Campbell leaving the Chronicle

So last night Steve Campbell from the Houston Chronicle (a member of the Fearless Few who actually get paid to write about the Astros) announced that he was leaving not only the Houston Chronicle, but also the sportswriting profession (presumably). Here's the tweet:

My last story with the Houston Chronicle. I'm walking away from the business, into an entirely different realm.

Best wishes to Steve as he pursues...whatever the hell it is he's pursuing.

Jeff Luhnow respectfully disagrees with Phil Rogers

In response to Phil Rogers' column from yesterday where Rogers alleged the Astros weren't happy with Carlos Lee coming to camp at 274 pounds, Jeff Luhnow tweeted:

Respectfully disagree with @ChiTribRogers on @Carlos45Lee - reporting weight similar to years past and working hard. Potentially big year.

Steve Campbell responded to our tweet, asking whether Rogers' report was accurate, saying:
"I wouldn't reject out of hand. Wasn't here when he reported, so I don't know what dialogue was on the subject at the time."

So there's that.

Steve Campbell brings the noise

Steve Campbell has a really good post about Wandy and waivers. Here's your money quote:

Houston is too big and too good of a market to become the National League’s Kansas City of the south – perpetually turning over the roster with young, cheap players without committing the resources necessary to build a winner.

Good breakdown of Norris

Steve Campbell has a good breakdown of how close Bud Norris is to being something special:

FanGraphs calculates Norris’ slider to be the most effective in the NL (12.9 runs better than the league average). What has gotten Norris in trouble this season is mistakes with his fastball and changeup. FanGraphs ranks Norris dead last in the NL in changeup effectiveness (minus-5.6 runs) and in the bottom five with the fastball (minus-6.7). Cleaning up those things is easier said than done, but Astros pitching coach Brad Arnsberg has to love his chances of that happening.

Don't expect Lyon back anytime soon

We hear from Brad Mills that bringing Lyon back when his 15-Day DL stint is up is unlikely.

Mills via Campbell:
Closer Brandon Lyon is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list as early as May 24, but don’t look for him that soon. Before Lyon can return, he needs to get rid of the inflammation in his shoulder, build up his strength and start a throwing program.

“When you look at all those things,” manager Brad Mills said. “I think 15 days is really too optimistic.”

Steve Campbell breaks down everyone else's "Big Three"

Here's an interesting article from Steve Campbell about how the Astros' rotation compares to the rest of the NL Central.