Acquired:  Signed as a free agent in January 2008.  Originally signed by the Yankees as a free agent in February 2002.  Career Highlights:  His 3.98 ERA ranked fifth among Astros farmhands and 10th in the Carolina League last season.  Ranked within Salem’s top three in strikeouts (1st), wins (2nd), innings pitched (2nd) and starts (3rd).  Went 3-0 with one save and an ERA of 1.95 in 16 relief appearances to open the season.  Strung together a scoreless streak of 15 innings during that span (April 6 thru April 29).  Shifted to a starting role in late May, finishing 4-6 with a 4.53 ERA in 19 starts.  Thirteen of his 19 starts came on the road, including five of his last six.  Played five seasons in the Yankees’ system, recording a 16-8 record with four saves and a 2.31 ERA in 53 appearances (30 starts).