Hawkins coming back to Houston

Hawkins coming back to Houston
Astros sign veteran right-hander to one-year deal

HOUSTON -- The Astros returned right-hander LaTroy Hawkins to their bullpen on Friday, signing the 35-year-old veteran to a one-year contract for $3.5 million plus incentives.

Hawkins finished the 2008 season with a 3-1 record, one save and a 3.92 ERA in 57 relief appearances with the Astros and Yankees. Acquired along with cash considerations on July 30 in exchange for Minor League infielder Matt Cusick, Hawkins went 2-0 with one save and a 0.43 ERA in 24 appearances for Houston. He did not allow an earned run in his first 22 games for the Astros, which tied for the fourth-longest streak in club history.

In 688 career games, including 98 starts, Hawkins is 59-77 with 76 saves and a 4.64 ERA. He has also played for the Twins (1995-2003), Cubs (2004-05), Giants (2005), Orioles (2006) and Rockies (2007) during parts of 14 Major League seasons.