HOUSTON -- The Astros have high hopes for J.R. Towles in 2008, but recognizing that the 23-year-old rookie will need some seasoning, the club signed Brad Ausmus to a one-year deal to serve as a backup catcher and mentor to the No. 1 backstop.Ausmus will be paid a base salary of $2 million but can make more in incentive bonuses based on playing time.
"If his role were to mirror what it's been the last couple years, his salary will be raised closer to what it was in the past," general manager Ed Wade said.
Ausmus earned $4 million in 2006 and $3.5 million in '07.
Ausmus is a terrible hitter, but a good defender, blah blah blah..... These days, 2 million seems chump change for a backup who might have some value based on his glove, and given his previous salaries, the diminished expectations for him are clear. Let's see what kind of opportunities the Astros give Towles, one of the few bright spots remaining in their farm system.
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