Astros Offseason Recap

Today we continue out look at what the Cubs N.L. Central foes have done this off season with a look at the Houston Astros.

Here's what they've done this winter:
11-7-08: Signed Chia-Jen Lo to a minor league deal and signed LaTroy Hawkins to a one year deal.
11-24-08: Acquired Tyler Lumsden from the Royals for a player to be named later.
12-2-08: Signed Doug Brocail to a one year deal.
12-3-08: Singed Mike Hampton to a one year deal.
12-8-08: Claimed Jeff Fulchino off waivers from the Royals.
12-11-08: Seleceted Gilbert De a Vara from the Royals in the Rule 5 Draft. Acquired Lou Palmisano from the Orioles for cash.
12-12-08: Non-tendered Reggie Abercrombie and Ty Wingginton.
12-15-08: Signed Jason Michaels to a one year deal.
12-18-08: Signed Aaron Boone to a one year deal.
1-5-09: Signed Clay Hensley and John Gall to minor league contracts.
1-13-09: Signed Russ Ortiz to a minor league deal with invite to Spring Training.
1-14-09: Signed Danny Graves and Jose Capellan to minor league deals with invites to Spring Training.
1-29-09: Signed David Newhan to a minor league deal with and invite to Spring Training.

I think the Astros did a good job making and effort to improve their team even though they didn't have a lot of money to spend. However they also lost: Brad Ausmus, Mark Loretta and Randy Wolf. I'll give them a 6 out of 10.
I'll have a recap of the Cardinals off season tomorrow.

Pitchers and catchers report Friday at noon!