Lowrie: Ready for spring
(c) Associated Press
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The Astros can now nail down their 2012 payroll as they have agreed to a one-year contract with shortstop Jed Lowrie at $1.15 million plus incentives. Lowrie was acquired this winter from Boston in Jeff Luhnow's first trade as the new general manager. Pitcher Kyle Weiland also came in the deal that sent reliever Mark Melancon to the Red Sox.
Lowrie is expected to be the starting shortstop this season, replacing Clint Barmes who left in free agency to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lowrie supplies similar offense to Barmes but has struggled with injuries during his career.
In other news, the Astros are experimenting with moving Brett Wallace back to third base where he was originally drafted by the Cardinals. It's questionable how well the stocky first baseman would do there, considering the Redbirds converted him to first base at a time when they fully expected Albert Pujols to man that position for a long time.
Houston also signed another free agent outfielder to a minor league contract with an invite to spring camp. He is Justin Ruggiano, a former Texas A&M slugger who has hit .226 with six homers in limited big league action.
In addition, five minor leaguers will spend time in the big leagie camp - infielders Jonathan Villar, Jonathan Singleton and Delino DeShields, Jr. along with outfielders George Springer and Jake Goebbert.
- Bob Hulsey
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