Russ Ortiz - Timeline

Astros Trades & Transactions

Jan 13, 2009:	Signed Russ Ortiz (P) as a free agent.
Jul 30, 2009:	Released Russ Ortiz (P).

This Date in Astros History

Feb 25, 2009:

Third base prospect Chris Johnson mashes a home run estimated at up to 600 feet in the 6-3 victory over the Washington Nationals that opens the spring schedule. Reclamation projects Mike Hampton and Russ Ortiz get off to good starts, each tossing a pair of shutout innings.

Mar 20, 2009:

After winning their first spring game of the year, the Astros fail to win their next 19 Grapefruit League contests until beating the Reds, 4-2, behind six shutout innings from Russ Ortiz. It comes the same day as the Astros sign catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez to a one-year deal. The 37-year-old Rodriguez is a 14-time All-Star with 13 Gold Gloves and fills a need as none of the other catchers in camp were hitting above .200 in spring action.