2005
Before we get started, let me take a moment to congratulate Astros Senior VP of Operations Rob Matwick for his recent induction into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame. He said in his acceptance speech, "No one comes to the ballpark to watch Rob Matwick work," but I can say with certainty that he plays a huge role in making the whole Astros experience enjoyable for fans. Congrats, Rob.
What are the Astros going to do with Chris Burke and Brad Lidge? Will Lidge ever become a starting pitcher? -- Danielle S., Houston
The Astros have some decisions to make, regarding Burke. Drayton McLane has made it clear he wants Craig Biggio to reach 3,000 hits in an Astros uniform, and Biggio is projected to reach that plateau in April or May of 2007. That leaves Burke without the option of playing his natural position, second base.
Burke did a terrific job in left field this year, especially considering he had never played there before. But the corner outfield positions are usually occupied by players with better power numbers, and Burke is not going to be a home run hitter. He's a top-of-the-order, gap hitter who will hit more doubles than homers.
The Astros could deal him, but I don't think they'll do anything hasty. Tim Purpura loves Burke, and it's going to take a mind-blowing offer for him to let go of the former No. 1 draft pick.
Regarding Lidge, the Astros aren't going to do anything, and they shouldn't. Lidge is their closer. I don't think the team has any interest in converting him into a starter. He has a nasty slider, which helped him become one of the top closers in the league.
Lidge had a rough postseason, and he has the entire winter to think about it, to get past it, and to get ready for Spring Training. The Astros aren't worried about Lidge's confidence, and I'm guessing Lidge isn't worried about it, either. He'll be fine.
I know that everyone likes to talk about how great Adam Everett is defensively, but I feel that the Astros really need a player with a solid bat. Everett had a lot of crucial at-bats with runners in scoring position throughout the World Series (and even the playoffs) and did nothing. Those could have been critical runs. Are the Astros even considering going after a player like Rafael Furcal, who has a strong glove and is also more reliable with a bat? -- James M.
I'm assuming the overwhelming number of e-mails I've received about trading Everett stem from the fact that Furcal is a free agent. We can all forget about Furcal coming to Houston. He's too expensive and his agent is seeking a five- or six-year deal. The Astros aren't going to do that, especially since Furcal has some character issues that need to be considered.
Yes, Everett had a lot of crucial at-bats with runners on base in the World Series. So did Biggio, Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg, as did Jason Lane and Brad Ausmus and Willy Taveras. In other words, everyone struggled, not just Everett. I can't imagine placing the blame on the Nos. 7-8 hitters for the team being an offensive flop in the World Series.
Everett is here for defensive purposes, and he was terrific in '05. Like Lidge, judging a player on what he did in one week is dangerous. Ask the Mets. They threw $119 million at Carlos Beltran, largely based on what he did over a two-week span for the Astros in the 2004 postseason. Last I heard, the Mets were looking at trade possibilities involving Beltran. I guess they're unhappy that a player who hit .267 in '04 hit .266 in '05.
I'm not one to make predictions, because I believe it's pretty much a waste of time. But let me go out on a limb for argument's sake. My prediction for 2006: Everett wins the Gold Glove, and Andy Pettitte wins the Cy Young.
The Astros were unable to sign any quality free agents last year because the free agents signed with other teams while management waited and pursued Beltran. This year, I firmly believe management will not aggressively pursue the free agent market because they will have to wait for a decision by Roger Clemens to return. By the time Clemens gives management his decision, the top free agents will have signed with other teams. Is management going to make the same fatal mistake for two consecutive years? Clemens, with all due respect, is a huge liability because of his age. It's plain and simple, the Astros have great young talent, but they need another veteran bat in the lineup.
My question: do you think management will request for Clemens to give them a speedy response which will enable management to sign free agents? -- Keith F.
The Astros are surely hoping Roger doesn't wait until January to decide, as he did last year. From what I am hearing, Roger hopes to have his decision within a couple of weeks. If he decides to return, it will help to know how much they're going to have to pay him and how much money will be left over to fill the rest of the roster.
Without Clemens, the Astros have about $20 million to spend on 20 players. With Clemens, they're probably going to have to up the payroll. Either way, they need to know, sooner rather than later. I believe Clemens will announce something in December.
Am I missing something here that determines what constitutes "Rookie of the Year?" I'm looking at all of the stats of Willy Taveras vs. Ryan Howard. How can they possibly pick Howard over Taveras? I'm aware Howard had a great August/September and hit more home runs. But let's wait and see what he can do during a full season in the Major Leagues before we start giving him an award that obviously belongs to someone else. Your thoughts? -- Mark M., Austin
I go back and forth with this issue. Willy was the only candidate who played the entire season on the Major League level, which should count for a lot. He also maintained a batting average around .300 for most of the year, another point in his favor.
But I can't begrudge Howard for winning. I realize that he was with the Phillies for only half the season, but it's hard to argue against a guy who hit 22 homers and drove in 63 runs over 88 games. Howard stepped in for Jim Thome and kept the Phillies in contention.
Taveras did a decent job at the top of the order because of his speed. He beat out grounders and reached on bunt singles, which became the focal point of his game. But his .324 on-base percentage wasn't impressive. He had only 20 extra-base hits all year. He'll have to improve on that, because as a leadoff man, he has to be able to move runners over. He also has to drive in runs here and there.
That said, the most important thing to remember is that Willy had never played above Double-A before 2005. What he was able to accomplish, while literally learning on the job, is remarkable.
I truly believe Phil Garner was snubbed for NL Manager of the Year by the writers. From the standpoint of accomplishments, I think he clearly outshines Bobby Cox and Tony LaRussa.
Regarding LaRussa, everyone expected his team to repeat as NL Central champions, and most of us expected him to win the pennant, as well. Scott Rolen notwithstanding, La Russa had a pretty healthy club all season, and they did exactly what they were expected, and are paid handsomely, to do.
Regarding Cox, his accomplishments this season with his team are well-documented, but relative to Garner's, I still think they lag. Cox started the season with a much more experienced team than Garner, and although much has been said of them finishing the team with so many rookie and young contributors, they also never battled back from 15 games below .500. That kind of improvement doesn't just happen because guys finally get hot. It takes tremendous leadership from a manager and a coaching staff to orchestrate that kind of turnaround.
I suppose you can make a weak argument for Garner placing second (and I stress weak), but third? Never. -- Chris C., Md.
I have no problem with Cox winning it. He was faced with another roster overturn and potentially devastating injuries, and he had to break in 18 rookies. And he won the division. Again.
Good points about La Russa. I, too, believe Garner should have finished second. He was faced with a far bigger challenge in '05 than he was in '04, when he took over after the All-Star break. Last year, he had a bunch of sluggers and Hall of Famers who got their act together late in the season, just in time. In '05, Garner had to manage a lineup that was in the bottom five in the league in nearly every offensive category, and in the bottom of the division on June 1.
Even though Howard beat Taveras in rookie of the year voting and Cox and La Russa trumped Garner for Manager of the Year, I'm sure the winners would have gladly traded their award for a World Series appearance. In that respect, I doubt Taveras and Garner are losing any sleep over the voting results.
Taylor Buchholz has had his share of injury problems through out his first two years in the Astros organization and is now sparkling in the Arizona Fall League. Is he a realistic probability to become the Astros' fifth starter for next year, or will he need another year? -- Greg S. Bloomington, IN
The Astros expect Buchholz to contend for a spot on the Major League roster during Spring Training, but his role is unclear. He could be a candidate for the fifth starter spot, but they're not opposed to weaning him in as a setup man, a la Chad Qualls.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Matwick enters Texas Baseball HOF

