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Astros Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:49:19 PST

Brad James, who only two springs ago was considered one of the Astros' top pitching prospects, was outrighted to Class AAA Round Rock and taken off the 40-man roster.

James, a right-hander the Astros had hoped would reach the majors by late 2008 or early 2009, struggled with his command last year and actually admitted that he struggled with his confidence.

James drew raves just two winters ago from Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, who said James had one of the best sinkers he had seen. Unfortunately for James, he couldn't capitalize and continue to develop.

Even worse, at spring training in 2009, he struggled terribly with his command during his second major league camp. Asked about his control issues, James said it was a case of a bit of a lack of confidence.

Now...

Baseball shifts into shopping mode (Yahoo! Sports)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:42:00 PST

Free agents can negotiate with every team beginning Friday, and prices for the handful of top names could be high.

Several clubs expressing interest in John Smoltz (SportingNews.com)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:16:31 PST

John Smoltz apparently won't lack for options this offseason. FoxSports.com reports the 42-year-old...

Astros decline option on Brocail, add coaches (AP)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:54:36 PDT

The Houston Astros added several coaches to new manager Brad Mills' staff Friday, hiring Brad Arnsberg as their pitching coach, promoting Al Pedrique to bench coach and adding Bobby Meacham as their first-base coach. The team also declined the 2010 option on right-handed relief pitcher Doug Brocail and re-signed third baseman Geoff Blum to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

Jays plan future, Gaston to coach one more year then serve as consultant (The Canadian Press)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:26:48 PDT

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays set the stage for manager Cito Gaston's departure Friday, saying he will fulfil the last year of his contract in 2010 and then serve as a consultant.