Houston Astros 2007 Season Update

In late April 2007, the Houston Astros acquired the deal of Hunter Pence, the top prospect of the organization from Triple-A affiliate. He made his debut on April 28, when he got his first career hit and run scored.

The 2007 season of the Astros’ has begun with the team trying to take the National League Central title back from the World Series winners, the Cardinals, after the latter had won it in 2006. However, the Astros will have to do so without Jeff Bagwell, who retired after the team had declined option on his deal for 2007, as well as Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens that both filed for free agency in November. To make up for losing the Astros’ key players, the team signed pitcher Woody Williams, and traded with the Rockies for Miguel Asencio and The Jason Jennings. Probably, the largest offseason move that Houston made was signing OF Carlos Lee to a six-year deal worth $100 million, the most in the history of franchise.

On June 14, 2007, the Houston Astros recalled SS Eric Bruntlett from Triple-A Round Rock. Two days later, the team optioned left-handed pitcher Mark McLemore back to Triple-A Round Rock and activated right-handed pitcher Rick White from the fifteen-day DL.

Presently, the Houston Astros are fourth in the Central Division of the National League with .435 (30 wins versus 39 losses, as of June 18, 2007), with 17-18 at home and 13-21 on the road.