2007 Houston Astros season

The 2007 Houston Astros season was the 46th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 43rd as the Astros, 46th in the National League (NL), 15th in the NL Central division, and eighth at Minute Maid Park, the Astros entered the season as having finished in second place in the NL Central division with an 82–80 record and 1+1⁄2 games behind first place, a sixth consecutive winning season.

Houston began their season on April 2 while pitcher Roy Oswalt made his fifth consecutive Opening Day start.^[d] They hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates and were defeated, 4–2, in extra innings. The Astros' top selection in the June amateur draft was infielder Derek Dietrich, during the third round.

With a 5-for-5 performance on June 28, second baseman Craig Biggio achieved his 3,000th career hit. He became the 27th player in major league history to reach the milestone, the ninth major leaguer to assemble all 3,000 with the same team, and first Astro. Five days later, Biggio doubled to become the 25th major leaguer to attain 1,000 extra-base hits.

Outfielder Carlos Lee (third career selection) and Oswalt (second) represented the Astros at the MLB All-Star Game. On August 26, the club officially retired the jersey number 5 of the one Astros' core members of the Killer B's along with Biggio, former first baseman Jeff Bagwell.

The Astros dismissed manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura on August 27, 2007. Cecil Cooper was chosen to replace Garner on an interim basis, while Ed Wade replaced Purpura on September 20.

On September 30, Biggio made his final major league appearance as a player, having announced his retirement on July 24.

The Astros concluded the season with a 73–89 record, in fourth place and 12 games behind first place. It was the first time since 2000 that Astros had not finished in first or second place in their division, and just the second time since moving to the NL Central. It was also just the second time since 1993 that they had not achieved a winning record. This was also the Astros' first losing season since 2000.

Following the season, Biggio was recognized with the Roberto Clemente and Heart & Hustle Awards, Lee earned his second career Silver Slugger Award, and outfielder Hunter Pence was selected to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team.

The Houston Astros finalized the 2006 campaign with an 82–80 (.506) record, trailing the St. Louis Cardinals—that year's World Series champion—by 1+1⁄2 games. The Astros also trailed the Los Angeles Dodgers by six games for the Wild Card title.^[1]

The Astros declined their option for the 2007 season for first baseman Jeff Bagwell on October 31, who, due to an arthritic shoulder condition, had last appeared in game action during the 2005 World Series. Instead, the option was bought out for $7 million.^[2] On December 15, 2006, Bagwell officially announced his retirement.^[3]

Pitchers Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens both filed for free agency on November 6 and re-joined the New York Yankees. To make up for losing those key players, they signed pitcher Woody Williams, and traded with the Colorado Rockise for Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio.

• November 24, 2006: Signed free agent outfielder Carlos Lee to six-year, $100 million contract.^[4] Signing Lee was the largest offseason move the Astros made, and the $100 million contract award was the most in franchise history.^[5]
• January 3, 2007: Signed infielder Mark Loretta would sign a contract worth $2.5 million.^[6]
• January 12: Signed outfielder Richard Hidalgo to a Minor League Baseball contract.
• March 6: Signed second baseman Jose Altuve as an amateur free agent.^[7]
• March 24: Released outfielder Richard Hidalgo.

One of the most anticipated events for the Houston Astros during the 2007 season was the inevitable 3,000th hit of Craig Biggio's career. Biggio concluded the 2006 campaign with 2,930 total hits. In his 20th season,^[8] he had played longer for the club than anyone and accumulated numerous team records.^[9]

