Astros sign former big league closer Armando Benitez to minor league deal

October 12th, 2009 Astros peg 10 candidates for manager interviewsHOUSTON — The Astros will interview 10 candidates over the next week to become the team's next manager, including former skipper Phil Garner. Houston fired manager Cecil Cooper on Sept.

September 26th, 2009 Roger Clemens returns to ballpark in HoustonHOUSTON — Roger Clemens looked like any proud father, setting up the video camera to record a big moment for his son. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner was back on a big league field Saturday.

September 10th, 2009 Minor league SS caught suspended after drug testNEW YORK — A minor league shortstop whose contract with the New York Yankees was voided earlier this year has been suspended 50 games after a positive drug test. Damian Arredondo was penalized Wednesday under the minor league drug program.

September 7th, 2009 Astros add trio to active rosterHOUSTON — The Houston Astros purchased the contracts of infielder Chris Johnson and right-handed pitcher Billy Sadler and recalled infielder Tommy Manzella from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday. Johnson, 24, hit .281 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs for Round Rock.

September 2nd, 2009 Aaron Boone back on the fieldCHICAGO — Aaron Boone is set to play in a major league baseball game for the first time since having open heart surgery in late March. Boone was in the starting lineup Wednesday at first base for the Houston Astros in a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

August 24th, 2009 Rockies sign Jason Giambi to minor league dealDENVER — The Colorado Rockies have signed former AL MVP Jason Giambi to a minor league contract. The 38-year-old Giambi will report to Triple-A Colorado Springs, hoping for a September call-up to help the Rockies with their pennant push.

August 6th, 2009 Rays sign RHP Winston AbreuST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

July 20th, 2009 Twins sign 2B Grudzielanek to minor league dealARLINGTON, Texas — Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, providing a possible veteran presence later in the season. Grudzielanek played 14 major league seasons for five teams.

July 17th, 2009 Cubs sign B.J. Ryan to minor league contractWASHINGTON — The Chicago Cubs signed former Toronto closer B.J.

July 11th, 2009 Astros option INF Kata to minorsHOUSTON — The Houston Astros have optioned infielder Matt Kata to Triple-A Round Rock to make room for catcher Chris Coste, who was acquired off waivers from Philadelphia. Coste, 36, who was claimed on Friday, is due to join the Astros on Saturday.

July 2nd, 2009 Astros claim INF Duran off waiversSAN DIEGO — The Houston Astros have claimed infielder German Duran off waivers from the Texas Rangers. Duran, who had an appendectomy on June 11 and was placed on the disabled list, was claimed by the Astros on Wednesday.

June 24th, 2009 Two minor league pitchers suspended for drugsNEW YORK — Two minor league pitchers have been suspended for 50 games each after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The commissioner's office announced the penalties Tuesday for Jose Hernandez of the New York Mets and Dail Villanueva of the St.

June 17th, 2009 Astros activate Matsui off DL, put Blum on itARLINGTON, Texas — Houston Astros second baseman Kazuo Matsui has been activated from the 15-day disabled list, and infielder Geoff Blum has been placed on the DL. The Astros made the move before Tuesday night's game against the Texas Rangers.

June 17th, 2009 Braves minor leaguer Cruz suspended for drugsCINCINNATI — Atlanta Braves minor leaguer Rafael Cruz has been suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Baseball announced on Tuesday that the right-handed reliever tested positive for traces of Stanozolol (stah-NO'-zo-lall), a manmade steroid.

June 7th, 2009 Hanrahan out as Nationals closer for 2nd timeWASHINGTON — Baseball's worst pitching staff is changing closers yet again. Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta said Saturday that Joel Hanrahan has lost the wrap-up job for the second time this season.