Happy Birthday - 8/29

OF Frederick Serrano (18)
From the Dominican Republic, Serrano was signed as a NDFA in 2011 and played his second season for the DSL in 2012. He hit .209/.293/.297 in 56 games which was an improvement over his .169 batting average for 2011.

Former Astros with birthdays today ~

RHP Roy Oswalt (35)
Drafted by Houston in the 23rd round in 1996, Oswalt pitched for Houston from 2001 until he was traded to Philadelphia for J.A. Happ, Jonathan Villar and Anthony Gose (flipped for Brett Wallace) in July 2010. In   303 games (291 starts), he was 143-82 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.196 WHIP. He came in second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2001 to some guy named Pujols. He was a three-time All-Star for Houston and the NLCS MVP in 2005 when he went 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA and a 0.857 WHIP.

OF Dave Nicholson (73)
Nicholson came to Houston in a trade with the White Sox prior to the 1966 season. In 100 games for the Astros, he hit .246/.356/.411.

LHP Dan Schneider (70)
Obtained in a trade with Atlanta in October 1966, Schneider played in 54 games for Houston in 1967 and in  six games for Houston in 1969 with a 6.00 ERA and a 1.800 WHIP.

Happy Birthday - 8/29

RHP Mark Jones (21)
Drafted in the 22nd round in 2009 out of high school, this is Mark's first season in the Appy League. The Pennsylvania native has struggled somewhat this season, compiling a 6.75 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP in 16 games over 24 IP. However, he is finishing strong with a 3.18 ERA over his last 6 outings.

OF Frederick Serrano (17)
From the Dominican Republic, Serrano was signed as a NDFA in 2011 and played this season in the DSL. He hit .169 over 59 AB; however, his hitting improved to .250 BA and a .429 OBP with RISP. With such a young player, there will be plenty of time and opportunity to improve.

Former Astros with Birthdays today:

OF Dave Nicholson (72) - played for Houston in 1966
LHP Dan Schneider (69) - played for Houston in 1967 & 1969
RHP Roy Oswalt (34) - played for Houston from 2001 to 2010