Houston Astros Sign Shawn Chacon
February 21, 2008 by Kori Ellis
Filed under Baseball
The Houston Astros were looking to add another arm to their starting rotation and accomplished that goal by signing pitcher Shawn Chacon to a one-year deal. The 30-year-old was both a starter and a reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, but he’s expected to be used as solely a starter in Houston.
“He’s going to be in the mix,” said Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. “He’ll just be a starter. At this point in time, that’s the way we’re looking at it.”
While Roy Oswalt is the undisputed ace of the staff, the remaining spots in the rotation are up for grabs. Chacon along with Brandon Backe, Wandy Rodriquez, Chris Sampson and Woody Williams are expected to be the leading candidates to earn a spot in the rotation.
Chacon is mostly known for his time with the Colorado Rockies, where he made the All-Star team in 2003. The right-hander is looking to help the Astros find their way back into the playoffs in 2008.