11/14/2005
HOUSTON -- With images of the Houston Astros' first World Series appearance fresh in their minds, several longtime associates of the club were honored during the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony Friday night.
For Rob Matwick, senior vice president of operations, being enshrined in the Hall of Fame the year the Astros won their first National League pennant made the honor that much more special. Not to mention the fact that 2005 marked his 20th season as an Astros executive.
"What a great year to do it, the year we go to the World Series," Matwick said. "We had all of those years of waiting. I'm appreciative of the honor and humbled by it. Knowing what baseball in Texas means to people, and having been a part of it for 20 years, that's pretty remarkable."
Held at the J.W. Marriott in Houston, the event honored seven figures from all walks of Texas baseball life: Matwick, Fort Worth Star Telegram national baseball writer T.R. Sullivan, former Major League umpire Satch Davidson, Negro League pitcher "Smokey" Joe Williams, former Rangers and current Tigers catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, former Houston hurler Joe Niekro and one of the original Colt .45s, Bob Aspromonte.
Astros play-by-play radio announcer Milo Hamilton received the Toy Cannon Award, named after another former Colt .45 and Astro, Jimmy Wynn.
As expected, the 2005 World Series was mentioned more than a few times throughout the evening. Matwick cited the night that the Astros clinched the pennant as his best moment during his tenure, although Mike Scott's no-hitter to clinch the NL West division in 1986, Matwick's rookie year as the media relations director, was a close second.
"The Scott no-hitter was tremendous, but we knew we were going to win the West," Matwick said. "We had a 10-game lead.
"Being so close to winning the pennant at home this year, and knowing how nice it would have been to clinch it at home, but bouncing back and doing it in St. Louis, was tremendous."
Admitting the 2005 postseason is the freshest in his mind, Matwick mentioned Chris Burke's 18th-inning home run to win the Division Series was also a top moment.
But it's not only current Astros who were paying attention to the postseason. Aspromonte, who played third base for Houston from 1962-68 as part of a 12-year Major League career, has stayed actively involved in all things Astros, right through the playoffs this year.
"I was out there, rooting hard," Aspromonte said. "I feel [pride] for the city of Houston. We were so close, so many times. We had some great young ballplayers, great young talent for many years, and just kept missing.
"To see this team play as a 25-member team, everyone participated, everyone did their job to win the pennant. To see it happen like this, it's an incredible feeling."
Aspromonte was also vocal with his wishes to give credit where credit is due.
"We've watched this franchise develop with a bunch of young kids, young players, into a well-established franchise," he said. "A lot of people deserve credit for it, and it's not just now. When you look at the Astrodome, what it did for this city, you can't just forget all of that. I don't want people to forget that this franchise wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Judge Roy Hofheinz, and the Astrodome."
Matwick spent 14 of his 20 seasons in the Astrodome, and the next six at Minute Maid Park. But it was in another ballpark -- U.S. Cellular Field -- that the enormity of what the Astros accomplished this year really impacted him.
Matwick said he was somewhat overwhelmed as he watched the pregame presentation prior to Game 1 of the World Series, during which an American flag, large enough to nearly reach from foul pole to foul pole, was unfurled in the outfield.
"You think you know what it's all about," he said. "I've worked the World Series before. But until it's your own, it's like having a kid. You hang out with your brother's kids or your neighbor's kids, but until you have your own, then it's like, 'Wow. That's what it's about.'"

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Youngsters come through for Astros

10/21/2005
Before the 2005 season began, MLB.com took an in-depth look at every big league team's Minor League system. Now, it's time to recap all 30 organizations, from top prospects to the recent draft class.
For any questions about the Astros' organizational success, just look at the highest level. The big league club advanced to its first ever World Series after a second straight League Championship Series appearance, getting some help along the way from the farm system.
Rookie Chris Burke may never do anything again in his big league career, but his homer in the 18th inning to end the National League Division Series has etched his name in Astros history. Fellow rookie Willy Taveras became the everyday center fielder and a serious Rookie of the Year contender. On the mound, lefty Wandy Rodriguez and righty Ezequiel Astacio helped fill holes in the rotation and bullpen all year.
At the same time, some of the talent at the lower levels that in 2004 helped Greeneville win the Appy League title and Tri-City finish as the runner-up in the NY-Penn League continued to develop in Lexington and Salem, giving hope that there could be more help for the parent club in years to come.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Taveras adds another rookie honor

