Brad Ausmus

Team Israel is making a push to qualify for the 2013 WBC, and they've got some nice, establish Major League names lining up to spearhead the team, FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reports today. Long-time Houston Astros catcher Brad Ausmus is expected to be named ...  

Former Tigers catcher Brad Ausmus is expected to this week be named of Team Israel as it prepares to qualify for next spring's World Baseball Classic, according to a report by Fox Sports. Ausmus is expected to be joined in the dugout by another ...  

JERUSALEM - With a pair of Jewish ex-major leaguers on his roster, the new coach of Israel's team in the World Baseball Classic says his squad is already a legitimate contender. Former All-Star catcher Brad Ausmus said Shawn Green and Gabe Kapler have ...  

Thanks to WBC tournament rules that allow countries to field players who are eligible for citizenship — even if they are not actual citizens — Israel can tap into the formidable pool of Jewish-American baseball talent that includes about 15 major leaguers. Israel grants automatic citizenship to anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent. Among the potential players who could wear the Israeli uniform are Ike Davis, Jason Marquis, Sam Fuld...  

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The Israel Association of Baseball officially announced yesterday that former Major League All-Star Brad Ausmus would serve as Team Israel's manager and coach for the World Baseball Classic. Ausmus, one of several Jewish ballplayers recruited by Israel ...  

HOUSTON — J.D. Martinez hit the go-ahead RBI single in the sixth inning and Jose Altuve had a solo homer to give the Houston Astros a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. The loss extends Chicago's losing skid to a season-long eight games.  

Roger Clemens, the former Boston Red Sox star pitcher who grew up in Houston and briefly played for the Houston Astros, began his second perjury trial Monday. He is represented by high-profile attorney Rusty Hardin of Rusty Hardin & Associates LLP, a Houston-based law firm. The Associated Press reports that Clemens is accused of lying to Congress in 2008 when he said he did not use performance-enhancing drugs. He is charged with two counts of...  

Chris Johnson hit his first career grand slam, Bud Norris continued his dominance of the Cardinals and the Houston Astros beat St. Louis 8-2 on Saturday night to win a fifth consecutive game for the first time since late 2010.  

Several prospective jurors questioned the purpose of a congressional hearing on opening day at Rogers Clemen’s second perjury trial. The former Houston Astros pitcher is back in court in the government's second attempt to prove that he misled a House committee at a landmark drugs-and-sports hearing in 2008. The first trial last July ended in a mistrial when prosecutors introduced inadmissible evidence after only two witnesses had been called...  

Some fans get extremely excited when they meet professional athletes. Alex Salinas collected baseball cards when he was a child. And Larry Dierker's card was one of the favorites in his collection.Last week, Salinas met Dierker in person, and he came to class bragging about his wonderful experience.Salinas said, "As a retired baseball player, he was the sportscaster. Growing up watching games with Mr. Dierker announcing the baseball games made...  

JERUSALEM (AP) -- With a pair of Jewish ex-major leaguers on his roster, the new coach of Israel's team in the World Baseball Classic says his squad is already a legitimate contender. Former All-Star catcher Brad Ausmus said Shawn Green and Gabe ...  

MILWAUKEE -- Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros hit their way out of a Milwaukee morass.Altuve had a career-best four hits, and J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs to lead the Houston Astros over the Brewers 7-5 Wednesday and stop an 11-game ...  

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros hit their way out of a Milwaukee morass. Altuve had a career-best four hits, and J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs to lead the Houston Astros over the Brewers 7-5 Wednesday and stop an...  

Former Major League catcher Brad Ausmus was named Israel's coach for the World Baseball Classic on Monday -- and he expects his team to surprise some people. The former All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner said he has already received ...  

Former All-Star catcher Brad Ausmus said Shawn Green and Gabe Kapler have committed to play for him, and he's hopeful that other Jewish big leaguers, including All-Stars such as Ryan Braun, Kevin Youkilis and Ian Kinsler, will join the cliub. The scenario ...  

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There was a lot of buzz at Minute Maid Park Wednesday about the new uniforms the Astros will wear next season when they join the American League. Astros owner Jim Crane says variations of uniforms have been making their way through focus ...  

Astros owner Jim Crane, Marine Sgt. Scott Momper (Ret.) and Silver Eagle Distributors president John L. Nau were on hand at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday morning to unveil the "Walk Off A Hero" program -- a nationwide effort to raise $2.5 ...  

HOUSTON — After a 6-11 season in 2011, former Tri-City ValleyCat Bud Norris approached Astros manager Brad Mills and said he wanted to be a different pitcher. Now he's proving he was serious about a turnaround. He's won each of his four starts in May and ...  