The Astros hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates for Opening Day, which took place on April 2. Astros starter Roy Oswalt and Pirates starter Zach Duke exchanged shutout ball for the first four innings. Oswalt went 7+2⁄3 innings, diffusing five hits and one base on balls with one run surrendered. During the bottom of the fifth, Luke Scott deposited a Duke offering for home run and open a 2–0 lead. Craig Biggio lined a single off Jonah Bayliss during the bottom of the eighth inning to obtain his first safety of the season, and he concluded the day 1-for-4. In the top of the ninth, Xavier Nady took Brad Lidge offering deep to left to tie the contest, 2–2. In the top of the tenth inning, Jason Bay homered off Chad Qualls as Pittsburgh took the lead, 4–2. Reliever Salomón Torres retired the Astros in order in the bottom of the tenth to seal the Pirates' victory and earn the save, while Qualls was the losing pitcher.^[12] Biggio extended his club-record 19th Opening Day starts, including a 14th at second base, also a club record. His first three were at catcher, while he also made two as the center fielder. Meanwhile, Oswalt, who made his fifth consecutive Opening Day start, tied J. R. Richard, Mike Scott, and Shane Reynolds for the club record among starting pitchers.^[13]

Shortstop Adam Everett connected for a go-ahead home run on April 9 in the eighth inning off Bob Howry of the Chicago Cubs and set up an eventual 5–3 Astros' win. The drive was the 34th of Everett's career, which set a franchise record for the position, surpassing Dickie Thon, who was the club's shortstop from 1981–1987.^[14] Biggio doubled twice, and Chris Burke, Morgan Ensberg, Carlos Lee and Luke Scott each also doubled. Lance Berkman drew a base on balls and clipped a sacrifice fly. Chad Qualls was charged a blown save off an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh, but Everett's deep drive helped convert that to a victory. Rick White followed with a scoreless eighth for the hold, and Dan Wheeler earned his first save with a perfect ninth.^[15]

Imitated April 9, Berkman generated a 28-game on-base scintilla that represented a season high for the club, spanning until May 10. Berkman attained 25 hits, 31 walks, one hit by pitch during this stretch, slashing .319 / .484 / .457 / .942, four home runs and 18 RBI.^[e][16]

The Astros realized a number of milestones April 13 versus the Philadelphia Phillies. New outfielder Carlos Lee made an early impact with Houston, connecting for the only three-home run game of his major league career. A prolific grand slam artist, he also hit his first in an Astros uniform, and 10th of his career. The drive came in the top of the third inning, putting Houston ahead, 5–3.^[17] Lee collected six runs batted in (RBI), the fourth such output of his career, and was the most for Lee during his Astros tenure,^[18] leading a 9–6 Astros victory. Morgan Ensberg added a three-run blast in the fourth inning for his first of year to combine with Lee to induce all of Houston's damage. Craig Biggio roped his 641st double to take over eighth place from Honus Wagner on baseball's all-time list.^[19] The Astros collected eight hits and drew eight bases on balls. Though he surrendered six walks and all six runs, Roy Oswalt picked up his second win of the season,^[20] and the 100th of his career.^[19]

Biggio connected for his third career grand slam on April 20, and first since July 24, 1994. The drive was off Greg Aquino at Miller Park in top of the ninth inning to break a 2–2 tie with the Milwaukee Brewers.^[21] However, this just the start of what resulted in a wild ninth inning. During the bottom of the ninth, Brad Lidge surrendered a three-run bomb to Prince Fielder to cut Houston's lead to 6–5. After Johnny Estrada doubled, Trever Miller replaced Lidge, and issued an intentional base on balls to Corey Hart. Chad Qualls then entered and induced a ground out from Gabe Gross to end the contest and Astros victory. Rick White (1–0) tossed a scoreless seventh and eighth to pick up the victory and Qualls earned his first save.^[22]

Starting April 23, Biggio forged a 14-game on-base streak, representing a personal season-high, and tied for fifth on the club for the season. Biggio slashed .305 / .364 / .525 / .899, collected 18 hits and 6 walks. He swatted four doubles, three triples, one home run and 7 RBI.^[e][16]

Biggio logged his 2,950th career hit on April 24.^[23]

On April 28, the Astros purchased the contract of Hunter Pence, the organization's top prospect from Triple-A affiliate, and made his debut that night where he got his first career hit and run scored.

