The Houston Astros announced today that infielder Geoff Blum's contract option for 2009 is now vested.  The option will pay Blum $1.25 million plus bonuses next season.  The announcement was made by General Manager Ed Wade.

Associated Press

Geoff Blum has performed well off the Astros bench this season.

Blum's option has become vested by virtue of his reaching 250 plate appearances for the 2008 season, a mark he reached in the second inning of tonight's game (Friday, August 22) at Shea Stadium against the New York Mets.

"When we signed Geoff in the off-season, we believed that we were acquiring a versatile player who can play many different positions and provide a solid bat in the lineup," said Wade.  "Geoff has made a significant contribution to our team in 2008, setting a career high in home runs and producing as both a starter and a pinch-hitter.  He is also a high-character individual who brings energy to our ballclub, and we're excited to bring him back in 2009."

Through Wednesday's game at Milwaukee, Blum has hit .234 (54x231) with a career-high 12 home runs in 85 games this season while also contributing 40 RBI and a .420 slugging pct.  A veteran of 10 Major League seasons with Montreal (1999-2001), Houston (2002-03, 2008), Tampa Bay (2004), San Diego (2005-07), and the Chicago White Sox (2005), Blum has hit .250 (803x3212) with 83 home runs and 384 RBI in 1,107 career games (statistics include career totals heading into tonight's game at New York).

The 35-year-old Blum is hitting .375 (9x24) with five RBI as a pinch-hitter in 2008, and his .483 on-base pct. as a pinch-hitter in 2008 ranks second in the Majors.