2008 Houston Astros season
Major League Baseball team season
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The 2008 Houston Astros season was the 47th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 44th as the Astros, 47th in the National League (NL), 15th in the NL Central division, and ninth at Minute Maid Park. The Astros entered the season with a 73–89 record, in fourth place in the NL Central division and 12 games behind the division-champion Chicago Cubs.
| 2008 Houston Astros | |
|---|---|
| |
| League | National League |
| Division | Central |
| Ballpark | Minute Maid Park |
| City | Houston, Texas |
| Record | 86–75 (.534) |
| Divisional place | 3rd |
| Owners | Drayton McLane Jr. |
| General managers | Ed Wade |
| Managers | Cecil Cooper |
| Television | FSN Houston KTXH (My 20) Bill Brown, Jim Deshaies |
| Radio | KTRH Milo Hamilton, Brett Dolan, Dave Raymond KLAT (Spanish) |
| Stats | ESPN.com Baseball Reference |
On March 31, pitcher Roy Oswalt made his sixth consecutive Opening Day start for the Astros, hosted by the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, but were defeated, 4–0. In the amateur draft, the Astros' first round selections included catcher Jason Castro (10th overall) and pitcher Jordan Lyles (38th).
First baseman Lance Berkman and shortstop Miguel Tejada were selected to the MLB All-Star Game, representing the Astros and playing for the National League, It was the fourth career selection for Berkman, and fifth for Tejada. Closer José Valverde led the NL in saves with 44, the third pitcher to do so for Houston. On August 17, the jersey number of former second baseman Craig Biggio (7) was retired during a pre-game ceremony. On September 23, former Astros outfielder Jesús Alou was honored with the Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame's Pioneer Award.
Houston finished the 2008 season with a 86–75 record for third place in the NL West, and 11 games behind Chicago for first place. In the NL Wild Card race, Houston ranked second, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 3+1⁄2 games, thus missing the playoffs. This was the 15th season in a span of 17 that Houston had finished with a record . of .500 or better, since 1992, and their final while still competing in the National League.
Off season
Summary
The Houston Astros concluded the 2007 epoch with a record of 73–89 (.451), ranking in fourth place in the NL Central division, and 12 games behind the division-champion Chicago Cubs.[1] During an era of unprecedented consistency for Houston, since 1992, the 2007 season was just their second losing campaign, with the other being 2000.[2] On June 28, Craig Biggio attained the 3,000th hit of his career, becoming the 27th player in Major League history.[3] Biggio played his final Major League game on September 30, 2007, retiring after 20 seasons, all as a member of the Astros.[4] Moreover, Biggio became the first Astro to be recognized with the Roberto Clemente Award,[5] and was bestowed a second consecutive Heart & Hustle Award.[6] Former Colt .45s/Astros second baseman Joe Morgan was included on the 50th anniversary All-time Gold Glove Team.[7] Carlos Lee won the Silver Slugger, joining José Cruz (1983 and 1984) and Moisés Alou (1998) as the third Astros outfielder to win the award.[8]
On October 29, all six eligible Astros players filed for free agency. The list included catcher Brad Ausmus, infielder Mike Lamb, infielder Mark Loretta, outfielder Orlando Palmeiro, left-handed reliever Trever Miller and right-handed reliever Brian Moehler.
On October 30, the Astros signed catcher Brad Ausmus to a 1-year, $2 million contract.
On November 8, The Astros acquired outfielder Michael Bourn, third baseman Michael Costanzo, and right-handed reliever Geoff Geary from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Ed Wade.[9]
On November 16, the Astros acquired right-handed reliever Óscar Villarreal from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for center fielder Josh Anderson. On the same day, the Astros also signed outfielder Yordany Ramirez as a free agent.
On November 20, the Astros signed free agent utilityman Geoff Blum to a one-year deal including a club option for a second year.
On November 26, the Astros signed free agent relief pitcher Doug Brocail to a one-year deal.
On November 30, the Astros and free agent Kazuo Matsui agreed to a 3-year, $16.5 million deal. Matsui played second base for the NL Champion Colorado Rockies in the 2007 season.[10]
On December 12, the Astros acquired shortstop Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for five players. The Astros traded outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate and third baseman Mike Costanzo to Baltimore for Tejada. Adam Everett, the Astros shortstop at the time, had to deal with a double-whammy: not only did the Astros trade for Tejada, they also non-tendered Everett, leaving him without a team as of 11 p.m. CT.
