Happy Thanksgiving! The Houston Food Bank is in its World Series today, operating at triple its normal function. To date, the Houston Food Bank has delivered 28 million pounds of supplies to the people of Houston.
Of course it's a day to be thankful, a chance to come together with friends and family just hours before you try to rip their heads off for a new flat-screen. I'm thankful for the Astros, for Jose Altuve, for pre-arbitration years, for George Springer, for Brady Aiken's tiny UCL, for Yuli's hair, for Mr. Kate Upton, McCullers' curveball, and for all of you. The Astros are World Series champions. If you talk politics with your family, please remember to film it and send it to astroscounty at gmail dot com.
*2017 Random Astros fact:
When Max Stassi threw out A.J. Pollock on August 17, it broke a streak of 29 straight successful stolen bases by Astros opponents, dating back to June 18.
*The out-of-options catcher Juan Centeno was placed on waivers by the Astros yesterday, clearing a spot on the 40-Man roster. The Astros would like for him to clear waivers so he can return to Triple-A and be next man up in the event of an injury to McCann or Max Stassi, whose backup job it is to lose. The 40-Man Roster now stands at 39.
Centeno played in 22 games for the Astros in 2017, hitting .231/.286/.346. In his first two games as an Astro, both against Detroit at home (May 23 and May 25) Centeno went 3x7 with two home runs, including a go-ahead solo home run off Justin Verlander. When he came back in August, he went 4x9 with another RBI. He hit .311/.354/.383 for Fresno this season and threw out 14 of 38 base runners.
*Today through Monday, BreakingT is offering a Black Friday sale in which you get 25% off the entire store and free shipping at $50. So click this link and check out the Houston collection. Get your friends and family some *actually affordable* shirts you can't get at Academy.
*Alex Bregman returned home to Albuquerque for the first time since winning the World Series, threw out the first pitch at a brand new sports complex, and signed a bunch of autographs. Bregman's dad, Sam:
I know how hard Alex worked to get to this level, and of course I'm proud of what he's done. But he's still the same kid who has to take the trash out after Thanksgiving dinner. He takes time for everyone, and he's a great person off the field. That's what really makes me proud.
*The Los Angeles Fire Department made good on a bet with HFD Station 60.
*Lance McCullers loves dogs more than he loves you.
*Richard Justice: A reason for each team to be thankful.
*Carlos Correa is in Puerto Rico throwing a party for everyone.
*Jonathan Mayo has your FAQ on Shohei Ohtani and the new posting system. Note that Ohtani is subject to international spending limits. The Rangers have the most money available to spend on him, while the Astros cannot sign anyone for more than $300,000 thanks to the international free agent spending spree they went on in 2016 that included shortstop Freudis Nova. So the only hope the Astros have in signing Ohtani is if he just wants to play in Houston. By jumping to MLB now instead of in two years, when he would be a free agent a la Yuli Gurriel, he's already shown he's willing to give up literal boatloads of money. Maybe there's some hope? An international scouting director told Mayo:
Him coming out proves it's not about money. He could wait and get a lot - way more than $10 million. It sounds like he wants to win, and will want to be in a good situation for his culture. He makes a lot of money off the field already, and he'll make more off the field here.
The New York Daily News is obviously predicting the Yankees will sign him.
*The Astros and Nationals have been sending their own workers to the Ballpark of the Seven Isles, or whatever the Spring Training facility is called, to get the stadium finished, almost a year after it "opened." Issues between the main contractor - Hunt Construction Group - and the subcontractors have led to a wide array of legal problems.
*The second part of my job ramps into high gear on Monday, so I'm reading as much as I can this weekend. As a purveyor of bizarre non-fiction, I'm currently reading (and enjoying) Marie Antoinette's Watch: Adultery, Larceny, and Perpetual Mostion by John Biggs. It's free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Showing posts with label West Palm Beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Palm Beach. Show all posts
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Saturday Morning Hot Links
*Random 2017 Astros Fact of the Day:
14.9% of the fly balls Astros relievers allowed left the yard, 3rd-worst in the Majors, worst in the AL.
*I teach two subjects: two sections of AP US History and four of regular US History. I have one baseball (Rangers, of course) super-fan in one of my AP classes that just happens to coincide with lunch and, after the slump the Astros went through in August, he was expressing doubts about the 2017 Astros' chances. I flippantly said that, if the Astros won the World Series, I'd buy them pizza. One of them told my other AP class, and they wanted in, too. So I said okay, if the Astros win the World Series, I'd buy both AP classes pizza.
A smart-ass objection I often heard on Twitter:
1. Little Caesar's? Eww.
Response A: You can piss right off. $5 pizzas are right in my budget. I'M A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER DADGUMMIT, I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY YOUR FREAKING ARTISANAL WOOD-FIRED PIZZA FULL OF FINE CURED MEATS AND CHEESES FOR 40 HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS, MUCH LESS THE 85 OTHER STUDENTS WHOSE PARTY IS COMING BETWEEN NOW AND CHRISTMAS BREAK.
Response B: I had to find a place that would have them ready to pick up at 10:30, so I could be back to school in time for class.
Response C: One of the students who received said pizza works at the Little Caesar's store from which I ordered them.
Ah but that tweet lead to this:
Which led to this:
Update - 8:51am: He did it.
All The Shoutouts to Tyler White. My students are going to flip when I tell them. Solid all around.
*In a dramatically less feel-good of a story, the Astros/Nationals and the contractors who built their brand new $152m Spring Training facility are having issues paying sub-contractors for their work. The Astros and Nationals are blaming the four major contractors for not paying the local sub-contractors for their work. The sub-contractors are having trouble keeping employees, bidding for other jobs and, in some cases, keeping their homes. Former lawyer Craig Calcaterra has a good rundown on who is to blame.
*Jeff Blogwell wrote about the Astros' lefty situation.
*Peter Gammons talked to a GM who compared Alex Bregman to Paul Molitor, and that is just fine by me.
*ESPN's Howard Bryant has a good retrospective of the 2017 baseball season.
*Paul Quinn College turned its football field into an organic farm, and it changed the community.
14.9% of the fly balls Astros relievers allowed left the yard, 3rd-worst in the Majors, worst in the AL.
*I teach two subjects: two sections of AP US History and four of regular US History. I have one baseball (Rangers, of course) super-fan in one of my AP classes that just happens to coincide with lunch and, after the slump the Astros went through in August, he was expressing doubts about the 2017 Astros' chances. I flippantly said that, if the Astros won the World Series, I'd buy them pizza. One of them told my other AP class, and they wanted in, too. So I said okay, if the Astros win the World Series, I'd buy both AP classes pizza.
