Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Wednesday Morning Hot Links

*Brian McTaggart writes that the bullpen is trying to cut down on its inconsistency.

*Lest you get excited by Texas Governor Greg Abbott's prediction that the Astros will win another World Series as another prognostication of baseball dominance, he had this to say about the Astros' in-state rivals:
Nothing better than a World Series between the Astros and Rangers.

Indeed. That would be...something.

*The Venetian in Las Vegas has the following odds for the 2018 World Series:
Dodgers: 9/2
Yankees: 5/1
Astros: 6/1
Indians: 6/1
Nationals: 8/1
Cubs: 9/1
Red Sox: 10/1
Rangers: 100/1
Marlins: 300/1

*Tony DeFrancesco was hired by the Mets to be the Las Vegas 51s new manager. Joel Chimelis is the 51s new hitting coach, having been with the Astros in a minor-league coaching capacity since 2006.

*The Rangers don't think they can grow grass in their new $1.1b stadium scheduled to open in two years.

*Houston, how about some Caravan details with Brady Rodgers, Forrest Whitley, and Steve Sparks?
3:30-4:30pm: Chick-Fil-A on Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. Wear Astros gear in this hour and get a free sandwich. No autographs.
5-6pm: Academy at 2804 Business Center Drive in Pearland. Autograph session with the commemorative World Series Champion autograph card.
5-7pm: Caravan Jam at Pearland Town Center, 30 minute appearance from players.

*Beaumont, how about Tony Kemp, Tyler White, and Geoff Blum?
4-5pm: Academy at 7130 Eastex Freeway, autographs with the commemorative card.
5-7pm: Caravan Jam at 1455 Dowlen Road, Beaumont.

*Austin, you're still up to get pictures with the trophy today. Here's the schedule:
3:30pm: Pluckers at 3909 South Lamar (no autographs, but there will be "mingling.")
5-6pm: Academy at 5400 Brodie Lane in Sunset Valley. Autographs with J.D. Davis, Brad Peacock and James Hoyt, and a picture with the trophy.
5-7pm: Caravan Jam at the Long Center (701 W. Riverside Drive). Q&A from 6:15-6:45 with Peacock and Hoyt