On December 14, The Houston Astros' offseason of dealing continued on Friday when the club traded Chris Burke, Chad Qualls and Juan Gutiérrez to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for closer José Valverde.
In January, Brandon Backe, Ty Wigginton, and Dave Borkowski were signed to a one-year contract.
On February 20, Shawn Chacón signed a one-year deal.
On March 29, the Astros released Woody Williams.
On March 30, the contracts of OF José Cruz Jr. and RHP Brian Moehler were purchased from Triple-A Round Rock.
Spring training
In spring training the Astros posted a 13–18 record culminating with a 9–4 win in the final spring training game at Minute Maid Park.
Regular season
Summary
March–April
| Opening Day starting lineup | ||
|---|---|---|
| Uniform | Player | Position |
| 14 | Michael Bourn | Center fielder |
| 9 | Hunter Pence | Right fielder |
| 17 | Lance Berkman | First baseman |
| 45 | Carlos Lee | Left fielder |
| 10 | Miguel Tejada | Shortstop |
| 21 | Ty Wigginton | Third baseman |
| 8 | Mark Loretta | Second baseman |
| 11 | Brad Ausmus | Catcher |
| 44 | Roy Oswalt | Pitcher |
| Venue: Petco Park • Final: San Diego 4, Houston 0 | ||
The Astros commenced their 2008 season on March 31 at Petco Park for Opening Day. Right-hander Roy Oswalt, making his sixth Opening Day start for the Astros, took over the club record for pitchers, surpassing five each by J. R. Richard (1980), Mike Scott (1991), and Shane Reynolds (2000).[13] Oswalt started opposite the reigning Cy Young Award winner, Jake Peavy.[14] Behind Peavy's dominant, scoreless seven innings, the Padres defeated the Astros, 4 to 0. At the plate, Peavy delivered San Diego's first two tallies of the season with a sacrifice fly and a run batted in (RBI) single. Oswalt, meanwhile, was charged with three runs over 5+1⁄3 innings to take the defeat.[15]
After having lost the first two games of the 2008 campaign to the San Diego Padres, the Astros trailed 6–5 on April 2 in the top of the ninth with two outs. With Padres closer Trevor Hoffman on the mound, the Astros put two runners on base. Hunter Pence then scalded a line drive that deflected off Adrián González' glove, which skipped into right field, allowing Houston to tie the score. Next, Lance Berkman smashed a three-run home run to deep center field, positioning the Astros in front for a 9–6 score. Astros reliever José Valverde then closed out the Astros' first 2008 win. Geoff Blum, Ty Wigginton, and Carlos Lee all went deep for their first home runs of the year. Berkman also purloined a base.[16]
Lance Berkman won the NL Player of the Week Award for April 21 to 27:[17] The Astros went 5–2, while Berkman batted .455 / .517 on-base percentage (OBP) / 1.136 slugging percentage, four home runs, 12 runs batted in (RBI), and 25 total bases.[18] This was the first of five Player of the Week Awards for the Astros on the season, two of which were claimed by Berkman.[17]
May
After being shut down for six innings via a no-hit bid from Hiroki Kuroda on May 11, Pence rifled a two-out single in the seventh. Houston later responded with six runs in the eighth inning. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, two Dodgers runs already in and baserunner on first, Valverde relieved Doug Brocail. He retired Andre Ethier on a popup to preserve Houston's 8–5 comeback win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.[19][20]
Berkman belted a two-run home on May 14 at AT&T Park to lead an Astros 6–3 win over the San Francisco Giants. Already on an offensive tear to start the season off, the home run put Berkman at the top of the NL leaderboard (14) and also for each of runs scored (43), runs batted in (40 RBI), on-base plus slugging percentage (1.264 OPS), to go along with a robust .388 batting average.[21]
Though Pence had homered twice on May 23 to put the Astros ahead, 4–3, all eyes were on Valverde, who took a line drive off his face. However, he stayed in retire the Philadelphia Phillies and close out his 15th save.[22]
