Manager Cecil Cooper's patience has been tested this spring, especially during an eight-game streak in which the Astros scored two or fewer runs and no more than one run in four of five. 

Astros third baseman Aaron Boone had open heart surgery in California on Thursday to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. 

Astros third baseman Aaron Boone had open heart surgery in California on Thursday to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. 

Astros third baseman Aaron Boone had open heart surgery in California on Thursday to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. 

Astros third baseman Aaron Boone had open heart surgery in California on Thursday to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. 

Astros third baseman Aaron Boone had open heart surgery in California on Thursday to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. 

The prosecutor's words were delivered in the matter known as "The United States of America vs. 

Houston Astros third baseman Aaron Boone is scheduled to have heart surgery in California to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. 

Houston Astros third baseman Aaron Boone is scheduled to have heart surgery in California to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. 

Houston Astros third baseman Aaron Boone is scheduled to have heart surgery in California to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. 

Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada (teh-HA-da) is due in court for sentencing after pleading guilty to misleading Congress about performance-enhancers in baseball. 

Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada (teh-HA-da) is due in court for sentencing after pleading guilty to misleading Congress about performance-enhancers in baseball. 

Manager Cecil Cooper's patience has been tested this spring, especially during an eight-game streak in which the Astros scored two or fewer runs and no more than one run in four of five. 

--RHP Russ Ortiz, bidding for a spot in the Houston rotation, had a strong start March 25 against St. 

The Astros' biggest acquisition of the offseason didn't arrive until late in spring training.