In a somewhat unexpected move, the Houston Astros have pounced on former Trenton Thunder reliever Jose Valdez, signing him to a deal and adding him to their 40-man roster.
That Valdez was signed isn’t a big shock, as he posted a 3.43 ERA in 43 games in both Trenton and Scranton, and showed some decent stuff and velocity. That someone added him to their 40-man roster is somewhat surprising, considering I don’t think anyone ever thought he’d have much of a shot at that in the Yankees organization or too many others.
Valdez actually seemed to regress a little bit on the mound this season, considering he posted ERA’s of under three at both Tampa and Trenton in 2008 and his batting averages against were better in both places last year than they were at either Trenton or Scranton this year.
Off the field, his English improved and he was finally able to conduct short interviews without the use of a translator. I liked Valdez personally, and hope he does well in the Astros organization.
In other Thunder alumni news, the Pittsburgh Pirates have designated Jeff Karstens for assignment…
Mike Ashmore, mashmore98 AT gmail.com
November 21, 2009 at 6:34 pm |
[...] I assumed it was a minor league deal that might be worth a note at some point. Then I read on Mike Ashmore’s blog that Valdez was added to the Astros’ 40-man. Checking the Astros official site confirmed the [...]
November 21, 2009 at 6:47 pm |
[...] I assumed it was a minor league deal that might be worth a note at some point. Then I read on Mike Ashmore’s blog that Valdez was added to the Astros’ 40-man. Checking the Astros official site confirmed the [...]
November 21, 2009 at 11:08 pm |
Thanks for the news.
November 22, 2009 at 5:48 am |
[...] I assumed it was a minor league deal that might be worth a note at some point. Then I read on Mike Ashmore’s blog that Valdez was added to the Astros’ 40-man. Checking the Astros official site confirmed the [...]
November 25, 2009 at 12:47 am |
Sad news for Karstebs fans. But for all the grief fresh faced GM N. Huntington has taken in Pittsboighhh, he has assembled an exciting group of young players. I predict they will be back in the thick of things in the the next 2-3 years.
November 25, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
btl05 – please send me a bag of what you’re smoking! the old cardinals were called the gashouse gang – will the new pirates be called the scrapheap gang?
November 27, 2009 at 10:20 pm |
I don’t entirely disagree with BTL05…I could see them turning into a Rays sort of team in a few years. They have a TON of young talent to build around.