Pence connected for a grand slam on May 5 for his first MLB home run, off a Dennis Dove offering, with the blast at Busch Stadium. Hit in the top of the eight inning, it scored Chris Burke, Orlando Palmeiro and Luke Scott. The Astros' lead swelled to 13–0 over the St. Louis Cardinals.^[24]

On May 9, 40-year-old Houston native Woody Williams got his first win in his eighth appearance in an Astros uniform. He had carved out a 14-year career with three different clubs prior to signing with the Astros during the offseason. Williams assisted his own cause by blooping a single into right field for the game-winning run batted in (RBI) to decide a 3–2 score over the Cincinnati Reds.^[25]

In backing up Roy Oswalt on May 12, Craig Biggio smashed his 647th double to pass Carl Yastrzemski into seventh place all-time in major league history. Meanwhile, Houston cruised to a 10–4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.^[26]

Carlos Lee walloped his first walk-off home run as a member of the Astros on May 15, and third of his career, going deep against Jonathan Sánchez and clinching the Astros' 6–5 win.^[f][27]

For the just the third time in his career, on May 17, Biggio struck out four times in a game. It was his first golden sombrero since August 20, 1999.^[28]

However, on May 26, just nine days following his third career four-strikeout game, Biggio attained his fourth career golden sombrero.^[28]

By May 2007, the Astros had suffered one of their worst losing streaks since the 1995 season with 10 losses in a row, losing 4–3 to Cincinnati on May 30. The Astros were just one loss shy of tying their worst skid in franchise history, before snapping that streak the next day, also against the Reds.

Hunter Pence batted .343 / .372 OBP / .593 SLG, four home runs, 19 RBI, nine doubles, three triples, and 64 total bases over the month of May, his first full month in the major leagues.^[29] Thus, Pence received NL Rookie of the Month accolades, the third player in club history, and first since Kirk Saarloos in May 2002.^[30]

Commending June 6, Mark Loretta formulated an on-base streak of 18 contests, second-highest the club for the season to Berkman's 28 started April 9. Loretta slashed .305 / .364 / .525 / .899, accumulating 24 hits, 14 bases on balls and a hit by pitch. The streak lasted until June 24. Loretta swatted eight doubles and 11 RBI.^[e][16]

On June 12, the Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics for the first time in team history.

Second baseman Craig Biggio swiped an extra innings RBI double on June 24, which, at that point, raise the Astros' lead to 12–9 after having surrendered two separate leads. The 658th of his career, the double made Biggio the all-time leader among right-handed batters in major league history.^[31]

Having completing a 2–7 road trip, the Astros returned to Minute Maid Park to commence an 11-game homestand on June 28. The first team they would host was the Colorado Rockies. Though his batting average stood at .238 for the season, Biggio's career hit count was at 2,997.^[8]

For the climax of a 5-for-5 performance on June 28 at Minute Maid Park, Biggio planted his 3,000th career hit during the seventh inning against the Rockies. Biggio became the 27th player in MLB history to do so, the ninth to accumulate all 3,000 with the same team, and first Houston Astro.^{[g][28][32][33]} Number 3,000 was a single off Aaron Cooke that drove in Brad Ausmus for one of eight runs in an 8–5 Astros win.^[33] Additionally, Biggio became the eighth player in club history to accumulate multiple five-hit performances.^[h][34]

In the seventh, Biggio drilled Cooke's 2–0 offering into right field to the right-center field gap. Having accumulated more than 600 doubles, Biggio kept going after the single, and was gunned down attempting to take second^[32] by his former teammate, Willy Taveras. However, Biggio did not leave the field for another five minutes as the 42,537 fans roared their approval while a banner exhibiting "Biggio" and "3,000" unfurled on the outfield wall. In succession, Biggio was mobbed by Astros teammates, and his wife, Patty, daughter, Quinn, and bat boy sons, Conor and Cavan, each converged with Biggio to a lengthy standing ovation.^[8]

