Sports /
Baseball
Published 02/07/2012 - 7:00 a.m. CST
Also Announce Five Additional Non-Roster Invites To Spring
Training
HOUSTON, TX - The Astros have signed free agent outfielder Justin Ruggiano to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Monday.
Ruggiano, 29, has spent parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the Tampa Bay Rays. He split the 2011 season between Tampa Bay and Triple A Durham. In 46 games for the Rays, Ruggiano hit .248 (26x105) with four home runs and 13 RBI, while posting a .391 (9x23) clip with runners in scoring position. In 43 games at Durham, he hit .304 (51x168) with seven home runs and 34 RBI with a .518 slugging pct.
HOUSTON, TX - The Astros have signed free agent outfielder Justin Ruggiano to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Monday.
Ruggiano, 29, has spent parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the Tampa Bay Rays. He split the 2011 season between Tampa Bay and Triple A Durham. In 46 games for the Rays, Ruggiano hit .248 (26x105) with four home runs and 13 RBI, while posting a .391 (9x23) clip with runners in scoring position. In 43 games at Durham, he hit .304 (51x168) with seven home runs and 34 RBI with a .518 slugging pct.
Published 02/03/2012 - 5:54 a.m. CST
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Event includes current & former players, Talkin’ Baseball sessions
and field access; Individual-game tickets will go on sale that
day
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros and the Astros In Action Foundation will host the club’s annual FanFest event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Minute Maid Park. The event is open to the public with no admission fee.
This year’s festival will include several current and former Astros players signing autographs, a “Talkin’ Baseball” session with Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow and President & CEO George Postolos, and several activities for children. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase autographed and game-used memorabilia as well as promotional items and MLB Authentics merchandise. Proceeds from the event benefit the Astros MLB Urban Youth Academy.
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros and the Astros In Action Foundation will host the club’s annual FanFest event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Minute Maid Park. The event is open to the public with no admission fee.
This year’s festival will include several current and former Astros players signing autographs, a “Talkin’ Baseball” session with Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow and President & CEO George Postolos, and several activities for children. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase autographed and game-used memorabilia as well as promotional items and MLB Authentics merchandise. Proceeds from the event benefit the Astros MLB Urban Youth Academy.
Published 02/02/2012 - 4:05 p.m. CST
DESHAIES TONIGHT’S GUEST ON ASTROLINE: Popular television broadcaster
Jim Deshaies teams up with Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton for
tonight’s edition of Astroline...the show, which normally is scheduled
every Wednesday, is broadcast live from Buffalo Wild Wings at 510 Gray
Street in Midtown...Deshaies will be the 10th guest of a scheduled 18
shows this offseason...the show will continue at Buffalo Wild Wings in
Houston until Feb. 23 and then move to the ESPN Club restaurant on
Disney’s Boardwalk (Orlando, FL) for the first of four shows on Feb.
29.
ASTROS TOURING TEXAS: The Astros were in three different cities today as part of the 2012 Astros CAREavan...a contingent of RHP Jordan Lyles, OF J.B. Shuck, RHP Kyle Weiland, pitching coach Doug Brocail and broadcaster Dave Raymond were in Austin today for their second of two days in the hill country.
ASTROS TOURING TEXAS: The Astros were in three different cities today as part of the 2012 Astros CAREavan...a contingent of RHP Jordan Lyles, OF J.B. Shuck, RHP Kyle Weiland, pitching coach Doug Brocail and broadcaster Dave Raymond were in Austin today for their second of two days in the hill country.
Published 02/01/2012 - 6:59 a.m. CST
Deal Includes Invite To Spring Training
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with free agent right-handed pitcher Livan Hernandez, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced yesterday. The deal includes an invite to the Astros Major League Spring Training camp.
Hernandez, 36, pitched for Washington last season, making 29 starts and posting an 8-13 record and a 4.47 ERA (87ER/175.1IP). He was the Nationals’ Opening Day starter in 2011, which also marked his 14th straight season (since 1998) to pitch at least 175.0 innings at the Major League level. In his career, he has reached the 200-inning mark on 10 occasions, most recently in 2010, when he went 10-12 with a 3.66 ERA (86ER/211.2IP). Since 1998, Hernandez leads all Major Leaguers in innings pitched (3022.1IP).
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with free agent right-handed pitcher Livan Hernandez, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced yesterday. The deal includes an invite to the Astros Major League Spring Training camp.
Hernandez, 36, pitched for Washington last season, making 29 starts and posting an 8-13 record and a 4.47 ERA (87ER/175.1IP). He was the Nationals’ Opening Day starter in 2011, which also marked his 14th straight season (since 1998) to pitch at least 175.0 innings at the Major League level. In his career, he has reached the 200-inning mark on 10 occasions, most recently in 2010, when he went 10-12 with a 3.66 ERA (86ER/211.2IP). Since 1998, Hernandez leads all Major Leaguers in innings pitched (3022.1IP).
