Astros resign Springer, may bring O.D. back

[Providence A's]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3500028.html

The Astros' first significant move of the off-season won't spark a run of season-ticket sales, but the club considers the re-signing of veteran reliever Russ Springer an important step, nonetheless.

Meanwhile, Astros general manager Tim Purpura confirmed he has had talks with the agent for pitcher Octavio Dotel about a possible return to the Astros, less than two years after the hard-throwing reliever was sent to the Oakland A's in the trade that brought Carlos Beltran to the Astros.

Springer signed a one-year deal Friday for $750,000 plus incentives for 2006, giving Purpura one less thing to worry about heading into next week's annual winter meetings in Dallas.

Springer, 37, was an important part of the Astros' bullpen this year, going 4-4 with a 4.73 ERA in a career-high 62 appearances in middle relief. He also provided a stable veteran influence in the clubhouse.

[love_that_reefer]

Springer and Clemens share agents so next better be Clemens for the Stros' sake.