11/17/2005
HOUSTON -- Willy Taveras didn't win the big one, but he's certainly receiving plenty of recognition for his performance in 2005.
The Houston Astros center fielder was named to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team, the company announced on Thursday.
Taveras joined Atlanta's Jeff Francoeur and Tampa Bay's Jonny Gomes as the top three outfield rookies, according to Major League managers who picked the team.
Taveras, who turns 24 on Christmas, was voted by his peers as The Sporting News Rookie of the Year and The Players Choice outstanding rookie. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, losing to the Phillies' Ryan Howard, who slugged 22 homers in 88 games.
Taveras hit .291 (172-for-592) over 152 games in 2005. He led all Major League rookies with 34 stolen bases, good for fourth in the National League.
Considered to be one of the fastest players in the big leagues, Taveras led the Majors with 70 infield hits and 29 bunt singles. He led all rookies with 52 multi-hit games, 82 runs scored, 151 singles and 152 games played.
The Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team began in 1959 with Willie McCovey being the first of 14 future Hall of Famers named to the squad. The others are Johnny Bench, Rod Carew, Gary Carter, Carlton Fisk, Paul Molitor, Joe Morgan, Eddie Murray, Tony Perez, Kirby Puckett, Ryne Sandberg, Tom Seaver, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams.
The Rookie All-Stars will each have a trophy on their 2006 trading card in Topps Baseball, with Series One due out on Feb. 7.
This December, Topps will pay homage to the historic award when it issues 2005 Topps Rookie Cup Baseball, a new baseball card product highlighting past and present players named to the Rookie All-Star Team.
The Major League Rookie All-Star Team is one of a number of awards programs managed by Topps to reward and encourage young ballplayers. Since 1959, Topps has annually bestowed honors on Minor Leaguers, baseball scouts and the Baseball Organization of the Year.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros unveil spring schedule

11/17/2005
HOUSTON -- With images of the World Series still dancing in their heads, the Houston Astros looked ahead to springtime in Kissimmee, Fla., where they will reconvene and begin their quest for another postseason run.
On Thursday, the Astros released their 2006 Spring Training schedule. They will play 14 games at Osceola County Stadium, the Astros' spring home for the last 22 years.
The Grapefruit League begins on March 2, when the Astros host the Cleveland Indians at 1:05 p.m. ET. The Astros will play five spring games vs. the Tribe, who train an hour from Kissimmee in Winter Haven.
The home schedule features the New York Yankees (March 15), two games vs. the New York Mets (March 9, 25), and two games vs. the Atlanta Braves (March 4, 28). The Astros will face the Yankees three times this Spring: March 15 in Kissimmee; and March 16 and 23 in Tampa.
Houston will play 30 Spring Training games, including 28 in Florida. Of the 14 games at Osceola County Stadium, 13 are currently scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. ET. The lone home night game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, vs. Cleveland at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Astros also have three road games at night: Tuesday, March 14 at Atlanta (Disney) at 7:05 p.m.; Tuesday, March 21 at Detroit (Lakeland) at 6:05 p.m.; and Thursday, March 23 at the Yankees (Tampa) at 7:15 p.m.
Individual game tickets for Astros Spring Training games in Florida go on sale Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. They can be purchased in person or by mail through the Osceola County Stadium box office (home games only) or by telephone and in person at Florida Ticketmaster outlets (home and road games). The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on all game days. Osceola County Stadium ticket prices are $18 for Box Seats and $15 for Reserved Seats.
Credit card purchases can be made by calling Florida Ticketmaster at (407) 839-3900. Mail orders for home games can be sent to Osceola County Stadium, 631 Heritage Park Way, Kissimmee, Fla., 34744. Checks should be made to Osceola County Stadium and include $5 postage and handling for each order.
Tickets for all Astros Spring Training games can also be purchased online at www.astros.com, beginning Saturday, Jan. 21 at 9 a.m. CT.
The Astros will return home to the Lone Star State on March 31 to play a pair of exhibition games vs. the Kansas City Royals. The Friday, March 31 game will begin at 7:05 p.m. CT, while the Saturday, April 1 game starts at 6:05 p.m. CT The Astros open the 2006 Championship Season on Monday, April 3 at 6:05 p.m. CT against the Florida Marlins at Minute Maid Park.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros set 40-man roster

11/18/2005
HOUSTON -- In preparation for the Rule 5 Draft next month at the Winter Meetings, the Houston Astros protected several Minor League prospects by adding them to their 40-man roster.
The Astros purchased the contracts of right-hander pitchers Matt Albers, Jimmy Barthmaier, Jason Hirsh and Felipe Paulino and outfielder Josh Anderson, adding the players to the roster.
To make room on the 40-man, the club released outfielder Charles Gipson and outrighted right-handed pitcher Jared Gothreaux to Triple-A Round Rock. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Mike Burns was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds on outright waivers on Wednesday.
Albers, 22, was 8-12 with a 4.66 ERA over 28 games (27 starts) for Class A Salem of the Carolina League in 2005. He was originally selected with the club's 23rd-round selection in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft. Albers is a Sugar Land native who attended San Jacinto Junior College.
Barthmaier, 21, was 11-6 with a league-leading 2.27 ERA over 25 starts for Class A Lexington of the South Atlantic League this season. He struck out 142 hitters and walked 55. In one start for Class A Salem, Barthmaier was 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA. A native of Roswell, Ga., Barthmaier was selected with the club's 13th-round choice in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.
Named Texas League Pitcher of the Year, the 23-year-old Hirsh was 13-8 with a 2.87 ERA over 29 starts for Double-A Corpus Christi in 2005. He led the league with 165 strikeouts while his 2.87 ERA ranked second in the circuit. Originally selected by the Astros as their first pick (second round) of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft from Cal Lutheran University, Hirsh threw one shutout in 2005 and is 27-16 in three Minor League seasons.
Paulino, 22, was a combined 3-3 with a 2.95 ERA over 20 appearances (seven starts) between short-season Class A Tri-City of the New York-Penn League and Class A Lexington. Paulino struck out 64 hitters in those 55 innings in 2005 while walking only 17 and allowing only 42 hits. He was signed by the club as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2001 from Los Teques, Miranda, Venezuela.
Anderson, 23, led the Texas League with 50 stolen bases for Double-A Corpus Christi in 2005. He led the Hooks with 148 hits and hit .282 with one home run and 26 RBI over 127 games. Anderson was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft out of Eastern Kentucky University.
The 33-year-old Gipson hit .182 with one RBI in 19 games for the Astros in 2005. He also hit .303 with two home runs, 25 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 110 games for Triple-A Round Rock. In 373 career Major League games, Gipson has hit .237 with 30 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.
The 25-year-old Gothreaux was 3-8 with a 4.29 ERA over 15 starts for Triple-A Round Rock in 2005.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros prospects fine-tune skills