Fellow "Killer B" Jeff Bagwell, who played first base for Houston alongside Biggio for 15 seasons, also emerged from the dugout to congratulate him. The Astros fans, who had momentarily quieted as play was about to resume, swelled into cheers again the moment Biggio dragged Bagwell onto the playing field and to the first base line. "The thing with Baggy is that he and I worked so hard here for this city and for this organization," Biggio remarked. "We made so many sacrifices as far as playing the game and giving your body to a city, a team." Together, they bowed to the crowd as Bagwell raised Biggio's arm and returned to the dugout.^[35]

Moreover, Biggio's milestone safety occurred one day before the 19th anniversary of his first major league hit—also a single—off Orel Hershiser on June 29, 1988. During regulation, Biggio also plugged singles in each of the third, fifth, and ninth innings.^[32]

In the bottom of the 11th inning, with Colorado having taken a 5–4 lead, Biggio mustered an infield single for his fifth safety of the day, which kicked off a two-out rally against Rockies closer Brian Fuentes. Hunter Pence doubled, and Lance Berkman reached on a hit by pitch, to push Biggio to third base. Carlos Lee then struck a towering walk-off grand slam deep to left to win it for the Astros, 8–5, while bringing home Biggio on the play as the game-tying run.^[36]

The slam, Lee's second of the season, was the second of extra-innings walk-off grand slam of his career.^[17] "El Caballo" would become the only major leaguer with as many as three extra-inning grand slams during his major league career.^[37]

Inserted to protect the Rockies' lead on June 29 for a second consecutive evening, Fuentes entered for the bottom of ninth with the Rockies ahead, 8–7. Fuentes retired Houston's first two batters. Next, Fuentes walked Lee, the previous game's walk-off hero, on four pitches. However, Mark Loretta indicated checkmate by punching a walk-off home run deep to left for a 9–8 Houston victory. Earlier, Berkman tripled, homered and dove in three to provide major platform for the win. Catcher Eric Munson picked up 2 RBI. Dave Borkowski (2–3) hurled the final inning to pick up the victory.^[38] The walk-off home run was the second of Loretta's career, and first since April 17, 2006.^[39] For the first time in franchise history, the Houston capped successive contests with walk-off home runs.^[40]

With a leadoff double on July 2, Craig Biggio attained the 1,000th extra-base hit of his career, during a 7–5 triumph over Philadelphia. Woody Williams (4–10) delivered a quality start (6 IP, 3 ER) to earn the victory. Hunter Pence homered in the bottom of the fifth inning.^[41] Biggio became the 25th Major Leaguer to attain 1,000 extra-base hits, with Rafael Palmeiro having been the most recent entrant.^[i][42]

Pence slugged his first career walk-off home run on July 3, a fly ball to deep center field. The drive was off a José Mesa offering to seal a 5–4 triumph over Philadelphia in the bottom of the 13th inning.^[24]

On July 24, Biggio announced that he would be retiring at the end of the 2007 season, his 20th season with the club (and a franchise record). He hit a grand slam in that night's game which broke a 3–3 tie and sparked an Astros' 7–4 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers.^[43] Biggio's fourth career slam—and second of the campaign—it arrived thirteen years to the day of his most recent prior to 2007.^[21]

On July 28, the Astros traded RHP Dan Wheeler to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for right-handed slugger 3B Ty Wigginton and cash considerations. He was signed through 2009. On July 29, long time and former All-Star third baseman Morgan Ensberg was designated for assignment to make room for newly acquired Wigginton.

