DENVER (AP) – The Colorado Rockies have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Houston Astros.

In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league pitchers Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil to Houston in a deal that was announced Thursday.

Lindstrom, a native of Rexburg, has made at least 50 appearances in all four of his seasons in the majors. He had a team-high 23 saves for the Astros in 2010, finishing 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA.

“We were very reluctant to trade Matt,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “But with Brandon Lyon, Wilton Lopez and some of our younger arms, we think we have good coverage at the back of the bullpen.”

Given his experience as a closer, Lindstrom could be insurance for the Rockies in case anything happens to Huston Street, who missed the first 69 games in 2010 as he recovered from an inflamed right shoulder.

Lindstrom could also join Rafael Betancourt as a primary set-up man.

A converted p osition player, Aristil, 24, spent time at three different levels in the Rockies’ organization last season, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

The left-handed Musick started 23 games at Single-A Asheville, turning in an 8-7 record with a 4.05 ERA.

“We’ve added two young arms to our prospect depth and we think both Aristil and Musick have a chance to help us down the road,” Wade said.

 

Copyright 2011 Rexburg Standard Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

DENVER (AP) – The Colorado Rockies have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Houston Astros.

In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league pitchers Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil to Houston in a deal that was announced Thursday.

Lindstrom, a native of Rexburg, has made at least 50 appearances in all four of his seasons in the majors. He had a team-high 23 saves for the Astros in 2010, finishing 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA.

“We were very reluctant to trade Matt,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “But with Brandon Lyon, Wilton Lopez and some of our younger arms, we think we have good coverage at the back of the bullpen.”

Given his experience as a closer, Lindstrom could be insurance for the Rockies in case anything happens to Huston Street, who missed the first 69 games in 2010 as he recovered from an inflamed right shoulder.

Lindstrom could also join Rafael Betancourt as a primary set-up man.

A converted p osition player, Aristil, 24, spent time at three different levels in the Rockies’ organization last season, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

The left-handed Musick started 23 games at Single-A Asheville, turning in an 8-7 record with a 4.05 ERA.

“We’ve added two young arms to our prospect depth and we think both Aristil and Musick have a chance to help us down the road,” Wade said.

 

Copyright 2011 Rexburg Standard Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros have acquired left-handed pitcher Wes Musick and right-handed pitcher Jonnathan Aristil from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for right-handed pitcher Matt Lindstrom. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Ed Wade.

Musick, 23, went 8-7 with a 4.05 ERA (55ER/122.1IP) in 23 starts with Colorado’s Class A Asheville in 2010. A product of the University of Houston and a native of Lufkin (TX), Musick was a ninth-round selection by the Rockies in the June 2009 draft. He pitched three seasons with Houston (2007-09), where he was named to the All-Conference USA First (2007) and Second (2008) Teams in his freshman and sophomore seasons. He had two professional seasons in Colorado’s organization and owns a 11-7 career record with a 3.78 ERA (62ER/147.2IP) in 30 games, 28 starts.

Aristil, 24, combined to post a 2-5 record with a 5.90 ERA (47ER/71.2IP) in 33 appearances, four starts, at three different levels in the Rockies system last season. He began his year at Class A Modesto before a promotion to Double A Tulsa in July. After his promotion, Aristil went 1-1 with a 4.08 ERA (13ER/28.2IP), which included 11 appearances with Tulsa and one September appearance for Triple A Colorado Springs. Aristil is a converted position player, having signed with Colorado as an undrafted infielder out of the Dominican Republic in 2003. He began pitching in 2006, and has earned a 13-23 record and a 4.47 ERA (175ER/352.1IP) in 113 minor league appearances, including 53 starts.

“We were very reluctant to trade Matt,” said Wade. “But with Brandon Lyon, Wilton Lopez and some of our younger arms, we think we have good coverage at the back of the bullpen. Matt is a great guy and a great competitor and we wish him well. We’ve added two young arms to our prospect depth and we think both Aristil and Musick have a chance to help us down the road.”

Lindstrom, 30, went 2-5 with 23 saves and a 4.39 ERA (26ER/53.1IP) in 58 appearances for the Astros this season. He recorded 21 of his 23 saves prior to the All-Star Break, a span in which he posted a 2.80 ERA (11ER/35.1IP) in 35 appearances. Lindstrom has four years of Major League service, including three years with the Florida Marlins (2007-09). The Astros acquired him in a trade with Florida during the 2009 Winter Meetings. He owns a career 10-13 record with a 4.00 ERA (100ER/225IP) in 249 Major League appearances.

The Houston Astros have pulled the rug out from under me — twice.

First, they booted my favorite player, Lance Berkman.

Second, they kicked me out of my seat at Minute Maid Park.

Lance is in the Astros Top 5 list in all major statistical categories, and certainly in fan appeal. He is close to Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio in popularity over the past 15 years.

This week, he signed a one-year, $8 million free agent contract with rival St. Louis and will return to left field.

My bet is the five-time all star handles the switch from first base back to the outfield in stride. He played all three outfield positions in his 11 seasons with the Astros.

He looks unusual in his new Cardinal uniform, but batting in that lineup should be a huge boost to him and St. Louis.

Lance is in the Houston top three all-time in average, on base, on base plus slugging, walks, runs, RBIs, home runs and total bases.

Owner-waiting-to-sell Drayton McLane Jr. missed the boat by not re-signing Lance, who spent the final two months of 2010 with the Yankees during their playoff run.

Drayton’s hard job was shifted to the Yanks regarding Lance’s $15 million option for 2011. New York did not exercise it, as was expected.