Told my AP US History students I’d buy them pizza if the @Astros won the World Series. So that’ll be $54, guys. pic.twitter.com/EWDbcsKn68— Thickie Don (@AstrosCounty) November 10, 2017
A smart-ass objection I often heard on Twitter:
1. Little Caesar's? Eww.
Response A: You can piss right off. $5 pizzas are right in my budget. I'M A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER DADGUMMIT, I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY YOUR FREAKING ARTISANAL WOOD-FIRED PIZZA FULL OF FINE CURED MEATS AND CHEESES FOR 40 HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS, MUCH LESS THE 85 OTHER STUDENTS WHOSE PARTY IS COMING BETWEEN NOW AND CHRISTMAS BREAK.
Response B: I had to find a place that would have them ready to pick up at 10:30, so I could be back to school in time for class.
Response C: One of the students who received said pizza works at the Little Caesar's store from which I ordered them.
Ah but that tweet lead to this:
Got venmo?— Tyler White (@twhite409) November 10, 2017
Which led to this:
Update - 5:25am: I created the Venmo account and will wait to see what happens. I've never had a bad thing to say about Tyler White, and even the gesture makes this one of the coolest things to ever happen. Tyler White is a Real G.Well since you've already bought it set up the account and they can have another pizza day on me #gostros https://t.co/0LQTLArATX— Tyler White (@twhite409) November 11, 2017
Update - 8:51am: He did it.
All The Shoutouts to Tyler White. My students are going to flip when I tell them. Solid all around.
*In a dramatically less feel-good of a story, the Astros/Nationals and the contractors who built their brand new $152m Spring Training facility are having issues paying sub-contractors for their work. The Astros and Nationals are blaming the four major contractors for not paying the local sub-contractors for their work. The sub-contractors are having trouble keeping employees, bidding for other jobs and, in some cases, keeping their homes. Former lawyer Craig Calcaterra has a good rundown on who is to blame.
*Jeff Blogwell wrote about the Astros' lefty situation.
*Peter Gammons talked to a GM who compared Alex Bregman to Paul Molitor, and that is just fine by me.
*ESPN's Howard Bryant has a good retrospective of the 2017 baseball season.
*Paul Quinn College turned its football field into an organic farm, and it changed the community.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Sunday Morning Hot Links
*Brian T. Smith wrote about A.J. Hinch in Year 3:
Jim and Jeff have been great to me. But I know this sport - sports - is about winning. I know that the expectations, as they raise, the microscope starts to come to me. And to be honest with you, I prefer it to be on me than I do the players.
*Yulieski Gurriel: Starting first baseman. Also, Gurriel also admitted suffering from fatigue as he got used to MLB's daily schedule.
*Brian McCann is learning the details of his pitching staff.
*Speaking of catchers, the Astros asked Garrett Stubbs to add weight this offseason. This is something that has never been asked of me.
*Tyler White will play first and third base this Spring in an effort to increase his versatility.
*Palm Beach Post: The new Spring Training facility is a hit.
*The Astros didn't crack FanGraphs' Top Ten Transactions of the Offseason list.
*Yordano Ventura's final weeks were filled with turmoil.
*Why weren't Mookie Betts and Mike Trout drafted earlier?
*Blake Swihart's throwing issue and the fragility of baseball careers.
*Check out the Indians' Beep Drill
*Inside Pablo Sandoval's complete reshaping of his body.
*The Yankees and Dellin Betances are not exactly getting along
Jim and Jeff have been great to me. But I know this sport - sports - is about winning. I know that the expectations, as they raise, the microscope starts to come to me. And to be honest with you, I prefer it to be on me than I do the players.
*Yulieski Gurriel: Starting first baseman. Also, Gurriel also admitted suffering from fatigue as he got used to MLB's daily schedule.
*Brian McCann is learning the details of his pitching staff.
*Speaking of catchers, the Astros asked Garrett Stubbs to add weight this offseason. This is something that has never been asked of me.
*Tyler White will play first and third base this Spring in an effort to increase his versatility.
*Palm Beach Post: The new Spring Training facility is a hit.
*The Astros didn't crack FanGraphs' Top Ten Transactions of the Offseason list.
*Yordano Ventura's final weeks were filled with turmoil.
*Why weren't Mookie Betts and Mike Trout drafted earlier?
*Blake Swihart's throwing issue and the fragility of baseball careers.
*Check out the Indians' Beep Drill
*Inside Pablo Sandoval's complete reshaping of his body.
*The Yankees and Dellin Betances are not exactly getting along
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Thursday Morning Hot Links
I'm home from work with the flu, so let's pass the time with some hot Astros content.
*It is five days until Pitchers & Catchers report.
*Jose Altuve is "the epitome of everything that's right around the Astros."
*A.J. Hinch said he'll likely use over 150 different lineups in 2017.
*The Astros and Marwin Gonzalez avoided an arbitration hearing with a $3.725m deal for 2017 and a club option for 2018 worth $5.125m.
*You'll be able to watch eight Astros play on various World Baseball Classic rosters: Jose Altuve (Venezuela), Carlos Correa (Puerto Rico), Alex Bregman (USA), Carlos Beltran (Puerto Rico), Luke Gregerson (USA), Nori Aoki (Japan), and Kevin Chapman (Canada). Minor-league signee Dayan Diaz will play for Colombia.
*The Astros are buying an empty office building in West Palm Beach to turn into a hotel for Spring Training, and to turn into $$$$$ from April-January.
*Mike Lupica wrote about the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
*MLB is going to try out - in the Gulf Coast League and Arizona League - starting extra innings with a runner on 2nd base. Yep, you heard that right. An American League executive:
This is something that was discussed in the big group at the GM Meetings. It got more support than the strike zone change.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Cheatin'-ass Cardinals: Sunday Morning Hot Links
*82 days after Rob Manfred said that MLB was "in the last ten yards" of their investigation into the Cheatin'-ass Cardinals, new details into the Cardinals' breach into Ground Control have been unsealed by a federal judge. Among those details:
-Chris Correa broke into Ground Control 48 times.
-He had unlimited access to Sig Mejdal's email account for 2.5 years
-He tried to get into the accounts of Bo Porter, Brent Strom, Colin Wyers, and three minor-league players.
-Correa accessed the Astros' trade notes 14 times leading up to the trade deadline.
-Correa is the one who leaked the information to Deadspin, which is pretty freaking stupid, seeing as how that's how the Astros realized they'd been breached, and what led to Correa's prison sentence.
