Assistant GM David Gottfried (does anyone get the idea that, should Easy Eddie be shown the door, there will be a steel-cage match for the GM spot among our 17 assistant GMs?) held a live chat on the Chronicle's site today. Here are some highlights:
-The Astros fully expect Miggs to be around all year long.
-The Astros won't be signing anymore non-roster invitees. Jason Michaels and Darin Erstad will platoon the 4th outfielder spot (JM is a righty, Erstad a lefty)
-(Bud Norris) will be in the bullpen this spring, but Ortiz, Jose Capellan, Felipe Paulino, Fernando Nieve, Clay Hensley and Sergio Perez will all be stretched out as starters.
-Bogusevic shouldn't be planning on playing the Cubs on April 6.
-I think our rotation is underrated. Our offense is very strong. Our bullpen is solid Our bench has players who could play every day if needed.
-Manzella, Smith and Maysonet are potential SS2s. Newhan, Kata and Sutton can play 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
-Backe has the inside edge on SP5.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith