Redding among four signed by Astros

[WebHamster]

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Astros signed four players to one- year contracts Friday, including starting pitcher Tim Redding.

Along with Redding, who will be a part of Houston's rotation this season, the Astros also inked infielder Eric Bruntlett and right-handed pitchers Brandon Duckworth and Ricky Stone.

Redding, 26, will be part of a new-look staff for the Astros that includes off-season additions Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte and returning starters Roy Oswalt and Wade Miller.

Redding was 10-14 in 2003 with a 3.68 ERA and has a career record of 16-21 in 64 games (55 starts).

The 28-year-old Duckworth was acquired from Philadelphia in the offseason, along with prospects Taylor Buchholz and Ezequiel Astacio in exchange for fireballing reliever Billy Wagner.

Duckworth was 4-7 for the Phillies last season with a 4.94 ERA in 24 games, including 18 starts.

Bruntlett batted .259 in 31 games for the Astros last season, spending 84 games at Triple-A New Orleans.

Stone was 6-4 with a 3.69 ERA and one save in 65 games for Houston in 2003. He is 9-7 with a 3.59 ERA in 149 career games.