Published 01/28/2012 - 1:18 p.m. CST
Deal Includes Invite To Spring Training
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with free agent left-handed pitcher Zach Duke, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Friday.
The deal includes an invite to Major League Spring Training camp for the 28-year-old Duke, who is a Texas native and currently resides in Fort Worth.
Duke, who pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011, has made 181 Major League appearances in his career, with 168 starts. He had spent his first six seasons (2005-10) with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to Arizona following the 2010 season.
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with free agent left-handed pitcher Zach Duke, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Friday.
The deal includes an invite to Major League Spring Training camp for the 28-year-old Duke, who is a Texas native and currently resides in Fort Worth.
Duke, who pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011, has made 181 Major League appearances in his career, with 168 starts. He had spent his first six seasons (2005-10) with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to Arizona following the 2010 season.
Published 01/26/2012 - 6:07 a.m. CST
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Annual Community Tour Visits Fans in 13 Cities Over Eight Days
HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros 2012 CAREavan will hit the road on Wednesday, February 1, with three full days of visits throughout central and south Texas, followed by a trip to Oklahoma City, Okla., and five days in the Houston area. In addition to numerous private community stops, each day will include free public autograph sessions at Academy Sports + Outdoors stores.
The team will make two-day trips to Austin (Feb. 1-2), Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen (Feb. 1-2) and San Antonio (Feb. 2-3), travel to Corpus Christi and Victoria (Feb. 3), and head to Oklahoma City (Feb. 6). The team’s annual winter trek will also visit five different communities in Houston (Feb. 6-10).
HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros 2012 CAREavan will hit the road on Wednesday, February 1, with three full days of visits throughout central and south Texas, followed by a trip to Oklahoma City, Okla., and five days in the Houston area. In addition to numerous private community stops, each day will include free public autograph sessions at Academy Sports + Outdoors stores.
The team will make two-day trips to Austin (Feb. 1-2), Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen (Feb. 1-2) and San Antonio (Feb. 2-3), travel to Corpus Christi and Victoria (Feb. 3), and head to Oklahoma City (Feb. 6). The team’s annual winter trek will also visit five different communities in Houston (Feb. 6-10).
Published 01/24/2012 - 5:40 a.m. CST
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Includes Reduced Ticket Prices, Rebates, New Food & Beverage
Policy
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have announced several new, fan-friendly initiatives, including a reduction in ticket prices, rebates for season ticket holders and a revised policy on bringing food and beverages into Minute Maid Park.
Astros Owner & Chairman Jim Crane made the announcement yesterday at a 4 p.m. press conference at Minute Maid Park.
“We feel this is the right thing to do,” Crane said. “It is one way for us to let our fans know how vital they are to our success, and to let them know we’ve been listening to them.”
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have announced several new, fan-friendly initiatives, including a reduction in ticket prices, rebates for season ticket holders and a revised policy on bringing food and beverages into Minute Maid Park.
Astros Owner & Chairman Jim Crane made the announcement yesterday at a 4 p.m. press conference at Minute Maid Park.
“We feel this is the right thing to do,” Crane said. “It is one way for us to let our fans know how vital they are to our success, and to let them know we’ve been listening to them.”
Published 01/19/2012 - 6:58 a.m. CST
ASTROS SIGN FREE AGENT CUST: Wednesday, the Astros agreed to terms on
a one-year, Major League contract with free agent OF Jack Cust worth
$600,000...the deal includes a club option for 2013...in 670 Major
League games, the 33-year-old Cust has hit 105 home runs with 323 RBI,
444 walks with a .374 on-base pct....from 2007-09, while with
Oakland,
he led the AL in walks (309) and pitches per plate appearance (4.34) while ranking 5th in game-winning RBI (39)...Cust averaged 28 home runs and 103 walks per season in that three-year span...he spent most of the 2011 season with Seattle before being released in August.
TATUM DESIGNATED: C Craig Tatum has been designated for assignment to make room on the Astros 40-man roster for OF Jack Cust, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Wednesday afternoon...the Astros claimed Tatum off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on October 28, 2011...the Astros 40-man roster is now at 40.
he led the AL in walks (309) and pitches per plate appearance (4.34) while ranking 5th in game-winning RBI (39)...Cust averaged 28 home runs and 103 walks per season in that three-year span...he spent most of the 2011 season with Seattle before being released in August.
TATUM DESIGNATED: C Craig Tatum has been designated for assignment to make room on the Astros 40-man roster for OF Jack Cust, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Wednesday afternoon...the Astros claimed Tatum off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on October 28, 2011...the Astros 40-man roster is now at 40.