Biggio golfed the final home run of his career on August 21, a leadoff shot to left field at Minute Maid Park off Joe Hanrahan of the Washington Nationals.^[21] This was the precursor to a big game for the future Hall of Famer, who went 3-for-6 with a double and 4 RBI. However, the Nationals were too powerful during this contest, scoring each frame between the fourth and seventh innings. Nook Logan countered with 5 hits and Ryan Zimmerman collected 4 RBI as the Nationals routed Houston, 11–6.^[44] It was Biggio's third bout of the season having picked up four RBI, establishing career high.^[28]

On August 26, the club officially retired Bagwell's jersey number 5 prior to the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the eighth player in Astros history to have his number retired.^[45] Three first bases were used in the game, each embossed with a commemorative insignia that said, "No. 5, Jeff Bagwell jersey retirement, Aug. 26, 2007." One was given to Bagwell and the other two were auctioned to raise funds on behalf of the Astros in Action Foundation.^[46]

On August 27, manager Phil Garner and General Manager Tim Purpura were relieved of their duties. Bench coach Cecil Cooper^[47] and Houston's former general, Tal Smith, were named as temporary replacements, respectively. First base coach José Cruz assumed the role as bench coach in Cooper's stead for the remainder of the campaign.^[48]

Outfielder Josh Anderson made his major league debut on September 2 at Wrigley Field during the sixth inning. He struck out in his only at bat against the Cubs.^[49]

Beginning September 7, Mark Loretta authored the Astros' season-high 15-game hitting streak, during which he hit .420 (21-for-50). Loretta's hitting streak extended through the final day of the season. This was the longest on the team since Willy Taveras strung together a club-record 30 from July 27–August 27, 2006,^[50] On September 7, Loretta led a cadre of five Astros each with a multi-hit effort (Pence, Berkman, Luke Scott and Ty Wigginton). The New York Mets routed the Astros, 11–3, in spite of the Houston outhitting New York, 13–12. Former Astro Carlos Beltrán (28) took Wandy Rodríguez (8–13) deep.^[51]

Anderson logged his first major league hit on September 14 in a 4–3 defeat to the Pirates,^[49] an infield hit to shortstop off Ian Snell during the third inning. In the bottom of the eighth, Anderson singled to left field off Shawn Chacón to plate Cody Ransom for his first RBI.^[52] This was the premier of four successive multiple-hit contests, which also spearheaded a nine-game hitting streak.^[49]

During his first career 5-hit performance on September 16,^[53] Anderson led the Astros to 15–3 triumph over Pittsburgh. Chris Burke went deep (6), collected three hits and four RBI. Cody Ransom (1) and Wigginton (22) also went deep. Starter Brandon Backe (1–1) earned his first win of the year and swatted two hits.^[54] Anderson also showcased his first 3-RBI game.^[53]

On September 17, in a 6–0 loss to the Brewers the Astros were officially eliminated from the 2007 playoffs.

On September 20, Ed Wade was named as the new General Manager of the Astros. He made his first move as GM by trading Jason Lane to the Padres on September 24.

In just his sixth major league game, on September 20, catcher J. R. Towles established a single-game club record with eight runs batted in (RBI). Towles doubled twice, homered, and drew a base on balls and hit by pitch on the way to leading an 18–1 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals ^[j][55] This margin of victory also represented the largest in club history.^[19]

Towles also ended each of his first 41 plate appearance and 38 at bats in the major leagues without having been retired via strikeout, a streak that concluded on September 28 versus the Atlanta Braves. He had made his major league debut on on September 5 in a 14–2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.^[56] These streaks were second to the franchise records of 43 plate appearances and 41 at bats established by infielder Alex Taveras on September 29, 1976.^[57]

During the regular season finale on September 30 at Minute Maid Park, Craig Biggio retired, ending a 20-year playing career with the Astros, also his final game on the field.^[58] He was 1-for-4. During the bottom of the first inning, Biggio doubled off Buddy Carlyle (8–7) as the each of Houston first five batters reached base. Carlos Lee hit a two-run single that scored Biggio, and Hunter Pence doubled to deep left center field, scoring Lance Berkman to give the Astros a 3–0 advantage. This remained as the margin in a 3–0 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Felipe Paulino (2–1) tossed six scoreless innings to pick up the win, while Dave Borkowski struck out the side in the top of the ninth to earn his only major league save.^[59]