It's a damning list, even for a guy already in federal prison. But the Cardinals need to be held accountable, and Manfred/MLB have looked like they're just hoping everyone will forget. Still, Barron and Kaplan write that a decision on the Cardinals' punishment could come this week.
*The Astros have five players on MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects list:
-Francis Martes (#20)
-Kyle Tucker (#35)
-David Paulino (#54)
-Derek Fisher (#83)
-Forrest Whitley (#84)
Martes, Paulino, and Whitley are starting pitchers, which is perhaps the reason the Astros didn't pull the trigger on Jose Quintana or Chris Archer: the answer might be in-house.
*About a quarter of the way down in David Laurilia's Sunday Notes column at FanGraphs, Mike Elias discusses Francis Martes.
*Nick Cafardo writes that the Astros remain a possibility for free agent catcher Matt Wieters, which makes no sense to me.
*Somehow the Astros don't have a first baseman ranked in FanRag's 1B fantasy baseball rankings... But Brian McCann (#6) and Evan Gattis (#10) got in the catcher rankings.
*The Astrodome is now a State Antiquities Landmark, which means it cannot be torn down. Take that, you non-preservationists with no regard for history. Brian T. Smith writes that Houston needs to figure out a way to honor its legacy.
*This columnist points out that the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is less than four miles from the local landfill and that, when the wind blows out of the northwest, you'll know.
*Vice Sports: How self-assessment runs the hot stove
-Chris Correa broke into Ground Control 48 times.
-He had unlimited access to Sig Mejdal's email account for 2.5 years
-He tried to get into the accounts of Bo Porter, Brent Strom, Colin Wyers, and three minor-league players.
-Correa accessed the Astros' trade notes 14 times leading up to the trade deadline.
-Correa is the one who leaked the information to Deadspin, which is pretty freaking stupid, seeing as how that's how the Astros realized they'd been breached, and what led to Correa's prison sentence.
It's a damning list, even for a guy already in federal prison. But the Cardinals need to be held accountable, and Manfred/MLB have looked like they're just hoping everyone will forget. Still, Barron and Kaplan write that a decision on the Cardinals' punishment could come this week.
*The Astros have five players on MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects list:
-Francis Martes (#20)
-Kyle Tucker (#35)
-David Paulino (#54)
-Derek Fisher (#83)
-Forrest Whitley (#84)
Martes, Paulino, and Whitley are starting pitchers, which is perhaps the reason the Astros didn't pull the trigger on Jose Quintana or Chris Archer: the answer might be in-house.
*About a quarter of the way down in David Laurilia's Sunday Notes column at FanGraphs, Mike Elias discusses Francis Martes.
*Nick Cafardo writes that the Astros remain a possibility for free agent catcher Matt Wieters, which makes no sense to me.
*Somehow the Astros don't have a first baseman ranked in FanRag's 1B fantasy baseball rankings... But Brian McCann (#6) and Evan Gattis (#10) got in the catcher rankings.
*The Astrodome is now a State Antiquities Landmark, which means it cannot be torn down. Take that, you non-preservationists with no regard for history. Brian T. Smith writes that Houston needs to figure out a way to honor its legacy.
*This columnist points out that the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is less than four miles from the local landfill and that, when the wind blows out of the northwest, you'll know.
*Vice Sports: How self-assessment runs the hot stove
Friday, January 27, 2017
Friday Morning Hot Links
*Cockroach wrote about Bob Aspromonte.
*MLB.com's Mike Petriello projects the Astros to have the deepest lineup in baseball:
'How does one define deepest?' you might ask, and you'd be correct to do so. 'Deepest' doesn't necessarily mean 'best,' and deepest doesn't guarantee the Astros will score the most runs this year. But what 'deepest' does mean is that there's real reason to believe that Houston will have the most above-average hitters of any lineup, and there's real value to that.
*David Nuno sat down with Jeff Luhnow and did not talk about how their last names rhymed.
*A.J. Hinch got a tour of the Astros new Spring Training site and is ready to run through a brick wall.
*That Spring Training site could end up costing $153 million.
*Three games into his Winter Ball season, Max Stassi got a concussion.
*The AL West is the most unpredictable division in baseball.
*Carlos Correa's little brother Jean Carlos will play at Alvin Community College this year.
*Check out this 1989 scouting report of Jeff Bagwell.
*Ken Rosenthal: Why this year's trade deadline will be insane.
*The HOF is okay with current election rules and isn't planning on changing the rules based on Steroid Era players.
*The new BP Annual will be released February 10, with Old Friend Zachary Levine writing the Astros' essay.
*MLB.com's Mike Petriello projects the Astros to have the deepest lineup in baseball:
'How does one define deepest?' you might ask, and you'd be correct to do so. 'Deepest' doesn't necessarily mean 'best,' and deepest doesn't guarantee the Astros will score the most runs this year. But what 'deepest' does mean is that there's real reason to believe that Houston will have the most above-average hitters of any lineup, and there's real value to that.
*David Nuno sat down with Jeff Luhnow and did not talk about how their last names rhymed.
*A.J. Hinch got a tour of the Astros new Spring Training site and is ready to run through a brick wall.
*That Spring Training site could end up costing $153 million.
*Three games into his Winter Ball season, Max Stassi got a concussion.
*The AL West is the most unpredictable division in baseball.
*Carlos Correa's little brother Jean Carlos will play at Alvin Community College this year.
*Check out this 1989 scouting report of Jeff Bagwell.
*Ken Rosenthal: Why this year's trade deadline will be insane.
*The HOF is okay with current election rules and isn't planning on changing the rules based on Steroid Era players.
*The new BP Annual will be released February 10, with Old Friend Zachary Levine writing the Astros' essay.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Wednesday Morning Hot Links
*Jose Altuve is a dad!
*Jeff Luhnow will be the first guest on Astroline, which will broadcast live from Pluckers on Shepherd on November 15.
*Joel Sherman reported that the Astros and Yankees seemingly could line up on a trade for Sheriff Brian McCann. This NJ.com report says that the Braves and Yankees were trying to make something work, but the Braves weren't willing to give up outfielder Ender Inciarte or Mike Foltynewicz. McCann is owed $17m over each of the next two seasons (with a $15m vesting option for 2019), so how much the Astros are willing to take on in salary will help determine the return, should this trade actually happen.
*There is now an 8-foot 800lb statue of Nolan Ryan at the entrance to Dell Diamond in Round Rock. That Rangers jersey is gonna be awkward when the Astros take the affiliation back...
