Until the fat lady dunks Nov 18, 2008
I also found the first half of the game itself pretty uninspiring, so much so that I began to worry that I lack civic pride because I was more interested in the Houston Rockets, which I kept referring to as the Houston Astros. But it's hard not to be intrigued by a player who's 7 foot 6 inches. (OregonLive, OR -- Living)
Proposed entertainment district gets nod from Sugar Land voters Nov 18, 2008
Sugar Land cannot secure an affiliate of a Major League Baseball team without approval from the Houston Astros, but Astros approval would not be necessary if an independent baseball team is selected. Esch says the city has already informed the Astros of its preference to bring in a minor league team. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Indians' Cliff Lee wins AL Cy Young Award Nov 14, 2008
He became the first pitcher in major league history to win a Silver Slugger and throw a no-hitter in the same season, as he no-hit the Houston Astros on Sept. 14 in Milwaukee. Gardenhire gets two-year extension from Twins. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Astros Alumni Golf Classic set for Nov. 18 Nov 14, 2008
Astros fans and golf enthusiasts have the opportunity to play golf with former Astros legends at Wildcat Golf Club, the preferred golf course of the Houston Astros. Proceeds from the Classic benefit the Astros in Action Foundation and Children at Risk. (MLB.com -- Houston Astros)
Pedroia has clout at 2B Nov 14, 2008
Avalanche, formerly affiliated with the Houston Astros, will now be a Red Sox farm team. At an official announcement yesterday, the franchise changed its name to the Salem Red Sox. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
How Obama's Tax Hikes Will Hit Baseball's Top Players Nov 14, 2008
"There is no question that there is always some emotion in many of these deals, but the reality is that expenses need to be tied in some way to revenue," says Pam Gardner, president of business operations for the Houston Astros. "Business plans and daily operations are definitely tied to cash-flow projections. In this regard, we are not unlike any other business.". (Forbes -- Business)
Moving things along Nov 13, 2008
Broussard's first office was at Union Station, now headquarters for the Houston Astros. Before the building was grafted onto the Major League Baseball team's new downtown stadium in 2000, Union Station had long housed the offices of several major rail lines. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Top franchise Nov 12, 2008
Analysis ranks Red Sox as the No. 1 franchise in the majors - USATODAY.com. Analysis ranks Red Sox as the No. 1 franchise in the majors. (USA Today -- Sports)
* Injury-free Wang returns to Taiwan Nov 12, 2008
Wang, who suffered the foot injury while rounding third base in a game against the Houston Astros on June 15, had to delay his return to Taiwan for several weeks to rehabilitate his foot in the US following the end of the baseball season. Known as the Pride of Taiwan for his stellar 19-win seasons in 2006 and last year, Wang opened the 2008 season with an 8-2 record before being sidelined with a sprained Lisfranc ligament and torn tendon in his right foot. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Morneau, Mauer honored by NLBM Nov 12, 2008
Hilton Smith Award -- presented to the NL and AL relievers of the year Recipients: Jose Valverde, Houston Astros; Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels. John Henry "Pop" Lloyd Award -- presented in recognition of baseball and community leadership Recipient: Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Radio hosts to welcome GM Wade Nov 12, 2008
11/12/08 8:03 AM EST. Astros general manager to join Raymond, Deshaies Wednesday. (MLB.com -- Houston Astros)
Astros pitching same ticket prices as economy turns foul Nov 11, 2008
After weathering a major hurricane, the Houston Astros have decided against raising ticket prices with economic storm clouds on the horizon. The Astros will have plenty to celebrate in the 10th season since the Major League Baseball team moved into Minute Maid Park. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Jones honored with Legacy Award Nov 11, 2008
Hilton Smith Award -- presented to the NL and AL relievers of the year Recipients: Jose Valverde, Houston Astros; and Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels. John Henry "Pop" Lloyd Award -- presented in recognition of baseball and community leadership Recipient: Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers. (MLB.com -- Atlanta Braves)
