*The Astros blasted (get it) the Nats 8-2 yesterday. Jon Kemmer was 2x2 with 2BB and a 3-run homer. Brian McCann was 3x3 with a homer. Yulieski Gurriel was 1x2 with a walk, and George Springer was 2x4 with two runs scored. Joe Musgrove threw 4IP, 3H/2ER, 2K:2BB. Tony Sipp walked one in a scoreless inning. Chris Devenski struck out three in 2IP.
*Musgrove said he'll take yesterday's start as a learning point.
*The Chronicle says that SP5 spot is still up in the air.
*Phil Rogers wrote that the Astros' rotation could be among baseball's best.
*Will Leitch picked the Astros to win the AL West with a 96-66 record.
*Anthony Castrovince says the 2017 Astros are one of six teams that need to start strong.
*As Jeff Bagwell leaves, Craig Biggio enters.
*MLBTR looked back at Houston's offseason.
*Alex Bregman reached base three times last night in Team USA's comeback win.
*2016 1st Round pick Forrest Whitley is focused on being persistent.
There's a lot of distractions in pro ball, a lot of ups and downs. You're happy, you're sad, you're bored...Last year was tough. It was a punch in the face. I wasn't really expecting it.
*The Astros sent Brady Rodgers, Andrew Aplin, LHP Ashur Tolliver, and Reymin Guduan to minor-league camp.
*Nolan Ryan was on Buster Olney's podcast.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