*The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches will be ready when Spring Training 2017 opens...but not a day sooner.
*Fayetteville, NC officials hope to have a stadium agreement and a 30-year lease signed by the end of the year. It is projected that the $33m stadium will be completed by 2019, though the team will begin play in the Carolina League next season.
*Jim Crane has some advice for aspiring golf course owner and crying guy meme Michael Jordan.
*Maybe it's time you heard about hard-throwing prospect Jorge Guzman, who throws 102 and wrapped up a 2016 season at the GCL Astros and Greeneville in which he struck out 54 batters in 40IP.
*Ben Lindbergh: This postseason highlights all of Rob Manfred's worst fears.
*Dave Cameron: Aroldis Chapman and the cost of risk aversion.
*Tim Brown: Game 7 carries a generational burden
*Someone bought two seats on StubHub for Game 7 for $39,800.
*Half-sisters met each other for the first time at Game 6.
*"19 years ago I typed the sentence 'the Cleveland Indians won the 1997 World Series.' No one read it."
*Mets closer Jeurys Familia was arrested on Halloween for a domestic violence incident.
*Jeff Luhnow will be the first guest on Astroline, which will broadcast live from Pluckers on Shepherd on November 15.
*Joel Sherman reported that the Astros and Yankees seemingly could line up on a trade for Sheriff Brian McCann. This NJ.com report says that the Braves and Yankees were trying to make something work, but the Braves weren't willing to give up outfielder Ender Inciarte or Mike Foltynewicz. McCann is owed $17m over each of the next two seasons (with a $15m vesting option for 2019), so how much the Astros are willing to take on in salary will help determine the return, should this trade actually happen.
*There is now an 8-foot 800lb statue of Nolan Ryan at the entrance to Dell Diamond in Round Rock. That Rangers jersey is gonna be awkward when the Astros take the affiliation back...
*The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches will be ready when Spring Training 2017 opens...but not a day sooner.
*Fayetteville, NC officials hope to have a stadium agreement and a 30-year lease signed by the end of the year. It is projected that the $33m stadium will be completed by 2019, though the team will begin play in the Carolina League next season.
*Jim Crane has some advice for aspiring golf course owner and crying guy meme Michael Jordan.
*Maybe it's time you heard about hard-throwing prospect Jorge Guzman, who throws 102 and wrapped up a 2016 season at the GCL Astros and Greeneville in which he struck out 54 batters in 40IP.
*Ben Lindbergh: This postseason highlights all of Rob Manfred's worst fears.
*Dave Cameron: Aroldis Chapman and the cost of risk aversion.
*Tim Brown: Game 7 carries a generational burden
*Someone bought two seats on StubHub for Game 7 for $39,800.
*Half-sisters met each other for the first time at Game 6.
*"19 years ago I typed the sentence 'the Cleveland Indians won the 1997 World Series.' No one read it."
*Mets closer Jeurys Familia was arrested on Halloween for a domestic violence incident.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Friday Morning Hot Links
*I wrote about the haunting past of Cesar Cedeno.
*Jose Altuve won the Sporting News Player of the Year award (voted on by the players themselves), joining Jeff Bagwell on a short list of Astros to have ever won it. Altuve:
I really appreciate that from my teammates and players on other teams. These are the kind of things that make you keep getting better. You wake up every morning and realize you won this award by the players, and you want to keep getting better. Not only for the team, but for the fans and for everybody that's been [helping] you.
In each year since 2006, whomever has won the Sporting News Player of the Year award has won either the MVP or Cy Young Award.
*A.J. Hinch is looking for a bench coach after Trey Hillman accepted the manager gig for SK Wyverns of the Korea Baseball Organization. Hillman will be the first to manage three pro teams in three different countries (USA, Japan, Korea). Hinch:
Even on my staff, looking at how responsibilities can be divided up, I'm not really sure how we really want to go about it other than being on a Major League staff is very interesting to a lot of different people. We'll have to navigate through a lot of different candidates, but also a lot of different skillsets.
*Dallas Keuchel, George Springer, and Colby Rasmus are all up for Gold Glove awards. Those will be announced on November 8. The only election announcement that will really impact the country on that day, imo.
*Hinch thinks that, because of the 2016 playoffs, managers may utilize their bullpens differently in 2017 though he doubts the game will undergo a significant bullpen revolution.
*Following up on yesterday's Cionel Perez news, Luhnow would only confirm that he is not currently with the organization.
*Astros pro scouts were in Houston this week to prepare for free agency and trade targets.
*You'll have to scroll all the way down, but Jon Heyman's latest column has a note about how free agent catcher Wilson Ramos' knee injury likely cost him a nine-figure payday.
*Palm Beacher Magazine has a deep look into the Ballpark of theSeven Isles Palm Beaches.
*Where are baseball's minority managers?
*Steve Bartman: Still a touchy subject in Chicago!
*They're peaking too early in Chicago...
*Jose Altuve won the Sporting News Player of the Year award (voted on by the players themselves), joining Jeff Bagwell on a short list of Astros to have ever won it. Altuve:
I really appreciate that from my teammates and players on other teams. These are the kind of things that make you keep getting better. You wake up every morning and realize you won this award by the players, and you want to keep getting better. Not only for the team, but for the fans and for everybody that's been [helping] you.
In each year since 2006, whomever has won the Sporting News Player of the Year award has won either the MVP or Cy Young Award.
*A.J. Hinch is looking for a bench coach after Trey Hillman accepted the manager gig for SK Wyverns of the Korea Baseball Organization. Hillman will be the first to manage three pro teams in three different countries (USA, Japan, Korea). Hinch:
Even on my staff, looking at how responsibilities can be divided up, I'm not really sure how we really want to go about it other than being on a Major League staff is very interesting to a lot of different people. We'll have to navigate through a lot of different candidates, but also a lot of different skillsets.
*Dallas Keuchel, George Springer, and Colby Rasmus are all up for Gold Glove awards. Those will be announced on November 8. The only election announcement that will really impact the country on that day, imo.
*Hinch thinks that, because of the 2016 playoffs, managers may utilize their bullpens differently in 2017 though he doubts the game will undergo a significant bullpen revolution.
*Following up on yesterday's Cionel Perez news, Luhnow would only confirm that he is not currently with the organization.
*Astros pro scouts were in Houston this week to prepare for free agency and trade targets.
*You'll have to scroll all the way down, but Jon Heyman's latest column has a note about how free agent catcher Wilson Ramos' knee injury likely cost him a nine-figure payday.
