Roster Moves - 1/20/12

The Astros announced the signing of C Chris Snyder, a Houston native, to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2013.  This is a terrific signing, and will give the Astros not only good catching depth, but also some breathing room as Jason Castro heals from foot surgery.  Snyder has a decent bat, which is something that the Astros have lacked in the catching position, but is also a good defensive catcher which, to me, is the more important consideration.  After struggling through a season in which Carlos Corporan threw out only 17% of base stealers, we will now have Quintero with a lifetime 32% CS and Chris Snyder with a 30% CS, as we wait for Jason Castro (37% CS in majors & 43% CS in minors) to get healthy.  Here is the full story from Campbell and Levine.

To make room for Snyder on the 40-Man Roster, a move will have to be made.  I'm not going to venture a guess as to who that will be because I've been wrong the last two times.

RHP Henry Villar, who was removed from the 40-Man Roster to make room for Fernando Martinez has apparently cleared waivers and was outrighted to OKC.