Astros sign C Ausmus to one-year contract

Oct 30, 2007 - 6:45 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Brad Ausmus will spend a 10th year in a Houston Astros uniform.

The Astros signed the veteran catcher to a one-year contract worth $2 million plus incentives, the team announced Tuesday.

"Brad has had a solid big league career and, despite the fact that he's played for a couple of other teams, he considers himself to be a lifelong Astro," general manager Ed Wade said. "We're very pleased to have him back for 2008. We know that he can make a significant contribution on the field, and we know the impact he has in our clubhouse.

"Additionally, he can help mentor a young catcher like J.R. Towles, which will make both J.R. and the Astros better."

The deal will give Ausmus, 38, the opportunity to add to two franchise records he holds - games played (1,166) and starts (1,057).

Ausmus batted .235 with three home runs, 17 doubles and 25 RBI in 117 games for the Astros in 2007. He was ranked fourth among NL catchers with a .995 fielding percentage, making only four errors in 814 total chances.

A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Ausmus has a .252 career batting average with 76 homers and 101 stolen bases in 1,833 career games with San Diego, Detroit and Houston. Ausmus also has three career Gold Gloves and one All-Star appearance to his name.