*Palm Beacher Magazine has a deep look into the Ballpark of the
*Where are baseball's minority managers?
*Steve Bartman: Still a touchy subject in Chicago!
*They're peaking too early in Chicago...
It's 5 AM the morning of Game 3 of the World Series. The Cubby Bear has a line already. #FlyTheW #cubsonthescore https://t.co/8bpluZ8Ooe pic.twitter.com/FzMFtIAAGn— WXRT Chicago (@93XRT) October 28, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Tuesday Morning Hot Links
*Yesterday I ranked the 15 losses to the Rangers in 2016 based on evidence of witchcraft.
*The Giants beat the Cubs in 13 innings to force a Game 4. The Red Sox join the Rangers in "AL teams to not win a 2016 postseason game." Washington has a 2-1 lead over the Dodgers.
*The $19m renovation project to remove Tal's Hill and add more CF seats began yesterday. Center field will now be 409' away from home plate, instead of 436' but Reid Ryan said this:
There was really no communal gathering spot inside the ballpark. We need to figure out as an industry how to continue to grow our fan base for the millennials, and we think this is a step in the right direction where they want TVs, they want craft beer, they want food choices, they want an experience where they can come out and visit and watch the game and stay after and come early.
That may be true. I think the ballpark should be a place people *want* to go. I don't necessarily think that wanting your home park to be a destination for entertainment is limited to "Millennials." I think most generations want to go to a game and have different food and drink options. But I also think that just about every generation of Astros fan would prefer playing in October to the choice of $12.50 beer.
*MLBTR projects that George Springer will be a Super Two player, meaning he gets four spins through arbitration, not just three. (That's good for George Springer).
*Alex Bregman and Joe Musgrove got MLBPipeline's Astros Prospects of the Year awards. Musgrove:
Getting a chance to get up here and kind of earn the respect of some of the guys and show the guys that I'm able to compete at this level was important to me. Getting out there and going through a little bit of failure and learning the adjustments I needed to make, I feel I ended on a good note this year...and knowing what I need to work on. I'm ready to go for next year.
*The Arizona Fall League action starts today, and the Glendale Desert Dogs are the team to watch for Astros prospects with pitchers Rogelio Armenteros, Jacob Dorris, Francis Martes, David Paulino; Catcher Garrett Stubbs; Infielder Nick Tanielu; Outfielders Ramon Laureano and Jason Martin on the roster.
*The under-construction Astros/Nationals Spring Training facility - the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches - "dodged a major bullet" last week when Hurricane Matthew passed about 50 miles to the north of the construction site.
*Collin McHugh addressed what "locker room talk" sounds like with the Astros.
*Fresno's Jordan Jankowski will play for Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican this winter.
*Paul Hoynes addressed his mid-September column about the impending demise of the Indians.
*Boston Globe: Expect a harsh winter in Boston.
*The New York Times published an article that imagines the hurricane that will destroy Houston and be one of the worst natural disasters in American history. So that's nice.
*The Giants beat the Cubs in 13 innings to force a Game 4. The Red Sox join the Rangers in "AL teams to not win a 2016 postseason game." Washington has a 2-1 lead over the Dodgers.
*The $19m renovation project to remove Tal's Hill and add more CF seats began yesterday. Center field will now be 409' away from home plate, instead of 436' but Reid Ryan said this:
There was really no communal gathering spot inside the ballpark. We need to figure out as an industry how to continue to grow our fan base for the millennials, and we think this is a step in the right direction where they want TVs, they want craft beer, they want food choices, they want an experience where they can come out and visit and watch the game and stay after and come early.
That may be true. I think the ballpark should be a place people *want* to go. I don't necessarily think that wanting your home park to be a destination for entertainment is limited to "Millennials." I think most generations want to go to a game and have different food and drink options. But I also think that just about every generation of Astros fan would prefer playing in October to the choice of $12.50 beer.
*MLBTR projects that George Springer will be a Super Two player, meaning he gets four spins through arbitration, not just three. (That's good for George Springer).
*Alex Bregman and Joe Musgrove got MLBPipeline's Astros Prospects of the Year awards. Musgrove:
Getting a chance to get up here and kind of earn the respect of some of the guys and show the guys that I'm able to compete at this level was important to me. Getting out there and going through a little bit of failure and learning the adjustments I needed to make, I feel I ended on a good note this year...and knowing what I need to work on. I'm ready to go for next year.
*The Arizona Fall League action starts today, and the Glendale Desert Dogs are the team to watch for Astros prospects with pitchers Rogelio Armenteros, Jacob Dorris, Francis Martes, David Paulino; Catcher Garrett Stubbs; Infielder Nick Tanielu; Outfielders Ramon Laureano and Jason Martin on the roster.
*The under-construction Astros/Nationals Spring Training facility - the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches - "dodged a major bullet" last week when Hurricane Matthew passed about 50 miles to the north of the construction site.
*Collin McHugh addressed what "locker room talk" sounds like with the Astros.
*Fresno's Jordan Jankowski will play for Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican this winter.
*Paul Hoynes addressed his mid-September column about the impending demise of the Indians.
*Boston Globe: Expect a harsh winter in Boston.
*The New York Times published an article that imagines the hurricane that will destroy Houston and be one of the worst natural disasters in American history. So that's nice.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Friday Morning Hot Links
*The Houston chapter of the BBWAA named Jose Altuve the team MVP for the 3rd time in four years; Chris Devenski won Rookie of the Year and Pitcher of the Year; Collin McHugh received the Darryl Kile Award.
*Coaches and players at the Instructional League in Kissimmee are hunkering down as Hurricane Matthew passes by.
*The new spring training construction site in Palm Beach has shut down for the hurricane.
*Max Stassi and Teoscar Hernandez will be playing for the same Winter Ball team.
*You can vote for a whole bunch of Astros minor-league-related things in the 2016 MiLBYs.
*Did the guy who turned himself in for throwing a beer can at the Orioles actually do it?
*Evan Grant has five thoughts about the Blue Jays' 10-1 win over the Rangers. #6: Michael Young is the AL MVP.
*Edinson Volquez will likely be a free agent this offseason.
*Hardball Times: Everything you need to know about the 1908 Cubs
*Coaches and players at the Instructional League in Kissimmee are hunkering down as Hurricane Matthew passes by.
*The new spring training construction site in Palm Beach has shut down for the hurricane.
*Max Stassi and Teoscar Hernandez will be playing for the same Winter Ball team.
*You can vote for a whole bunch of Astros minor-league-related things in the 2016 MiLBYs.
*Did the guy who turned himself in for throwing a beer can at the Orioles actually do it?
