HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Astros announced today that the club has
signed outfielder Michael Bourn, right-handed pitcher Matt Lindstrom
and catcher Humberto Quintero to one-year contracts for the 2010
season. The announcement was made by General Manager Ed Wade.
As
a result, the club will avoid going to arbitration with each player as
all three were eligible. Bourn’s deal is worth $2.4 million plus
bonuses, Lindstrom’s is worth $1,625,000 plus bonuses, while Quintero’s
is worth $750,000 plus bonuses. The Astros now have three unsigned
players remaining that are eligible for arbitration: Tim Byrdak, Hunter
Pence and Wandy Rodriguez.
Bourn, 27, hit .285 (173x606) and led
the National League with 61 stolen bases en route to being named the
Astros 2009 Team MVP. He set career highs in nearly every offensive
category, including runs (97), hits (173), doubles (27), triples (12)
and walks (63). He was also named as a Rawlings Gold Glove outfielder,
becoming the first Astros outfielder to earn that distinction since
Cesar Cedeno won the award in five consecutive seasons from 1972-76.
Bourn has appeared in parts of four seasons with Philadelphia (2006-07)
and Houston (2008-09) and owns a career .262 batting average with 121
steals in 145 attempts.
Lindstrom, 29, made 54 relief appearances
for the Florida Marlins in 2009, compiling a 2-1 record and a 5.89 ERA
(31ER/47.1IP). He converted 15 saves in 17 opportunities and finished
the season converting 12 consecutive save chances. Lindstrom was
acquired by Houston from Florida during the Winter Meetings on December
9, 2009, in exchange for three minor league players. He has spent three
years in the Major Leagues with Florida (2007-09) and owns an 8-8
career record with 3.88 ERA and 20 saves.
Quintero, 30, compiled
a .236 (37x157) average with four homers and 14 RBI in 60 games with
Houston in 2009. He started 51 games for the Astros behind the plate,
marking his second straight year to start 50-plus games for the club.
He is a veteran of seven Major League seasons, having spent time with
San Diego (2003-04) and Houston (2005-09) and owns a .232 career
average. His 2010 campaign will be his sixth with the club.
