Month: January 2014
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Catcher, Conspiracy Theories and Castro’s Position
Brian T takes a look behind the plate as our Astros’ 2014 outlook continues. Past outlooks: First Base • Second Base • Shortstop • Third Base. • Outfield. • •• ••• •• • Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. The moon landings were real. And Jason Castro will play catcher. There, I debunked three conspiracy theories for you. To expect anyone other…
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Fans, city could use a Rookie of the Year chase
If Jim Crane and Jeff Luhnow want to infuse some excitement for fans this season, let Bo Porter write the name George Springer on the opening day lineup. Against the Yankees. In Minute Maid Park. April 1. It doesn’t seem likely the Astros will be chasing a pennant or even the playoffs in 2014. But…
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Berkman Retires: Should the Astros retire his #17?
Lance Berkman announced his retirement from major league baseball after a stellar career. He played on some of the best — and worst — Astros’ teams in history. He ranks among the Top 5 in almost every offensive category for the Astros. At .410, he has the best OBP of any player while they were…
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2014 Astros Outfield: The Only Way to Go is Up
Our look at the 2014 Astros continues today with Dan’s take on the outfield. Past outlooks: First Base • Second Base • Shortstop • Third Base. • •• ••• •• • Looking back at the 2013 Astros oufield, I am reminded of a scene from the movie Crocodile Dundee. Paul Hogan as the famous Aussie croc hunter has arrived…
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Astros hope for more, but Villar likely the bridge to the SS future
When the off season began, the Astros had their sights set on improving the bullpen, upgrading the rotation, finding a middle-of-the-order bat and perhaps finding a solution for first base. Jeff Luhnow apparently considered some positions checked off his list. Or, at the very least, much lower priority. Shortstop is one of those positions. No…
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Abbott and Costello were wrong: We know third base
Brian Todd continues our look at the 2014 Astros, checking in at the hot corner. Today: Third Base. Second Base. First Base. • •• ••• •• • In 2013, six players took at-bats while playing third base. The other five did not take one-tenth the at-bats that Matt Dominguez took at the Hot Corner. We…
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With Tanaka domino down, let the fun begin
We now know: The Astros have the money and they’re willing to spend it in the right scenario. Jim Crane and Jeff Luhnow made it to the final rounds in the bidding for Masahiro Tanaka after losing out earlier this winter in efforts to lure Jose Dariel Abreu to Houston. With the $60 million bid…
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For 2014 Astros, it’s Altuve or bust at second base
by Dan Peschong Unless Jeff Luhnow springs another spring training surprise as he did with the Jed Lowrie trade last year – the Astros’ second baseman in 2014 will be Jose Altuve. Whether you think that is a good thing or bad thing may well depend on whether the real Jose Altuve played in 2012 or…
ALL THINGS ASTROS 