Drayton could have re-signed Berkman to a more moderate contract and created a semblance of stability on a roster without a leader and void of personality.

The owner preaches values of leadership and Christian morals. Lance personifies both and is a role model for any youngster. Plus, he can still whack the stuffings out of a baseball.

Houston wants to go to a younger roster. Fine. But given Ed Wade’s track record as general manager so far, we’ll be seeing unproven talent and career backups in starting roles.

Whether Houston fans are patient with a Triple A team disguised as the Astros will be interesting. They do have Carlos Lee back to reap a huge mistake made by Drayton and then GM Tim Purpura.

The overweight and talent-limited Lee signed a six-year, $100 million contract from 2007 to 2012. He’ll make $18.5 million this year and next unless a miracle trade is found.

Manager Brad Mills may be a top gun, but they aren’t giving him any bullets.

The Astros have also kicked me and others out of the press box, which has been re-dubbed Press Box Club.

I’ve had that seat since Minute Maid opened, and it fit just fine.

You can have my former seat by forking over a $5,000 license fee and signing a five-year contract for tickets at $150 per seat per game.

That’s a cool $67,250. This new section is designed to attract young, rich Houston “swells.” I doubt, however, the young beautiful people will be tripping over each other fighting for these stubs.

Meanwhile, the working press is going upstairs to digs in an already crowded broadcast section.

So from my corner, the Astros brain trust made two giant PR blunders.

They’ve given the thumb to one of the franchise’s favorite stars, and they’ve evicted the press, which covers the ball club on a daily basis and helps shape opinion.

All is not lost, though. I have a new master plan.

When I buy the Astros from Drayton, I’m going to trade Carlos Lee, Ed Wade and Astros President Tal Smith to St. Louis, bring Berkman home and re-claim the press box in the name of freedom and justice.

The “swells” will be moved to the bleachers.

Reach Bill Hartman at bhartman@hartmannews.com.

By The Associated Press

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Houston Astros.

In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league pitchers Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil to Houston in a deal that was announced Thursday.

Lindstrom has made at least 50 appearances in all four of his seasons in the majors. He had a team-high 23 saves for the Astros in 2010, finishing 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA.

A converted position player, Aristil spent time at three different levels in the Rockies’ organization last season, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

The left-handed Musick started 23 games at Single-A Asheville, turning in an 8-7 record with a 4.05 ERA.

By The Associated Press

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Houston Astros.

In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league pitchers Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil to Houston in a deal that was announced Thursday.

Lindstrom has made at least 50 appearances in all four of his seasons in the majors. He had a team-high 23 saves for the Astros in 2010, finishing 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA.

A converted position player, Aristil spent time at three different levels in the Rockies’ organization last season, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

The left-handed Musick started 23 games at Single-A Asheville, turning in an 8-7 record with a 4.05 ERA.

DENVER (AP)—The Colorado Rockies bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom(notes) from the Houston Astros on Thursday.

In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league pitchers Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil to Houston.

Lindstrom, eligible for salary arbitration, has made at least 50 appearances in all four of his seasons in the majors. He had a team-high 23 saves for the Astros in 2010, finishing 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA.

“We were very reluctant to trade Matt,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “But with Brandon Lyon(notes), Wilton Lopez(notes) and some of our younger arms, we think we have good coverage at the back of the bullpen.”

Given his experience as a closer, Lindstrom could be insurance for the Rockies in case anything happens to Huston Street(notes), who missed the first 69 games in 2010 as he recovered from inflammation in his right shoulder.

Lindstrom could also join Rafael Betancourt(notes) as a primary setup man.

A converted position player, the 24-year-old Aristil spent time at three different levels in the Rockies’ organization last season, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

The left-handed Musick started 23 games at Class-A Asheville, going 8-7 with a 4.05 ERA.

“We’ve added two young arms to our prospect depth and we think both Aristil and Musick have a chance to help us down the road,” Wade said.

DENVER (AP)—The Colorado Rockies bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom(notes) from the Houston Astros on Thursday.

In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league pitchers Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil to Houston.

Lindstrom, eligible for salary arbitration, has made at least 50 appearances in all four of his seasons in the majors. He had a team-high 23 saves for the Astros in 2010, finishing 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA.

“We were very reluctant to trade Matt,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “But with Brandon Lyon(notes), Wilton Lopez(notes) and some of our younger arms, we think we have good coverage at the back of the bullpen.”

Given his experience as a closer, Lindstrom could be insurance for the Rockies in case anything happens to Huston Street(notes), who missed the first 69 games in 2010 as he recovered from inflammation in his right shoulder.

Lindstrom could also join Rafael Betancourt(notes) as a primary setup man.

A converted position player, the 24-year-old Aristil spent time at three different levels in the Rockies’ organization last season, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

The left-handed Musick started 23 games at Class-A Asheville, going 8-7 with a 4.05 ERA.

“We’ve added two young arms to our prospect depth and we think both Aristil and Musick have a chance to help us down the road,” Wade said.

Updated Dec 23, 2010 8:41 PM ET

The Houston Astros have sent right-handed closer Matt Lindstrom to the Colorado Rockies.

Lindstrom, who turns 31 in February, led the Astros with a career-high 23 saves in 2010. In 41 appearances, the four-year veteran finished 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA in his first season in Houston after pitching for the Florida Marlins from 2007-09.

“We were very reluctant to trade Matt,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “But with Brandon Lyon, Wilton Lopez and some of our younger arms, we think we have good coverage at the back of the bullpen.”

