Astros Decline Caminiti Option
Ken Caminiti's $5.5 million option was declined Wednesday by the Houston Astros, who chose to give the 1996 National League MVP a $500,000 buyout.
Caminiti, who left the team last month to undergo evaluation for chemical dependency, missed the final 97 games of the season after rupturing a tendon sheath in his right wrist.
"This is my home," Caminiti told KRIV-TV of Houston. "Unfortunately, things didn't work out here and I have to look elsewhere to play baseball. Right now, I'm just worried about taking care of my health and getting in shape.
"I appreciate all of their great support. While I've been booed out of the stadium in San Diego, Astros fans never did that to me. They have sent a lot of love."
He hit .303 in 59 games this year with 15 homers and 45 RBIs and becomes eligible for free agency.
"Ken has been a great player for this franchise and will forever be remembered as the ultimate gamer," Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker said. "He provided this city with many special moments and we wish him well."
Caminiti rose up through the Astros' minor league system and made his major league debut in 1987, quickly becoming a fan favorite. He was part of a 12-player trade with San Diego in 1994, then returned to Houston in 1999, turning down a $21.5 million, three-year offer from Detroit to accept a $9.5 million, two-year deal from the Astros.
Houston did exercise a $1.8 million option for 2001 on the versatile Bill Spiers, a year that could have been bought out for $300,000.
Spiers, 34, hit .301 in 124 games last season, playing second base, shortstop, third base, left field and right field.
Spiers also was Houston's most reliable batter off the bench, getting 10 pinch hits in 33 at-bats.
The Astros also re-hired all six coaches for next season and said bench coach Matt Galante and third base coach Mike Cubbage would switch duties.
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