Baseball America reporting the Astros have made some minor league transactions, signing right-handed pitcher Rob Semerano, catcher Julian Henson and second baseman Felix Molina.
Rob Semerano: 27 years old, went to Fordham, signed with the Yankees mid-season 2008 as a reliever and posted a 4-1 record in 22 games (35.1 innings) with a 5.09 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP for Tampa (High-A). Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2001. Has a fastball in the 92-94 range and was a 20th round pick by the A's in 2004.
Julian Henson: 21 years old, actually spent 2008 in the Astros' organization, splitting time between Tri-Cities and Lexington. Went 8-for-32 in Lexington with a .375 SLG.
Felix Molina: 25 years old, drafted by the Twins in the 21st round of the 2001 draft. In eight minor-league seasons, Molina has a base stat line of .264/.323/.378. Spent time in the Twins' Double-A and Triple-A (albeit for three games) teams in 2008. Here's what the Twins' Scout page said about Molina:
Another year in the Eastern League for Molina, who is a fan favorite in New Britain. However, he still has not been able to make the jump to Triple-A, and he is currently a free agent. He may try to latch on to another organization, because the second base spot is loaded with talent in the Twins system. Still, he had another solid season in Double-A in 2007, batting .272 for the Cats.
Grade: B-
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