Lindstrom is arbitration-eligible this winter and expected to land a raise in the $3 million-4 million-per-year range, up from his $1.625 million salary in 2010.

Given his experience as a closer, Lindstrom could be insurance for the Rockies in case anything happens to Huston Street, who missed the first 69 games in 2010 as he recovered from an inflamed right shoulder.

Lindstrom could also join Rafael Betancourtas a primary set-up man.

The Astros will receive left-handed pitcher Wes Musick and right-hander Jonnathan Aristil in exchange.

Musick, 23, spent the 2010 season at the Single-A level, turning in an 8-7 record with a 4.05 ERA. Aristil, 24, appeared at all three of the Rockies’ minor league levels in 2010, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

“We’ve added two young arms to our prospect depth and we think both Aristil and Musick have a chance to help us down the road,” Wade said.

The Astros were shopping Lindstrom and second baseman Jeff Keppinger at the winter meetings. And, as reported previously, the Astros’ recent signing of free-agent Bill Hall practically ensures Keppinger will be dealt.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Rockies have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Houston Astros.

In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league pitchers Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil to Houston in a deal that was announced Thursday.

Lindstrom has made at least 50 appearances in all four of his seasons in the majors. He had a team-high 23 saves for the Astros in 2010, finishing 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA.

A converted position player, Aristil spent time at three different levels in the Rockies’ organization last season, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

The left-handed Musick started 23 games at Single-A Asheville, turning in an 8-7 record with a 4.05 ERA.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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HOUSTON – The Houston Astros traded reliever Matt Lindstrom to the Colorado Rockies for a pair of minor league pitchers.

Lindstrom was acquired by the Astros from the Florida Marlins prior to the 2010 season and he was Houston’s closer until being replaced by Brandon Lyon during the season.

“It’s a little bittersweet because I do live in Denver (in the offseason), but I’ve enjoyed my time in Houston,” Lindstrom said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

“I really love the city, the fans in Houston, and  the media has been great to me. I will always remember playing in Houston.”

Lindstrom is looking forward to the next chapter of his baseball career.

“I’m excited to be playing for Colorado,” Lindstrom said. “It seems like a good fit.

“Hopefully I can help them out with their late-inning duties. I know they have a top-notch organization.”

Astros general manager Ed Wade said he hated to trade away Lindstrom.

“I would have loved to have had Matt here, but with Brandon Lyon and Wilton Lopez emerging at the back end of the bullpen, we thought we would do this,” said Wade in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

Wade said the Astros are getting two minor league pitchers from Colorado in lefthander Wes Musick and righthander Jonnathan Aristil.

Musick, who played college baseball at the University of Houston, was taken by the Rockies in the ninth-round of the 2009 MLB First Year Player Draft.

“Musick was the most attractive player in this deal,” Wade said. “We like his arm.

“Aristil is a converted pitcher, so he’s a ways away. He still needs to work on his command.”

Wade said the Astros and Rockies exchanged a lot of names, but Musick was first on Houston’s list and the Astros held firm and were able to get him.

Aristil, 24, is from the Dominican Republic.

Musick will turn 24 on Dec. 30.

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Houston Astros.

In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league pitchers Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil to Houston in a deal that was announced Thursday.

The trade was first reported by ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney.

Lindstrom, eligible for salary arbitration, has made at least 50 appearances in all four of his seasons in the majors. He had a team-high 23 saves for the Astros in 2010, finishing 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA.

“We were very reluctant to trade Matt,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “But with Brandon Lyon, Wilton Lopez and some of our younger arms, we think we have good coverage at the back of the bullpen.”

Given his experience as a closer, Lindstrom could be insurance for the Rockies in case anything happens to Huston Street, who missed the first 69 games in 2010 as he recovered from an inflamed right shoulder.

Lindstrom could also join Rafael Betancourt as a primary setup man.

A converted position player, Aristil, 24, spent time at three different levels in the Rockies’ organization last season, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

The left-handed Musick started 23 games at Class A Asheville, turning in an 8-7 record with a 4.05 ERA.

“We’ve added two young arms to our prospect depth and we think both Aristil and Musick have a chance to help us down the road,” Wade said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

The Astros continued to trim payroll Thursday, trading former closer Matt Lindstrom to the Colorado Rockies for two minor league pitchers.

In exchange for Lindstrom, the Astros received lefthander Wes Musick, who played at the University of Houston, and righthander Jonnathan Aristil.

Lindstrom was expected to receive a raise from the $1.63 million he earned last season to roughly $2.5 million to $3 million in arbitration. Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr., who put the team up for sale in November, indicated he would like the keep the payroll close to $80 million next season.

With Lindstrom gone, the Astros will head into spring training with Brandon Lyon as the primary closer and Wilton Lopez in the setup role.

“In a perfect world you can keep everybody around and be even stronger but, the reality at this point and time, we felt we had protection on the back end of the bullpen,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “With the ability to go out and add two more young arms to create more depth in the system and balance the payroll, this was a sensible deal for us to make.”

In his only season with the Astros following a trade from the Florida Marlins, Lindstrom, 30, went 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA while bothered by a back injury that forced him to the disabled list. He had six blown saves in 29 opportunities, eventually losing the closer’s job to Lyon.

The Astros thought highly enough of Musick, a former all-conference pitcher at UH, to include his name in early trade discussions with the Rockies. Musick went 8-7 with a 4.05 ERA in 23 starts at Asheville, Colorado’s Class A affiliate.

A holiday surprise

Based on a scouting report, the Astros believe Musick could eventually become similar to Randy Wolf, a 10-year major league veteran, as a starting pitcher or a durable reliever like Trever Miller, who made 146 appearances from 2006-07.