On May 27, Pence hit 5-for-5 against the St. Louis Cardinals, leading an 8–2 Astros win. This win moved the Astros into second-place tie with St. Louis to trail only the Chicago Cubs.[23]
Carlos Lee became the sixth player in club history to register 30 or more RBI over a calendar month, with the most recent having been Jeff Bagwell in July 2001.[a][24]
Over 28 contests during the month of May, Lance Berkman batted .387 / .521 on-base percentage (OBP) / .785 slugging percentage (SLG) / 1.306 on-base plus slugging (OPS), 10 doubles, nine home runs, and 24 RBI in 93 at bats. He also aggregated 73 total bases, scored 20 runs, drew 24 bases on balls, and struck out 11 times.[25] Hence, Berkman was recognized as NL Player of the Month, his second instance winning the award, while also having been the most recent Astro so named, in May 2004.[26]
June
The Astros announced on June 25 an indefinite suspension of starting pitcher Shawn Chacón and eventually, voiding of his contract. Chacón had initiated an altercation with general manager Ed Wade in which he grabbed Wade's neck and threw him to the ground.[27]
July
On July 29, Carlos Lee connected for his third grand slam as a Houston Astro.[28] The blast occurred during the bottom of the fifth inning to deep left field, capping a 6–2 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds. Brian Moehler (6–4) cruised for the victory, pitching into the ninth and until the penultimate out. With two baserunners on, Wesley Wright entered in relief and whiffed Joey Votto for the final out and save,[29] the first of his major league career.[30]
August
On August 6, Brandon Backe surrendered a career-worst 11 runs over 3+2⁄3 innings.[31] Most of the damaged was done in the third inning, when Mark DeRosa connected for a grand slam, highlighting an 11–4 defeat to the Cubs.[32]
With a victory on August 7, Houston launched a season-high eight-game winning streak.[33] Led by seven innings with one run allowed from Roy Oswalt (9–8), the Astros took a 7–4 decision from the Cincinnati Reds. Tejada, Berkman, and Lee collected three hits each, while Pence slugged his 15th longball.[34]
Carlos Lee, in peak form, on August 8 delivered a two-run double in the tenth inning to defeat the Reds, 9–5. The play brought an NL-leading 100th run batted in (RBI) of the season, as well the 1000th of his career. Lee added a home run among four hits, and Kaz Matsui, Humberto Quintero and Pence also went deep. However, the following day, Lee sustained a fractured pinkie when hit by pitch on a Bronson Arroyo offering, halting his season after 115 games.[35]
For the week of August 4–10, Lee was recognized with the NL Player of the Week Award:[17] At that point, Lee had been on course for the best offensive statistical season of his major league career, with injuries never being an issue. In each of ten different seasons, "El Caballo" appeared in 150 or more contests.[36]
On August 16, Brandon Backe tied a major league record by relinquishing two grand slams in the same game,[37] during the first inning, to Miguel Montero, and then in the sixth, to Chris Young. This led an 11–5 Arizona Diamondbacks' victory over the Astros. Montero also cranked a solo home run in the fourth inning.[38] The three home runs and 11 earned runs charged to Backe both tied a career-high.[31]
Retirement of Craig Biggio's uniform number 7
Longtime second baseman Craig Biggio's jersey number 7 was officially retired by the club during a pre-game ceremony at Minute Maid Park on August 17, 2008. A seven-time All-Star, Biggio played all 20 seasons with the Astros and retired as the franchise leader in games played (2,850), at bats (10,876), runs scored (1,844), and hits (3,060), and the all-time leader in doubles by right-handed hitters in major league history (668).[39]
Rest of August
The Astros commenced an eight-game winning streak on August 27, matching their season-high started less than three weeks earlier, on August 7.[33]
