Closer Brad Lidge and reliever Dan Wheeler agreed to one-year contracts with the Houston Astros on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration.
Lidge, an All-Star in 2005, signed for $3.975 million plus incentives, and Wheeler will get $930,000 plus incentives.
Lidge had a career-high 42 saves in 70 appearances for the NL champion Astros and was 4-4 with a 2.29 ERA. His 22 second-half saves tied a franchise record. For the last two seasons, Lidge has led all relievers in strikeouts -- 103 last season and 157 in 2004, a record for an NL reliever.
"Brad has been a huge part of our success the past few years," said Astros general manager Tim Purpura. "We are all real proud of the success he's had."
Astros Avoid Arbitration On Lidge And Wheeler