“If Musick ends up being similar to either one of those guys I think it’s a pretty good deal for us,” Wade said.

Musick, 23, was originally drafted by the Astros in the 46th round out of high school in 2005.

He was taken in the 24th round by the San Francisco Giants in 2008 but decided to return to UH for his senior season.

The Rockies selected him in the ninth round in 2009.

The news of the trade caught Musick by surprise Thursday.

“It’s a great Christmas present,” Musick, a Lufkin native, said by phone. “I couldn’t ask for a better situation. I grew up watching the Astros and it’s a good feeling knowing I’m finally back here at home.”

Aristil, 24, is a converted infielder who has spent the past five seasons in the Rockies farm system. He went 2-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 33 appearances, mostly out of the bullpen, last season while pitching at Class A Modesto, Class AA Tulsa and one September appearance at Class AAA Colorado Springs.

Options already on board

Wade said the Astros could still test the free-agent market for a lefthanded reliever but will likely look among in-house candidates to fill the role.

The Astros signed Gustavo Chacin to a minor-league deal Wednesday, and Alberto Arias could be an option after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury.

“He’s made real good progress,” Wade said of Arias. “The key is to make sure he’s healthy.”

Fernando Abad, who posted a 2.84 ERA in 22 appearances, is expected to compete for job in the starting rotation but could be a fallback as the primary lefthander out of the bullpen, Wade said.

joseph.duarte@chron.com

The Astros continued to trim payroll Thursday, trading former closer Matt Lindstrom to the Colorado Rockies for two minor league pitchers.

In exchange for Lindstrom, the Astros received lefthander Wes Musick, who played at the University of Houston, and righthander Jonnathan Aristil.

Lindstrom was expected to receive a raise from the $1.63 million he earned last season to roughly $2.5 million to $3 million in arbitration. Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr., who put the team up for sale in November, indicated he would like the keep the payroll close to $80 million next season.

With Lindstrom gone, the Astros will head into spring training with Brandon Lyon as the primary closer and Wilton Lopez in the setup role.

“In a perfect world you can keep everybody around and be even stronger but, the reality at this point and time, we felt we had protection on the back end of the bullpen,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “With the ability to go out and add two more young arms to create more depth in the system and balance the payroll, this was a sensible deal for us to make.”

In his only season with the Astros following a trade from the Florida Marlins, Lindstrom, 30, went 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA while bothered by a back injury that forced him to the disabled list. He had six blown saves in 29 opportunities, eventually losing the closer’s job to Lyon.

The Astros thought highly enough of Musick, a former all-conference pitcher at UH, to include his name in early trade discussions with the Rockies. Musick went 8-7 with a 4.05 ERA in 23 starts at Asheville, Colorado’s Class A affiliate.

A holiday surprise

Based on a scouting report, the Astros believe Musick could eventually become similar to Randy Wolf, a 10-year major league veteran, as a starting pitcher or a durable reliever like Trever Miller, who made 146 appearances from 2006-07.

“If Musick ends up being similar to either one of those guys I think it’s a pretty good deal for us,” Wade said.

Musick, 23, was originally drafted by the Astros in the 46th round out of high school in 2005.

He was taken in the 24th round by the San Francisco Giants in 2008 but decided to return to UH for his senior season.

The Rockies selected him in the ninth round in 2009.

The news of the trade caught Musick by surprise Thursday.

“It’s a great Christmas present,” Musick, a Lufkin native, said by phone. “I couldn’t ask for a better situation. I grew up watching the Astros and it’s a good feeling knowing I’m finally back here at home.”

Aristil, 24, is a converted infielder who has spent the past five seasons in the Rockies farm system. He went 2-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 33 appearances, mostly out of the bullpen, last season while pitching at Class A Modesto, Class AA Tulsa and one September appearance at Class AAA Colorado Springs.

Options already on board

Wade said the Astros could still test the free-agent market for a lefthanded reliever but will likely look among in-house candidates to fill the role.

The Astros signed Gustavo Chacin to a minor-league deal Wednesday, and Alberto Arias could be an option after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury.

“He’s made real good progress,” Wade said of Arias. “The key is to make sure he’s healthy.”

Fernando Abad, who posted a 2.84 ERA in 22 appearances, is expected to compete for job in the starting rotation but could be a fallback as the primary lefthander out of the bullpen, Wade said.

joseph.duarte@chron.com

The Astros continued to trim payroll Thursday, trading former closer Matt Lindstrom to the Colorado Rockies for two minor league pitchers.

In exchange for Lindstrom, the Astros received lefthander Wes Musick, who played at the University of Houston, and righthander Jonnathan Aristil.

Lindstrom was expected to receive a raise from the $1.63 million he earned last season to roughly $2.5 million to $3 million in arbitration. Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr., who put the team up for sale in November, indicated he would like the keep the payroll close to $80 million next season.

With Lindstrom gone, the Astros will head into spring training with Brandon Lyon as the primary closer and Wilton Lopez in the setup role.

“In a perfect world you can keep everybody around and be even stronger but, the reality at this point and time, we felt we had protection on the back end of the bullpen,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “With the ability to go out and add two more young arms to create more depth in the system and balance the payroll, this was a sensible deal for us to make.”

In his only season with the Astros following a trade from the Florida Marlins, Lindstrom, 30, went 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA while bothered by a back injury that forced him to the disabled list. He had six blown saves in 29 opportunities, eventually losing the closer’s job to Lyon.

