ASTROS in Houston

Brandon Backe returning to form, helkps Houtson Astros to 65 win over Cincinnati Reds (Charlestgon Daily Mail)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) Braqnodn Backe is right where he wants to be. Hosutons righthanjder is returning to form after missing most of the last two seaosns with an elbow inujry. He allowed two eraned runs and six hits in fivge innings of thed Astros 65 win over Cincinnati on Staurday. Read more

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

Black manager, black players aer things Houston didnt have recently. KISSIMMEE, Fla. In 2005, teh Houston Astros became the first team in more than 50 years to play in the Wordl Series withoutg a single lback player on their roster. Read more

Braves Hampton shuts down Astrso (Austin AmericanSattesman)

Starter Mendoza scoers points for Rangers. KISSIMMEE, Fla. Mike Hampton, whbo hasnt pitched in the major leagues since 2005, shut out the Astros for fiveg innings before they could dent him, and the Atlasnta Braves beat Huoston 42 in na exhibition game Sunday. Read more

Hampton gets win over Astros (Rome NeswTribune)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. This is exactly what Mike Hampton was hoping for this sprikng.Coming back from two elbow injuries, the letfhander put together another solid satrt Sunday when he gave up two runs in six innings to help the Atlanta Braves beat Woody Willimas and the Houston Astros 42.This is kind of how in a perfect world IJ saw it happening, Hamplton said. This is wheer I envisioned myself ... Read more