Minute Maid Park was buzzing Wednesday morning when Owner Jim Crane and businessman John Nau of Silver Eagle distributiing announed a Walk Off a Hero program that will help raise money for families and veterans back from duty. "It's a great ...  

Minute Maid Park was buzzing Wednesday morning when Owner Jim Crane and businessman John Nau of Silver Eagle distributiing announced a Walk Off a Hero program that will help raise money for war veterans and their families.  The Budweiser ...  

Only seven full seasons have come and gone since 2004, when a star-laden Houston team - trotting out names like Bagwell, Biggio, Berkman, Oswalt, Clemens and Pettitte - pushed the St. Louis Cardinals to seven games in a classic National League Championship Series.  

HOUSTON (AP) — After a 6-11 season in 2011, Bud Norris approached Astros manager Brad Mills and said he wanted to be a different pitcher. Now he's proving he was serious about a turnaround. He's won each of his four starts in May and his 0.35 ERA this ...  

HOUSTON (AP) After a 6-11 season in 2011, Bud Norris approached Astros manager Brad Mills and said he wanted to be a different pitcher.Now he's proving he was serious about a turnaround. He's won each of his four starts in May and his 0.35 ERA ...  

In our superhero's latest adventure, general manager Jeff Luhnow ventures to the far gates at Minute Maid Park to meet the evil ticket printout! Which way does the paper turn? Which bar code should Luhnow scan? How should he greet the droves of fans ...  

Infante, a Gold Glove candidate last season, bobbled Travis Buck's routine ground ball to his backhand side with the bases loaded before sailing the throw past first baseman Gaby Sanchez. He was charged with errors on the bobble and throw, each allowing a ...  

MILWAUKEE -- Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros hit their way out of a Milwaukee morass. Altuve had a career-best four hits, and J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs to lead the Houston Astros over the Brewers 7-5 Wednesday and stop an 11-game ...  

HOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Schafer has reached base safely in every game for the Houston Astros this season. More special than that is what the leadoff hitter can do once he's on base. Schafer had two hits and scored twice, including the go-ahead run on a single by Jed Lowrie in the eighth inning to help the Astros to a 4-3 win over the New York Mets on Monday night. Matt Downs had a two-run homer in the sixth inning as the Astros started a nine...  

HOUSTON -- Matt Downs hit a two-run homer and Jed Lowrie had the go-ahead single in the eighth inning to propel the Houston Astros to a 4-3 win over the New York Mets on Monday night.The game was tied 3-all when Jordan Schafer reached on an infield s ...  

HOUSTON — Jason Castro and Chris Johnson each hit three-run homers ... Chicago didn't score until the ninth inning, when reliever Enerio Del Rosario allowed three straight hits, capped by an RBI single by pinch hitter Reed Johnson to make it 8-1.  

HOUSTON  — Chris Johnson hit his first career grand slam, Bud Norris continued his dominance of the Cardinals and the Houston Astros beat St. Louis 8-2 on Saturday night to win a fifth consecutive game for the first time since late 2010. The...  

HOUSTON — Chris Johnson had a pair of homers among his four hits and drove in a career-high six runs to back up another solid outing by Wandy Rodriguez, and the Houston Astros beat the New York Mets 8-1 on Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep....  

HOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Schafer has reached base safely in every game for the Houston Astros this season. More special than that is what the leadoff hitter can do once he's on base. Schafer had two hits and scored twice, including the go-ahead run...  

HOUSTON -- The National League's youngest team gave baseball's oldest player fits. J.D. Martinez homered and drove in three runs and the Houston Astros beat 49-year-old Jamie Moyer and the Colorado Rockies 7-3 Saturday night. Moyer was in troubl ...  

Astros History: Brad AusmusThe Crawfish BoxesJason Castro inability to do so this season reminds me how good Ausmus was at it, and listening to various announcers tell kids that's the way to do it. Not only was he a favorite with the female population, but he was also a favorite of any pitcher he ...  

Chicago was up 1-0 in the fourth inning before Martinez's triple, which fell as Darwin Barney and David DeJesus bumped into each other and tumbled to the ground trying to make the catch, put Houston on top 2-1. It was the second consecutive night that ...  

CHC@HOU: Johnson jacks monster homer to deep left HOUSTON -- This time, the Cubs literally dropped a game. J.D. Martinez hit a two-run triple that right fielder David DeJesus appeared to have ...  

Roger Clemens' second perjury trial began Monday, following a mistrial in the first case when prosecutors showed inadmissible evidence to the jury. The famed former Houston Astros pitcher is accused of lying to Congress in 2008 when he said he never used performance-enhancing drugs. The new trial, which begins with jury selection, is expected to last four to six weeks. Some key data and figures in the case: -----CHARGES: Three counts of making...  

