Edwin Maysonet News

When the Astros announced they weren't going to offer arbitration to Miguel Tejada and LaTroy Hawkins, I didn't blink.

Joe Posnanski, the best baseball writer out there now that John Brattain has passed, has a blog entry awarding the LVP award to the most deserving player from both leagues.

On the day Brad Mills was hired, Drayton McLane backed off earlier statements that the Astros were planning on cutting their payroll for 2010 and seemed to leave open the possibility of some winter spending.

Over the last several days, I've taken a few questions about Astros playing Winter Ball.

If the Astros install Tommy Manzella at short, Edwin Maysonet at second and Jason Castro behind the plate in 2010, they'll be an above-average defensive team and on their way back.

Second baseman Kaz Matsui was out of the starting lineup Sunday with the flu-like symptoms that have spread through the Astros' clubhouse over the past week.

He has been used mostly as a situational lefthander the last two seasons with mixed results.

Been in Austin for a week. I didn't miss anything, did I? Apparently not with the Astros.

Wow...the Miggy Era didn't last long. The first thing Drayton McLane ought to do this morning is telephone Jeff Bagwell and ask him to manage the Astros for these final 33 games.

For most of August, the stench of decay has been obvious to anybody around the Astros, and on Wednesday the St.

With the departure of Ivan Rodriguez, the catching duties will fall on the shoulders of Humberto Quintero and Chris Coste.

The Astros acquired right-hander Matt Nevarez and two players to be named from the Texas Rangers for 14-time All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez on Tuesday.

Bud Norris, the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Astros' organization by Baseball America, could start Sunday's game against the Cardinals in place of ace Roy Oswalt, who was being examined by a back specialist Wednesday in Houston.

Edwin Maysonet finally made back to the Major Leagues on Tuesday, four days after he was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to replace Lance Berkman, who was placed on the disabled list with a strained left calf.

Houston Astros reliever Wesley Wright was out of the hospital Wednesday after being treated the previous night for dehydration.

Veteran reliever Doug Brocail will cut his rehab assignment short and rejoin the club today at Wrigley Field to take Hawkins' place on the roster.

"I'm just progressing," he said. "I just follow the program. It takes time. ... I'm not putting a date on it.

On Friday night, New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel watched the Astros collect timely hits and play sound defense.

Roy Halladay's desire to test the free-agent market following the 2010 season is the primary reason the Blue Jays are trying to trade their staff ace, general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Thursday.

Astros slugger Lance Berkman has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf.