According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, the Houston Astros have signed three players to one-year contracts. Right-handed pitcher Cesar Carrillo ($414,000), infielder Matt Downs ($421,000) and right- handed pitcher Lance Pendleton ($414,000).  These were technical signings since all the players have less than the required service time to be eligible for salary arbitration.

Carrillo has played one Major League season with the Padres in 2009. He played only in three games. Downs hit .216/.294/.320 with 1 HR and 7 RBI’s in 97 AB’s with the Giants and Astros combined in 2010.