Astros Like Patterson?

Now that the Nationals have released pitcher John Patterson, the Astros are expressing interest in signing him. "We'll take a look at it and see if anything makes sense," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. The 2007 Nationals Opening Day starter must clear waivers, but many are expecting that the Astros will jump in and sign him when he is a free agent. Patterson struggled last season going 1-5 with a 7.47 ERA in 7 games, but was 9-7 with a 3.13 ERA with the Nationals in 2005. If healthy, he has the makings to be a bottom end of the rotation starter for the Astros weak rotation.