http://www.sportingnews.com/baseball/articles/20021016/433513.html HOUSTON -- Houston catcher Brad Ausmus exercised his $5.5 million contract option for the 2003 season and will return to the Astros. The 33-year-old Ausmus hit .257 with six homers and 50 RBIs this season, his fourth with the Astros. Ausmus has also played for the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres during his 10-year career.