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Offseason Movement: The ‘Stros signed Aaron Boone in the offseason, but he recently announced that he’s scheduled to undergo open heart surgery and therefore his season, if not his career, is over. Houston also added pitchers Mike Hampton and Clay Hensley, as well as outfielder Jason Michaels and shortstop Jason Smith.

Top Prospect: Jason Castro, C
The 21-year old catcher was the first of five draft selections for Houston in 2008. Castro has flashed good plate discipline and if he develops, could add power to an already above-average bat. He probably won’t blow anyone away defensively, but he’s more than adequate behind the dish and should make a solid overall player in the future.

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Sometimes, a wedding reception can get out of hand and Brandon Backe can testify to that. The Houston Astro pitcher was among 10 people arrested during a brawl with police last weekend at a reception in Galveston, Texas. According to the Houston Chronicle, he ignored police orders to back away from a hotel barfight involving members of the wedding party.

Backe struggled with officers. One officer stated in the report that he hit Backe twice in the face before handcuffing him. The officer also reported that Backe smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. Both the officer and Backe sustained minor injuries during the fight, according to the police report.

Backe was charged with interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest. The Galveston County district attorney office announced that both charges are misdemeanors and he was released on a $1500 bond.