The Astros thought highly enough of Musick, a former all-conference pitcher at UH, to include his name in early trade discussions with the Rockies. Musick went 8-7 with a 4.05 ERA in 23 starts at Asheville, Colorado’s Class A affiliate.

A holiday surprise

Based on a scouting report, the Astros believe Musick could eventually become similar to Randy Wolf, a 10-year major league veteran, as a starting pitcher or a durable reliever like Trever Miller, who made 146 appearances from 2006-07.

“If Musick ends up being similar to either one of those guys I think it’s a pretty good deal for us,” Wade said.

Musick, 23, was originally drafted by the Astros in the 46th round out of high school in 2005.

He was taken in the 24th round by the San Francisco Giants in 2008 but decided to return to UH for his senior season.

The Rockies selected him in the ninth round in 2009.

The news of the trade caught Musick by surprise Thursday.

“It’s a great Christmas present,” Musick, a Lufkin native, said by phone. “I couldn’t ask for a better situation. I grew up watching the Astros and it’s a good feeling knowing I’m finally back here at home.”

Aristil, 24, is a converted infielder who has spent the past five seasons in the Rockies farm system. He went 2-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 33 appearances, mostly out of the bullpen, last season while pitching at Class A Modesto, Class AA Tulsa and one September appearance at Class AAA Colorado Springs.

Options already on board

Wade said the Astros could still test the free-agent market for a lefthanded reliever but will likely look among in-house candidates to fill the role.

The Astros signed Gustavo Chacin to a minor-league deal Wednesday, and Alberto Arias could be an option after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury.

“He’s made real good progress,” Wade said of Arias. “The key is to make sure he’s healthy.”

Fernando Abad, who posted a 2.84 ERA in 22 appearances, is expected to compete for job in the starting rotation but could be a fallback as the primary lefthander out of the bullpen, Wade said.

joseph.duarte@chron.com

The Astros continued to trim payroll Thursday, trading former closer Matt Lindstrom to the Colorado Rockies for two minor league pitchers.

In exchange for Lindstrom, the Astros received lefthander Wes Musick, who played at the University of Houston, and righthander Jonnathan Aristil.

Lindstrom was expected to receive a raise from the $1.63 million he earned last season to roughly $2.5 million to $3 million in arbitration. Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr., who put the team up for sale in November, indicated he would like the keep the payroll close to $80 million next season.

With Lindstrom gone, the Astros will head into spring training with Brandon Lyon as the primary closer and Wilton Lopez in the setup role.

“In a perfect world you can keep everybody around and be even stronger but, the reality at this point and time, we felt we had protection on the back end of the bullpen,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “With the ability to go out and add two more young arms to create more depth in the system and balance the payroll, this was a sensible deal for us to make.”

In his only season with the Astros following a trade from the Florida Marlins, Lindstrom, 30, went 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA while bothered by a back injury that forced him to the disabled list. He had six blown saves in 29 opportunities, eventually losing the closer’s job to Lyon.

The Astros thought highly enough of Musick, a former all-conference pitcher at UH, to include his name in early trade discussions with the Rockies. Musick went 8-7 with a 4.05 ERA in 23 starts at Asheville, Colorado’s Class A affiliate.

A holiday surprise

Based on a scouting report, the Astros believe Musick could eventually become similar to Randy Wolf, a 10-year major league veteran, as a starting pitcher or a durable reliever like Trever Miller, who made 146 appearances from 2006-07.

“If Musick ends up being similar to either one of those guys I think it’s a pretty good deal for us,” Wade said.

Musick, 23, was originally drafted by the Astros in the 46th round out of high school in 2005.

He was taken in the 24th round by the San Francisco Giants in 2008 but decided to return to UH for his senior season.

The Rockies selected him in the ninth round in 2009.

The news of the trade caught Musick by surprise Thursday.

“It’s a great Christmas present,” Musick, a Lufkin native, said by phone. “I couldn’t ask for a better situation. I grew up watching the Astros and it’s a good feeling knowing I’m finally back here at home.”

Aristil, 24, is a converted infielder who has spent the past five seasons in the Rockies farm system. He went 2-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 33 appearances, mostly out of the bullpen, last season while pitching at Class A Modesto, Class AA Tulsa and one September appearance at Class AAA Colorado Springs.

Options already on board

Wade said the Astros could still test the free-agent market for a lefthanded reliever but will likely look among in-house candidates to fill the role.

The Astros signed Gustavo Chacin to a minor-league deal Wednesday, and Alberto Arias could be an option after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury.

“He’s made real good progress,” Wade said of Arias. “The key is to make sure he’s healthy.”

Fernando Abad, who posted a 2.84 ERA in 22 appearances, is expected to compete for job in the starting rotation but could be a fallback as the primary lefthander out of the bullpen, Wade said.

joseph.duarte@chron.com

HOUSTON – Major League Baseball sources told FOX 26 Sports the Houston Astros are on the verge of trading reliever Matt Lindstrom to the Colorado Rockies.

Sources indicate the trade could be consumated as early as Thursday.

Once the trade is completed the Astros are expected to receive a pair of minor league players  from the Rockies including former University of Houston lefthanded pitcher Wes Musick.

Musick was the Rockies’ ninth-round pick in the 2009 MLB First Year Player Draft

Per club policy Astros general manager Ed Wade did not confirm the story.

“I do not discuss trades,” Wade said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

The Astros acquired Lindstrom prior to the 2010 season in a trade with the Florida Marlins.

Lindstrom, who was 2-5 with an ERA of 4.39, was named the Astros’ closer in spring training while Brandon Lyon recovered from an injury.