11/18/2005
HOUSTON -- Baseball is a year-round business, on and off the field. Although the Major League season is on hiatus until Spring Training, several familiar names are representing the Houston Astros in Winter Ball this offseason.
Most notably, outfielder Luke Scott, catcher Hector Gimenez and right-hander Fernando Nieve will fine-tune their skills south of the border as they attempt to further their careers.
Scott, who played parts of the 2005 season with the Astros, is playing for the Magallanes club in Venezuela in an attempt to make up for at-bats he lost as a part-time player on the Major League level.
The most recent listing of statistics showed Scott with a .286 average, logging four hits in 15 at-bats. Three of those hits were home runs, and the other was a triple.
Scott, who played so well in Spring Training last year that he made the Opening Day roster, is considered a streaky hitter who succeeded toward the end of the year when he started showing more patience during his at-bats. The Astros think highly of Scott, who may turn into a solid bat off the bench, similar to fellow left-handed hitters Mike Lamb and Orlando Palmeiro.
Scott struggled in April and was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on May 3. He was recalled on Aug. 29, and he hit .225 with three RBIs. He logged three hits in his final four pinch-hit at-bats, including doubles in the last two.
Gimenez, the Astros' top catching prospect, will likely start next season at Triple-A Round Rock. The switch-hitting catcher is also playing for Magallanes and began the Winter Ball season with 12 hits in 48 at-bats for a .250 average. He has two homers and six RBIs.
Nieve, 23, will likely compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster next spring, along with top prospect Taylor Buchholz. Nieve will play for the Caribes club in Venezuela beginning in December.
Assistant general manager Ricky Bennett and pitching coordinator Dewey Robinson flew to Venezuela earlier this week to meet with Nieve, who will begin a two-week pitching program in preparation for Winter Ball.
"He'll start Winter Ball on Dec. 1 and have a role out of the bullpen," said David Gottfried, senior director of baseball operations. "He'll work into the rotation gradually."

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros mailbag: Offseason musings

11/21/2005
If the Astros were to trade Adam Everett (which I think would be a mistake) would they consider moving Chris Burke to shortstop? Do you think that he could play short on a daily basis? -- Jon H., Spanish Fork, Utah
I've heard varying stories on that subject, but it's my understanding that Burke can indeed play short. He was a shortstop in college, but once he began his pro career, the Astros felt his arm was better suited to play second base. That said, they also believe his experience making throws from left field this year helped his arm strength.
If Everett were to be dealt, and I have no factual evidence to believe that they're shopping him, Burke would be an option to take over at short. But I think they'd rather see him back in left.
I hear the Astros have $65 million tied up in about five players and don't want to surpass $85 million in payroll. If Roger Clemens wants to come back for one more year, can the Astros really fill all (or most) of their holes with $20 million? If so, what players could we REALISTICALLY acquire through free agency? If not, what possible trades will they make ... if any? -- Ogechi N., Missouri City, Texas
Now you're getting it! Welcome to Tim Purpura's world. They have 20 more roster spots to fill, with $20 million, give or take a million here and there, to work with. As I said before, the math is ugly. I wouldn't expect any huge free agent splashes. They could make some trades, but the question is, who do they give up? Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio are 10-5 players and, therefore, control their future, and won't be traded. Andy Pettitte and Lance Berkman have no-trade clauses. And the Astros would be crazy to trade Roy Oswalt. Who do they deal? Jason Lane? Willy Taveras? Burke? Brad Lidge? The club isn't anxious to give up on the young future stars of this club.
And we still don't know if Roger wants to pitch next year, and what he'll want to be paid if he does return.
How much money does each player on the White Sox receive for winning the World Series? Do the Astros' players receive money for winning the NL pennant? Does the Astros organization receive extra money for making it to the World Series? If so, could this money be rolled over into next year's payroll to sign a few free agents? -- Russel B., San Francisco
The monetary figures have yet to be released, but several teams are allotted playoff money. The two World Series teams, the two teams that lost the League Championship Series, all teams that lost the Division Series and the non-Wild Card second place teams in each division get a cut.
According to the basic agreement, 60 percent of the total gate receipts from the first four World Series games, the first four LCS games and the first three games of the Division Series go to the players.
The clubs, along with Major League Baseball, receive a cut of the remainder of the profits. It's up to the owners if they use that money toward the next year's payroll.
The World Series winner gets 36 percent of the players pool, the loser gets 24 percent, the two LCS losers get 24 percent, the Division Series losers get 12 percent and the non-Wild Card second place teams get 4 percent.
A full share for the World Series winner should be close to 200 grand. Merry Christmas, Geoff Blum.
I heard that Morgan Ensberg had a hand injury that hindered him at the end of the year. Is this true, and will he be 100 percent by next season?-- David N.
Ensberg was hit on the hand with a pitch in Philadelphia on Sept. 5, and at the time, he figured he'd miss two, three games at the most. It took 11 days for him to return, and his hand was never more than at 80 percent strength for the rest of the year.
He played through it, and even took a novocaine shot to numb the pain. He clearly was not the same hitter as he was before the injury. However, that injury will not linger to next year. I expect him to be the hitter that earned him team MVP honors and landed him as the fourth-place finisher in NL MVP voting.
Do you know if the Astros have any interest in pursuing Billy Wagner as a free agent? It would be nice to see him back in an Astros uniform. -- Nick L., Vidor, Texas
Nope, that ship has sailed. From what I'm reading, someone is about to throw huge dollars at the former Houston flamethrower. One of the reasons the Astros traded Billy was because he was getting too expensive, and they had cheaper closer options in Octavio Dotel and Lidge. The other reason they traded him was because he publicly blasted the front office for not trying to put a winner on the field.
In 2004, in Philadelphia, Wagner told us his son, Jeremy, asked why he doesn't pitch for the Astros anymore. "Because Daddy can't keep his mouth shut," Wagner answered.
Wagner's days as an Astro are done.
Do you think Phil Garner will play the All-Star Game as a real game (for the home-field advantage in the World Series) or just as an exhibition that does not mean anything (which is what it is)? -- Lee F., Washington, D.C.
Funny, my brother was just asking about that. Considering the Astros will likely be postseason contenders again next year, I would guess Phil will treat the All-Star Game with the utmost seriousness. After all, it could be the Astros who could have home-field advantage in the World Series.
Regardless, the All-Star managers take the game very seriously. They know what's at stake and they act accordingly. No one wants a repeat of the 2002 mess.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros' season of giving never ends