*Evan Grant has five thoughts about the Blue Jays' 10-1 win over the Rangers. #6: Michael Young is the AL MVP.
*Edinson Volquez will likely be a free agent this offseason.
*Hardball Times: Everything you need to know about the 1908 Cubs
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Sunday Morning Hot Links
A note about stories behind a paywall: If I encounter a paywall, I let you know. There are some issues with some of the Chronicle links, I understand, but I'm able to get the full text, and I don't subscribe to the Chronicle. I'm trying to figure out how this is possible. Sorry if you run into it...
Split-squad game today! Scott Feldman starts against the Blue Jays (Gameday Audio) and Brad Peacock starts against the Pirates (MLB.tv) - both at 12:05pm Central.
*Ken Giles was trying to be too fine in yesterday's first loss of 2016. (Chron)
*The Astros can make a case for the best - and most fun - outfield in baseball. (Chron)
*Carlos Gomez is trying to tone down his swing. (MLB.com)
*File this under "I can't remember if we put this in a couple of days ago": Carlos Correa is the superstar-in-waiting MLB needs. (Yahoo)
*Colin Moran is more comfortable in his 2nd Spring Training with the Astros. He'll begin 2016 at
Triple-A Fresno (MLB.com). Luhnow:
He will hit for average, some power, but not a ton. At the end of the year, you look up and you've got a guy who's hitting .300 and maybe driving in 80 and scoring 80, and those guys are really valuable.
*Jeff Bagwell: Getting into the HOF is a big deal. (Chron)
*The Nationals and Astros are excited about Spring Training 2017. (TC Palm)
*Tony Clark thinks having more pre-draft medical information (think Brady Aiken) is a dangerous idea. (Chron)
*Rosters expanding to 40 on September 1 will soon be a thing of the past; stay for the note about the Astros being one of two teams to make the playoffs and have seven players on Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list. (Boston Globe)
*Sal Perez and awarding contract extensions out of fairness (FanGraphs)
*Jacob DeGrom refused to sign his $607,000 contract out of protest (ESPN)
*Camaraderie is a factor in how the Rays built their roster (Tampa Bay Times)
Split-squad game today! Scott Feldman starts against the Blue Jays (Gameday Audio) and Brad Peacock starts against the Pirates (MLB.tv) - both at 12:05pm Central.
*Ken Giles was trying to be too fine in yesterday's first loss of 2016. (Chron)
*The Astros can make a case for the best - and most fun - outfield in baseball. (Chron)
*Carlos Gomez is trying to tone down his swing. (MLB.com)
*File this under "I can't remember if we put this in a couple of days ago": Carlos Correa is the superstar-in-waiting MLB needs. (Yahoo)
*Colin Moran is more comfortable in his 2nd Spring Training with the Astros. He'll begin 2016 at
Triple-A Fresno (MLB.com). Luhnow:
He will hit for average, some power, but not a ton. At the end of the year, you look up and you've got a guy who's hitting .300 and maybe driving in 80 and scoring 80, and those guys are really valuable.
*Jeff Bagwell: Getting into the HOF is a big deal. (Chron)
*The Nationals and Astros are excited about Spring Training 2017. (TC Palm)
*Tony Clark thinks having more pre-draft medical information (think Brady Aiken) is a dangerous idea. (Chron)
*Rosters expanding to 40 on September 1 will soon be a thing of the past; stay for the note about the Astros being one of two teams to make the playoffs and have seven players on Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list. (Boston Globe)
*Sal Perez and awarding contract extensions out of fairness (FanGraphs)
*Jacob DeGrom refused to sign his $607,000 contract out of protest (ESPN)
*Camaraderie is a factor in how the Rays built their roster (Tampa Bay Times)
Monday, February 8, 2016
Monday Morning/Weekend Hot Links
Now that Murderball is over for another six months, the world can all move on...
*Fox Sports' Jon Morosi has the biggest storylines of 2016 - including one about the Astros' staying power.
*This David Schoenfield piece says not to accuse the Astros (and Cubs) of "tanking" - the word that won't die in 2016.
*Sports on Earth's Anthony Castrovince: Rebuilding vs. Tanking
*This time no one is laughing when Jim Crane says he expects the Astros to make the playoffs. This time the AL West is the expectation.
*Nick Cafardo says the Astros have inquired on free agent reliever Tyler Clippard.
*Former Astro Freddy Garcia is calling it quits after 15 seasons.
*The Astros and Nationals' Spring Training complex is being built in "record time."
*The Western Louisiana Ramgers made a Super Bowl commercial.
*Fox Sports' Jon Morosi has the biggest storylines of 2016 - including one about the Astros' staying power.
*This David Schoenfield piece says not to accuse the Astros (and Cubs) of "tanking" - the word that won't die in 2016.
*Sports on Earth's Anthony Castrovince: Rebuilding vs. Tanking
*This time no one is laughing when Jim Crane says he expects the Astros to make the playoffs. This time the AL West is the expectation.
*Nick Cafardo says the Astros have inquired on free agent reliever Tyler Clippard.
*Former Astro Freddy Garcia is calling it quits after 15 seasons.
*The Astros and Nationals' Spring Training complex is being built in "record time."
*The Western Louisiana Ramgers made a Super Bowl commercial.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Tuesday Morning Hot Links
*Reading other people write about ALDS Game 4 is almost too painful.
*The Nationals/Astros shared Spring Training site will take a couple of months to clear the land...because the area was used for a landfill for hurricane debris. There's a metaphor in there, somewhere, if you're willing to dig deep enough to fin- nope, I got it.
*Longtime Astros front office man Paul Ricciarini is taking a job with the Marlins, and lost two other scouts.
*J.D. Davis, A.J. Reed, and Derek Fisher made the Arizona Fall League All-Star team.
*A.J. Hinch is visiting the AFL.
*Reminder, as Scott Kazmir became a free agent yesterday, the Astros cannot offer him a Qualifying Offer (since he was traded mid-season), and thus cannot get a compensation pick if he signs somewhere else. Colby Rasmus, however, could be given that Qualifying Offer.
*Here's a good TCB article on the Astros and developing a catcher.
*Dave Cameron: The Lessons the Royals Should and Shouldn't Teach Us
*The Giants' front office ordered pizza for the Royals' front office.
*Alllllllll the way at the bottom of this Heyman piece is a note that the Astros sure could use the Nationals' Drew Storen.
