Graves seeks fresh start with Astros

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Danny Graves' path to Kissimmee, by way of a non-roster invite to Spring Training, took an unconventional route about a month ago when he signed with Houston.

Graves e-mailed club owner Drayton McLane directly, explaining his situation, his desire to pitch again and the reasons why the Astros were an attractive team to him.

Graves knew McLane to be a man devoted to his faith, and Graves, having changed his path after growing weary of a rather unsavory life he was leading, felt the Astros would be a good place for him to land.

"I'm at a different point in my life than I was before," Graves said. "I'm a Christian now. I knew that Drayton was, too. I know he had a lot of guys in the clubhouse that were also. I figured if I had a chance to play in the big leagues again, I want to be a part of that. I reached out to Drayton and asked him if there was an opportunity, and if not, I'm just going to retire."

McLane responded favorably, chiding Graves for all of the games he saved for the Reds -- many of them against the Astros -- during the right-hander's tenure in Cincinnati from 1997-2005. McLane said he'd pass the message along to general manager Ed Wade, who offered Graves a Minor League contract.

"Ed called me and said, 'I can't promise you anything except for a non-roster invite and just a chance to make the club,'" Graves said. "That's all I'm looking for. I'm not looking for any promises or guarantees, just an opportunity to see if I can still help somebody. I guess they said it really touched Drayton's heart, the e-mail I sent."

Graves lives with his fiance in San Antonio, and the close proximity not only to Houston, but to the Astros' Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock, made this organization that much more enticing. Graves didn't expound on the path his life had taken prior to finding new faith through religion, but he credited his fiance for helping him get on the right track.

"I don't have enough time to tell you about the last few years," he said. "It was miserable and I was really lost. Mentally, I didn't know what I was doing. Things you're not supposed to do. My fiance is a Christian, has been a Christian for a long time and she helped me with my walk. I realized it's pretty embarrassing what I did before as a person."

Graves was released by the Reds in May of 2005, one day after sparking controversy when he made an obscene gesture toward a fan who heckled him and yelled a racial slur. Graves regretted the part he played and cites that incident as just one of many things he'd do differently if he had the chance.

"I would have turned my back and walked away," Graves said. "That was pretty much the downfall."

Graves hasn't pitched in the Major Leagues since 2006, when he made 13 appearances and compiled a 5.79 ERA with the Indians.

With the Astros, the 35-year-old Graves is looking for a new beginning. The odds are against him this spring, considering he is trying out for a bullpen that at this point has no jobs available. Graves said he would accept a Minor League assignment, but if the Astros don't want him in the organization at all at the end of Spring Training, he'll be content with simply retiring.

"If it came down to [going to Triple-A], if they wanted to keep my in the organization, I would do it," he said. "It's still close to home. The bullpen never stays the same all year. I just want a shot."

(mlb.com)