Hawkins,Tejada File for Free Agency

Relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, who has played the last year and a half with the Houston Astros, told FOX 26 Sports in a text message that he filed for free agency Friday.

"It's standard procedure to file," said Larry Reynolds, Hawkins' agent. "You want to see what doors are open without closing any.

"The Astros have been very good to LaTroy. He wants to see what others think of him."

In 65 games last season Hawkins worked 63.1 innings and had a club-leading earned run average of 2.13

His earned run average for pitchers who worked a minimum of 60 innings is fifth best in the National League and tenth best in the Majors.

Hawkins finished with a 1-4 record and 11 saves in 15 opportunities.

"We would love to have LaTroy back with us," said Ed Wade, Astros general manager. "Ever since we made the trade with New York (Yankees) two Julys ago it was really a great fit for us.

"When (Jose) Valverde was down, (Doug) Brocail was down, the one constant (in 2009) was Hawk either covering the seventh inning, the eighth inning or the ninth inning for us.

"We've had some dialogue with Larry Reynolds, his agent. Hopefully it works in our favor."

Hawkins made $3.5 million in 2009.

Astros Shortstop Miguel Tejada also filed for free agency Friday.

He was an All-Star during both of his seasons with Houston. Tejada's 199 hits were second best in the National League, fifth best in the Big Leagues.

"I love Miggy (Tejada)," said Wade. "Miggy did exactly what we expected and more.

"If we have an interest in Miggy it's probably in the third base context at this point in his career. We've got to look at the total picture and just see what exactly fits. Some of these things could take some time."

Tejada made $14,811,414 in 2009.

Another major Astros decision will eventually revolve around closer Jose Valverde.

His agent, Gene Mato, told FOX 26 Sports Valverde has yet to file for free agency as a gesture of good faith toward the Astros, but may file as soon as Monday.

The Astros would also like to bring Valverde back.

"Certainly can't minimize what Jose has meant to our ballclub," said Wade. "For all the right reasons Jose is a real solid fit for us.

"You can't win without a closer. It's very disheartening when you get into a situation where you have a lead and you can't hold on to it."

Valverde led the National League in saves in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 he didn't get as many opportunities, but converted on 25 of 29 chances.

Among the top 20 relievers in the league only three had better ratios.

In 2009 Valverde worked in 54 innings covering 52 games. He was 4-2 with a 2.33 ERA.

He made $8 million in 2009.

The Astros will not rush into any decisions on their own free agents.

"We've got to asses all of our needs and try to address them in the appropriate fashion and the appropriate time," Wade said.