Houston re-signed Brad Ausmus to a two-year, $4M contract last week. He will reportedly receive $1M in 2004 and $3M in 2005, but the salary jump represents a back-loading of the costs more than any expectation that Ausmus' performance will merit the raise.

The 34-year-old's skills haven't really changed over the last few years, so his batting average should drift up towards his career levels. However, the Astros didn't sign Ausmus expecting much at the plate. Houston feels his defense justifies the salary. As the Astros weren't going to allocate the sum necessary to acquire a stellar offensive catcher, I don't overly object to retaining a guy with Ausmus' defensive record and reported rapport with the pitching staff. Nevertheless, considering San Diego's pending trade to acquire Ramon Hernandez, I think Houston was generous, since Ausmus indicated he likely would retire if neither the Astros nor the Padres were interested in signing him. This contract could have been at least a $1M smaller.

In the last two weeks, Houston has also re-signed Jose Vizcaino and Dan Miceli. Vizcaino agreed to a one-year, $1.2M contract. Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle quotes Houston GM Gerry Hunsicker as saying, "I probably have more confidence in him at the plate when we need a big hit than I do anybody on our team." While that kind of twaddle frequently issues from the mouths of baseball executives, the Astros' organization is particularly prone to such misconceptions.

Vizcaino's skills are weak, he's aging, and Houston possesses an inexpensive alternative in Eric Bruntlett, who shares Vizcaino's position flexibility. Some rumors indicate that the Astros may trade or non-tender Geoff Blum, which would leave room for Bruntlett and Vizcaino on the bench while probably saving Houston over $1M. Even if the Astros choose to go that route, I can't endorse this acquisition as there are AAAA players available for minimum wage, who're capable of providing production similar to Vizcaino's.