HOUSTON (AP) — Lucas Harrell and the Houston Astros spoiled Jamie Moyer's milestone-setting night. The 26-year-old Harrell allowed no runs on three hits and struck out four in seven strong innings to lead the Astros to a 7-3 victory over the...  

HOUSTON (AP) — St. Louis starter Jaime Garcia entered Saturday night's start 0-3 in five career starts against the Astros. Make that 0-4, with another major clunker. Chris Johnson hit his first career grand slam off Garcia, Bud Norris continued his dominance of the Cardinals and the Astros beat St.Read more on NewsOK.com  

NewsdayNo sign ex-pitcher Clemens used steroids: Astros doctorReutersBy Ian Simpson | WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former baseball pitching ace Roger Clemens showed no signs he used anabolic steroids while playing for the Houston Astros, the team's physician testified on Thursday at Clemens's federal perjury trial.No Sign Clemens Used Steroids, Says Astros DoctorHartford CourantYankees GM Cashman calls Clemens 'one of the greatest players that I've...  

Astros writer Steve Campbell put together the list of the top 50 Astros from the first 50 years of the ... Won two Gold Gloves, made an All-Star team and led league in stolen bases in 2008, 2009 and 2010. (Patrick T Fallon / Houston Chronicle)  

Come back, Mickey Herskowitz! Then came Wednesday night’s Astros/Braves game and the Progressive Fan of the Game feature. Frankly, of all of the stupid features Fox Sports Houston does at baseball games, this is the stupidest. I don’t care what a person sitting in the stands thinks about the game, especially since, as it’s an Astros game, Fox Sports Houston ignores the action on the field for the insipid interview. If I want to hear a fan talk...  

Wood yielded two runs and two hits over 5 2/3 frames. GAME NOTEBOOK: Astros CF Jordan Schafer went 0-for-3 as he returned to the lineup after missing two games with a strained muscle in his leg. ... Houston 3B Chris Johnson was ejected after the ...  

VIERA, Fla. (AP) — John Lannan went out and pitched as if he belonged in the Nationals' rotation. Lannan allowed two hits and two runs over five innings and struck out five and walked one and Washington defeated Houston 7-4 on Monday. The veteran...  

Chris Johnson hit his first career grand slam, Bud Norris continued his dominance of the Cardinals and the Houston Astros beat St. Louis 8-2 on Saturday night to win a fifth consecutive game for the first time since late 2010.  

HOUSTON (MCT) — Travis Wood deserved better. Making his first start since replacing Chris Volstad in the Cubs’ rotation, the left-hander demonstrated why Theo Epstein wanted him from the Reds in the Sean Marshall trade. He pitched well and ...  

HOUSTON • The National League’s youngest team gave baseball’s oldest player fits. J.D. Martinez homered and drove in three runs and the Houston Astros beat 49-year-old Jamie Moyer and the Colorado Rockies 7-3 Saturday night. Moyer was in...  

The loss extends Chicago's losing skid to a season-long eight games. The hit by Martinez was the first for Houston since the first inning, but Justin Maxwell and Carlos Lee both drew two-out walks before it to set up the score. Houston starter J.A. Happ (4 ...  

HOUSTON -- Travis Wood deserved better. Making his first start since replacing Chris Volstad in the Cubs' rotation, the left-hander demonstrated why Theo Epstein wanted him from the Reds in the Sean Marshall trade. He pitched well and competed ...  

HOUSTON — J.D. Martinez hit a go-ahead single in the sixth and Jose ... Martinez's hit was the Astros' first since the first inning, but Justin Maxwell and Carlos Lee drew two-out walks before it to set up the score. Houston starter J.A ...  

MILWAUKEE Jose Altuve had a career-best four hits, and J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs to lead the Houston Astros over the Brewers 7-5 Wednesday and stop an 11-game losing streak against Milwaukee. Chris Snyder put the Astros ahead for good at ...  

Chris Johnson had four hits, homered twice and drove in a career-high six runs to back up another solid outing by Wandy Rodriguez, and the Houston Astros beat the New York Mets 8-1 on Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep.  

Carlos Lee had three hits, including his first homer since April 22, and three RBIs to back another solid outing by Bud Norris, and Houston beat Milwaukee 8-3 ... answer for how he could improve. “Making better pitches,” he said.  

HOUSTON — It was their first comeback win of the season. Too bad no one was there to see it. On a beautiful Easter Sunday afternoon, the Houston Astros cooked up a 3-2 victory over Colorado at Minute Maid Park in front of the smallest crowd in the ...  

