Astros Avoid Arbitration with Jose Valverde

The Houston Astros avoided arbitration with closer Jose Valverde by inking him to a one year, $8 million contract. The hard throwing right handed Valverde had a very slow start to the 2008 season, but really settled down to return to his premiere closing position by the end of the season. Valverde, who lost his arbitration claim prior to the 2008 season, was also probably happy to avoid the arbitration process and chose one year certainty over a repeat of 2008. Valverde made $4.7 million in 2008, so the $8 million is quite a raise for the organization. The Astros now are able to move toward signing their other arbitration eligble players knowing what their most expensive player in that process is going to make.