Astros re-signed catcher Brad Ausmus to a one-year, $2 million contract.
Ausmus was also expected to get an offer from the Padres to take over as Josh Bard's backup, but he opted to stay in Houston for an eighth straight season. Ausmus hit .235/.318/.324 last year. That actually gave him his best OPS since 2002. The plan was to bring him back as a backup, but it's possible that he'll get more playing time than he deserves again. At the very least, he'll serve as Roy Oswalt's personal catcher. J.R. Towles could share time with Ausmus, but the team may also consider a veteran on a one-year deal. Paul Lo Duca and Michael Barrett could be possibilities.
|
I think Barrett and Ausmus could do the job for the Astros. Barrett can handle the bat the other four days Oswalt isn't pitching. Without Barrett or someone else, Ausmus and Towles doesn't cut it.
