Astros re-sign RHP Backe

HOUSTON (TICKER) —Brandon Backe could not have asked for an easier payday.

Backe, who will miss the entire 2007 season while recovering from “Tommy John” surgery, on Friday signed a one-year, $545,000 contract with the Houston Astros.

The righthander, who was eligible for arbitration, was placed on the disabled list on August 19 with a sprained right elbow and underwent a surgical procedure to repair the ulnar collateral ligament on September 7. Backe had made just eight starts prior to the injury, going 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA.

Acquired from Tampa Bay in December 2003, Backe is 19-14 with one shutout and a 4.71 ERA in 104 career games - 42 starts - with the Devil Rays and Astros. The 28-year-old also owns a 1-0 record and 2.95 ERA in seven postseason contests, including one relief appearance.