No earth will be moved soon at Minute Maid Park, but it's possible 2015 could be the last for the season for Tal's Hill.

Astros president of business operations Reid Ryan said the team has hired MSA Architects, a Cincinnati-based architectural firm, and started initial discussions on potential center-field renovations that would take place after next season.

"People talk about Tal's Hill," Ryan said. " 'Is Tal's Hill going away?' We're going to look at designs of, 'What would that look like if we took it away?' "

An incline in center field, Tal's Hill can wreak havoc on outfielders, although balls are seldom hit far enough to reach it. A flagpole also is situated on the hill.

Ryan has traveled to different major league parks to gather ideas for how to improve Minute Maid. Chief among the goals is to create a gathering spot for fans that is not ticketed. Some stadiums have roof decks; some have restaurants.

There also has been talk of perhaps relocating the bullpens and of creating a dedicated area for an Astros Hall of Fame.

Japanese teamsigns Guzman

Former Astros role player Jesus Guzman opted for free agency on Oct. 10 and, 15 days later, had a deal in Japan. The Hiroshima Carp of Japan's Central League announced Saturday that Guzman had signed a one-year deal.

The contract is worth an estimated $1 million, with performance-based incentives.

Guzman, a 30-year-old first baseman and outfielder from Venezuela, played in 69 games for the Astros in 2014, hitting .188 with two home runs and nine RBIs.

He spent the previous three seasons with the San Diego Padres.

Evan Drellich