2009 Cardinals Spring Training Schedule Nov 11, 2008
By Managing EditorPosted Nov 10, 2008. The tentative schedule for the St. Louis Cardinals 12th spring training at the Roger Dean Stadium Complex in Jupiter, Florida is available. (St. Louis, TheInsiders.com)
Hawkins signs one-year deal with Astros Nov 8, 2008
HOUSTON (AP) -The Houston Astros have signed right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins to a one-year contract for $3. 5 million. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Soto the leading candidate for NL ROY Nov 8, 2008
"I just want to win ballgames, and this is all extra," Soto said after the historic game against the Houston Astros, played at Miller Park after Hurricane Ike struck Houston. "This is awesome. Enough about me, it's [Zambrano's] day. He was pitching, and he deserves all the credit.". (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Hawkins coming back to Houston Nov 8, 2008
1 000032E3 1/07/08 7:53 PM EST. Astros sign veteran right-hander to one-year deal. (MLB.com -- Houston Astros)
Greg Maddux adds to record with 18th Gold Glove Nov 7, 2008
The Houston Astros, who committed 16 fewer errors than any other major league team, did not have a winner. Rawlings has presented Gold Gloves annually since 1957. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Maddux adds No. 18 to Gold Glove stash Nov 6, 2008
The Houston Astros, who committed 16 fewer errors than any other team, did not have a winner. Mussina, Glavine file. (Boston Globe)
• More State/National Stories • Nov 6, 2008
HOUSTON ASTROS Assigned INF Mark Saccomanno outright to Round Rock (PCL). LOS ANGELES DODGERS Declined their 2009 option on C Gary Bennett. (Creston News Adertiser, IO)
MLB rankings Nov 5, 2008
Power Rankings: Morneau, Pujols are our picks for MVP - USATODAY.com. Power Rankings: Morneau, Pujols are our picks for MVP. (USA Today -- Sports)
Astros Outright Saccomanno To Round Rock Nov 5, 2008
(November 4, 2008)--The Houston Astros announced today that the club has outrighted infielder Mark Saccomanno to Triple A Round Rock, removing him from Houstons 40-man roster. The announcement was made by General Manager Ed Wade. (KWTX.com, TX)
Budget-conscious baseball GMs meet at resort Nov 4, 2008
I think in some places it may very well have an effect, Houston Astros president of baseball operations Tal Smith said. From the standpoint of free agents, it's something clubs will probably take a look at. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Rachael Ray Arranges For Hurricane-Delayed Mass Wedding Nov 4, 2008
Ray helped coordinate contributions from businesses for the wedding ceremony at the home of the Houston Astros. Ray selected the menu for the family-style dinner, including roasted beef tenderloin with poblano chutney, rosemary garlic roasted pork tenderloin and free-range chicken. (KWTX.com, TX)
Astros GM Wade happy Phils won it all Nov 4, 2008
Wade happy Phils won it all. Astros GM gives credit to former team's current staff. (MLB.com -- Houston Astros)
Olivo sticks with Royals for starting role Nov 4, 2008
Buck has been the Royals' starter for the past 4 1/2 seasons since being obtained from the Houston Astros in the Carlos Beltran deal. Naturally, with two experienced catchers on hand, the Royals could be in a position to trade one of them in a catcher-thin environment. (MLB.com -- Kansas City Royals)
Astros slugger Saccomanno to be at On Deck Circle's open house Nov 1, 2008
On Deck Circle will host an open house with current Houston Astros player Mark Saccomanno to launch his baseball lessons and mini-clinics at On Deck Circle. Saccomanno will be at On Deck Circle on Monday, Nov. 3, from 7 to 8 p.m. to sign autographs and put on a hitting demonstration. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
PHILLIES OUTLOOK: Core of champs back for '09 Oct 31, 2008
His master stroke, of course, was last offseason's trade with the Houston Astros that netted the Phillies closer who went 48-for-48 in save opportunities, including the World Series clincher along with utilityman. Bruntlett was thrilled with the way the Series concluded. (USA Today -- Sports)
Phillies Win Series Oct 31, 2008
