The Astros have signed 27-year old lefty swinging outfielder Travis Buck. Buck played in 50 games for the Indians last year and he was 34 for 149 (.228 avg, .617 OPS) with 18 runs scored, 2 homers, 18 RBIs and 1 stolen base. He has now played in 220 games in his first five years in the majors and he is 181 for 736 (.246 avg, .727 OPS) with 92 runs scored, 20 homers, 89 RBIs and 8 stolen bases. Buck came to the right place as he tries to get his career back on the right path. He will have a good shot to make the Astros out of spring training next season.

The Houston Astros have signed 29-year old SS/2B Brian Bixler off waivers from the Nationals. He played in 79 games for the Nationals last year and he was 17 for 83 (.205 avg, .532 OPS) with 9 runs scored, 0 homers, 2 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Bixler has now played in 147 games in his first three years in the majors and he is 44 for 235 (.187 avg, .495 OPS) with 30 runs scored, 0 homers, 7 RBIs and 6 stolen bases. Bixler isn’t much of a hitter, but he’s very versatile in the field, so maybe he will be able to help them off the bench.

UPDATE: (12/14/2011) - The Astros have designated Brian Bixler for assignment.

UPDATE II: (12/15/2011) - Bixler has cleared waivers and has accepted an outright assignment to AAA.