Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Blum stays with Astros

Geoff Blum remained with the Houston Astros, as the infielder signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million Friday. The deal includes a mutual option for 2011 worth $1.65 million.

The 36-year-old Blum batted .247 with 10 homers and 49 RBI in 120 games last season.

The switch-hitter, who also played for Houston from 2002-03, is a career .250 hitter with 95 homers and 446 RBI.

"You get the consummate professional in Geoff, and anytime you can add that it makes your ballclub's lineup look better and makes the whole ballclub better," said new Astros manager Brad Mills. "The news that Geoff was coming back for next season was sure nice to hear."

The Astros also named Brad Arnsberg as pitching coach for the 2010 season. He served as the pitching coach for the Toronto Blue Jays the previous five seasons.

"Adding Brad Arnsberg to our staff represents a huge step in the right direction," Wade said. "Brad has a wealth of major league coaching experience and has a proven track record of success working with both veterans and younger pitchers. He is a key hire for the Astros."

Arnsberg was a member of the 1992 Triple-A Iowa team, which was managed by Mills.