*The Astros (and Ramgers) open the off-season at 14/1 to win the 2016 World Series:
*The Nationals/Astros shared Spring Training site will take a couple of months to clear the land...because the area was used for a landfill for hurricane debris. There's a metaphor in there, somewhere, if you're willing to dig deep enough to fin- nope, I got it.
*Longtime Astros front office man Paul Ricciarini is taking a job with the Marlins, and lost two other scouts.
*J.D. Davis, A.J. Reed, and Derek Fisher made the Arizona Fall League All-Star team.
*A.J. Hinch is visiting the AFL.
*Reminder, as Scott Kazmir became a free agent yesterday, the Astros cannot offer him a Qualifying Offer (since he was traded mid-season), and thus cannot get a compensation pick if he signs somewhere else. Colby Rasmus, however, could be given that Qualifying Offer.
*Here's a good TCB article on the Astros and developing a catcher.
*Dave Cameron: The Lessons the Royals Should and Shouldn't Teach Us
*The Giants' front office ordered pizza for the Royals' front office.
*Alllllllll the way at the bottom of this Heyman piece is a note that the Astros sure could use the Nationals' Drew Storen.
*The Astros (and Ramgers) open the off-season at 14/1 to win the 2016 World Series:
The annual day-after-the-World Series odds from @BovadaLV favor the Cubs in 2016: pic.twitter.com/YZbhbBSWy7
— Big League Stew (@bigleaguestew) November 2, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Wednesday Morning Hot Links
Not a whole lot going on at AstroWorld (figuratively, because I'm referring to the Front Office *and* literally because AstroWorld doesn't exist anymore) so we'll keep this brief.
*Theo Epstein called Daniel Murphy's performance in the playoffs "Beltranesque," referring to when Carlos Beltran hit .435/.536/1.022 for the Astros in the 2004 postseason with 8K:9BB, 8HR and six stolen bases.
*Palm Beach County commissioners approved the budget for the new Astros/Nationals Spring Training complex. Construction will begin "in the next two weeks" with the target date of Spring Training 2017 for completion.
*The six-year old boy hit in the cheek by Salvador Perez's foul ball in Game 4 has a piece of advice for Salvador Perez: "I want to say try not hitting a boy because it would be a nice feeling."
*Theo Epstein called Daniel Murphy's performance in the playoffs "Beltranesque," referring to when Carlos Beltran hit .435/.536/1.022 for the Astros in the 2004 postseason with 8K:9BB, 8HR and six stolen bases.
*Palm Beach County commissioners approved the budget for the new Astros/Nationals Spring Training complex. Construction will begin "in the next two weeks" with the target date of Spring Training 2017 for completion.
*The six-year old boy hit in the cheek by Salvador Perez's foul ball in Game 4 has a piece of advice for Salvador Perez: "I want to say try not hitting a boy because it would be a nice feeling."
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Well.
When the Astros got beat on Monday, I thought, "Okay. One game in a four-game series." When the Astros got beat on Tuesday with the walk-off after having battled back from McHugh's four-run 1st inning, I was heart-broken. It may have been the most painful loss of the season in an era of losing about 60% of the time. Last night, however, didn't hurt as much. The Astros got straight waxed, and I started to slip back in the comfortable 2010-2014 mindset of, "Whatever. So the Astros will never win again." This is familiar territory.
So the Astros are 77-69, 1.5 games back of the Rangers, 1.5 up on the Twins for the 2nd Wild Card spot. FanGraphs says the Astros' odds of winning the division have fallen from around 90% on August 27 to 39.2%, with a 78.5% chance of making the postseason.
Dallas Keuchel's final line: 4.2IP, 11H/9ER, 5K:0BB, 3HR. Game Score (via MLB): 11. So in the best chance for the Astros to get something out of this series, Keuchel gives up more runs (nine) as he had in his previous six starts (seven).
*Apparently Keuchel's Bad Start means he's no longer a lock for the AL Cy Young.
*A.J. Hinch doesn't think they need a team meeting.
*Here comes Evan P. Grant, typing with one hand while tweaking his nipples with the other:
Eli Manning's clock mismanagement might be the least surprising moment on the calendar. In the three days' (apostrophe sic) since Manning opened the door for a thrilling Cowboys' season-opening comeback, across the street, the Rangers have breathed hot air down Houston's neck, tackled the Astros by the shirt and, on Wednesday, stomped all over them.
*Ft Worth Star-Telegram's Gil Lebreton continued this foot fetish with:
...Wednesday night at the ballpark, the Rangers had the big boot pressed firmly against the Houston Astros' young throats.
Oh, there's also a one-sentence "Houston, you have a problem" paragraph in there, too. Also, FanGraphs' Dave Cameron was on The Ticket and predicted that the Astros would retake the division, to which Lebreton responded: "Right. And unicorns will come flying out of Nolan Ryan's butt."
*In this Chron article on the many injured Astros, we get this in regards to Carlos Gomez:
The Astros and Gomez have to strike a tricky balance, because a setback with (an intercostal injury) means he's like done for the season. At the same time, Gomez said that if the team falls behind in the race, there won't be much of a season to play for, so the standings - in his mind - will influence how quickly he tries to return to the team.
It's going to take me some time to figure out how I feel about that, because in the span of about three seconds I went from "Wait what the hell?" to "That kind of makes sense" back to "Oh hell no."
*Luke Gregerson was unavailable last night because he and his wife had their first child on Wednesday in Orlando. Congratulations to Luke and Mrs. Luke.
*The new Astros/Nationals Spring Training complex hasn't even broke ground yet, but there are already budget problems.
So the Astros are 77-69, 1.5 games back of the Rangers, 1.5 up on the Twins for the 2nd Wild Card spot. FanGraphs says the Astros' odds of winning the division have fallen from around 90% on August 27 to 39.2%, with a 78.5% chance of making the postseason.
Dallas Keuchel's final line: 4.2IP, 11H/9ER, 5K:0BB, 3HR. Game Score (via MLB): 11. So in the best chance for the Astros to get something out of this series, Keuchel gives up more runs (nine) as he had in his previous six starts (seven).
*Apparently Keuchel's Bad Start means he's no longer a lock for the AL Cy Young.
*A.J. Hinch doesn't think they need a team meeting.
*Here comes Evan P. Grant, typing with one hand while tweaking his nipples with the other:
Eli Manning's clock mismanagement might be the least surprising moment on the calendar. In the three days' (apostrophe sic) since Manning opened the door for a thrilling Cowboys' season-opening comeback, across the street, the Rangers have breathed hot air down Houston's neck, tackled the Astros by the shirt and, on Wednesday, stomped all over them.
