Houston Astros News

Houston Chronicle — The Astros continued to focus on rebuilding the minor league system with five signings Friday: righthander Alexander Martinez, 16, (6-2, 160 pounds, Nicaragua); lefthander Kilby Pena, 17 (6-0, 180, Dominican Republic); righthander Enderson Franco, 17 (6-2, 180, Venezuela); infielder Luca Martone, 16, (5-8, 150, Italy); and infielder Yonathan Mejia, 16 (6-2, 175, Dominican Republic). ...

Houston Chronicle — This is a solid baseball team at the moment. A few weeks ago, it didn’t seem possible someone would be typing those words, Richard Justice writes. ...

Houston Chronicle — The Astros got lit up by the San Francisco Giants, losing big Friday night at AT&T; Park. It was 9-0 after two innings and 13-0 after three. ...

ESPN Video — Sandoval homers in Giants' win...

Houston Chronicle — Just when third-base production had become an issue for a club struggling to score enough, Geoff Blum comes through with a big day, driving in four runs, including a game-breaking three-run homer in the fifth inning Thursday. ...

Houston Chronicle — The action was delayed in the top of the ninth inning Thursday when bees took over part of left field at Petco Park. ...

Houston Chronicle — The Astros broke out the big lumber, sort of, Wednesday night with a 7-1 clubbing of the San Diego Padres in front of an intimate gathering of 16,670 at Petco Park. ...

Houston Chronicle — It was about 18 months ago that Astros president Tal Smith said something that sounded surprising about Wandy Rodriguez. "Wandy's right on schedule." ...

Houston Chronicle — The Astros claimed infielder German Duran off waivers from the Rangers. He’s 24 years old and has had 143 at-bats in the major leagues. Duran has a .231 career average. ...

ESPN Video — Astros score six in the fourth and go on to defeat the Padres, 7-1...

Houston Chronicle — Roy Oswalt’s complete-game three-hitter on Monday drew rave reviews in both clubhouses. ...

Houston Chronicle — When pitchers need a shot of confidence, they’ll sometimes go out and watch batting practice. That’s when they’re reminded how tough baseball is. Even with a pitcher throwing the ball down the middle of the plate, the hitters get no more than three, four or five hits for every 10 at-bats. ...