Few eyes of Texas are upon Kevin Orie these days. He would like to change that.

"If things go well," he said, "if I get my swing down and I'm healthy, I hope to put myself in a position to compete for a starting job in Houston next spring."

Orie, an Upper St. Clair High School graduate, is trying to resurrect his major-league career. He signed with the Houston Astros about three weeks ago and is playing for their Class AA team, the Round Rock (Texas) Express, 18 miles outside of Austin.

Serving as a designated hitter and first baseman for this Texas League team, Orie is batting .231 (6 for 26) with two home runs and six RBIs.

He is not pleased with those numbers. Then again, it is better than no numbers.

Before arriving in Round Rock, Orie, 31, had played only one game in two seasons. A shoulder injury, which twice required surgery, set him back.

After playing in 13 games for the Chicago Cubs at the end of the 2002 season, Orie reported to spring training as a member of the Cubs' 40-man roster.

Early in the spring of 2003, he started having pain in his right (throwing) shoulder. Orie, a third baseman by trade, had a torn labrum and had surgery in Los Angeles.

In the meantime, the Cubs waived him March 13.

Orie returned to the South Hills for a lengthy rehabilitation, unable to play. Then in October, he said a tack inserted during surgery dislodged, necessitating a second operation.

"I had to start all over again with rehab," Orio lamented.

He signed with the Cleveland Indians in the offseason and was assigned to their Class AA squad in Akron, Ohio. Orie played in only one game, going 2 for 2, and was released again.

Now he is trying to be patient, trying to make it back to the big leagues, where he has spent parts of four seasons with the Cubs and Florida Marlins.

His comeback has been painful, tedious and frustrating. Orie's shoulder isn't sound enough for him to risk making long throws in game situations, so he isn't playing third base.

"I haven't really cut loose from third base yet," Orie said. "But I'm feeling better, seeing some results."

His manager, Jackie Moore, concurs. "He isn't there yet, but he's coming along," Moore said. "We started him out as a DH, and now he's playing some first base. We're hoping to get him over to third."

Round Rock also is hoping to do well in the Texas League playoffs, which begin Sept. 5. The Express qualified by winning the first half of West Division play. This half, the Express (26-24) is in second place.

In the meantime, Orie perseveres.

"I obviously don't have a lot of time," Orie said, "but I'm hoping to get over to third and give it a shot."