Feliz agrees to $4.5M, 1-year contract with Astros

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Houston Astros landed a new third

baseman on the final day of the winter meetings, agreeing Thursday

to a $4.5 million, one-year contract with Pedro Feliz.

The 34-year-old hit .266 with 12 homers and 82 RBIs last season

for NL champion Philadelphia Phillies, who declined a $5.5 million

option for 2010 and opted to pay a $500,000 buyout. Philadelphia

then brought in Placido Polanco to replace him, agreeing to an $18

million, three-year deal.

"He's been an outstanding defensive player and a solid run

producer for his entire career," Astros general manager Ed Wade

said. "He played a premium position with a two-time World Series

participant and was a key part of the Phillies' success. We're

fortunate to have him on board."

Feliz is slated to take over from Geoff Blum, who started 94

games at third for Houston last season, and Jeff Keppinger, who

started 67.

"Geoff Blum has done a terrific job for us over the past two

seasons, and despite the acquisition of a regular third baseman, we

believe Geoff will get his at-bats with us and be a key contributor

all around the infield," Wade said. "It's been a good week for

us."

Houston bolstered its bullpen this week by acquiring Matt

Lindstrom in a trade with Florida and reached a preliminary

agreement with Brandon Lyon on a $15 million, three-year contract.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)