Houston, TX (My Sportsbook) - The Houston Astros signed pitcher Octavio Dotel and outfielder Daryle Ward to one-year contracts on Thursday, avoiding arbitration hearings with the two players. "It's always great to settle these cases without a hearing, said Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker. "When two sides are committed to a common goal, you can usually find a solution." Dotel was 6-4 with a 1.85 earned run average and six saves in a franchise- record 83 appearances in 2002. The 29-year-old righthander led all Major League relievers last season with 118 strikeouts and ranked second with 97 1/3 innings pitched. Ward hit .276 with 12 home runs and a career-high 72 RBI. Ward, 27, was the club's regular left fielder last season and competed in 136 games. He is a career .269 hitter with 49 homers and 188 RBI. |