Published 01/18/2012 - 12:46 p.m. CST
Astros offseason call-in radio show continues with second of four
Thursday shows
HOUSTON, TX — Houston Astros pitcher Fernando Rodriguez Jr. will be this week’s guest on the club’s popular Astroline call-in radio show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. Hosted by Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton, Astroline is broadcast live from Buffalo Wild Wings at 510 Gray Street. The show will air on Thursday nights, rather than the customary Wednesdays, on four occasions this offseason. The remaining Thursday dates are Feb. 2 and Feb. 23.
The show is open to the public and airs on the club’s flagship station, KTRH 740 AM. Listeners can call the show with questions at 713-212-5874. Fans may also send questions to Alyson Footer via Twitter at twitter.com/alysonfooter.
HOUSTON, TX — Houston Astros pitcher Fernando Rodriguez Jr. will be this week’s guest on the club’s popular Astroline call-in radio show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. Hosted by Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton, Astroline is broadcast live from Buffalo Wild Wings at 510 Gray Street. The show will air on Thursday nights, rather than the customary Wednesdays, on four occasions this offseason. The remaining Thursday dates are Feb. 2 and Feb. 23.
The show is open to the public and airs on the club’s flagship station, KTRH 740 AM. Listeners can call the show with questions at 713-212-5874. Fans may also send questions to Alyson Footer via Twitter at twitter.com/alysonfooter.
Published 02/02/2012 - 7:27 a.m. CST
Astros offseason call-in radio show continues with third of four
Thursday shows
HOUSTON, TX — Former Astros pitcher and current TV broadcaster Jim Deshaies will be this week’s guest on the club’s popular Astroline call-in radio show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2. Hosted by Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton, Astroline is broadcast live from Buffalo Wild Wings at 510 Gray Street. The show will air on Thursday nights, rather than the customary Wednesdays, on four occasions this offseason. The final Thursday date will be Feb. 23.
The show is open to the public and airs on the club’s flagship station, KTRH 740 AM. Listeners can call the show with questions at 713-212-5874. Archived broadcasts from this year’s shows are also available on the team’s website.
HOUSTON, TX — Former Astros pitcher and current TV broadcaster Jim Deshaies will be this week’s guest on the club’s popular Astroline call-in radio show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2. Hosted by Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton, Astroline is broadcast live from Buffalo Wild Wings at 510 Gray Street. The show will air on Thursday nights, rather than the customary Wednesdays, on four occasions this offseason. The final Thursday date will be Feb. 23.
The show is open to the public and airs on the club’s flagship station, KTRH 740 AM. Listeners can call the show with questions at 713-212-5874. Archived broadcasts from this year’s shows are also available on the team’s website.
Published 01/31/2012 - 5:51 a.m. CST
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Video Message Emailed To Season Ticket Holders Last
Night
HOUSTON, TX - In a video message emailed to season ticket holders last night, Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane expressed thanks for their input and participation in discussions about the ballclub, which recently included the name of the team.
In the last several weeks, hundreds of season ticket holders took part in sessions with Crane and members of Astros management at Minute Maid Park to discuss ways to improve their experience while attending Astros games. The Astros also received hundreds of responses to a season ticket holder survey and on the club’s Facebook page.
Last night’s video message also included an update from Crane on the topic of changing the Astros name.
HOUSTON, TX - In a video message emailed to season ticket holders last night, Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane expressed thanks for their input and participation in discussions about the ballclub, which recently included the name of the team.
In the last several weeks, hundreds of season ticket holders took part in sessions with Crane and members of Astros management at Minute Maid Park to discuss ways to improve their experience while attending Astros games. The Astros also received hundreds of responses to a season ticket holder survey and on the club’s Facebook page.
Last night’s video message also included an update from Crane on the topic of changing the Astros name.
Published 01/27/2012 - 6:34 a.m. CST
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Event Will Include Celebration of Astros 50th Anniversary; Former
Astro Lance Berkman Added To List of Attendees
HOUSTON, TX — An impressive list of former Astros and Colt .45 players will be a part of the 2012 Houston Baseball Dinner Benefiting Grand Slam For Youth Baseball’s Scholarship Program.
This year’s annual dinner, which will take place on Friday, February 10, at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston, will include a celebration of the Astros 50th Anniversary. Fans have the opportunity to be a part of this special night as tickets still remain. The event is sponsored by the Astros In Action Foundation and Minute Maid, with proceeds benefiting the Grand Slam For Youth Baseball Scholarship Program.
HOUSTON, TX — An impressive list of former Astros and Colt .45 players will be a part of the 2012 Houston Baseball Dinner Benefiting Grand Slam For Youth Baseball’s Scholarship Program.
