Houston Astros Baseball

The Ausmus Effect

With the recent re-signing of Astros wise man Brad Ausmus, a few more pieces seem to have been permanently placed for this coming season. Ausmus will undoubtedly catch Roy Oswalt, but other than that, it looks like J.R. Towles will be given a shot to continue his hot streak. Towles hit .375/.432/.575 during his brief stint (40AB's) in the pros. If it seems to good to be true, you are not alone, however, Justin continues to shine. He was sent to The Arizona Summer League this fall to get in a few more AB's, and in only four games as back up catcher he has hit, .429/.500/.429. If he continues to hit this way, Houston fans might be in store for something new, a hitting catcher!




Ausmus More Than a Catcher:
Now that Ausmus has been inked, and the current destruction of the Yankees one has to ask, what will Andy do? Andy Pettitte has an option to return to the Yankess for this coming season or the power to opt out and test free agency. As a huge Pettitte fan, I would like nothing more than to bring Andy back. After all, he still lives in Deer Park, and you would have to think that gives us a sizable advantage in signing him. This is where Ausmus comes in. With Brad again on the Astros and the admiration Andy has for Brad would that be even more of a reason for him to sign with the Astros. For Drayton and this past year being a disappointment, it would be wise for Drayton to try and fill the seats with a "name" like Pettitte.

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