However, Lindstrom blew six save opportunities in 29 tries and eventually lost the job to Lyon.

Lindstrom, who is arbitration eligible, made $1.625 million last season.
 

HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros announced today three additional roving instructors, their minor league medical staff and the field staffs for six of their affiliates in 2011. Prior to today, the Astros had announced Paul Runge as their field coordinator, Stubby Clapp as their roving infield instructor and Milt Thompson as their roving outfield and baserunning instructor. Joining those three in 2011 will be Jaime Garcia (pitching coordinator), Ty Van Burkleo (roving hitting instructor) and Danny Sheaffer (roving catching instructor). Frank Renner (strength and conditioning coordinator) and Jamey Snodgrass (medical coordinator) make up the club’s minor league medical staff.

Garcia has spent the last four seasons (2007-10) as the Astros assistant pitching coordinator. Prior to that role, He had been a minor league pitching coach in every season since 1988, working for the White Sox (1988-96), Brewers (1997), Rangers (1998-99), Royals (2000-03) and Reds (2003-06) organizations.

Van Burkleo joins the Astros organization after spending the last four seasons as a Major League coach. He spent the 2009-10 seasons as Seattle’s bench coach and the 2007-08 seasons as Oakland’s hitting coach. Prior to his Major League stops, Van Burkleo spent six seasons (2001-06) as the roving hitting instructor in the Angels minor league system.

Sheaffer, the only holdover from last season’s instructors, is returning for his fifth season with the Astros organization and his fourth as the club’s minor league roving catching instructor. Prior to joining the Astros, Sheaffer managed eight seasons in the minor leagues (1999-06) and played in parts of seven seasons in the Major Leagues (1987, 1989, 1993-97).

Renner spent the entire 2010 season as the club’s interim strength and conditioning coordinator, assuming those duties in March of 2010. Prior to that post, Renner was the strength and conditioning intern at Triple A Round Rock from 2007-09.

Snodgrass is being promoted from Corpus Christi, where he spent his last six seasons (2005-10) as the Hooks’ athletic trainer. He’s been working as a trainer in the Astros system since 1999, having also made stops at Class A Auburn (1999-2000), Class A Michigan (2001-02) and Double A Round Rock (2003-04).

CLASS A LANCASTER JETHAWKS

Joining Manager Tom Spencer’s staff at Lancaster will be Darryl Robinson (hitting coach), Travis Driskill (pitching coach) and Bryan Baca (athletic trainer). Robinson is the only returning member of Lancaster’s coaching staff in 2011, which will be his third with the club. Driskill has spent the last three seasons as a pitching coach in the Astros system with Double A Corpus Christi (2010) and Rookie League Greeneville (2008-09). Baca is being promoted from Class A Tri-City, where he has spent the last three seasons (2008-10) as an athletic trainer. He was also Greeneville’s trainer in 2007.

CLASS A LEXINGTON LEGENDS

Manager Rodney Linares returns to Lexington for his second season as the club’s manager, his fifth as a manager in the Astros system and his 13th in Houston’s organization. During his tenure with the Astros, Linares has spent time as manager at Rookie League Greeneville (2007-09), as Lexington’s hitting coach (2005-06) and as a scout and hitting coach for the Astros Dominican Republic operations (1999-04).

Filling out Linares’ staff will be Joel Chimelis (hitting coach), Dave Borkowski (pitching coach) and Grant Hufford (athletic trainer). Chimelis spent the last five seasons (2006-10) as Class A Tri-City’s hitting coach and has a total of seven seasons of experience as a minor league hitting coach. Borkowski and Hufford are both being promoted from Greeneville, having held the same positions with the ValleyCats in 2010. Borkowki, a former Astros pitcher, will be coaching for his second season, while Hufford will be returning for his fourth season (2008-10) in the Astros system.

SHORT-SEASON CLASS A TRI-CITY VALLEYCATS

Minor league roving infield instructor and Tri-City Manager Stubby Clapp’s staff will consist of Mark Bailey (hitting coach), Gary Ruby (pitching coach) and Kevin Ortega (athletic trainer). Bailey, the Astros bullpen coach from 2002-09, spent his 2010 season as the hitting coach for Double A Corpus Christi. Ruby returns to Tri-City for his third consecutive season as pitching coach and his fifth in the Astros organization. He also spent six seasons as the minor league pitching coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates and also has experience with the Phillies (1998-2001) and Angels (1987-95) organizations. Ortega joins the Astros organization after serving as a student athletic trainer over the last six years with Oklahoma State (2005-09) and Oklahoma (2009-10) Universities.

ROOKIE LEAGUE GREENEVILLE ASTROS

Omar Lopez, the Astros 2010 Player Development Man of the Year, has been promoted to serve as Greeneville’s manager in 2011. He spent the last two seasons (2009-10) managing the Astros Gulf Coast League affiliate. Prior to his time in the GCL, Lopez managed, coached and scouted for the Astros Venezuelan program.

Joining Lopez’s staff will be Josh Bonifay (hitting coach), Rick Aponte (pitching coach) and Michael Rendon (athletic trainer). Bonifay, a former Astros minor leaguer with Corpus Christi in 2006, rejoins Houston after serving as a player/coach over the last three seasons (2007-09) in the Pirates organization. Rick Aponte will serve his third consecutive season as a pitching coach in the Astros system, marking his 35th season in Houston’s minor league system as either a player, coach or scout. Rendon joins the Astros from Southern Illinois University, where he served as a student athletic trainer. He also has experience in minor league baseball, as an athletic training intern with Double A Springfield (2008-09).

