Happy Birthday - 10/14

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Devonte German (19)
Drafted in the 11th round in 2013 out of high school in Reno Nevada, German only pitched in seven games for the Gulf Coast League Astros with unremarkable results. One thing is quite remarkable, though. The newly turned 19-year old is listed as 6'5" 240#. I can't wait to see this big guy in action next season.

Former Astros with birthdays today:

RHP Alberto Arias (30)
From the Dominican Republic, Arias was originally signed as a NDFA by Colorado and was picked up by Houston in 2008 as a waiver claim. In 45 appearances for Houston in 2008 and 2009, Arias had a 3.86 ERA and a 1.584 WHIP.

SS/2B Kiko Garcia (60)
Originally drafted by the Orioles in the third round in 1971, Garcia came to Houston in an April 1981 trade with Baltimore. In 82 games for the Astros in 1981 and 1982, Garcia hit .250/.295/.325.

C Carl Nichols (51)
A fourth round pick by Baltimore in 1980, Nichols came to Houston in a March 1989 trade and played for the Astros for three seasons, from 1989 to 1991. In 60 games, he hit .186/.271/.239. After his retirement, he coached at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California.

IF Dave Hajek (46)
Signed by Houston as an amateur free agent in 1989, Hajek got a couple of cups of coffee as he played in a total of 13 games for the Astros in 1995 and 1996, hitting .250/.400/.333. In 10 minor league seasons, he hit  .301/.344/.408. In 2013, he was the hitting coach for the Rockies AAA team.