RADIO
The Astros have been uncharacteristically active this offseason, and that trend continued Tuesday evening with the signing of outfielder Colby Rasmus, who the club locked up with a one-year, $8 million contract.
Rasmus will immediately be inserted into the starting outfield, where he will play in either center or right field. The club recently acquired Evan Gattis from the Braves to patrol left field, and more likely than not, emerging potential star George Springer will shift to center. Apparently, Houston was not set on giving the remaining job to Jake Marisnick, whom they acquired from the Marlins in the Jarred Cosart trade last August.
The 28-year-old Rasmus has a serviceable glove, but is more so known for his bat, as he’s slugged 18 or more home runs in four of the past five seasons. In addition, he’s also topped the 70 RBI plateau four times in his career. Last year, Rasmus was severely limited due to injury but in 2013, he finished with 22 HR, 66 RBI, and a .276/.338/.501 line, and that came in only 118 games.
Rasmus’s arrival in Houston represents a reunion of sorts with Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, who actually drafted Rasmus in the first round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft when he was the Cardinals' Vice President of Player Procurement.
Previously, it was reported that the Rays and Orioles were the main suitors for Rasmus’ services for the upcoming season, but those talks stalled, allowing Houston to swoop in and claim the six-year veteran.
