HOUSTON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The Houston Astros, who have several promising young pitchers, again will have veteran catcher Brad Ausmus to work with them in 2003. He has exercised the option on his contract for the 2003 season.
Ausmus is in his second tenure with the Astros after being acquired from the Detroit Tigers in a six-player trade in December 2000.
In 2001, the Gold Glove Award winner batted .257 with six home runs and 50 RBI in 130 games.
"We're very pleased and excited about Brad returning for the 2003 season," said Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker. "He is an important part of our recent success, and in particular, he has been a major influence on our young pitching staff."
Ausmus, 33, who also played with the Astros in 1997-98, has a .259 batting average with 59 homers and 383 RBI in 1,171 games over 10 seasons.
Houston made the playoffs four of five years before finishing second in the National League Central with an 84-78 record in 2002. Their top three starters -- Roy Oswalt, Wade Miller and Carlos Hernandez -- will all be 26 or younger at the start of next season.
