Roster Moves & Staff Changes - 1/12/12

The Astros claimed Fernando Martinez off waivers from the Mets.  This is a low-risk, high-reward signing of a player once considered an elite prospect, but who has been hampered by injuries.  Here is the story from Zachary Levine.

To make room for Martinez on the 40-man roster, the Astros designated Henry Villar for assignment.  Villar split his time in 2011 between Corpus and Oklahoma City.  In 42 appearances (7 starts), he was 4-5 with a 5.45 ERA and a 1.526 WHIP.  This winter he appeared in 10 games in relief for the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican League (in the regular season) where he had a 3.86 ERA and a 1.607 WHIP.

According to a tweet from Matt Eddy at Baseball America, the Astros signed RHP Hector Corpas who had been released by the Cardinals.  Here are his stats.  He didn't have good numbers in 2011, but if you look back at 2009, and particularly 2010, I can see why the Astros would be interested in him.  If he can even get close to the SO/9 and SO/BB ratio that he had in 2010, he could be a good addition, particularly since he just turned 22 a few days ago.

And finally, there were several changes in the coaching, scouting and player development staff.
Bench Coach - Joe Pattini (Al Pedrique out)
Special Asst. to GM in Player Development - Dan Radison
Special Asst. to GM in Scouting - Mike Elias
Catching & Advance Scouting Coordinator - Matt Sinatro

Bobby Heck and Fred Nelson will remain in place with their current titles.