11/23/2005
HOUSTON -- The holiday season is here, and the Houston Astros are wrapping up another year of community service to cap an exciting campaign that ended with the club's first World Series appearance.
While the players were busy providing excitement on the field, they also were fixtures in the community through various activities that benefitted children and those in need in and around the Houston area.
MarchThe Astros extended their community efforts to their Spring Training home in Kissimmee, Fla., with the Spring Training Week of Caring. They invited over 600 students from Hickory Tree Elementary in St. Cloud to Osceola County Stadium for the annual "Make Reading Come Alive" event.
Throughout the rest of the Week of Caring, Astros players and staff participated in community events in the Kissimmee/Orlando area. General manager Tim Purpura took part in the opening ceremonies for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, a celebration of cancer survivorship that raises money for life saving programs of research, education, advocacy, and patient services.
Manager Phil Garner and the Astros played host to a group of children and their families from Give Kids the World at a home game with the Atlanta Braves. Give Kids the World is an Orlando-based non-profit organization that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
AprilDuring the first homestand of the season, the Astros held the inaugural Astros in Action Foundation Leadoff Luncheon benefiting the Bush-Clinton Fund for Tsunami Relief. Headed by former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, the Bush-Clinton Fund was formed at the request of President George W. Bush in response to the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia. The members of the 2005 Houston Astros along with owner Drayton McLane, Purpura and Garner were in attendance at the luncheon to lead off the new season and help raise money for the people and nations affected by the tsunami.
One day earlier, officials from the Astros, Minute Maid, and La Marque/West Texas City Little League cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Bobby Beach Memorial Stadium, and Brandon Backe pitched the first game to 20 La Marque Little League players while Milo Hamilton called the action live from the field.
MayOutfielder Orlando Palmeiro, along with third-base coach Doug Mansolino and assistant general manager Ricky Bennett, traveled to the Houston VA Medical Center (HVAMC) to visit patients and to honor the brave men and women who are veterans of the United States armed services.
On May 28, over 2,000 men, women, and children participated in the third Astros Annual Race for the Pennant 5K Run/Walk and Junction Jack's Kid Fun Run. The race started and ended at Minute Maid Park and proceeds benefitted the Astros in Action Foundation. Participants in the race came from all over the state of Texas. Junction Jack's Kids Fun Run was non-competitive -- all kids 12-and-under received medals.
The Astros played host to 30 young, severely injured veterans from all over the United States at a game with the Cardinals. The group from the Impact Players Partners organization met with Astros players and coaches during batting practice, attended a special meet and greet with Roger Clemens and Purpura, and watched the game from the Harris County Sports Authority suite in center field. During a pregame ceremony, the Impact a Hero Day participants presented Clemens with an award for his outstanding work with the armed forces.
Later that month, pink, green, blue and orange Astros uniforms decorated Minute Maid Park as the Astros Wives took the field for the inaugural Houston Astros Wives vs. Texas Rangers Wives Charity Softball Game. The game benefitted the Texas Chapters of the Autism Society of America (ASA), which is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism and their families. Autism has increased meaning for the Astros because pitcher Russ Springer and his wife, Kelly, have a 6-year-old son, Jake, who is autistic.
The event, chaired by Christi Ensberg and Jennifer Everett, raised over $26,000 for the ASA.
JulyThe Astros and Cingular Wireless joined forces for the Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive. Astros fans were asked to bring their old cell phones to the Fourth of July game, where volunteers from the Kingwood First Presbyterian Church collected the old phones at all of the Minute Maid Park gates. The drive netted over 1,000 donated cell phones, which went to help purchase phone cards for America's soldiers to call home through Cell Phones for Soldiers, a national non-profit organization started by two Massachusetts teenagers.
Several Astros participated in the annual Methodist Hospital Day. Hall of Fame broadcaster Hamilton emceed the event, while Lance Berkman, Brad Lidge, Morgan Ensberg, Jose Vizcaino and mascot Junction Jack entertained the patients, doctors, and nurses by participating in an assortment of light-hearted contests.
Astros players and coaches, joined by McLane, president of business operations Pam Gardner, Purpura and Garner, visited with injured soldiers July 22 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Following the visit, the Astros attended a BBQ at The Mologne House for patients and their families along with members of the Texas Congressional Delegation. The Mologne House, located on the Walter Reed complex, provides housing for injured soldiers and their families.
The next day, the Astros continued their community outreach in Washington, D.C., with a visit to patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital.
The weekend concluded with Andy Pettitte making a trip to the White House to participate in a T-ball game on the South Lawn. A team from Houston's West University Little League squared off against a team from Williamsport, Pa. Both teams are part of the Little League Challenger Division for children who are mentally or physically disabled.
AugustCraig and Patty Biggio hosted the 14th Annual Sunshine Kids Party on the field at Minute Maid Park. The Biggios have had a long-standing relationship with the Sunshine Kids that has spanned almost the length of Craig's career. The Sunshine Kids, a support group for children with cancer and their families, adds quality of life to children with cancer by providing them with exciting, positive group activities.
The Astros hosted a year-end party for participants in Houston's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program on Aug. 14 at Minute Maid Park. The RBI baseball and softball coaches, over 50 youth players, and family members attended the party and stayed to watch the Astros take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Astros TV broadcaster Bill Brown emceed a short program during the party, including a question-and-answer session with Astros bench coach Cecil Cooper and Bennett.
Berkman, in conjunction with The Methodist Hospital System, hosted the final Berkman's Bunch of the 2005 season on Aug. 20 prior to the Astros' game with the Milwaukee Brewers. Berkman met with over 50 children from Sterling High School and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, signed autographs for them, and gave them gifts and tickets to the game.
The Berkman's Bunch program, currently in its fifth year, allows children from the Houston area to meet Berkman and attend a baseball game at Minute Maid Park. Before every Saturday home game during the summer, Berkman greets 50 children and welcomes them by giving them autographs and gifts. Many of the Berkman's Bunch kids are underprivileged children who otherwise may not have an opportunity to attend an Astros game. The children are part of a number of organizations chosen by Methodist and Berkman.
SeptemberAt the game on Sept. 2 vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, the Astros held Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund Night in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Officials from the Red Cross were joined by Oscar De la Rosa and other members of the Grammy Award-winning group La Mafia at Minute Maid Park as the Red Cross collected over $18,000 in donations for relief efforts.
From Sept. 2-4, the Astros held a Hurricane Katrina Relief Drive at Minute Maid Park in conjunction with the Houston Food Bank and Academy Sports & Outdoors. Astros staff members and other volunteers collected enough donations to fill two 48-foot-long Academy Sports & Outdoors semi-trucks. On Sunday (Sept. 4), several Astros wives assisted in the collection efforts including Mary Pat Bailey, Jennifer Everett, Kristin Gallo, Teresa Lamb, Kasey Lane, Lindsay Lidge, Nicole Oswalt, Jennifer Taveras and Stephanie Wheeler.
Astros players and coaches reached out to students displaced by Hurricane Katrina in three separate school visits over two days. On Sept. 15, the Astros visited two Houston Independent School District schools whose entire student populations were made up of children displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Backe and Mike Gallo acted out scenes to "Casey at the Bat"and talked to 130 students at Ryan Elementary School, while Brad Ausmus, Eric Bruntlett, and Cooper addressed 150 students at Douglas Elementary School. The following day, Lidge, Mike Lamb, Vizcaino and Mansolino spoke to an assembly of both Houston and New Orleans school children at HISD's Black Middle School.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Six nominated for Stenson Award

