Astros sign Kyle Farnsworth; Option Paul Clemens

The Houston Astros have signed 38-year old reliever Kyle Farnsworth. Terms are currently undisclosed. What we do know is the 14-year veteran was unhappy with the New York Mets, and will move on to his 9th team in his career. Farnsworth is widely regarded as a risky character player with a friendly ceiling and he could possibly end up closing some games in 2014 for the Astros.

Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

In 19 appearances this season with the Mets, he posted a 3.18 ERA and registered 3 saves as well as 3 losses. The roster victim is the well traveled Paul Clemens. Well traveled within the system, of course. He will return to AAA Oklahoma City for the time being.

Clemens has a 4.08 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 9/6 K/BB ratio over 17 2/3 innings with the Astros this season. Given the state of the bullpen, he could be up in a matter of days or weeks, but he will be back with the big league club before too long.

The charismatic Farnsworth was recently outspoken about “wanting to find a (new) team where he can play (the Mets). The Astros add to the long list of teams Farnsworth has played for. In order, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, (Detroit again) Kansas City Royals*, (Atlanta again) Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Mets and now Houston.

*Quick Kyle Farnsworth story: When I worked as a BatBoy/Assistant Clubhouse Manager for the Texas Rangers AA Frisco RoughRiders, the Rangers and Royals played a preseason exhibition game at the AA venue. I sprinted into the borrowed Royals clubhouse to grab some extra sunflower seeds for first baseman Mike Jacobs and Farnsworth, who was not scheduled to pitch in the game, was in the clubhouse playing his PSP. Funny guy. Funny stuff. Now baseball…