This year’s annual dinner, which will take place on Friday, February 10, at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston, will include a celebration of the Astros 50th Anniversary. Fans have the opportunity to be a part of this special night as tickets still remain. The event is sponsored by the Astros In Action Foundation and Minute Maid, with proceeds benefiting the Grand Slam For Youth Baseball Scholarship Program.
Published 01/25/2012 - 8:19 a.m. CST
Move Clears Roster Spot For C Snyder
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have designated utility infielder Angel Sanchez for assignment, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Monday.
The move makes room on the Astros 40-man roster for catcher Chris Snyder, who was signed as a free agent last week. The roster is now at 40. The Astros have 10 days to make a decision on Sanchez’ contract.
Sanchez, 28, hit .240 (69x288) in 110 games for the Astros in 2011 with a home run and 28 RBI. Defensively, Sanchez made 41 starts at shortstop, 14 starts at second base and eight starts at third base.
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have designated utility infielder Angel Sanchez for assignment, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Monday.
The move makes room on the Astros 40-man roster for catcher Chris Snyder, who was signed as a free agent last week. The roster is now at 40. The Astros have 10 days to make a decision on Sanchez’ contract.
Sanchez, 28, hit .240 (69x288) in 110 games for the Astros in 2011 with a home run and 28 RBI. Defensively, Sanchez made 41 starts at shortstop, 14 starts at second base and eight starts at third base.
Published 01/20/2012 - 6:04 a.m. CST
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2012 Spring Opener Will Be Saturday, March 3 at Home
HOUSTON, TX — Individual tickets for 2012 Astros Spring Training home games will be available for purchase by the public on Saturday, January 21, beginning at 9 a.m. CST.
The Astros open the 2012 Grapefruit League season at home on Saturday, March 3 vs. the Washington Nationals at 12:05 p.m. (CEST) at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, FL. This year marks Houston’s 28th season in sunny Kissimmee. Workouts for pitchers and catchers in Kissimmee, which are open to the public at no charge, begin on February 20.
HOUSTON, TX — Individual tickets for 2012 Astros Spring Training home games will be available for purchase by the public on Saturday, January 21, beginning at 9 a.m. CST.
The Astros open the 2012 Grapefruit League season at home on Saturday, March 3 vs. the Washington Nationals at 12:05 p.m. (CEST) at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, FL. This year marks Houston’s 28th season in sunny Kissimmee. Workouts for pitchers and catchers in Kissimmee, which are open to the public at no charge, begin on February 20.
Published 01/18/2012 - 3:58 p.m. CST
Major League Contract Is Worth $600,000 With Club
Option
HOUSTON, TX - The Astros have agreed to terms on a one-year Major League contract with free agent outfielder Jack Cust, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced today.
The deal is worth $600,000 and includes a club option for the 2013 season. The Astros will need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster to make room for Cust.
The 33-year-old Cust, who was with the Seattle Mariners in 2011 before being released in August, has been a productive offensive player in his Major League career with 105 home runs, 323 RBI, 444 walks and a .374 on-base percentage in 670 big league games.
HOUSTON, TX - The Astros have agreed to terms on a one-year Major League contract with free agent outfielder Jack Cust, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced today.
The deal is worth $600,000 and includes a club option for the 2013 season. The Astros will need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster to make room for Cust.
The 33-year-old Cust, who was with the Seattle Mariners in 2011 before being released in August, has been a productive offensive player in his Major League career with 105 home runs, 323 RBI, 444 walks and a .374 on-base percentage in 670 big league games.
Published 01/18/2012 - 9:44 a.m. CST
Former Pitcher Craig Bjornson Named To Major League Coach
Staff
HOUSTON, TX - The Astros have named Craig Bjornson as their new bullpen coach, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced yesterday.
Bjornson, a former pitcher in the Astros minor league system, has 13 years of experience in professional baseball as a pitching coach, most recently for the Rookie Level Casper Ghosts of the Rockies organization for the past three seasons (2009-11).
The 42-year-old Bjornson, who speaks Spanish, has also worked as a pitching coach in the Dodgers, Nationals, Royals and Expos organizations and spent three seasons as pitching coach for the Occidente Pastora de los Llanos of the Venezuelan Winter League (2000-03).
HOUSTON, TX - The Astros have named Craig Bjornson as their new bullpen coach, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced yesterday.
Bjornson, a former pitcher in the Astros minor league system, has 13 years of experience in professional baseball as a pitching coach, most recently for the Rookie Level Casper Ghosts of the Rockies organization for the past three seasons (2009-11).
The 42-year-old Bjornson, who speaks Spanish, has also worked as a pitching coach in the Dodgers, Nationals, Royals and Expos organizations and spent three seasons as pitching coach for the Occidente Pastora de los Llanos of the Venezuelan Winter League (2000-03).
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