Press release from the Astros today as they invited five players to spring training with a minor league contract:
OFs Reggie Abercrombie & John Gall,
RHP Clay Hensley
INFs Mark Saccomanno & Jason Smith
Smith has spent time in the Majors here and there since 2001 with the Cubs, Rays (back when the Devil was a part of their handle), Tigers, Rockies, Blue Jays, D'm'ndback' and Royals. Smith was non-tendered by the...yep, Royals on December 12 in order to clear room for Horacio Ramirez. He was a PCL All-Star in 2008.
Just so we're clear, Ed Wade has picked up the following players this off-season whose services were no longer required by Kansas City: Gil de la Vara, Tyler Lumsden, Jeff Fulchino, now Jason Smith.
Enjoy Kissimmee, fellas!
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