Chris Johnson belted his first career grand slam and the Houston Astros pounded the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-2, in the second portion of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. Jed Lowrie crushed a two-run homer, Justin Maxwell contributed an RBI double and ...  

HOUSTON — The National League’s youngest team gave baseball’s oldest player fits. J.D. Martinez homered and drove in three runs as the Houston Astros beat 49-year-old pitcher Jamie Moyer and the Colorado Rockies 7-3 on Saturday night.  

Chris Snyder, batting .179 this season ... which sailed over the outstretched arm of a leaping Hart, put Houston up 2-0. Bogusevic singled before scoring on a one-out single by Snyder. Snyder advanced to second on the play thanks to an error by Aoki ...  

PITTSBURGH — Bud Norris is getting comfortable in uncomfortable situations. So are the rest of the suddenly competitive Houston Astros. The right-hander allowed three hits in six sharp innings and worked out of a pair of major jams to lead the ...  

We'll have to wait and see." The Astros' second pre-Draft workout will be held May 27 in Atlanta, and the final workout is scheduled for May 30 at Minute Maid Park. The workouts are only for players who receive invitations from Astros scouts.  

at 56-106, the team compiled the worst record in franchise history. Fan favorites such as Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn left the team just as Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman had done the year before by way of trade. Ownership was in the process of changing ...  

Astros team doctor testifies in Clemens trial Houston Chronicle Copyright 2012 Houston Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Published 05:31 p.m., Thursday, May 10, 2012 WASHINGTON - Pitching great Roger Clemens showed no physical signs of using anabolic steroids or human growth hormone during his three years with the Houston ...  

Only seven full seasons have come and gone since 2004, when a star-laden Houston team - trotting out names like Bagwell, Biggio, Berkman, Oswalt, Clemens and Pettitte - pushed the St. Louis Cardinals to seven games in a classic National League Championship Series.  

Before joining the Yankees, McNamee had previously worked with Clemens when both were with the Toronto Blue Jays, where Clemens won two Cy Young Awards in two seasons. Earlier Thursday, the court heard from Dr. David Lintner, the Houston Astros ...  

HOUSTON -- Third baseman Chris Johnson, the Astros' Play Green ambassador ... Johnson and Astros broadcaster Bill Brown read "William is Going Green" to Shannon Warren's sixth to eighth grade special needs class, which earned the recognition ...  

The Astros collected new and gently used equipment for the youth baseball and softball programs of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Those fan donations will compliment the more than 200 gloves already donated by Academy and a $5,000 grant from ...  

Houston orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Lintner took the stand in Roger Clemens’ congressional perjury trial today to explain the Houston Astros’ use of injectable medications during Clemens’ years with the Houston team.   Lintner, a graduate of ...  

Houston Astros set a franchise record by hitting three triples in a five-run first inning, backing starter Bud Norris with a season-high 17 hits on the way to an 11-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday night.  

Before joining the Yankees, McNamee had previously worked with Clemens when both were with the Toronto Blue Jays, where Clemens won two Cy Young Awards in two seasons. Earlier Thursday, the court heard from Dr. David Lintner, the Houston Astros ...  

Astros manager Brad Mills said that from his vantage point in the distance, the next team coming into Minute Maid Park is the most talented in the majors. The Texas Rangers are 24-15, including 13-6 on the road, and have played in the past two ...  

WASHINGTON — Former baseball pitching ace Roger Clemens showed no signs he used anabolic steroids while playing for the Houston Astros, the team's physician testified on Thursday at Clemens's federal perjury trial.  

The power potential of the Rangers' lineup is well known throughout the league and that could spell trouble today for Astros starter Jordan Lyles. Houston, though, may be able to keep up in the power department with Colby Lewis set to take the mound for ...  

The Astros are at the quarter pole of the 2012 season and while 41 games doesn’t a full season make, trends are certainly beginning to form. So as Houston takes its three-game improvement over 2011 into the second quarter, it’s a good time ...  

b-popped out for R.Cruz in the 8th. c-flied out for Bogusevic in the 9th. LOB_Texas 11, Houston 5. 2B_M.Young (9), Altuve (8), Ca.Lee (6). HR_Dav.Murphy (5), off Lyles; Lowrie (6), off Lewis. RBIs_Hamilton (47), Dav.Murphy (15), N.Cruz 2 (23 ...  

HOUSTON -- There was a particular pitch Jose Altuve was looking for after studying Kyle Lohse in preparation for Friday night's game. When he saw that 90 mph, sinker barrelling his way, he knew just what to do with it. Altuve put the Houston Astros on top ...  

