Monday, March 5, 2012

Happy Birthday - 3/5

LHP Steven Dennison (23)
Dennison was drafted by the Marlins in 2010 and failed to sign so the Astros picked him up as a NDFA in 2011.  The big (6'7" 225 lbs.) lefty made 14 appearances for the GCL Astros in 2011 with an 0-1 record, a 3.93 ERA and a 1.582 WHIP.  He struggled in June, but in July and August he improved to a 2.30 ERA and a 1.404 WHIP.  Dennison is the son of Texans offensive coordinator and former Broncos linebacker Rick Dennison.

1B/3B Mike Hessman (34)
Originally drafted by Atlanta in the 15th round in 1996, Hessman signed a minor league contract as a free agent with the Astros February 2, 2012.  He has played parts of 5 seasons in the major leagues, most recently with the Mets in 2010.  He played in Japan in 2011.

One former Astro with a birthday today ~

CF Brian Hunter (41)
A second draft round pick for the Astros, Brian started his major league career in Houston (1994-1996) and ended it in Houston (2002-2003), but played for five other teams in between.  He had a .278/.314/.377/.691 batting line in 370 games for Houston.  His best season at the plate was 1995 when he hit .302 in 78 games.  Per Baseball-Reference, he was part of this trade to Detroit in December of 1996:
December 10, 1996: Traded by the Houston Astros with Doug BrocailTodd JonesOrlando Miller and cash to the Detroit Tigersfor Brad AusmusJose LimaTrever MillerC.J. Nitkowski and Daryle Ward.
He led the American League in stolen bases in 1997 and 1999.

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