HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Astros signed free-agent second
baseman Kaz Matsui to a three-year, $16.5 million contract today.
The 32-year-old hit .288 with four home runs and 37 RBIs for
Colorado in 2007, helping the Rockies reach the World Series for
the first time. He stole 32 bases and scored 84 runs during the
regular season, both career highs.
The switch-hitting Matsui will add much-needed speed to the
Houston lineup. The Astros stole only 65 bases in 2007,
third-lowest in the NL.