Happy Birthday - 12/18

Happy Birthday to ~

DH/1B/LF Chris Carter (28)
Originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 15th round in 2005, Carter came to the Astros, along with Brad Peacock and Max Stassi, in the February 2013 trade that sent Jed Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez to Oakland. In 145 games for Houston in 2014, Carter hit .227/.308/.491 with 21 doubles, one triple, 37 home runs (second in the AL) and 88 RBI. He dropped from first to second place in strikeouts in the league in 2014, letting Mike Trout have the honors for the year.

RHP Edison Frias (24)
Frias was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2011. Frias pitched for the Quad Cities team in 2014, compiling an 8-5 record with a 4.82 ERA and a 1.326 WHIP in 17 games (12 starts).

These former Astros celebrate the day as well ~

LHP Rudy Owens (27)
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the 28th round in 2006, Owens came to Houston in the 2012 trade that sent Wandy Rodriguez to Pittsburgh. Owens made his major league debut for Houston in a spot start on May 23, 2014, but otherwise pitched his entire season with AAA Oklahoma City. In 25 games (21 starts), he was 8-5 with a 4.33 ERA and a 1.252 WHIP. He recently signed with Oakland as a free agent.

OF Mike White (76)
Originally drafted from the Angels in the minor league draft in 1961, White played in 100 games for the 1963 and 1964 Colt .45's and the 1965 Astros, hitting .264/.311/.321.

RHP Jim Clancy (59)
A fourth round pick by the Rangers in 1974, Clancy signed with Houston as a free agent in December 1988. In 96 games (36 starts) for Houston from 1989 to 1991, he had a 9-25 record with a 5.03 ERA and a 1.478 WHIP. His best years were for the Toronto Blue Jays for whom he pitched for 12 seasons and won his one All-Star nod in 1982.

RHP Willie Blair (49)
Drafted by the Blue Jays in the 11th round in 1986, Blair came to Houston in a December 1991 trade with the Indians. In 29 games (eight starts) pitched for the Astros in 1992, he was 5-7 with a 4.00 ERA and a 1.258 WHIP. Most recently, he was the bullpen coach for the San Diego Padres in 2014.