Astros lock up Villarreal for two years

[das]

...with a club option for a 3rd year at $2mil.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3171254

Wade does not seem to be focusing on just next year, that's for sure.

[Crusher_Joe]

Compared with today's going rate for quality relief pitchers that hit free agency, that's pretty much a steal.  Also adds some measure of stability to the pen along with Valverde.

[pravata]

Compared with today's going rate for quality relief pitchers that hit free agency, that's pretty much a steal.  Also adds some measure of stability to the pen along with Valverde.

SmithWade is hoping for the best case scenario.  Villareal stays healthy and doesn't look over his right shoulder while on the mound too much.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

SmithWade is hoping for the best case scenario.  Villareal stays healthy and doesn't look over his right shoulder while on the mound too much.

"There are no Crawford Boxes, there are no Crawford Boxes, there are no Crawford Boxes..."

[pravata]

"There are no Crawford Boxes, there are no Crawford Boxes, there are no Crawford Boxes..."

Especially with big old Flapjack standing out there.  He doesn't help the perspective.  They need to get a short small guy to play left to make the pitchers think the wall is farther and taller.

[Reuben]

Especially with big old Flapjack standing out there.  He doesn't help the perspective.  They need to get a short small guy to play left to make the pitchers think the wall is farther and taller.

Or find some pitchers with Ryne Duren-esque vision problems.