Houston
Astros

News: Jed Lowrie and the Houston Astros have avoided an arbitration hearing, agreeing to a $1.15 million, one-year contract. The team announced the deal Wednesday. Lowrie asked for $1.5 million in arbitration, while the Astros offered $900,000. His hearing had been scheduled for Friday. Lowrie can earn an additional $75,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 341, 502 and 550 plate appearances. He had 341 plate appearances last year.
Impact: The 27-year-old shortstop was acquired from Boston on Dec. 14 along with right-hander Kyle Weiland in exchange for reliever Mark Melancon. Lowrie, a switch-hitter who was eligible for arbitration for the first time, batted .252 with six homers and 36 RBIs in 88 games for the Red Sox last season. He played every infield position and made $450,000. He is expected to become Houston's starting shortstop this year.

News: Lowrie and the Astros have agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.15 million contract, avoiding arbitration, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Impact: Lowrie, acquired in the Mark Melancon trade this winter, is expected to take over at shortstop for the Astros. Although the Astros are taking a bit of a gamble given Lowrie's questionable glove and injury history, if he pans out as his hot prospect potential and hot 2010 season (.907 OPS in 197 plate appearances) indicated, he'll be a huge bargain for the Astros in their rebuilding process.

News: Ruggiano signed a minor league deal with the Astros on Monday, according to the team's official site.
Impact: Ruggiano declined his minor league assignment with the Rays in hopes of getting a better chance at playing time with another team. A native of Texas, he could earn a bench role with the club with a strong spring.

News: Castro (foot) is on track to be ready for the start of spring training, the Astros' official site reports.
Impact: "I've been really happy so far," Castro said. "I've been doing quite a bit of work on the rehab, physical therapy side, and the whole healing process and everything has actually gone really well. I'm pretty much ahead of schedule as far as the way it's been healing and the progress I've made in my rehab and everything." Previously, there was concern he'd be behind the team's other position players when spring training began, but it sounds like Castro may be ready to roll when Grapefruit League action begins next month.

News: Sanchez has cleared waivers and will be invited to Astros camp as a non-roster player, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Impact: The owner of a .590 OPS in 110 games with the Astros last season, Sanchez will likely end up in a role serving as organizational depth with Houston's Triple-A affiliate to open the 2012 campaign.

News: Hernandez signed a minor league deal with the Astros on Tuesday, Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports.
Impact: Hernandez pitched for the Nationals last season. He is best suited to remain in the National League, and he could be a good innings eater in the back of the rotation.