Gutierrez now with the Houston Astros

GREENEVILLE, TN - Right-handed pitcher Juan Gutierrez, signed by the Houston Astros as a non-drafted free agent in 2000, was the first former Greeneville Astros player to make the move to Double-A, the first to Triple-A, and has now become the first to make it to Major League Baseball. On Friday, August 17, 2007, Gutierrez, at age 24, was called up to Houston when the Astros placed left-handed pitcher Stephen Randolph on the 15-day disabled list.

Gutierrez spent the memorable 2004 inaugural championship season in Greeneville and led the Appalachian League with eight wins. Since that time, he has quickly moved up through the ranks. After leaving Greeneville, he played in Low-A Lexington in 2005 where he went 9-5 with a 3.21 ERA and 100 strikeouts before being moved up to High-A Salem for the end of the season. After a 1-1 record and a 3.00 ERA in Salem to finish 2005, he began 2006 in Double-A Corpus Christi. Gutierrez was named the starter in the Texas League All-Star Game and finished the season 8-4 with a 3.04 ERA and 106 strikeouts. He began the 2007 season in Triple-A Round Rock and after 23 starts, has proven that he belongs in the big leagues.

Greeneville Astros general manager David Lane was excited for the former Greeneville star saying, "Juan Gutierrez has worked hard to get to Houston, and it's great to see our former players begin to get a chance to showcase their talents on the highest level. It's only a matter of time before more of our players join him."

The Greeneville Astros are nearing the end of the 2007 season with the season finale on Wednesday, August 29, 2007. Tickets, 2007 baseball cards, and other merchandise are available at the Astros Administrative office located at Pioneer Park on the campus of Tusculum College. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm. For more information on the Astros, call (423) 638-0411.