Lance Berkman connected for his first career walk-off home run on August 29, the 285th home run, to set a major league record. Previously, Alex Rodriguez (275) held the record for number of times homering prior to his first Major League walk-off blast.[40] It was a solo home run off Russ Springer during the bottom of the ninth to win it, 3–2, over the St. Louis Cardinals. This was also the first walk-off hit of Berkman's career.[41]
September
On September 8, in his first major league plate appearance, Mark Saccomanno connected for a home run on the first pitch thrown to him at the level. He became the 12th player in National League history to achieve the latter distinction,[42] and the 25th major leaguer overall.[43] Saccomanno appeared as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning.[Note 1]
Roy Oswalt established the Astros' franchise record with a 32+1⁄3 scoreless innings streak through September 11, surpassing 31 innings set by J. R. Richard in 1980, while having polished off a 6–0 shutout of the Pittsburgh Pirates on 90 pitches. It extended Houston's winning streak to six games to pull within 3 games of the NL Wild Card-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Having won 14 of 15 games, Houston jetted to a major league-leading 36–16 record since the All-Star break.[44]
Due to damage in Houston inflicted by Hurricane Ike, the September 14 home contest against the Cubs was relocated to Miller Park in Milwaukee. There, Carlos Zambrano no-hit the Astros, 5–0, making it the first-ever neutral site no-hitter in Major League Baseball. Zambrano allowed just two base-runners, issuing a walk to Michael Bourn in the fourth inning and hit by pitch of Hunter Pence in the fifth inning.[45]
During a pre-game ceremony at Minute Maid Park on September 23, 2008, former Houston Astros outfielder Jesús Alou was recognized with the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame's Pioneer Award.[46]
Performance overview
The Astros concluded the 2008 season with a 86–75 record for third place in the NL Cetnral, and 11 games behind Chicago for first place, an improvement from 73 wins in 2007.[47] In the NL Wild Card race, Houston ranked second, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 3+1⁄2 games, thus missing the playoffs.[48] Since 1992, it had been the 15th of 17 seasons in which the Astros finished at .500 or above, the final in the National League, and last until their next postseason run in 2015. This was Houston's final winning season as members of the National League prior to transferring to the American League in 2013, with the their next winning seasons occurring 2015.[2]
The Astros as a team committed 67 errors, the fewest by any team in National League history, excluding seasons that were shortened.[49]
Valverde led the National League in saves with 44, which tied Billy Wagner for the club record, which he achieved in 2003.[49]
Lance Berkman, leader of the National League in doubles (46) for the second time, first did so in the 2001 season. Berkman joined César Cedeño (twice, 1971 and 1972) and former teammate and fellow "Killer B" Craig Biggio (thrice, 1994, 1998 and 1999) as Astros to have led the league in multiple campaigns.[50] Berkman was also recognized as team Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the fifth time, which broke a tie with José Cruz and was one behind another fellow Killer B Jeff Bagwell for must in club history.[51]
Miguel Tejada established a National League single-season record by grounding into 32 double plays.[b][52]
Season standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 97 | 64 | .602 | — | 55–26 | 42–38 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 90 | 72 | .556 | 7½ | 49–32 | 41–40 |
| Houston Astros | 86 | 75 | .534 | 11 | 47–33 | 39–42 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 86 | 76 | .531 | 11½ | 46–35 | 40–41 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 74 | 88 | .457 | 23½ | 43–38 | 31–50 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 67 | 95 | .414 | 30½ | 39–42 | 28–53 |