With Houston starting a right-hander, David Murphy is in leftfield and Josh Hamilton is in center with Craig Gentry on the bench. Michael Young gets his second straight start at first because of the National League rules, as Mitch Moreland is on ...  

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The Houston Astros released ex-A's slugger Jack Cust and former All-Star pitcher Zach Duke on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Cust has 105 major league home runs, 84 of them for the Oakland Athletics between 2007 and 2009. Cust had ...  

HOUSTON — Chris Snyder hit a three-run home run and Jed Lowrie had a two-run shot to give the Houston Astros a 6-3 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. Lowrie's homer, off Jonathon Niese (2-1), which hit the inside of the foul pole in left field ...  

Adrian Beltre finished with two hits including a solo homer, drove in two and scored twice as Texas downed Houston, 4-1, in the opener of this three-game interleague set. Michael Young and Nelson Cruz knocked in a run each for the Rangers, who shook off an ...  

The jury is still out on Roger Clemens’ perjury retrial. But the verdict is in on one thing: The former major league baseball great — who grew up in the Houston area, pitched at the University of Texas and later for the Houston Astros — knows great ...  

Appel, who his from Houston but went to high school in California ... There's some years where players clearly separate themselves like Bryce Harper or Stephen Strasberg or (Ken)Griffey or A-Rod. That guy's not in this draft. They make it easier when ...  

HOUSTON -- As a kid growing up in the Houston area, Nolan Ryan noticed the Major League Baseball displays around Buffalo Stadium, the Minor League home of the Houston Buffs, and wondered, along with his friends, if big-time baseball could thrive ...  

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Astros Player Development Department has named the following Players of the Month for April: Oklahoma City: LHP Dallas Keuchel, IF Scott Moore, OF Fernando Martinez; Corpus Christi: LHP Kevin Chapman, OF Brandon ...  

HOUSTON — Jordan Schafer has reached base safely in every game for the Houston Astros this season. More special than that is what the leadoff hitter can do once he’s on base. Schafer had two hits and scored twice, including the go-ahead run ...  

But Derek Holland gave up home runs in each of the next three ... Murphy is the 23 rd player in franchise history to hit an inside-the-park home run, and the first since Craig Gentry had one on Sept. 23 last year. The 4-0 lead wasn’t safe ...  

"It just seems that we're doing pretty well in whatever situations we're coming into," Astros relief pitcher Fernando Rodriguez said. Riding a four-game winning streak, the longest in the National League, the Astros (12-14) are indeed doing pretty well.  

Pinch-hitter Jonathan Lucroy’s triple in the ninth inning drove in two runs to cut the lead to 8-3. Lee singled in the second before scoring on a double by Jed Lowrie, which bounced off the wall in left field, to put Houston up 1-0. Justin Maxwell ...  

HOUSTON -- St. Louis starter Jaime Garcia entered Saturday night's start 0-3 in five career starts against the Astros. Make that 0-4 after another major clunker. Chris Johnson hit his first career grand slam off Garcia, Bud Norris continued his dominance ...  

HOUSTON (Sp) -- The youngsters versus the world champions series continues Saturday and Sunday with the Astros entertaining St. Louis in a three-game match at Minute Maid Park. It’s the first of three visits to Houston by the Cardinals. Bud Norris (1-1 ...  

With two outs and nobody on base in the 12th for Pittsburgh, Houston manager Brad Mills went to Rodriguez (1-4) to face Barmes. Barmes doubled to left and scored on the next pitch, sliding under the tag of Jason Castro, who received a high throw from Justin Maxwell.  

Jordan Schafer went 2 for 4 with an RBI for Houston, which had won two of its previous three. The Astros have scored 10 runs in their past six games. McCutchen went 4 for 4 with his third home run and three singles. He had three hits in as many at-bats ...  

HOUSTON - The Astros could get used to the long ball, and Chris Johnson wouldn't mind a few more days like this. The Astros rallied behind Johnson's first career multi-homer game and Wandy Rodriguez's solid start to beat the Mets 8-1 on Wednesday for their ...  

Prosecutors and defense lawyers are back in federal court in the nation’s capital ... the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros. A native of Ohio, Clemens moved to Texas as a teenager to pitch at Spring Woods High. He later led the University of ...  

Astros left fielder Travis Buck (6) slides into the wall as fans pick off a potential fly ball catch during the top of the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Miami Marlins at Minute Maid Park. (Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle)  

Click SHOW CAPTION for more. A Rice University graduate was the last of 36 individuals to make to the final pool of possible jurors for the retrial of former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens. The man graduated in 1986 with a degree in economics and ...  

