Valverde Gets Paid

[love_that_reefer]

Astros agreed to terms with RHP Jose Valverde on a one-year, $8 million contract.
Relievers don't have the best track record in arbitration, so Valverde opted to take a raise to $8 million after losing his case last year and settling for $4.7 million. Considering that he's led the NL in saves two years in a row, Valverde had a decent argument for matching or exceeding Francisco Rodriguez's $10 million salary from a year ago. He's entering his last year of arbitration, just like K-Rod was.

No wonder the Astros couldn't afford to get anyone worth a damn this offseason. Big time money for Valverde. He's one of those nerve racking type closers but he does get the job done. Lots of walks and lots of saves. It would be nice to see the Astros get another starter in what could be the weakest NL Central we've seen in a while. Besides the Cubs that is.

[Buckcheeks]

Astros are pretty close to signing LoDuca to a minor league deal!

Whoo hoo!

Beats Ausmus, ANY DAY.

[love_that_reefer]

LoDuca and now Russ Ortiz! Great time to be an Astros fan!

[ljshorty89]

How bad has Ausmus gotten that Lo Duca is an improvement? Lo Duca hit .243 with ZERO HR last year. The year before he hit .272, 9 HR, 54 RBI. Not to mention he's a terrible defensive catcher with no arm, and injury problems.

[love_that_reefer]

Can't believe they passed on Pudge. He would have been a good fit in Texas.