ROOKIE GULF COAST LEAGUE ASTROS

Ed Romero will manage the GCL Astros in 2011, his 19th year as a professional coach. Romero spent last season as Rookie League Greeneville’s manager. He is two years removed from the Astros Major League staff, having served as the bench coach in 2009 and the third base coach in 2008. He has managed a total of nine seasons in the minor leagues between the Houston, Milwaukee and San Diego organizations.

Edgar Alfonzo, the club’s hitting coach, will be joined by pitching coaches Hector Mercado and Charley Taylor, assistant coach Gordy MacKenzie and athletic trainer John Cortes. Mercado returns to the GCL Astros for his second consecutive season following a 15-year professional playing career. After not coaching in the 2009-10 seasons, Taylor returns as a pitching coach in the Astros system for his 28th season as a coach in the organization and his 34th overall. MacKenzie and Cortes both return to the GCL Astros for their third consecutive seasons with the club.

ROOKIE LEVEL DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE ASTROS

The Astros Dominican Summer League team will be managed by Luis Martinez for his third consecutive season. Jose Martinez will begin his first season as pitching coach with the Dominican Republic Academy. His assistant pitching coach will be Joel Santos. Luis Mateo also returns for his third season as the club’s hitting coach. The instructor positions will be filled by former Astros minor leaguer Juan Zapata (outfield), Johan Maya (infield) and Sixto Ortega (catching). Ramon Garcia will return to the DSL Astros as an assistant coach. Ambiorix Reyes will join the DSL staff as the athletic trainer, while Edwin Garcia will be the assistant trainer. Geremias Guzman will return for his seventh season as the strength and conditioning coordinator for the DSL.

2011 MINOR LEAGUE STAFF

ROVING INSTRUCTORS

PAUL RUNGE – FIELD COORDINATOR

JAIME GARCIA – PITCHING COORDINATOR

TY VAN BURKLEO – ROVING HITTING INSTRUCTOR

STUBBY CLAPP – ROVING INFIELD INSTRUCTOR/TRI-CITY MANAGER

MILT THOMPSON – ROVING OUTFIELD/BASERUNNING INSTRUCTOR

DANNY SHEAFFER – ROVING CATCHING INSTRUCTOR

FRANK RENNER – STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COORDINATOR

JAMEY SNODGRASS – MEDICAL COORDINATOR

TBD — REHABILITATION COORDINATOR

OKLAHOMA CITY

TONY DEFRANCESO – MANAGER

KEITH BODIE – HITTING COACH

BURT HOOTON – PITCHING COACH

MIKE FREER – ATHLETIC TRAINER

CORPUS CHRISTI

TOM LAWLESS — MANAGER

JOHN MOSES — HITTING COACH

DON ALEXANDER — PITCHING COACH

ERIC MONTAGUE — ATHLETIC TRAINER

LANCASTER

TOM SPENCER – MANAGER

DARRYL ROBINSON – HITTING COACH

TRAVIS DRISKILL – PITCHING COACH

BRYAN BACA – ATHLETIC TRAINER

LEXINGTON

RODNEY LINARES – MANAGER

JOEL CHIMELIS – HITTING COACH

DAVE BORKOWSKI – PITCHING COACH

GRANT HUFFORD – ATHLETIC TRAINER

TRI-CITY

STUBBY CLAPP – MANAGER

MARK BAILEY – HITTING COACH

GARY RUBY – PITCHING COACH

KEVIN ORTEGA – ATHLETIC TRAINER

GREENEVILLE

OMAR LOPEZ – MANAGER

JOSH BONIFAY – HITTING COACH

RICK APONTE – PITCHING COACH

MICHAEL RENDON – ATHLETIC TRAINER

GULF COAST LEAGUE

ED ROMERO — MANAGER

EDGAR ALFONZO — HITTING COACH

HECTOR MERCADO — PITCHING COACH

CHARLEY TAYLOR — PITCHING COACH

GORDY MACKENZIE — ASSISTANT COACH

JOHN CORTES — ATHLETIC TRAINER

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE

LUIS MARTINEZ — MANAGER

LUIS MATEO — HITTING COACH

JOSE MARTINEZ — PITCHING COACH

JOEL SANTOS — ASSISTANT PITCHING COACH

JOHAN MAYA — INFIELD INSTRUCTOR

RAMON GARCIA — ASSISTANT COACH

JUAN ZAPATA — OUTFIELD INSTRUCTOR

SIXTO ORTEGA — CATCHING INSTRUCTOR

AMBIORIX REYES — ATHLETIC TRAINER

EDWIN GARCIA — ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER

GEREMIAS GUZMAN — STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

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TROY, NY- The Houston Astros have announced the 2011 Tri-City ValleyCats field staff and there’s only one familiar name on the list. Gary Ruby will return as pitching coach, joining hitting coach Mark Bailey, manager Stubby Clapp and athletic trainer Kevin Ortega.

Ruby returns to Tri-City for his third consecutive season as pitching coach and his fifth in the Astros organization. He also spent six seasons as the minor league pitching coordi – nator for the Pittsburgh Pirates and also has experience with the Phillies (1998-2001) and Angels (1987-95) organizations. This past winter he served as pitching coach for the Leones Del Escogido of the Dominican Winter League.

