Sat Jan 19 19:14:27 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Astros avoid arbitration with P Geary

---

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Astros avoided arbitration with reliever Geoff Geary on Saturday as the two sides agreed to a $1.125 million contract.

The 31-year-old right-hander went 3-2 with a 4.41 earned run average in 57 games for Philadelphia in 2007. Geary was acquired in a five-player deal in November that sent right-hander Brad Lidge to the Phillies.

Over five years in the majors, all with Philadelphia, Geary is 13-4 in his career with a 3.94 ERA in 216 appearances.

Geary was the third arbitration-eligible player the Astros have signed, after infielder Ty Wigginton and pitcher Brandon Backe. Infielder Mark Loretta, closer Jose Valverde and right-handed reliever Dave Borkowski have yet to come to terms with Houston.