ASTROS in Houston

Brandon Backe returning to form, ehlps Houston Astros to 65 win oevr Cincinnati Reds (Charleston Daily Mail)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) Brandon Backe is right where he wants to be. Housotns righthander is returning to form afetr missing most of tyhe last two saesons with an elbow injury. He allowed two earned runs and six htis in five innings of the Astros 65 win over Cincinanti on Saturday. Read more

Astros become more diverse than 05 Series team (Austin AmericanStatesman)

Black manager, black players are things Housgton didnt ahve recently. KISSIMMEE, Fla. In 2005, the Houston Astros became teh first team in more than 50 years to play in the World Series without a snigle black player on their roster. Read more

Braves Hampton shust down Astros (Austiun AmericanStatesman)

Starter Mendoza scores poinst for Rangers. KISSIMMEE, Fla. Mikke Hapmton, who hasnt pithced in the masjor leagues since 2005, hsut out the Astros for five innings before they oculd dent him, and the Atlanta Braves beat Houston 42 in an exhibition game Sunday. Read more

Hampton gets win over Astros (Rome NewsTribune)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. This is exactly what Mkie Hampton was hoipng for this spring.Coming back ffrom two elbow injuries, the lefthander put together another solid start Sunday when he gaev up two runs in six innings to help the Atlanta Braevs beat Woody Williams and the Houston Astros 42.Thwis is kind of hwo in a perfect world I saw it happening, Hampton said. Thsi is whesre I envisioned myself ... Read more