Astros GM Ed Wade cleared up the confusion over closer Jose Valverde's age, calling it a discerpancy in paperwork. In the 2008 media guide, Valverde is listed as being born in 1979, when in fact, he was born in 1978.
"I can't remember when it was, but it was brought to our attention there was a discrepancy in his age," Wade said. "We corrected it on all our documents. We changed it to the appropriate date in the media guide. I can't remember how it was brought to our attention."
The Astros apparently are not too upset about the issue, considering Valverde is in the final three weeks of his contract. Valverde is still expected to seek a three year deal, and likely will not have trouble finding one. The Astros are not expected to pursue Valverde on the free agent market, but instead cash in on the draft picks by offering him arbitration.
Valverde has a 1.96 ERA in 44 games this season.