Bailey, the Astros bullpen coach from 2002-09, spent his 2010 season as the hitting coach for Double A Corpus Christi. Drafted by Houston in the sixth round of the 1982 free agent draft out of Southwest Missouri State, Bailey went on to play for the Astros from 1984-88 and was part of the NL Western Division championship team in 1986. His best season came in 1985 for the Astros, playing in 114 games and batting .265 with 10 homers and 45 RBI. He finished his big league career with the San Francisco Giants in 1990 and 1992. Bailey takes over for Joel Chimelis, who has been promoted to Class A Lexington. Chimelis spent the last five seasons (2006-10) with Tri-City.

Ortega joins the Astros organization after serving as a student athletic trainer over the last six years with Oklahoma State (2005-09) and Oklahoma (2009-10) Universities. Or – tega will take over athletic training duties from Bryan Baca, who has been promoted to Class A Lancaster.

Those three will join Stubby Clapp, who was named the Tri-City ValleyCats field manager for the 2011 season. Clapp spent last season as the hitting coach for the Class A Lexington Legends. Prior to that he spent two years as a coach with the Rookie League Greeneville Astros. He recently finished his 2010 season as a hitting coach for Peoria in the Arizona Fall League. Clapp is well known for his clutch game winning hit for Team Canada in the 1999 Pan American Games. Clapp takes over for former ‘Cats manager Jim Pankovits, who was hired by the Seattle Mariners organization to manage their Double-A affiliate Jackson Generals.

The ‘Cats begin their title defense on Friday, June 17th at home versus the Vermont Lake – monsters. Mini-Plans and Season Tickets are available by calling the ValleyCats front office at (518) 629-2287 or online at www.tcvalleycats.com.

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GREENEVILLE, TN – The Houston Astros have announced that Omar Lopez, the Astros 2010 Player Development Man of the Year, will become the sixth manager in the history of the rookie league Greeneville Astros in 2011. Joining Lopez’s staff will be Rick Aponte as pitching coach, Josh Bonifay as hitting coach and Michael Rendon as the athletic trainer.

“After meeting with Omar during the Baseball Winter Meetings at Orlando in early December, we are very excited about having him here to lead our team through the 2011 season. He is young, full of energy and eager to get down to the business of developing our youthful talent while also putting a winner on the field,” said Greeneville Astros General Manager David Lane.

Omar Lopez, 33, will be entering his fourth season as a manager in the Houston Astros organization. Over the past two seasons, he was the manager of the Gulf Coast League Astros after previously serving as the manager of the Venezuelan Summer League Astros in 2008. With the GCL Astros in 2009, the club finished 18-38 and improved to 20-36 in 2010.

Omar also served as a hitting and infield instructor in the Astros Venezuelan program and as a full-time scout for the Astros. A native of Valencia, Venezuela, he played three seasons of minor league baseball in stints with the Chicago White Sox (1996-97) and Arizona Diamondbacks (1998).

Lopez played his first season of pro baseball in the Appalachian League with the Bristol Sox in 1996, leading the club in walks over 55 games. The third baseman played in 49 games in 1997 at Bristol, hitting .276 with 23 RBI and setting career highs in almost every category. He finished his career with Arizona’s Class A affiliate at South Bend by playing in 11 games in 1998.

Rick Aponte will return to Greeneville for his second stint with the club as pitching coach. After spending the 2009 season in Greeneville, he moved on to Class A Lexington in 2010.

Before arriving in Greeneville the first time, he had a two-year stint with the Washington Nationals as a bullpen coach. Aponte spent 32 years prior to that in Houston’s minor league system as a player, coach, or scout. He spent more than 10 seasons domestically as a pitching coach in Houston’s minor league system at various levels, including stints in Auburn (1987), Kissimmee (1988-89), and Burlington (1992). Aponte also managed Houston’s Rookie Dominican Republican Summer League for seven seasons (1993-1999), before shifting into the DSL pitching coach position from 2000-06.

As a player, Aponte pitched in the Houston chain for six seasons (1975-1980) and reached the Class AAA level with the Charleston Charlies of the International League and the Tuscon Toros of the Pacific Coast League before completing his minor league career.

Josh Bonifay, 32, will begin his first season as the hitting coach of the Greeneville Astros after previously serving as a player/coach in the Pittsburgh Pirates system over the last three seasons (2007-2010).

Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates from UNC-Wilmington in the 24th round of the June 1999 draft, Bonifay went on to play seven seasons in the Pirates organization before joining the Astros’ Class AA affiliate Corpus Christi Hooks in 2006. In 812 career minor league games, he had a .284 batting average, 133 homeruns and 516 RBI. During that time, he split time playing between the outfield, first base, second base and third base.

Bonifay grew up in Asheville, NC and is the son of former Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Cam Bonifay.

Michael Rendon will begin his first season in the Astros organization as athletic trainer. He joins the Astros from Southern Illinois University, where he served as a student athletic trainer. He also has experience in minor league baseball, as an athletic training intern with AA Springfield (2008-09).

Finally, in keeping up with former Greeneville staff members, several will still be working at different levels throughout the Astros organization. In 2011, Ed Romero (2010 Manager) will move to Florida to manage the GCL Astros. Meanwhile, Rodney Linares (2007-09 Manager) will return for a second season to manage Class A Lexington. He will be joined by pitching coach Dave Borkowski (2010 Pitching Coach) and athletic trainer Grant Hufford (2008-10 Athletic Trainer). Stubby Clapp (2007, 2009 Hitting Coach) will make his managerial debut with Short-Season A Tri-City. Finally, Travis Driskill (2008 Pitching Coach) will take over as pitching coach in Class High A Lancaster and will have Bryan Baca (2007 Athletic Trainer) as the athletic trainer.

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