*Ft Worth Star-Telegram's Gil Lebreton continued this foot fetish with:
...Wednesday night at the ballpark, the Rangers had the big boot pressed firmly against the Houston Astros' young throats.
Oh, there's also a one-sentence "Houston, you have a problem" paragraph in there, too. Also, FanGraphs' Dave Cameron was on The Ticket and predicted that the Astros would retake the division, to which Lebreton responded: "Right. And unicorns will come flying out of Nolan Ryan's butt."
*In this Chron article on the many injured Astros, we get this in regards to Carlos Gomez:
The Astros and Gomez have to strike a tricky balance, because a setback with (an intercostal injury) means he's like done for the season. At the same time, Gomez said that if the team falls behind in the race, there won't be much of a season to play for, so the standings - in his mind - will influence how quickly he tries to return to the team.
It's going to take me some time to figure out how I feel about that, because in the span of about three seconds I went from "Wait what the hell?" to "That kind of makes sense" back to "Oh hell no."
*Luke Gregerson was unavailable last night because he and his wife had their first child on Wednesday in Orlando. Congratulations to Luke and Mrs. Luke.
*The new Astros/Nationals Spring Training complex hasn't even broke ground yet, but there are already budget problems.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Tuesday Morning Hot Links
The Astros beat the Indians last night, giving the Astros a 3.5-game lead on the Angels and a 7.0-game lead on the Rangers. FanGraphs lists the Astros' division chances at 58.6% while their postseason odds are at an even 80%. Baseball Prospectus puts the division at 54.1% and the postseason chance at 79.7%.
*Hinch wanted the Astros to lay off Carrasco's changeup:
We wanted to make sure we laid off his change. We did get a couple of balls to hit early. He's coming off a big start, near no-hitter. We were pretty zoned in. We didn't swing out of the zone near as much as he usually gets. Our guys hit off the fastball.
*Preston Tucker, who got a career-high four hits on his 25th birthday last night, is using the field more. Hinch:
He got a little pull-happy the last couple of weeks and I think it hurt him. He's getting back to using the middle of the field. He's gotten a couple base hits to left. He's beaten the shift a couple of times, which is important. He got a changeup and did some damage. He didn't over swing. That's the guy we saw when he first got called up and he went through a little bit of a dry spell. It's big for us to get that kind of production out of him now that his playing time is increasing.
*Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes wrote on last night's game:
The Indians are stuck in baseball limbo. They aren't a first-place team and they aren't a contender. They're simply occupying space, covered in MLB's gray mist of mediocrity...Monday night, Houston showed (the Indians) how wide the gap is between first place in the AL West and fourth place in the AL Central.
*The following conversation actually happened:
Hinch: What's up?
Keuchel: Nothing, how you doing? Did I get traded? Released?
Hinch: No, you made the All-Star team
Keuchel: Oh
Hinch: I'll see you at the field
*Keuchel wouldn't mind starting the All-Star Game.
*The Astros traded Mitch Lambson to the Braves for...yep, cash.
*Florida Governor Rick Scott signed the bill finishing off the land transfer for the new Astros/Nationals Spring Training Complex in West Palm Beach, Florida.
*The Cubs are still waiting for Dexter Fowler to put it together
*Cool profile on 2014 37th Round pick Eric Peterson (now pitching for Quad Cities) and his twin brother, a 2014 23rd Round pick by the Mariners.
*2012 18th Round pick Ricky Gingras, released at the end of Spring Training, is playing Independent Ball in California:
I was pretty much just as good as all the catchers they had, if not better. I think I was on the bubble, then I got hurt and made their decision easier. By the time I was cleared to play at the end of Spring Training, physically, I wasn't able to ship off to a team...It's nice not worrying that if I have an 0-for-4 night, I might not see the field for a week. That's a lot more relaxing on the mind.
*Meat Wagon Update:
Jose Valbuena: Sprained toe, day-to-day
Chad Qualls: Pinched nerve, left Cleveland Monday for a rehab stint with Corpus
Scott Feldman: Knee surgery, set for one more rehab start with Corpus
George Springer: Wrist, fans still heartbroken
*Hinch wanted the Astros to lay off Carrasco's changeup:
We wanted to make sure we laid off his change. We did get a couple of balls to hit early. He's coming off a big start, near no-hitter. We were pretty zoned in. We didn't swing out of the zone near as much as he usually gets. Our guys hit off the fastball.
*Preston Tucker, who got a career-high four hits on his 25th birthday last night, is using the field more. Hinch:
He got a little pull-happy the last couple of weeks and I think it hurt him. He's getting back to using the middle of the field. He's gotten a couple base hits to left. He's beaten the shift a couple of times, which is important. He got a changeup and did some damage. He didn't over swing. That's the guy we saw when he first got called up and he went through a little bit of a dry spell. It's big for us to get that kind of production out of him now that his playing time is increasing.
*Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes wrote on last night's game:
The Indians are stuck in baseball limbo. They aren't a first-place team and they aren't a contender. They're simply occupying space, covered in MLB's gray mist of mediocrity...Monday night, Houston showed (the Indians) how wide the gap is between first place in the AL West and fourth place in the AL Central.
*The following conversation actually happened:
Hinch: What's up?
Keuchel: Nothing, how you doing? Did I get traded? Released?
Hinch: No, you made the All-Star team
Keuchel: Oh
Hinch: I'll see you at the field
*Keuchel wouldn't mind starting the All-Star Game.
*The Astros traded Mitch Lambson to the Braves for...yep, cash.
*Florida Governor Rick Scott signed the bill finishing off the land transfer for the new Astros/Nationals Spring Training Complex in West Palm Beach, Florida.
*The Cubs are still waiting for Dexter Fowler to put it together
*Cool profile on 2014 37th Round pick Eric Peterson (now pitching for Quad Cities) and his twin brother, a 2014 23rd Round pick by the Mariners.
*2012 18th Round pick Ricky Gingras, released at the end of Spring Training, is playing Independent Ball in California:
I was pretty much just as good as all the catchers they had, if not better. I think I was on the bubble, then I got hurt and made their decision easier. By the time I was cleared to play at the end of Spring Training, physically, I wasn't able to ship off to a team...It's nice not worrying that if I have an 0-for-4 night, I might not see the field for a week. That's a lot more relaxing on the mind.
*Meat Wagon Update:
Jose Valbuena: Sprained toe, day-to-day
Chad Qualls: Pinched nerve, left Cleveland Monday for a rehab stint with Corpus
Scott Feldman: Knee surgery, set for one more rehab start with Corpus
George Springer: Wrist, fans still heartbroken
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