Astros off to a good start

Houston Astros general manager Tim Purpura promised to be aggressive in his pursuit of talent in the offseason. His first big move, signing free-agent left fielder Carlos Lee, was certainly a good one.

“El Caballo,” (the horse) as the 6-foot-2, 240 pound Lee is known to his teammates, brings right-handed pop to the Astros’ anemic lineup and provides much-needed protection for All-Star slugger Lance Berkman. In eight seasons, the 30-year-old Lee has blasted 221 home runs and driven in 772 runs. He also has a career batting average of .286.

Last season, Lee hit 37 homers and drove in 116 runs between stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers.

Other big moves could be in store. The Florida Marlins are reportedly interested in center fielder Willy Taveras. Will the Astros send Taveras, third baseman Morgan Ensberg and top minor league prospect Hunter Pence to the Marlins for All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera?

Stay tuned.