Astros Finalize Deal with Brett Myers
HOUSTON, TX-The Houston Astros have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Brett Myers to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2011, General Manager Ed Wade announced today.
The deal, which is worth a guaranteed $5.1 million, will pay Myers $3.1 million in 2010, plus award bonuses. As for the mutual option, Myers will receive a salary of $8.0 million in 2011 if both he and the Astros exercise the option, or a $2.0 million buyout if he or the Astros decline the option.
“We’re fortunate to be able to add someone of Brett’s ability, particularly at this stage of the offseason,” Wade said. “Brett has performed in a high-visibility arena in Philadelphia and brings quite a bit of experience to the Astros. He’s got a 68-57 (.544) record as a starter and will only be 29 years old for most of the 2010 season. He gives us another quality arm to drop into the rotation, and I think he’ll be very successful pitching in our environment.”
Myers has a 73-63 (.537) career record overall in his seven-plus seasons in the Major Leagues with a 4.40 ERA (579ER/1183.2IP) in 240 appearances (183 starts). Myers, who was the Phillies first-round draft pick in June of 1999, was a three-time Opening Day starter for the Phillies (2007-09). He has made 30-or-more starts and has pitched 190-plus innings four times in his career. Myers has reached double-digit wins in all five of his full seasons as a starter. In seven career postseason appearances (three starts), he is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA (11 ER/22IP).
Myers was 4-3 in 18 appearances (10 starts) in 2009 with a 4.84 ERA (38ER/70.2IP). He underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum on June 4 and was sidelined by the injury until September 4. After his return, he made eight appearances in relief in the regular season and two in the postseason.
In addition to starting, Myers also spent the majority of the 2007 season as the Phillies closer where he was 5-5 in 48 relief appearances with a 2.87 ERA and 21 saves with 64 strikeouts in 53.1 innings pitched. Myers ended up throwing the first pitch and last pitch of that season, recording the final out in the final game of the season, which clinched the National League Eastern Division for the Phillies.