On Sept. 10 the 79-67 Phillies were 3 1/2 games out of first place, had the same record as the Houston Astros and were only one-half game better than the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays, three teams that didn't sniff the playoffs. But the Phillies became yet another team to prove what makes world champions in the era of six divisions and three rounds of playoffs: Staying in contention and then getting hot at the right time. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Astros extend three front officers Oct 31, 2008
General manager Wade issues three extensions, one promotion. By Alyson Footer / MLB.com. (MLB.com -- Houston Astros)
Phanatic salute Oct 30, 2008
In his first year in Philadelphia after arriving with Lidge in an offseason trade from the Houston Astros, Bruntlett knew the Phillies had not won a World Series since 1980 and that was the only one in their history. "It's well-documented," he said. (USA Today -- Sports)
Claire: 2008 forever golden for Phillies Oct 30, 2008
The most important move for Gillick and the Phillies was to obtain Lidge, the closer, and this came about in a trade with Wade and the Houston Astros. The young Tampa Bay team has every reason to be proud of its accomplishments and to talk of the future. (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
Astros' ticket prices not rising Oct 29, 2008
PHILADELPHIA -- Sensitive to the tough economic times the country is facing, the Houston Astros have altered their normal operating procedure and are not raising ticket prices for the 2009 season. Season-ticket packages will go on sale Thursday, with prices unchanged from 2008. (MLB.com -- Houston Astros)
Berkman to appear on radio show Oct 29, 2008
Slugger will be guest on offseason program hosted by Astros announcers. By Alyson Footer / MLB.com. (MLB.com -- Houston Astros)
St. Louis' Pujols wins Roberto Clemente Award Oct 27, 2008
Retired Houston Astros second baseman Craig Biggio won the award last year. Phillies Game 3 starter Jamie Moyer won the award in 2003. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Hickey has Rays pitchers on target Oct 25, 2008
More than a decade ago, when Hickey was coaching in the Houston Astros' Minor League system, his boss told him not to expect a big league coaching opportunity, at least not while Hickey was working under him. That boss was Gerry Hunsicker, the former general manager of the Astros who now works with Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman as senior vice president of baseball operations. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Bill James Ranks Matt Kemp Highly Oct 24, 2008
This story originally published on. By PubisherPosted Oct 23, 2008. (Los Angeles, TheInsiders.com)
1993 Phillies: Series was lost before Carter's homer Oct 24, 2008
" That go-for-broke attitude might have made him a predictable pitcher, but eventually it also allowed him to overcome all of the abuse that came his way. Williams was traded to the Houston Astros that offseason and was never the same, registering a total of six saves the next three seasons before retiring in 1997 at 32. Since then he has become a broadcaster known for expressing his unvarnished opinion in pregame and postgame shows for the Comcast SportsNet station in Philadelphia as well as... (USA Today -- Sports)
Pat O'Brien Named Baseball Assistant Coach Oct 24, 2008
"I look forward to getting to work and continuing that tradition. My goal is to compete year in and year out for A-10 Championships while putting our players in a position to advance to the professional level. Prior to joining the Wild Things staff, O'Brien was a coach at Kent State, where he focused on catchers and hitting. Professional teams signed two catchers under his guidance: the Boston Red Sox drafted Will Vazquez and Todd Balduf signed with the Kansas City Royals. As a player, O'Brien... (Gwsports.com)
D-backs rank high on James' talent list Oct 24, 2008
Arizona well-equipped for years to come with budding stars. By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com. (MLB.com -- Arizona Diamondbacks)
Mariners name Zduriencik GM Oct 23, 2008
The Houston Astros promoted third base coach Ed Romero, a former Red Sox utilityman, to bench coach after Jackie Moore was hired by the Texas Rangers ... Moore, who managed the A's from 1984-86, was the bench coach for the Houston Astros this year after spending the previous eight seasons as manager of their minor league affiliate in Round Rock, Texas. (Boston Globe)