"In a game like this, there's going to be a lot of guys who do a lot of good things, and that's exactly what happened tonight," Houston manager Brad Mills said. The Astros are 6-1 when Norris starts, getting all the offense they needed in the second when ...  

McCutchen went 4 for 4 with his third home run and three singles. He had three hits in as many at-bats against Houston starter J.A. Happ (2-3), giving him six consecutive hits against left-handed pitching and improving his average against lefties to  

HOUSTON — The National League’s youngest team gave baseball’s oldest player fits. J.D. Martinez homered and drove in three runs as the Houston Astros beat 49-year-old pitcher Jamie Moyer and the Colorado Rockies 7-3 on Saturday night. Moyer was in ...  

Some day soon, another Clemens might be in the starting rotation for the Houston Astros. Top Astros' prospect Paul Clemens is not related to Roger, but it's a question he is often asked. “I have heard it pretty much since the day I was drafted,” said ...  

Weiland threw four hitless innings Monday night as the Houston Astros beat the New York Yankees 4-3. With new Astros owner Jim Crane in attendance at his first spring training game, Weiland induced nine ground-ball outs. He worked out of a two-on ...  

Dickey gave up three hits in the sixth before he was replaced by Acosta for the seventh ... Duda was out of the starting lineup because of flulike symptoms. ... Houston 1B Carlos Lee sat out for the third straight game with a sprained left ankle.  

Lucas Harrell and the Houston Astros spoiled Jamie ... Brian Bixler drew a walk, but Moyer then got Martinez to ground into a double play. Carlos Lee, who came in with a .212 lifetime average against Moyer, hit a weak grounder back to Moyer ...  

The Astros are one of the more undervalued teams in baseball right now and J.A. Happ has four Quality Starts in five outings. Adam Wainwright has just one Quality Start for the Cardinals so take Houston as a nice dog Sunday. Look for the completion of what ...  

WASHINGTON -- The Astros will honor Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color barrier 65 years ago, with several festivities at Minute Maid Park on Friday when they play the Dodgers. The Astros' festivities will follow Major League Baseball's ...  

HOUSTON -- Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman was eligible to come off the disabled list on Friday, but the former Astro could miss the three-game series in Houston. St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said that Friday's workout didn't go as well ...  

a position player. With those disclaimers in place, we bring you 50 Greatest Astros from the first 50 seasons: (Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle) 47-32 with a 3.21 ERA in 769.0 IP, with 543 Ks, an ERA+ of 113 and 12.5 Wins Above Replacement.  

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- A familiar face for Astros fans is helping Houston's newest baseball team kick off its first season. Tal Smith has been named special adviser to the Sugar Land Skeeters. Smith spent 35 seasons with the Astros, most recently as ...  

The Reds lost the opener of their three-game series with the Astros. Houston jumped on Mike Leake for two runs in the third inning and four in the fourth. The final score was 6-4. Leake was charged with six runs, three earned, in 3 2/3 innings on seven hits and no walks with one strikeout. Alfredo Simon worked 1 2/3, J.J. Hoover two, Jose Arredondo and Sam Lecure one each, all scoreless. Jay Bruce had two hits including a homer. Devin...  

(Sports Network) - Shaun Marcum's transition from the American to the National League with the Brewers last season seemed near flawless, at least when facing the Astros. Marcum will look to build on his outstanding numbers against Houston and extend ...  

HOUSTON -- On the job for fewer than five months ... Some of the pressure is inherent, but the fact there's not a Stephen Strasburg or Bryce Harper -- a clear-cut No. 1 pick -- in this year's Draft crop only magnifies the importance of nailing ...  

was acquired in July of 2010 in the Roy Oswalt trade. In addition to these top prospects, five others on the roster came to Houston via the trade route. RHP Josh Zeid was included in the Pence deal with Singleton and Cosart. RHPs Jason Stoffel (San ...  

The Reds trailed 5-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh when Joey Votto's two run double tied it and Jay Bruce's eighth inning solo home run put the Reds ahead as they went to defeat Houston 6-5 Sunday in Cincinnati. Bruce's home run was the ...  

Astros In Action Foundation The Astros In Action Foundation has been “Fielding the Dreams of Houston” since it was established in 2000, during the Astros inaugural season at Minute Maid Park. The mission of the foundation is to use the ...  

Astros owner Jim Crane announced Wednesday evening that the organization will host two special tailgating events during the season. It will allow the Astros organization to learn more about the possibility of host future tailgates around Minute Maid Park ...  

In August 1836, two real estate entrepreneurs—Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen—from New York, purchased of land along Buffalo Bayou with the intent of founding a city. The Allen brothers decided to name the city after Sam Houston ...  

