Darin Erstad

The Houston Astros signed a left-handed bat off the bench on Thursday in free agent outfielder Darin Erstad , pictured above, crying. The 33-year-old, two-time All Star, who was the #1 overall pick in 1995, inked a one-year contract worth $1 million, plus incentives. He batted a career-best .355 with the Los Angeles Angels in 2000 -- a silver slugger year -- but hit just .248 with four homers and 32 RBIs in 87 games with the Chicago White Sox last season. Erstad remains the only player in the history of the game to win a gold glove as an infielder and outfielder. Sweet! ... Read Full Story

Here's an amusing rumor from the Astros Locker : "If the Yankees were to give up righty pitchers Alan Horne, Ross Ohlendorf , catcher Jesus Montero and outfielder Jose Tabata the Astros would have to consider trading them Roy Oswalt and Darin Erstad . Oswalt would fill a huge hole in the Yankees’ rotation and Darin Erstad would give them some value off the bench in the outfield." Four prime prospects for Roy Oswalt : NL ERA 5.04 (converts to about 6.00 when adjusting to AL lineups, WHIP 1.447.) and creaky Darin Erstad . Who could pass that up? Besides, now that the Yank's ... Read Full Story

The Astros signed utilty man Darin Erstad to a one year contract. Erstad struggled last year with the White Sox, but a switch to the NL and a hitter friendly stadium might benefit him and the Astros. More details soon... Read Full Story

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