Brewers' Zduriencik hired as Mariners' new GM Oct 23, 2008
Moore, who managed the A's from 1984-86, was the bench coach for the Houston Astros this year after spending the previous eight seasons as manager of their minor league affiliate in Round Rock, Texas ... The Houston Astros promoted third base coach Ed Romero to bench coach after Moore was hired by the Rangers. (Cleveland.com -- Sports)
Tennis championships begin today at Barnes Oct 23, 2008
The Houston Astros promoted third-base coach Ed Romero to bench coach after Jackie Moore was hired by the Texas Rangers. The Astros then hired Dave Clark, the manager of their Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock, to replace Romero. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Series offers change Oct 23, 2008
In 2005, the Houston Astros were the first team since 1953 without a black player on its World Series roster. In 2007, on the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, star Torii Hunter wondered whether baseball had done the Hall of Famer a disservice. (News & Observer -- Sports)
FBI to Review Whether Roger Clemens Lied to Congress Oct 23, 2008
Clemens told Congress that Pettitte, a longtime friend and training partner and his former teammate with the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, ``misremembers'' a conversation they had about HGH.. Agents from the FBI's Washington field office last month began an inquiry into whether infielder , the American League's Most Valuable Player in 2002, lied under oath when he said during a 2005 congressional hearing that he never took or talked about steroids. (Yahoo News -- Drugs in Sports)
Congress Asks for Probe of Clemens Oct 23, 2008
Clemens, who is working with minor league pitchers at the Houston Astros' spring training complex in Kissimmee, , declined to speak with reporters there. This month's hearing was the committee's third on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball since 2005. (Yahoo News -- Drugs in Sports)
Clemens: Friend Andy Pettitte 'misheard' steroid talk Oct 23, 2008
who has played with Clemens for the Yankees or Houston Astros since 1999, was excused by the committee Tuesday, along with former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch. McNamee told the panel he injected both men with performance-enhancing substances. (Yahoo News -- Drugs in Sports)
HEYMAN: How the Phillies were built Oct 23, 2008
Now the Houston Astros GM, Wade deserves credit not for happening to be in Philly when Arbuckle made most of their great draft picks (including the star infield trio of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley), but instead for sending closer Brad Lidge from Houston to his former team for practically nothing. Lidge turned out to be one of the greatest trades in Gillick's Hall-of-Fame-worthy history (the key player sent to Houston was speedy but spare outfielder Michael Bourn) and the final... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
After years as a punching bag, Rays flip script on tormentors Oct 22, 2008
First baseman , who plays for the Baltimore Orioles, came up with Tampa Bay in 2000 and was traded to the Houston Astros in 2006. He once referred to the franchise as a "joke," but as he sat behind the first-base dugout watching the Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 3-1 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday night, he choked up. (USA Today -- Sports)
Rays with ties to the Durham Bulls Oct 22, 2008
Originally drafted by the Rays, wound up with New York Mets and the Houston Astros, who traded him back to the Rays. With Bulls: Posted ERAs over 5. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Baylor Baseball Announces 2009 Schedule Oct 22, 2008
25), the Bears travel to Houston for the 2009 Houston College Classic, hosted by the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Baylor faces Houston, UCLA and Rice in the ninth-annual event that is one of the nations premiere in-season tournaments. (KWTX.com, TX)
Opinion: Lidge's long road to redemption Oct 21, 2008
For about 20 minutes, the Houston Astros were celebrating winning the N.L. pennant. For a franchise with a tortured 40-year history, this moment was magical beyond words. (MSNBC -- Sports)
ACE ACQUISITIONS: Rays, Phillies ride trades to world Series Oct 21, 2008
The Phillies got closer from the Houston Astros. The Rays got starter and shortstop from the Minnesota Twins. (USA Today -- Sports)