11/07/2005
MESA, Ariz. -- The second annual MLB.com AFL Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award will be given out in an on-field ceremony on Wednesday. On Monday, the six finalists were announced.
The manager from each team was asked to nominate one player. The AFL, in conjunction with MLB.com, will select one winner from the six nominees.
This year's finalists are Josh Anderson (Astros), Surprise Scorpions; Chris Denorfia (Reds), Mesa Solar Sox; Andre Ethier (A's), Phoenix Desert Dogs; Brandon Fahey (Orioles), Peoria Javelinas; Garrett Jones (Twins), Grand Canyon Rafters; and Chris Young (White Sox), Peoria Saguaros.
The six were chosen not because of their statistics or on-field performances, but because they best demonstrate the qualities Stenson brought to the ballpark every day: a quiet, hard-nosed attitude, a player who does his job without complaint, who plays the game the way it was meant to be played.
"It's an honor to be put in that category," said Ethier, who won Texas League Player of the Year honors as well as the league's All-Star Game MVP award and Home Run Derby. "A lot of guys here work hard. You kind of have to in order to go here."
"To me, it's one of the greatest honors, greatest compliments you can get, when people appreciate the way you play the game," Denorfia said. "It's the only way I know how to play."
Dernell Stenson played in the AFL as part of the Reds organization in 2003 and was having a terrific season until he was slain in Chandler on Nov. 5, 2003.
"Stenson, I didn't know him very well, but I saw him play a couple of times," Ethier said. "Everything I've heard is that he was climbing up the ladder and was on the doorstep, and he did it the right way the whole time. To be put in those shoes is an honor.
"I'm honored that I was nomininated from our team. We've got a lot of hard workers on the team."
The reasons for choosing the nominees were universally the same -- that these prospects were unselfish, hard-working and that they displayed tremendous leadership, either by example or vocally, or both.
"It's an approach ingrained in me throughout my career, first with my dad and then at Arizona State," Ethier said. "I take pride in it. It's not even something I do consciously. I never want to be complacent.
"Even on a day off, I want to make sure I get my work in and stay sharp. I want to keep that hunger because I don't have the skills some of these other players have. I need to work twice as hard to compete with them."
"Your work ethic always goes back to your father," Denorfria added. "It was reinforced fiercely in college. Then it just continues here. (Getting nominated) is a great compliment to all the guys who have coached me."
The winner will be honored in a special on-field ceremony on Wednesday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. In addition, MLB.com will make a donation to the charity of the winner's choosing.
Funds for the donation, in excess of $500, were raised through an online auction of a Derek Jeter autographed ball. Jeter played in the AFL in 1994 and is enshrined in the Fall League's Hall of Fame.
"Dernell's death was a very difficult situation for the league," said Steve Cobb, AFL executive vice president, at the time of the award's inception. "We suffered a tremendous loss, but we came together as a family (in 2003). At this point, we want to remember the contributions Dernell Stenson made to this league, in his work ethic and his dedication to the game.
"We think this is a fitting way to remember Dernell and we are pleased to work hand-in-hand in MLB.com to make this happen."
Last year, Royals third baseman Mark Teahen became the first recipient of the award as a member of the Phoenix Desert Dogs. The other finalists were Detroit's Curtis Granderson, the Padres' Ben Johnson, the White Sox's Pedro Lopez, Freddy Sanchez of the Pirates and the Brewers' Rickie Weeks. The work ethics and attitudes of those finalists clearly reaped rewards, with all six seeing time in the big leagues during the 2005 season.
"Looking back, the things the managers and coaches noticed in me benefited me," said Teahen, who hit .246 in 447 at-bats as a Royals rookie. "The hard work in the Fall League helped me out in getting to the big leagues and in getting my feet wet.
"I would assume everyone in the Fall League is there for the same prupose, to get better and prepare for a higher level. Whoever wins the award isn't doing it to win an award. They're there to put in that much effort to try to become the best player they can be. When a guy really dedicates himself, sometimes it gets acknowledged."