Chris Johnson stroked a one-out double in the second and advanced to third on a single by Jason Castro before scoring on a Lyles bunt for a 2-0 Houston lead. Jordan Schafer then legged out an infield single but was ejected by second base umpire ...  

The 10 hits allowed by Reds starter Mat Latos matched the career high he set last June 21 at Boston while with San Diego. Latos allowed no walks and struck out four while giving up five runs in 6 1-3 innings. Houston's Jordan Schafer singled in ...  

Click here to see a slideshow of photos taken during a recent tour of the new stadium during construction. Smith put in 35 years in the Astros organization and was an original employee in 1960 with the franchise when it was known as the Houston ...  

"It's fun to watch." HOUSTON -- Marwin Gonzalez rejoined the Astros on Monday in Houston after being away for three days for the birth of his first child, a daughter named Aliana. Gonzalez became the second Astros player to take advantage of the ...  

Douglas Boyd, Houston You're right ... You must have watched the team play on Jackie Robinson Day. Every player wore No. 42, which was Robinson's number, and nobody's uniform had a name on the back. It's a once-a-year tribute to the first African-American ...  

Rhiner Cruz then came in and walked Jayson Werth, tying the game at 2. "It was a close pitch," Houston catcher Jason Castro said. "It was one of those borderline ones and it didn't go our way." A forceout at the plate left the bases loaded for Wilson Ramos ...  

I never expected the Astros or Rockets to be a particularly high priority for Fox Sports Net outside the Houston area this season as the teams prepare to exit the network, and that is proving to be the case. As an example, Saturday’s Astros-Rockies game ...  

The Astros will make a corresponding roster move after he reports to Houston on Monday, officials said. Maxwell spent the 2011 season at Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees' system, hitting .260 with 16 home runs and 31 RBI. He played in 27 games ...  

You may not have noticed -- and folks in Houston certainly may not have noticed -- but the Astros' 3-2 victory over the Rockies on Sunday gave the team its first winning record since July 29, 2009. The Astros did that in front of just 14,195 people, the ...  

In August 1836, two real estate entrepreneurs—Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen—from New York, purchased of land along Buffalo Bayou with the intent of founding a city. The Allen brothers decided to name the city after Sam Houston ...  

Root! Root! Root! for the Astros!!! HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - Apr 6, 2012) - The Houston Chapter of the American Marketing Association, the area's leading marketing organization, announces its April Networking Luncheon, "Root! Root! Root! for the Astros ...  

Career highlights » 26 saves for the Diamondbacks in 2008 and 20 saves with Houston in 2010; he pitched in five games in the postseason with Arizona in 2007 and allowed no runs and one hit in six total innings. 2012 stats » 0-1 with an ERA of ...  

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- General manager Jeff Luhnow is pleased with the choices the Astros have in the bullpen this spring. There are still some decisions to be made, but Luhnow will be content with any of the seven pitchers the club decides to take to Houston.  

CONTACT: Tara Johnson VP, Marketing Communications American Marketing Association Houston Chapter 713-775-2114. ... Clark is spearheading the club's marketing and strategy initiatives going into the 2012 season. She also oversees public relations, ... She has served as Compaq's North American advertising director, managing brand and product advertising for the $10 billion company's consumer and business-to-business product lines. Clark has...  

Outfielder Brian Bogusevic and non-roster invitee Brian Bixler each ... Houston tied the game at 5-5 on Chris Johnson's RBI single to left off Detroit left-handed starter Andrew Oliver that scored Bogusevic. The Astros took the lead with a four-run fourth.  

James McDonald held Houston hitless into the sixth inning Saturday, but the Astros scored an unearned run in the 10th inning to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4. McDonald retired 16 of the first 17 batters he faced — Juan Castro reached on an ...  

When the Nationals invited the Astros for this four-game series, they also welcomed an infiltrator for their ceremonial first pitch as Houston-based pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church and national renown did the honors Monday to promote his ...  

Stoffel was acquired by Houston, along with Henry Sosa, from the Giants last July as part of the deal involving infielder Jeff Keppinger. The 23-year-old right-hander reported to Double-A Corpus Christi upon arriving to the Astros' minor league system and ...  

McDonald held Houston hitless for 5 1-3 innings Saturday ... RHP Shairon Martis, LHP Jo-Jo Reyes and LHP Doug Slaten to minor league camp. The Pirates have 35 players left in camp ... Pirates 3B Pedro Alvarez (sore left knee) took batting and fielding ...  

VIERA, Fla. -- Third baseman Chris Johnson hit his fourth home run of the spring, but the Astros took a 7-4 loss to the Nationals at Space Coast Stadium on Monday afternoon. Houston took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Johnson's homer to left ...  

