Astros, Chacon Close To Deal

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The Astros, pursuing another veteran option for their rotation, are close to signing right-hander Shawn Chacon to a one-year contract, according to a major-league source. Chacon, 30, will join a group that includes right-handers Roy Oswalt, Woody Williams and Brandon Backe, along with left-hander Wandy Rodriguez.

Chacon had a better ERA as a starter than a reliever but had a 3.94 ERA as a reliever last year. With the Astros' offense sure to be a lot better than last year's, the Stros are hoping his third season with an ERA under for comes in '08.