Former Houston Astro Morgan Ensberg signed with the New York Yankees today. Last season the 32 year old Ensberg hit .230 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs in 115 games played, between the Astros and the San Diego Padres. Morgan made the 2005 All Star Team, and hasn’t had much success since. In 2006 Ensberg hit .235, a far cry from his .283 average in 2005. Ensberg hopes to compete for the Yankees first base job in Spring Training.

“I’m extremely excited about it,’’ Ensberg said. “It’s a great team and a great lineup. Most importantly, it’s a team that’s consistently playing for a World Series. After you’ve been in the league for a few years, you really start valuing that pursuit.’‘

Ensberg is the 2nd former Astro the Yankees have signed this off-season, the first being outfielder Jason Lane. Both players have struggled mightily in recent years, Lane even spending some time at Triple A Round Rock Express in 2007 after being the feather in the Astro’s hat in 2005 when he belted 26 home runs with 78 RBI’s. These moves are very low risk high reward. I’d imagine the Yankees organization would be pleased if these players can perform at the level they were on in 2005.

“He’s a right-handed bat with big power,” Cashman said of Lane. “If he doesn’t make the club out of Spring Training, he can go to Scranton as well for us.”

And although Ensberg’s star has fallen considerably the last couple of years, Brian Cashman seems confident that with a change of scenary Morgan will be able to get his career back on track.

“He’s a right-handed bat in a lineup of left-handed hitters,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “He’s someone that’s had success clearly in the major leagues, been an everyday player.’’