Houston snapped a four game losing steak by jumping on Washington early, then cruising to an 11-4 ... by banging three straight triples - Jose Altuve, Brian Bogusevic and Matt Downs - in the first inning. It's the first time since it happened ...  

Scott Moore blasted a game-tying, three-run homer in the top of the ninth Saturday afternoon, as the Astros rallied to a 5-4 victory against Pittsburgh in 10 innings at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla. It marks the second straight win for Houston.  

Once a highly regarded top prospect, Brett Wallace is back in the minor leagues. The Astros decided to option Wallace to AAA, presumably to get consistent at bats and further his development. Perhaps the most exciting player in Houston's camp ...  

Tal Smith is back in the business of helping to guide the fortunes of a Houston professional baseball team. Opening Day Partners, the parent company of the new SugarLand Skeeters independent team, announced Tuesday the hiring of Smith as a ...  

HOUSTON – Philip Humber and J.A. Happ each had a strong start and a shaky finish Wednesday. Both starting pitchers are looking forward to the regular season, too. J.D. Martinez hit a two-run homer and Brian Bogusevic added a solo shot for the ...  

“They did a great job of that in spring training, but we’re going to work on those and move on.” Houston left-hander Wandy Rodriguez made his first career opening-day start and ... “I missed my location in the first inning. Later in the game, ...  

That being said, Abad might not be a good option because it would leave Houston with one exceedingly mediocre lefty in the bullpen: Wesley Wright. Plus, Carpenter looked good last year and Cruz is worth giving a shot to. -- Wesley Wright and ...  

MILWAUKEE -- Jason Castro was out of the starting lineup Tuesday ... Houston hitting coach Mike Barnett would obviously like to see greater production with the bases loaded, but he likes what he's seen with runners on third base and less ...  

Entering this at-bat by Chris Johnson, Houston was 0 for its last 13 with the bases loaded ... If the #Astros can catch up to him, they'll tag him.Andy Wade Yes, Stephen Strasburg. The first round pick. The greatest thing to hit Washington ...  

The short answer here: ugly. Really, really ugly. The Astros were one of baseball’s most successful franchises last decade, finishing second or better in the National League Central for six straight seasons (2001-2006) and advancing past the ...  

ASTROS 8, BRAVES 3: In Houston, Travis Buck drove in two runs, Justin Maxwell homered in his Houston debut and the Astros rebounded from an early deficit thanks to sloppy defensive play by Atlanta. The loss drops Atlanta to 0-4 for the first ...  

“We’ve always felt he was mature beyond his years,” Houston manager Brad Mills said. “But when you’re in a situation where you’re seeing him make adjustments from at-bat to at-bat, from pitcher to pitcher, that’s been really impressive.  

VIERA — John Lannan went out and pitched as if he belonged in the Nationals’ rotation. Lannan allowed two hits and two runs over five innings, striking out five while walking one as Washington defeated Houston 7-4 on Monday. The veteran left ...  

Still, after the starts they've had the last couple of seasons, they can't help but feel good about it. Brian Bogusevic drove ... We've got the talent to do it." Houston manager Brad Mills is happy about the start, but he certainly wasn't ...  

HOUSTON -- Friday was a little more special for the 10 Astros players who were making their first appearance on an active Opening Day roster: second baseman Jose Altuve, outfielders J.D. Martinez and Brian Bogusevic, catcher Jason Castro ...  

"A bomb," manager Jim Leyland said. ALL THE WAY AROUND ... The fleet Jackson hasn't hit an inside-the-park homer in the regular season in his two-year career. MOORE HISTORY: Scott Moore played third base for Houston in the late innings.  

J.D. Martinez homered and drove in three runs and the National League's youngest team, the Astros, beat baseball's oldest player, 49-year-old Jamie Moyer, and the Rockies 7-3 Saturday night.  

Joel Osteen, the popular pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Monday's game at Nationals Park. Osteen and his wife, Victoria, are in Washington promoting his “America's Night of ...  

For every Monday-Thursday regular season home game, you can get a deck ticket, hot dog, H-E-B chips and a 16-ounce fountain drink for just $10 ... Powerade bottles to the Minute Maid Park Box Office.  

It's been so far, so good for the Miami Marlins on their nine-game road trip and they will shoot for a seventh straight win tonight against the Houston Astros in the opener of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.  

Junction Jack and Astros Fans hit the streets outside Minute Maid Park and Lucky's Pub for a pre-game party celebrating spring and a new season of baseball. PHOTOS BY MARCO TORRES  

Houston Astros pitcher J.A. Happ reacts to giving up a two-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals' Allen Craig in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, May 6, 2012, in Houston.