Porter pleased with Astros' offseason additions

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- You can't blame Astros manager Bo Porter for feeling a little better about the club he'll have on the field next year.

Within the last week, the Astros have added outfielder Dexter Fowler, relief pitcher Chad Qualls and starting pitcher Scott Feldman in moves that should improve a team that lost 111 games last season. The Astros still want to add a relief pitcher and another bat.

"I think each one of [the moves] increased the smile on my face as the days went by," Porter said Tuesday from the Winter Meetings. "Being able to add three players ... gives us quality in three areas in which we had room to upgrade.

"Dexter gives us a potential leadoff hitter, switch-hitter that can play center field. He's been productive at the Major League level. We were able to add a front-line starting pitcher and also get Chad Qualls to shore up the back end of our bullpen."

Fowler, 27, hit .263 with 18 doubles, 12 home runs, 42 RBIs, 19 stolen bases, 65 walks and a .369 on-base percentage in 119 games with Colorado last season, starting 106 games in center. In 2012, he hit .300 in 143 games with a .389 on-base percentage.

"He's the complete package," Porter said. "When you talk to people in the Rockies organization -- I know several people over there that have spent time with him -- and they praise not only Dexter Fowler the baseball player, but Dexter Fowler the man. It's a great asset for us and we're excited to have them."

Porter said Feldman and Qualls had other options, but had faith in the direction the Astros are headed.

"I think it's pretty clear we have a plan in place and guys are interested in coming here," he said. "We go about our business and we do a good job of making sure we explain to them not only how they fit into the long-term plan, but also the short-term plan as well."