• Wes Bloomquist •
• Originally published January 21, 2009 at 12:12 a.m., updated January 21, 2009 at 12:12 a.m.

The Houston Astros are on their first road trip of the season, making Winter Caravan stops in 18 cities in 12 days.

On Thursday, Victoria fans get their chance to get autographs and meet two of the Astros.

Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence will join broadcaster Jim Deshaies and Astros assistant general manager Ricky Bennett from 4-5:30 p.m. at Academy Sports and Outdoors for an autograph signing session.

The visit to Victoria comes after the Winter Caravan stops in Corpus Christi for a Hooks luncheon at the Omni Bayfront.

Oswalt, an eight-year veteran with the Astros, has a 129-64 career record and is coming off a 17-10 year. Oswalt, who has recorded 1,335 strikeouts in his career, also has agreed to pitch for Team USA in this year's World Baseball Classic.

Pence, who is beginning his third year in professional baseball, comes into the season with a .292 batting average and 42 home runs in his two seasons with the Astros. Pence played college baseball at Texarkana Junior College and the University of Texas at Arlington before being drafted by the Astros.

Bennett is starting his fourth season with the Astros as the assistant general manager and director of player development. Bennett also has experience with the Detroit Tigers front office and played in the 1992 College World series while attending the University of Oklahoma.

Deshaies, a former Houston pitcher, has been an analyst for 12 seasons on television and radio.

The Astros start the season on Apr. 6 against the Chicago Cubs at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

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