"HOUSTON (January 3)- The Houston Astros announced on Wednesday that the club has signed free agent pitcher Kent Bottenfield to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the club. A big league pitcher since 1992, Bottenfield has a lifetime record of 44-44 with a 4.43 ERA (423ER/859.2IP) over 279 games and 107 starts. The righthander who turned 32 on November 14, was a combined 8-10 with a 5.40 ERA (103ER/171.2IP) over 29 starts in 2000 for Anaheim and Philadelphia. Last season, he went 7-8 with a 5.71 ERA (81ER/127.2IP) in 21 starts for the Angels after being traded by St. Louis during spring training for outfielder Jim Edmonds and infielder Adam Kenney. Bottenfield was traded to Philadelphia for outfielder Ron Gant on July 30 and made eight starts, going 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA (22ER/44IP). He tossed the first shutout of his Major League career on August 20 at St. Louis. "Kent is very motivated and determined to bounce back after a down year," said Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker. "He gives us experience and adds depth and versatility to our staff." A native of Portland, Ore., Bottenfield pitched two years for St. Louis and enjoyed his finest season in 1999. After splitting time between the bullpen and starting in 1998, he won a career-high 18 games over 31 starts a year later. Going 18-7, he led the Cardinals in wins, starts (31), ERA (3.97), and strikeouts (124) in 1999. Bottenfield was an All-Star for the first time in his career and was also one of three finalists for the MLB Player's Choice Comeback Player of the Year Award. Bottenfield was originally drafted by Montreal in the fourth round of the June 1986 draft and made his Major League debut in 1992 for the Expos. He also has big league experience with the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants." ------------------ RKMAN Proud believer of the 2001 World Champion Houston Astros.
A very good signing if he can revert back to his 1998 form. He was among the 'Wins' leaders in '98 and was very dependable for the Cards. He has the ability to go deep into games and he almost always gives his team a chance to win the game. And with the Astros explosive offense this season, he is exactly the type of pitcher we need. Another plus out of this signing is that it was only a 1-year deal just in case he bombs like Lima did. The Astros have really improved this offseason and I hope they aren't done. ------------------
always good to add Cardinal haters and I just can't picture this guy liking them too much,realistically he probably won't win 18 again but 10 to 12 wins plus the innnings he can eat up until Shane is ready is a plus.he is a good pickup all things considered(his past success,the price tag,and length of contract afterall the Astros have atleast three young stud pitchers little more than a year away. ------------------ Now chew through my ball sack
I'm wary of Bottenfield. He had ONE truly good season, he has been mediocre since. And even during that "dream" season he was a bit wild, even during his all-star appearance! I think that was Bottenfield's best season in 1998 and everything else is just going to pretty much average to mediocre. ------------------
Millenium,what's to be wary of?He comes cheap and for one year only.Just go in with the same expectations you'd put on Holt and you should be happy with Bottenfield. ------------------ Now chew through my ball sack
Please note, in his best season, he wan all but 4, I believe, of the games BEFORE the all star break. (a combined 12-17 since). Since then he has been average, and that is being kind. I suppose he is an upgrade on Holt, but what does that say? For now he will most likely fill Shane's spot since he will probably not answer the bell for the start of the season. Suffice to say, this is not the pitching move I hoped for. I thought the 'stros were targeting Ishy Valdes. Granted, he has been up and down, but he has a bigger upside and better stuff. ------------------
