Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Astros Sign Jesse Crain

Completing a move that has been rumored all offseason, Evan Drellich reports the Astros have signed Jesse Crain to a one year deal. As with most of the Astros free agent signings this winter, Crain has ties to Houston, having attended U of H and San Jacinto Junior College.

Crain has a career ERA 3.05 ERA over his 10 year career. But over the last four, its been 2.39. He was having a career year with the White Sox last year, with .74 ERA in 36 innings, before tendonitis ended his season in June. He was actually traded to the Rays at the trade deadline but was never able to pitch for them. He had surgery in October, and its unclear whether he will be ready to start the season. But, if he returns healthy, he could be a great addition. 

If everything goes right, the bullpen could actually be a strength of the 2014 Astros, and we here at Astros County will have to retire the goatpen name. We won't mourn it.