Record vs. opponents
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Source: MLB Standings Grid – 2008 | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | AZ | ATL | CHC | CIN | COL | FLA | HOU | LAD | MIL | NYM | PHI | PIT | SD | SF | STL | WAS | AL |
| Arizona | – | 3–5 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 15–3 | 2–7 | 4–2 | 8–10 | 2–5 | 3–3 | 3–4 | 4–3 | 10–8 | 11–7 | 3–4 | 4–2 | 6–9 |
| Atlanta | 5–3 | – | 0–6 | 3–3 | 4–3 | 10–8 | 3–3 | 4–2 | 3–6 | 11–7 | 4–14 | 2–5 | 5–1 | 2–5 | 2–5 | 6–12 | 8–7 |
| Chicago | 4–2 | 6–0 | – | 8–7 | 5–1 | 4–3 | 8–9 | 5–2 | 9–7 | 4–2 | 3–4 | 14–4 | 5–2 | 4–3 | 9–6 | 3–3 | 6–9 |
| Cincinnati | 4–2 | 3–3 | 7–8 | – | 1–5 | 6–2 | 3–12 | 1–7 | 10–8 | 3–4 | 3–5 | 6–9 | 4–3 | 5–1 | 5–10 | 4–3 | 9–6 |
| Colorado | 3–15 | 3–4 | 1–5 | 5–1 | – | 5–3 | 3–3 | 8–10 | 4–3 | 3–6 | 0–5 | 5–2 | 9–9 | 11–7 | 3–4 | 4–3 | 7–8 |
| Florida | 7–2 | 8–10 | 3–4 | 2–6 | 3–5 | – | 4–2 | 3–4 | 5–1 | 8–10 | 10–8 | 3–2 | 4–2 | 3–3 | 2–5 | 14–3 | 5–10 |
| Houston | 2–4 | 3–3 | 9–8 | 12–3 | 3–3 | 2–4 | – | 4–3 | 7–8 | 5–2 | 3–4 | 8–8 | 3–3 | 7–1 | 7–8 | 4–2 | 7–11 |
| Los Angeles | 10–8 | 2–4 | 2–5 | 7–1 | 10–8 | 4–3 | 3–4 | – | 4–2 | 3–4 | 4–4 | 5–2 | 11–7 | 9–9 | 2–4 | 3–3 | 5–10 |
| Milwaukee | 5–2 | 6–3 | 7–9 | 8–10 | 3–4 | 1–5 | 8–7 | 2–4 | – | 2–4 | 1–5 | 14–1 | 4–3 | 6–0 | 10–5 | 6–2 | 7–8 |
| New York | 3–3 | 7–11 | 2–4 | 4–3 | 6–3 | 10–8 | 2–5 | 4–3 | 4–2 | – | 11–7 | 4–3 | 2–5 | 5–1 | 4–3 | 12–6 | 9–6 |
| Philadelphia | 4–3 | 14–4 | 4–3 | 5–3 | 5–0 | 8–10 | 4–3 | 4–4 | 5–1 | 7–11 | – | 4–2 | 4–2 | 3–3 | 5–4 | 12–6 | 4–11 |
| Pittsburgh | 3–4 | 5–2 | 4–14 | 9–6 | 2–5 | 2–3 | 8–8 | 2–5 | 1–14 | 3–4 | 2–4 | – | 3–4 | 4–2 | 10–7 | 3–4 | 6–9 |
| San Diego | 8–10 | 1–5 | 2–5 | 3–4 | 9–9 | 2–4 | 3–3 | 7–11 | 3–4 | 5–2 | 2–4 | 4–3 | – | 5–13 | 1–6 | 5–1 | 3–15 |
| San Francisco | 7–11 | 5–2 | 3–4 | 1–5 | 7–11 | 3–3 | 1–7 | 9–9 | 0–6 | 1–5 | 3–3 | 2–4 | 13–5 | – | 4–3 | 7–0 | 6–12 |
| St. Louis | 4–3 | 5–2 | 6–9 | 10–5 | 4–3 | 5–2 | 8–7 | 4–2 | 5–10 | 3–4 | 4–5 | 7–10 | 6–1 | 3–4 | – | 5–1 | 7–8 |
| Washington | 2–4 | 12–6 | 3–3 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–14 | 2–4 | 3–3 | 2–6 | 6–12 | 6–12 | 4–3 | 1–5 | 0–7 | 1–5 | – | 8–10 |
Roster
| 2008 Houston Astros | |||||||||
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Pitchers
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Catchers
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Outfielders
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Manager
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Game log
- Home Game
- Away Game
- † = Interleague Game
- All games, dates and times are subject to change
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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Player stats
Batting
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Brad Ausmus | 81 | 216 | 47 | .218 | 3 | 24 |
| 1B | Lance Berkman | 159 | 554 | 173 | .312 | 29 | 106 |
| 2B | Kazuo Matsui | 96 | 375 | 110 | .293 | 6 | 33 |
| SS | Miguel Tejada | 158 | 632 | 179 | .283 | 13 | 66 |
| 3B | Ty Wigginton | 111 | 386 | 110 | .285 | 23 | 58 |
| LF | Carlos Lee | 115 | 436 | 137 | .314 | 28 | 100 |
| CF | Michael Bourn | 138 | 467 | 107 | .229 | 5 | 29 |
| RF | Hunter Pence | 157 | 595 | 160 | .269 | 25 | 83 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Blum | 114 | 325 | 78 | .240 | 14 | 53 |
| Darin Erstad | 140 | 322 | 89 | .276 | 4 | 31 |
| Mark Loretta | 101 | 261 | 73 | .280 | 4 | 38 |
| Humberto Quintero | 59 | 168 | 38 | .226 | 2 | 12 |
| J. R. Towles | 54 | 146 | 20 | .137 | 4 | 16 |
| David Newhan | 64 | 104 | 27 | .260 | 2 | 12 |
| Reggie Abercrombie | 34 | 55 | 17 | .309 | 2 | 5 |
| José Cruz Jr. | 38 | 49 | 6 | .122 | 0 | 1 |
| José Castillo | 15 | 32 | 9 | .281 | 0 | 2 |
| Mark Saccomanno | 10 | 10 | 2 | .200 | 1 | 2 |
| Tomás Pérez | 8 | 10 | 2 | .200 | 0 | 0 |
