Gregory Scott "Woody" Williams (born August 19, 1966
in Houston, Texas) is a Major League right-handed
pitcher who plays for the Houston Astros. He made
his major league debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on
May 14, 1993.
Williams, a Cy-Fair high school graduate and
University of Houston alumni, began his career
pitching in relief until he was moved to a full time
starter in 1997. On December 12, 1998 he was traded
to the San Diego Padres with Peter Tucci (minors)
and Carlos Almanzar for right-handed pitcher Joey
Hamilton. He worked exclusively as a starter in San
Diego until he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals
for outfielder Ray Lankford on August 2, 2001.
After he was traded, Williams' career took off.
While in San Diego that season, he posted an 8-8
won-loss record with a 4.97 ERA in 23 starts, but
with St. Louis, Williams went 7-1 with a 2.28 ERA in
11 starts.
He continued to pitch well for St. Louis, making the
2003 All-Star Game and starting Game 1 of the 2004
World Series.
After the 2004 season came to a close, Williams
filed for free agency and signed back with the
Padres on December 9, 2004.
On November 24, 2006, the Houston Astros announced
they had signed Williams to a two year, $12.5
million contract, at the same press conference
announcing the Carlos Lee signing.
