big splash...not Astros sign Villarreal to two-year contract (AP/Gene J. Puskar) The Houston Astros announced today that the club has signed right-hander Oscar Villarreal to a two-year, $2.85 million contract through the 2009 season ($1 million in 2008, $1.6 million in 2009, $250,000 signing bonus). The deal also includes a $2 million club option for 2010. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Ed Wade. The 26-year old Villarreal was acquired from Atlanta in exchange for outfielder Josh Anderson on Nov. 16, 2007. This season, Villarreal was 2-2 with one save and a 4.24 ERA (36ER/76.1IP) in 51 games for Atlanta in 2007. The right-hander has appeared in 223 career Major League games (five starts) and owns a 23-12 record with one save and a 3.71 career ERA (123ER/298.1IP). He has pitched the last two seasons for the Braves (2006-07) after three big league seasons with Arizona (2003-05).
Since we're merely re-signing him, I'd consider this move more of "a ripple caused by the initial splash".