| Edwin Maysonet | 7 | 7 | 1 | .143 | 0 | 0 |
| J.R. House | 3 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 1 |
Pitching
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roy Oswalt | 32 | 208.2 | 17 | 10 | 3.54 | 165 |
| Brandon Backe | 31 | 166.2 | 9 | 14 | 6.05 | 127 |
| Brian Moehler | 31 | 150.0 | 11 | 8 | 4.56 | 82 |
| Wandy Rodríguez | 25 | 137.1 | 9 | 7 | 3.54 | 131 |
| Shawn Chacón | 15 | 85.2 | 2 | 3 | 5.04 | 53 |
| Randy Wolf | 12 | 70.2 | 6 | 2 | 3.57 | 57 |
| Runelvys Hernández | 4 | 19.1 | 0 | 3 | 8.38 | 15 |
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Sampson | 54 | 117.1 | 6 | 4 | 4.22 | 61 |
| Jack Cassel | 9 | 30.1 | 1 | 1 | 5.64 | 14 |
| Alberto Árias | 3 | 8.0 | 1 | 1 | 6.75 | 8 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Valverde | 74 | 6 | 3 | 44 | 3.38 | 83 |
| Doug Brocail | 72 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 3.93 | 64 |
| Wesley Wright | 71 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5.01 | 57 |
| Tim Byrdak | 59 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3.90 | 47 |
| Geoff Geary | 55 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2.53 | 45 |
| Óscar Villarreal | 35 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 5.02 | 21 |
| Dave Borkowski | 26 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7.50 | 24 |
| LaTroy Hawkins | 24 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0.43 | 25 |
| Fernando Nieve | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8.44 | 12 |
| Chad Paronto | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4.35 | 4 |
Awards and achievements
Grand slams
| No. | Date | Astros batter | Venue | Inning | Pitcher | Opposing team | Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 20 | Hunter Pence | Minute Maid Park | 4[i] | Dennis Dove | St. Louis Cardinals | |
| 2 | July 6 | Ty Wigginton[ii] | Turner Field | 8[i] | Charlie Morton | Atlanta Braves | |
| 3 | July 29 | Carlos Lee | Minute Maid Park | 5 | Bronson Arroyo | Cincinnati Reds | [29] |
| 4 | August 1 | Mark Loretta | 8[i] | Aaron Heilman | New York Mets | ||
| 5 | August 12 | Lance Berkman | 7 | Jack Taschner | San Francisco Giants | ||
| 6 | September 10 | Miguel Tejada | 6 | Denny Bautista | Pittsburgh Pirates | ||
Career honors
- Houston Astros uniform number retired—No. 7 : Craig Biggio, C/2B/CF • In Houston 1988–2007 • 2.850 games[39]
- Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame Pioneer Award: Jesús Alou[Note 2][46]
Annual awards
- Darryl Kile Good Guy Award:[53] Hunter Pence
- Delivery Man of the Month[54]—August: José Valverde
- Fred Hartman Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Baseball:[51][55] Neil Hohlfeld
- Houston Astros Most Valuable Player (MVP):[56] Lance Berkman
- Houston Astros Pitcher of the Year:[51] José Valverde
- Houston Astros Rookie of the Year:[51] Wesley Wright
- MLB All-Star Game:
- Starting first baseman / Home Run Derby contestant—Lance Berkman
- Reserve infielder—Miguel Tejada
- NL Player of the Month[26]—May: Lance Berkman
- NL Player of the Week:[17]
- April 27: Lance Berkman
- May 11: Lance Berkman
- August 10: Carlos Lee
- August 17: Ty Wigginton[c]
- September 7: Roy Oswalt[d]
League leaders
|
|
- NL fielding leaders[57]
- Fielding percentage as first baseman: Lance Berkman (.996)
- Assists as shortstop: Miguel Tejada (442)
- Double plays turned as shortstop: Miguel Tejada (97)
- Assists as outfielder: Hunter Pence (16)
- Putouts as right fielder: Hunter Pence (340)
- Putouts as pitcher: Roy Oswalt (24)
- Fielding percentage as pitcher: Roy Oswalt (1.000)
Minor league system
See also
Notes
- In June 2018, Alex Bregman and Evan Gattis each became the next Astros to match Lee's achievement. Criteria: In the regular season, from 1898 to 2026, playing for HOU, for any choice in months, requiring runs batted in ≥ 28, sorted by greatest runs batted in.
- Co-winner with Johan Santana of the New York Mets.
- Co-winner with Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers.