J.R. House signs with Royals??

by exit53 on Nov 30, 2008 12:32 PM CST

I guess I had no idea he was free. I don't know a whole lot about him, but always watched his stats. I'm surprised we weren't more aggressive with him.

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The Royals signed catcher J.R. House to a Minor League contract Saturday, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

House hit .306 with 25 doubles, 18 homers and 60 RBIs in 2008 for Round Rock, the Astros' Triple-A affiliate.

"They were the most aggressive about approaching me and wanting me, and I thought it was the best opportunity to play," the 29-year-old House told the paper. "It also seems they are going to give me the best chance to catch and find more ways to get in the lineup."

House was originally drafted by the Pirates in the fifth round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft. He has appeared in 32 big league games over parts of five seasons for the Pirates, Astros and Orioles.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081129&content_id=3695876&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou

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Crazily enough

Prior to injuries, it was once thought that the Pirates would move Jason Kendall to the outfield to make way for House.

I think the Astros were lax on fighting to keep him because he spent most of his time at first base last year in Round Rock and his age.

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by Stephen Higdon on Nov 30, 2008 10:39 PM CST reply actions

I think you are right.

If House has a major league future, I don’t think it is as a catcher. He played 1b, DH, and catcher with the Express, but his arm strength was affected by shoulder surgery a few years ago, making it tough for him to control the running game at the ML level. Perhaps he can get a job as an emergency catcher, PHer, and back up at 1b and DH in the AL. Maybe if he could play 3d base, he might have been more useful for the Astros. I recall a few spring training games last season when the Astros tried him at 3d base, but my recollection is that he had a tough time at the position.

by clack on Dec 1, 2008 7:05 AM CST up reply actions

House

has been all over the MiLB. He was with Express/Stros a few years ago and got called up for a few games. The following year, he was in the Orioles system, if I recall correctly. This year, back with the Express.

Utility guy at best. Somebody who’s a AAA heartthrob and then spends September on the 40-man.

by pel on Dec 1, 2008 10:35 PM CST reply actions

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