Astros catcher Munson claimed by Brewers

[KFDM COOP]

Astros catcher Munson claimed by Brewers

Randolph, Ransom outrighted to Triple-A

The Astros cleared three more spots on their 40-man roster Monday when catcher Eric Munson was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers and infielder Cody Ransom and lefthander Stephen Randolph were outrighted to Class AAA Round Rock.

"It's the time of year to do this kind of housekeeping with the roster," said general manager Ed Wade, who arrived in Arizona on Monday to watch Astros' participants in the Arizona Fall League.

Munson, 30, appeared in 103 games for the Astros over the past two years and hit .235 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 50 games this year. The former first-round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers is career .214 hitter with 49 homers and 146 RBIs.

The Astros have a contract offer on the table for Brad Ausmus to return next year and they liked what they saw in September from rookie J.R. Towles. Humberto Quintero and Hector Gimenez could also be in the mix next spring at catcher.

"We're hopeful that Ausmus ends back with us, and obviously the way J.R. played for us indicates he's ready to step up to try to accept the challenge," Wade said. "That's not to say other moves aren't in the offing with catching, but we have to see what might be out there in the offseason."

Randolph, 33, appeared in 14 games this year, but couldn't put up the same kinds of numbers he did at Round Rock. He was 0-1 with a 12.15 ERA with the Astros, but was 10-2 with a 1.90 ERA with the Express and showed impeccable control.

Ransom, 31, was named the Most Valuable Player at Round Rock this year after hitting .260 with 28 homers and 90 RBIs and hit .229 with a homer in 19 games after being called up by the Astros. He tied a franchise record by scoring five runs Sept. 20.

"Both of them are eligible to be minor league free agents, so we'll have to see what conversations we have down the road with them towards possibly them coming back to the organization," Wade said.

Wade, who's in Arizona with assistant general managers Ricky Bennett and David Gottfried, was pleased with how the Astros prospects playing for the Mesa Solar Sox performed Monday night in a 9-3 win over Peoria.

Mitch Einertson went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer, shortstop Tommy Manzella scored a run and drove in a run and Towles went 1-for-2 with two runs scored. Josh Muecke pitched a scoreless inning in relief.

"It was a good performance by our kids," said Wade, who later this week will begin interviewing candidates for the vacant scouting director position.

[Wes57]

I think Towles played for Crosby. Could be a good one.

[Guest Orangeboy]

Alright, just another ex-Astro that can kick their tail 18 games a year.

[footballfan5261]

i dont see this as a big deal.. if JR Towles playes like he did in the end all season.