http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp...tebook_id=79891054&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou HOUSTON -- The Astros welcomed a familiar face back to the organization on Sunday, announcing they had reached a Minor League deal with right-handed pitcher Jose Veras, who spent the first half of last season with the club. Veras will first report to the Astros' complex in Kissimmee, Fla., on Monday and then to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was released by the Cubs last week after signing a one-year, $4-million deal in December. The Astros had made an offer over the winter to try to re-sign him. Veras was projected to be the Cubs' closer, but he lost the job to Hector Rondon after compiling an 8.10 ERA in 12 games. After Veras, 33, was designated for assignment earlier this month, the Cubs had 10 days to trade him or release him. Veras traded to Detroit at midseason in 2013 after appearing in 42 games for the Astros, for whom he posted a 2.94 ERA with 19 saves in 43 innings. He was a strong presence in the Astros' young clubhouse, and the team struggled to close out games after he was dealt.
I look forward to seeing what prospects we get when Luhnow inevitably trades him again in a few weeks. :grin:
Why? If he wasn't traded for Vasquez, he'd just have gotten traded for a different prospect. Plus, he got to go to a contender in Detroit, then got a nice FA deal with the Cubs. Other than him sucking this season, he's got nothing to complain about the past year of his career.
Strengthening the pen for that second half Wildcard chase...very nice. Veras Qualls Crain Albers Sipp Farnsworth Folty/Peacock/Oberholtzer/McHugh
No, but outside of 3 poor appearances he's been pretty good so far. Porter's only used him in a couple of close games too, which is a good move. Reminds me a bit of the LaTroy Hawkins signing a few years ago when everyone said he was washed up and worthless...and he's still pitching in the bigs. He'll always be a Cub to me, so it's kinda hard to root for him.
