Said Wade: “That’s why we felt it was appropriate to let the agents know up front. The right way to handle this was to create a deadline. In order for us to be men of our words, we will stick by the deadline.”

Valverde was acquired in the offseason and is expected to be the closer for the Astros in 2008. Last year for the Arizona Diamondback, Valverde had 47 saves and an ERA of 2.66. Loretta will enter his second season with the Astros this year. Last season, the infielder hit .287 with four homeruns and 41 RBIs.

The arbitration hearing will take place on Feb. 1 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Post from: EveryJoe

Astros Head to Arbitration with Valverde and Loretta

The 30-year-old from Detroit, Michigan will enter his third season with the Astros in 2008. During the 2007 campaign, Borkowski had five wins, three losses and a save while posting a 5.15 ERA. In 2006, he had three wins, two losses and a 4.69 ERA.

The Astros still have two arbitration-eligible players in pitcher Jose Valverde and infielder Mark Loretta.

Post from: EveryJoe

Astros Sign Dave Borkowski