A good name might not be worth what it used to be Oct 21, 2008
And in the most famous name drop, the Houston Astros cut short their deal for Enron Field when Enron Corp. was caught in all sorts of financial shadiness. Enron's dealings became symbolic of corporate greed and excess, and the Astros moved quickly to distance themselves from their former benefactor, going so far as to pay the company $2. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Rays taste success as expansion club Oct 21, 2008
Houston Astros: This seems to be something of a trend. After joining the Major Leagues in 1962, it took the Astros 18 seasons to even come within 10 games of first place. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Phightin' pride shines in Cumberland County Oct 19, 2008
Joan Shryock of Carlisle dresses her dog Kenneth in a Philadelphia Phillies jersey. (Jason Malmont/The Sentinel). (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Contract may force Padres to deal Peavy Oct 19, 2008
Peavy is on record as saying he would waive his trade veto power to join his partner and pal, Roy Oswalt, with the Houston Astros. Yet the Astros may not possess the right pieces to tempt the Padres. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Seminole Baseball Recruiting Class Earns Second Top 25 Ranking Oct 18, 2008
Right handed pitcher was picked by the Houston Astros in the 36th round, while southpaw was also drafted by the Astros in round number 38. Right hander rounded out this year's draft selections as he was picked in the 49th round by the Chicago Cubs. (Seminoles.com)
DelPiano batted way into AHS Hall of Fame Oct 17, 2008
In 1990, DelPiano was picked up by the Houston Astros playing for Auburn. It was through his time as a player that DelPiano made connections that helped him take the next step in his career, working behind the scenes as a scout. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Sports world also pays price amid struggling economy Oct 17, 2008
" The economy's downturn also has created havoc in what had been a lucrative arena for sports teams: naming rights. During the boom years, many companies paid millions of dollars to plaster their corporate monikers across stadiums and golf and tennis tournaments. But the recent frenzy of bankruptcies and mergers on Wall Street has put some deals in limbo. Take Philadelphia's Wachovia Center, home of the NBA's 76ers and the NHL's Flyers. The arena is poised for its fourth name change in 12 years... (USA Today -- Sports)
Indians' 2009 Spring Training Schedule Oct 17, 2008
ready for the Arizona sunshine. By Indians InkPosted Oct 16, 2008. (Cleveland, TheInsiders.com)
McCAFFERY: Who do you trust? Phillies put faith in the right guys Oct 16, 2008
The closer was on crutches when the Houston Astros made him available to the Phillies in trade. But the Phillies are in the World Series today because they trusted Brad Lidge. (The Trentonian, NJ)
Legendary trio Oct 15, 2008
Kalas, 72, started with the Houston Astros in 1965 before moving to Philadelphia in 1971 ... St. Louis Browns, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros since 1985 ... Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies since 1971. (USA Today -- Sports)
Giants have talent worth waiting for Oct 15, 2008
Monday, Oct. 6: Tuesday, Oct. 7: Wednesday, Oct. 8: Thursday, Oct. 9: Friday, Oct. 10: Monday, Oct. 13: Tuesday, Oct. 14: Wednesday, Oct. 15: Cincinnati Reds Thursday, Oct. 16: Colorado Rockies Friday, Oct. 17: Detroit Tigers Monday, Oct. 20: Kansas City Royals Tuesday, Oct. 21: Oakland Athletics Wednesday, Oct. 22: Texas Rangers Thursday, Oct. 23: Cleveland Indians Friday, Oct. 24: Arizona Diamondbacks Monday, Oct. 27: Florida Marlins Tuesday, Oct. 28: Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, Oct. 29: St.... (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
PNC Park surface getting full makeover Oct 15, 2008
When the Bucs begin the 2009 home season Monday, April 13, an entirely new playing surface will greet the players when they take the field against the Houston Astros at 1:35 p.m ET.. The project, which is scheduled to be completed by mid- to late-October, entails the complete replacement of the entire playing surface, including the infield and outfield grass, the infield dirt and the warning track. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