Anderson appeared in 15 of the Astros' final 16 games. In 14 of those, he logged at least one base hit, and ended the season with a five-game hitting streak.^[49]

The Astros won five of their final six games of the season, and 10 of 15.^[60]

The Houston Astros concluded the 2007 season with a record of 73–89, in fourth place in the NL Central division, and 12 games behind the division-champion Cubs,^[60] for their first season with a losing record since 2000 (72–90). The prior six consecutive winning seasons at the time was the second-longest streak in club annals, with each resulting in either a first or second place standing.^[k] Moreover, beginning in 1992, the 2000 and 2007 campaigns represented the only occasions in which Houston had finished below .500 overall, part of one of the most successful periods in franchise history.^[61]

Having produced a home record of 42–39, it was the seventh consecutive season the club concluded with a winning record at Minute Maid Park.^[60]

Biggio retired as one of three Major Leaguers having reached or exceeded each of 2,500 hits, 500 doubles, 400 stolen bases, and 250 home runs. The other two players are Rickey Henderson and Barry Bonds. Biggio also held, at the time, the most doubles by a right-handed batter in Major League history (668).^[l][62]

Outfielder Carlos Lee won his second career Silver Slugger Award and first as a Houston Astro. Lee became the third outfielder to be recognized as a member of the Astros, joining José Cruz (1983 and 1984) and Moisés Alou (1998). The most recent winner at any position for the club was Morgan Ensberg in 2005.^[63]

For the first time since 2002, the Astros had two sluggers reach the 30-home run mark (Berkman, Lee). During his first year as an Astro of six after having signed as a free agent over the offseason, Lee also drove in a career-best 119 runs. Rookie Hunter Pence added 17 home runs, at the time, the third-highest for a rookie in club history,^[60] following Berkman (21 in 2000) and Glenn Davis (20 in 1985).

Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

• Craig Biggio: 3,000 hit club (June 28)^[35]

• Houston Astros jersey number 5 retrired: Jeff Bagwell

• Baseball Digest Rookie All-Star—Outfielder: Hunter Pence
• Darryl Kile Good Guy Award:^[67] Woody Williams
• Fred Hartman Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Baseball:^[68] Jackie Moore
• Heart & Hustle Award:^[69] Craig Biggio
• Houston-Area Major League Player of the Year:^[68] Josh Beckett (BOS)
• Houston Astros Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award:^[70] Carlos Lee
• Houston Astros Pitcher of the Year:^[68] Roy Oswalt
• Houston Astros Rookie of the Year:^[68] Hunter Pence
• MLB All-Stars:
  • Reserve outfielder—Carlos Lee
  • Reserve pitcher—Roy Oswalt
• MLB.com's This Year in Baseball 2007 Moment of the Year^[62]—Craig Biggio, 3,000th hit
• NL Player of the Week:^[71]
  • May 20—Hunter Pence
  • July 1—Craig Biggio
• NL Rookie of the Month^[30]—May: Hunter Pence
• Roberto Clemente Award:^[72] Craig Biggio
• Silver Slugger Award—Outfielder:^[73] Carlos Lee
• Topps All-Star Rookie Team—Outfielder: Hunter Pence

• Career grand slam leaders
• List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders
• List of Major League Baseball career extra base hits leaders
• List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders
• List of Major League Baseball players who spent their entire career with one franchise
• List of Major League Baseball retired numbers

• Game logs:

1st half: Houston Astros Game Log on ESPN.com

2nd half: Houston Astros Game Log on ESPN.com

• Batting statistics: Los Houston Astros Batting Stats on ESPN.com
• Pitching statistics: Houston Astros Pitching Stats on ESPN.com
• 2007 Houston Astros at Baseball Reference