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Clemens, Ausmus and more

11/07/2005
What a difference a year makes. Last year, almost every mailbag question I received asked about Carlos Beltran. This year, the focus is on Brad Ausmus ... and, of course, Roger Clemens. It's still very early in the offseason, so it's hard to guess what's going to happen. But here's what we have so far.
What's the status on Ausmus for next season? I understand he is a free agent and possibly interested in San Diego. Also, is there any indication that Roger could come back as a closer -- or would he even like to? -- Ron J.
Ausmus filed for free agency, and the Astros are hoping he'll re-sign for 2006. The Padres do appear to be interested in the catcher, also, which will create competition for the Astros. Ausmus lives in San Diego and is intrigued by the idea of playing at home. That said, he also has a home in Houston, and his family likes it here.
Ausmus isn't limiting himself to only the Padres and Astros, but it's clear those teams are at the top of his list. If he does sign with the Padres, the Astros would likely have to sign a front-line free agent catcher or trade for one. I doubt they'll want to go with the Humberto Quintero-Raul Chavez duo. In that respect, Padres catcher Ramon Hernandez could be a catcher the Astros might pursue.
I doubt Clemens would want to be a closer. If he had arm problems, perhaps he'd consider it, like John Smoltz did a few years ago. But Clemens' arm is fine. His leg? Not so fine.
He has to decide if he's healthy enough to get through a full season, and at this point, no one knows how much he's hurting. Obviously, he had some serious hamstring issues toward the end of the season, and those hammy problems likely stemmed from the back problems he had earlier in the season. Not long ago, he said he had already made up his mind about '06. Now we just have to wait to hear what he's decided.
Does Clemens not realize he HAS TO come back? ... In the spring he said one thing he still needed to do was steal a base, and I'm still waiting! -- Marlene
I'll have to call the Elias Sports Bureau to find out how many Hall of Famers never stole a base, because I'm afraid we'll have to add Roger to that list. Have you watched him run? Roger's a lot of things on a baseball diamond. Speedy is not one of them. I'm guessing he could beat Andy Pettitte in a foot race, but trust me, that's not saying much.
Is there any chance that the Astros could trade for Manny Ramirez? -- Austin S.
I hope not. Signing Ramirez would require manager Phil Garner to check with one of the game's most expensive players on a daily basis to see if he feels like playing.
Last July, the Red Sox were dealing with several injuries and needed Manny to play on a day that earlier he was promised he'd have off. Ramirez decided the day off was more important, and it put his team in a bind. His teammates shrugged it off, saying it was "Manny being Manny." That's garbage.
I don't care how great of a hitter he is. The Astros clubhouse, comprised of plenty of young players, doesn't need Ramirez's influence.
Side note: When you're one of the best hitters in the game, and your team has tried to trade you plenty of times since you signed, there's a problem.
Are the Astros waiting on Clemens' decision or is Tim Purpura actively talking to any eligible free agents? -- Greg S.
They're not waiting on Clemens, but they certainly have to keep in mind what it's going to cost if Clemens does re-sign. The payroll is going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $80-85 million, and if Clemens returns, he'll take up a lot of it. The Astros already have $64 million allotted to five players, not including Clemens. That leaves approximately $20 million for the remaining 20. Clemens made $18 million last year. The math is ugly.
What are Jeff Bagwell's odds of actually getting back to first base and producing, and what options do the Astros have to alleviate the financial strain of his contract if he cannot? Would he simply be the most expensive pinch-hitter in history or would he retire gracefully? -- Steve F.
Bagwell resumed the process of rehabbing his shoulder as soon as the World Series was over. His goal is to build strength in the shoulder so that he can throw 90 feet, something he has not been able to do for quite some time.
It's too early to tell what will happen this winter. Bagwell believes he can rehabilitate his shoulder and return to the field as a healthy, productive player in '06. He proved in September and in the playoffs he can still hit. The question will be, can he throw, and will the strain he puts on his shoulder by throwing affect his hitting? Those answers will come in time.
No one is talking about what happens if he cannot play. But this notion that he's going to walk away from the rest of his contract is a waste of time. First of all, Jeff backloaded the contract when he signed it in 2000, and he's deferred several millions every year so the Astros could sign other players. Why would he not collect what he's legitimately earned?
One thing is for sure -- Bagwell will not be a pinch-hitter. He's either going to play both sides of the game, or he won't play. The pinch-hitting option was available last season because it was September, and rosters expanded to 40 men, and he wasn't taking someone else's roster spot.
Since Mike Lamb came to the Astros, he has been my favorite player and I have really enjoyed watching him play. After the last World Series game when the Astros lost, he talked as if he was not coming back next season. My question is, do you have any idea if Lamb will be coming back? I would think he is because he has helped the Astros out a lot these past two seasons, especially in the postseason and with pinch-hitting. I really hope he is coming back because I would hate to see my favorite Astros player leave. -- Kara
It's exactly those sentiments that brought Lamb to tears after the Game 4 loss. He said losses are part of the game, but he was overwhelmed by the way he was treated by the fans during his two years in Houston He's never felt that welcome by a city in his professional career.
Lamb is arbitration eligible, which means he doesn't yet have control over his future. The Astros could decide to re-sign him, trade him, or non-tender him. Because he is expendable, and not locked in a long-term contract, there are no guarantees that he will be back. Purpura said he sees value in keeping all of the arbitration eligible players. Finances may not allow that to happen. We'll have to wait and see.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Elston among Frick Award candidates

