UT Matt Downs (28)
Originally drafted by the Giants in the 36th round in 2006 out of the University of Alabama, Downs became an Astro after being claimed off of waivers in August of 2010. Downs was put to good use in 2011, playing at 2B, 3B, 1B, RF and SS (and pinch-hitting) in 106 games. His batting line was .276/.347/.518/.864 with 18 doubles and ten home runs over 199 at-bats.
C Landon Powell (30)
The newest Astro, Powell was signed only last week after being released by the Oakland A's. A first round draft pick by Oakland out of the University of South Carolina in 2004, Powell has only played in 123 games over three seasons in the major leagues with a .207/.284/.328 batting line and a 40% caught stealing percentage. In the minor leagues, he has hit .256/.362/.430 to date, with a 47% caught stealing percentage. His health issues were well-documented in this excellent article by Steve Campbell. Also interesting is this Baseball-Reference piece about earlier attempts to sign Powell as a free agent back in 2000.
Former Astros with birthdays today ~
3B/2B Jose Castillo (31)
Claimed off waivers from Houston in 2008, Castillo played in 15 games for Houston that year, hitting .281/.314/.313/.627. In 2011, he played in Mexico and Japan.
UT Chuck Jackson (49)
Drafted by Houston in the 7th round in 1984, Jackson played in 81 games for Houston in 1987 and 1988, hitting .218/.281/.321. In 12 seasons in the minors, he hit .288/.369/.426.
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