Houston, TX (My Sportsbook) - The Houston Astros didn't tender infielder Ty Wigginton a contract for the 2009 season, making him a free agent. The team, though, did tender several other salary arbitration-eligible players: left-handed pitchers Tim Byrdak and Wandy Rodriguez, right-handed pitchers Brandon Backe, Geoff Geary and Jose Valverde and catcher Humberto Quintero. Outfielder Reggie Abercrombie, who is not eligible for arbitration, was not tendered a contract. "It was a very difficult call to make on Ty, he did a tremendous job for us last season, but economics forced us to make this decision," said Astros general manager Ed Wade. "I spoke with Ty and let him know that if there is an opportunity for us to adjust our payroll later in the offseason, we'd like to see if there's an opportunity to bring him back." The 31-year-old Wigginton hit .285 with 23 home runs and 58 RBI in 111 games for Houston last season. Rodriguez went 9-7 with a career-low 3.54 ERA in 25 starts, while Geary finished 2-3 with a career-best 2.53 ERA in 55 relief appearances in 2008. Valverde posted 44 saves last season, which led the National League and tied Houston's franchise record for saves in a single season. Backe went 9-14 with a 6.05 ERA in a career-high 31 starts, and Byrdak compiled a 2-1 mark with a 3.90 ERA in a career-high 59 appearances. Quintero batted .226 with two home runs and 12 RBI, and Abercrombie hit a career high .309 over 34 games last season for the Astros. |