11/08/2005
HOUSTON -- Gene Elston spent a quarter century behind the microphone as the Houston Astros' play-by-play broadcaster. He's waited nearly as long for a chance to win the coveted Ford C. Frick Award, presented by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Eleven past and present Astros broadcasters appear on the list of candidates to win the Frick Award. Elston, the original voice of the Houston franchise that joined the National League in 1962, is at the top.
Elston called Astros games through 1986, went on to broadcast the CBS radio Game of the Week for 10 years, and was elected to the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2002.
Prior to joining the Colt 45s, Elston was a Cubs broadcaster from 1954-57.
Elston's resume is rich and extensive. He witnessed 11 no-hitters, including Mike Scott's National League West clincher in 1986. He was behind the microphone for the Astros' three Western Division championships in 1980, 1981 and 1986 as well as Eddie Mathews' 500th home run and Nolan Ryan's record-breaking strikeout in 1983 that put him ahead of Walter Johnson.
Presented annually since 1978 for excellence in baseball broadcasting, the Ford C. Frick Award is given to an active or retired broadcaster with a minimum of 10 years of continuous Major League broadcast service with a ballclub, network, or a combination of the two.
Fans will have the opportunity to vote for up to three of the 182 broadcasters eligible for consideration for the 2006 Ford C. Frick Award. Bios of each candidate appear at the site, and fans are allowed to vote once daily. Results will be announced when voting concludes, though updates will not be provided during the voting. The fan selections, along with the full ballot of 10 candidates, will be announced Dec. 5.
The final ballot will be comprised of the three fan selections, along with seven other candidates determined by a Hall of Fame staff research team.
The voting electorate consists of 20 members, featuring 2005 Ford C. Frick Award winner Jerry Coleman and the other 13 living Frick Award winners: Marty Brennaman, Herb Carneal, Joe Garagiola, Curt Gowdy, Ernie Harwell, Jaime Jarrin, current Astros play-by-play announcer Milo Hamilton, Harry Kalas, Felo Ramirez, Vin Scully, Lon Simmons, Bob Uecker and Bob Wolff.
Six historians and veteran media members are also part of the electorate, including Bob Costas (NBC), Barry Horn (Dallas Morning News), Stan Isaacs (formerly of New York's Newsday), Ted Patterson (historian), Curt Smith (historian) and Larry Stewart (The Los Angeles Times).
Voters are asked to base their selections on the following criteria: longevity, continuity with a club, honors --including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games, and popularity with fans.
Paper ballots will be cast by voting members each January, and the final results will be announced at the Hall of Fame's Web site in February. Each voter will cast ballots for three candidates, and the broadcaster with the most support will be named as that year's winner and be honored the following summer at the annual induction ceremony in Cooperstown.
Other Astros broadcasters, past and present, who are eligible to win the Frick Award include current television play-by-play announcer Bill Brown, Rene Cardenas, Vince Cotroneo, Larry Dierker, Al Helfer, Orlando Sanchez-Diago, Dewayne Staats, Bill Worrell, and current Astros Spanish network broadcasters Alex Trevino and Francisco Ruiz.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Taveras voted Rookie of Year runner-up

11/07/2005
HOUSTON -- When asked about the National League Rookie of the Year results, Houston Astros general manager Tim Purpura said first and foremost, he is not in a position to give an unbiased opinion.
"I'm not a voter, and I'm not objective," Purpura said. "I am completely subjective on this topic."
And, of course, Purpura felt that center fielder Willy Taveras was deserving of the award. After all, Purpura watched Taveras transform from a youngster who never played higher than Double-A to a top-of-the-order speedster who played center field in the World Series.
Taveras finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting behind Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, who took over for the injured Jim Thome and led all first-year players with 22 homers.
Howard received 19 first-place votes, three second-place votes and five third-place votes for a total of 109 points. Taveras finished with seven first-place votes, 11 second-place votes and 10 third-place votes, totalling 78 points. Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur finished third with 60 points.
Taveras, who was voted by his peers as The Sporting News Rookie of the Year and The Players Choice outstanding rookie, hit .291 (172-for-592) over 152 games in 2005. He led all Major League rookies with 34 stolen bases, good for fourth in the National League.
Considered to be one of the fastest in the big leagues, Taveras led the Majors with 70 infield hits and 29 bunt singles. He led all rookies with 52 multihit games, 82 runs scored, 151 singles and 152 games played.
He is only the second Astros rookie to record 30 stolen bases, and his 96 hits in the first half were the most for a National League rookie before the All-Star break siince Albert Pujols (101) and Jimmy Rollins (98) in 2001.
And Taveras had some big shoes to fill. He took over in center field after the Astros lost out on Carlos Beltran, who departed via free agency and signed with the Mets.
Purpura's confidence in Taveras never waned, even during tough stretches when the 23-year-old experienced growing pains defensively and at the plate. Purpura's philosophy was simple: put Taveras in the lineup, and leave him there.
"Look at how far he's come," Purpura said. "Last year at this time, he was wrapping up his season at the Arizona Fall League. This year, he played in the World Series. He's come a long way. If you watched him all year like we did, you've got to believe in him."

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

All six Astros coaches will return for '06

11/08/2005
HOUSTON -- The announcement that all six Houston Astros coaches will be retained arrived a bit late, considering these decisions are usually made within a couple of days of the season ending, if not before the season ends.
But the delayed announcement had nothing to do with the Astros contemplating making any changes to the staff. It just took a while for general manager Tim Purpura to track down one unnamed coach on his cell phone, which would have completed the round of calls inviting all six coaches back for '06.
Coaches are judged largely on the performance of the players, and the Astros' World Series appearance was a nice indication that it was a productive year, to say the least.
"To come from where we were, and the number of young players improving the way they did, it was a good sign that the coaches did a nice job and deserve to come back," Purpura said.
The coaching staff is a blend of former Major Leaguers, longtime coaches and first-time Astros.
Bullpen coach Mark Bailey returns for his fifth season in 2006, while Cecil Cooper, a veteran of 17 Major League seasons as a player, returns for his second season as bench coach.
First base coach Jose Cruz, who has been involved in all of the franchise's postseason appearances as a player or coach, will begin his 10th season in his current role on the coaching staff. Hitting coach Gary Gaetti and pitching coach Jim Hickey each return for their third season with the club in their respective roles. Doug Mansolino returns as Houston's third base coach for his second season.
Additionally, the 2006 season will be the 30th with the Astros organization for bullpen assistant Strech Suba, including one as a player and 29 in his current role.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Astros' offseason hinges on Rocket

11/09/2005
HOUSTON -- As the Hot Stove season heats up in Houston, the question may not be who the Astros want to pursue to fill their roster in 2006, but rather, if they have the resources to pursue anyone at all.
Five players will make a total of $64 million in 2006, and considering the Astros are likely to maintain the same payroll as they had last year -- somewhere in the low $80 millions -- they will likely have only around $20 million to fill the remaining 20 roster spots.
General manager Tim Purpura knew 2006 was going to be a challenge. Many of the high salaried players have backloaded contracts that call for big payoffs next season. For example, Andy Pettitte, who is entering the final year of his three-year, $31.5 million deal, was paid $5.5 million in '04 and $8.5 million in '05. In 2006, he'll make $17.5 million.
Roy Oswalt signed a two-year deal prior to Spring Training last year and made $5.9 million in 2005. Next year, he'll be paid $11 million to complete his $16.9 million contract.
Lance Berkman will make $14.5 million in '06, and Jeff Bagwell will be paid $17 million. Craig Biggio re-upped for $4 million.
And we still don't know if Roger Clemens is returning, or retiring.
Purpura's priorities are to re-sign Clemens, re-sign catcher Brad Ausmus and explore potential offensive help, either via trade or free agency. As Astros fans know, the offense